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Muscat Daily
13-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman, Japan sign pact to boost environmental cooperation
Muscat – The Environment Authority (EA) and Japan's Ministry of the Environment signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Tuesday to strengthen collaboration on environmental issues and support sustainable development initiatives. The agreement aims to accelerate the implementation of multilateral environmental accords such as the Paris Agreement, while establishing a framework for cooperation based on equality, reciprocity, and mutual benefit. The MoC was signed by Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, and Matsuzawa Yutaka, Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs at Japan's Ministry of the Environment. The signing ceremony was attended by H E Kiyoshi Serizawa, Ambassador of Japan to Oman. Key areas of cooperation outlined in the MoC include climate change mitigation and adaptation, waste management, biodiversity conservation through nature-based solutions, and environmental monitoring. Under the agreement, both sides will collaborate on training programmes, expert visits, scientific research, knowledge exchange, interactive discussions, and joint projects in existing and emerging areas of cooperation.
Observer
12-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
RO 44m eco-tourism projects to be set up in seven nature reserves
Muscat: At a cost of more than RO 44 million, nine environmental investment projects are set to be established in seven reserves as the Environment Authority (EA) signed contracts for eco-tourism investment projects in nature reserves at a ceremony held on Monday. The Environment Authority signed four contracts with the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran) to develop, operate and manage four nature reserves. It also signed two other agreements with the same company to develop and operate the Lajshlion site in the Jabal Samhan Reserve and the Hayur site in the Wilayat of Mirbat. Additionally, it signed two environmental investment contracts for two sites in the Jabal Shams Starlight Reserve to establish an eco-tourism resort with Madar Resorts Company and a Star Garden project with the Omani Society for Astronomy and Space. The Authority also signed another contract with Al Majal Integrated Establishment to develop the Khor Al Mughsail Reserve in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate. Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, stated, 'These agreements will pave the way for eco-tourism in the country and further develop the partnership between the Environment Authority and the private sector. The projects are expected to be completed in two to four years. Some nature reserves already have ongoing activities. Once completed, the projects could bring job opportunities.' He added that the local community will have opportunities for economic activities. 'This is also a way to foster a connection between biodiversity, the local community and visitors,' he said. The official signing ceremony took place under the auspices of Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. The goal is to promote sustainable development, protect ecosystems, promote tourism and environmental education, increase revenues, diversify sources of income, and ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. Dr Al Amri explained that these projects include the establishment of eco-tourism resorts, a star park, eco-lodges, eco-tourism camps, visitor centres, interactive exhibitions, restaurants and cafes, viewing trails, safaris, adventure tourism in nature reserves, and an open sea turtle pond and lake. 'This investment in eco-tourism aims to protect and preserve the natural heritage in nature reserves and ensure its sustainability for future generations.' The investment activities and packages in nature reserves were selected according to specific controls, standards and general conditions consistent with their management, operation and development plans. These include: the ability to prepare, implement and manage tourism and environmental activities or projects; attaching the required plans, documents, designs and explanatory maps; and following best practices. The projects will be implemented in Jabal Samhan Reserve and Hayur site in the Wilayat of Mirbat, Dhofar Governorate, the Ras Al Shajar Nature Reserve in the Wilayat of Qurayat, Muscat Governorate, the Wetlands Reserve in Al Wusta Governorate, the Natural Turtle Reserve in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, and the Arabian Oryx Reserve in Al Wusta Governorate.
Muscat Daily
12-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
RO44mn deals to boost eco-tourism in Oman's nature reserves
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) has signed nine agreements worth RO44mn to develop and manage seven nature reserves across Oman as part of a push to promote sustainable tourism and protect the sultanate's natural heritage. The deals include four contracts with the government-owned Omran Group to operate and manage Ras al Shajar Nature Reserve, the Turtle Reserve in South Sharqiyah, Arabian Oryx Sanctuary and the Wetland Nature Reserve in Al Wusta. Two other agreements cover development of the Laja Shlion site in Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve and the Itlalat Hayur area in the wilayat of Mirbat. The authority also signed two investment contracts for an eco-tourism resort and a stargazing facility called the Stars Park Project in Al Hajar Al Gharbi Starlight Nature Reserve. The second is for development of the Khor al Mughsail Nature Reserve in Dhofar. The agreements were signed during an official ceremony held under the patronage of H E Salim bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism. Officials said the projects aim to support tourism, protect ecosystems and promote sustainable development, while ensuring the long-term preservation of Oman's natural sites. Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of EA, said the projects will include eco-tourism resorts, star parks, eco-lodges, camps, visitor centres, safaris, trails and turtle ponds. 'This investment in eco-tourism aims to protect and preserve the natural heritage in nature reserves and ensure sustainability for future generations,' he said. He added that the authority also aims to raise awareness among visitors, promote conservation education and encourage local communities to participate in eco-tourism. 'It also seeks to diversify sources of income, improve infrastructure and enhance the national tourism product,' he added. Sulaiman bin Nasser al Akhzami, Director General of Nature Conservation at EA, said the seven reserves cover approximately 5,660sqkm. These include the Al Hajar al Gharbi Starlight Reserve in Dakhliyah, Khor al Mughsail in Dhofar, the Laja Shlion site in Jabal Samhan, Ras al Shajar in Quriyat, Wetlands Reserve in Al Wusta, Turtle Reserve in South Sharqiyah and Arabian Oryx Reserve in Al Wusta. Akhzami added that the investment projects were selected based on specific environmental and operational standards, including environmental impact assessments, sustainable tourism practices and the use of eco-friendly materials. Investors are also required to demonstrate financial capability and a clear project timeline. He noted that nature reserves play a vital role in protecting biodiversity and endangered species, adding, 'Financing their management and maintenance requires significant resources, making environmental investment a strategic option aligned with Oman Vision 2040's priorities.' Oman currently has 31 officially declared nature reserves spread across various governorates.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Environment Authority announces hackathon winners
SUHAR: The Environment Authority on Sunday announced the winners of the Environmental Excellence Hackathon in Al Batinah North Governorate. The hackathon saw wide participation from innovative youth and technology enthusiasts across Oman over a two-day period. The event was held under the auspices of Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Haddabi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation for Research and Innovation, and in the presence of Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority. The project "Naqa for Active Carbon" secured first place, while "Stark" came in second and "Bio Power" took third place. Nizar bin Salem Al Fannah al Araimi, Director of the Environment Department in Al Batinah North, stated that the hackathon aimed to develop creative and technological solutions for environmental challenges, support and encourage youth and developers in the environmental field, and promote innovations to create smart solutions, platforms and applications to address environmental issues. He highlighted that the event attracted top programmers, leading companies, job-seekers and postgraduate students. Al Araimi explained that the hackathon addressed several environmental challenges, such as coastal erosion, climate change, cyclones, rising temperatures, invasive birds and plants, wildlife encroachment, desertification and overgrazing. The closing ceremony featured the launch of the "Masar" platform, designed to track performance indicators for environmental management staff in Al Batinah North, along with presentations on environmental issues and a panel discussion on climate change and its impact on communities. — ONA
Muscat Daily
04-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Young innovators shine at Environmental Hackathon
Innovative projects by young Omanis tackle environmental challenges during two-day event The Environment Authority has announced the winners of the Environmental Excellence Hackathon, held over two days in North Batinah Governorate. The event saw enthusiastic participation from young innovators and technology enthusiasts from across the Sultanate. The hackathon was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Saif bin Abdullah al Haddabi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation for Scientific Research and Innovation, and attended by His Excellency Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority. Taking first place was the project titled 'Pure Activated Carbon', followed by 'Stark' in second place, and 'Bio Power' in third. Nizar bin Salem al Fanah al Arimi, Director of the Environment Department in North al Batinah, stated that the hackathon was designed to develop creative and technical solutions to environmental challenges. 'It aimed to encourage and support youth and developers in the environmental field, promote innovation, and find smart applications and platforms to address pressing environmental issues,' he said. He noted that the hackathon attracted a distinguished group of programmers, leading companies, job seekers and postgraduate students, who worked intensively over 48 hours to present innovative solutions to specific environmental problems. Participants exchanged ideas, designed prototypes, and built applications intended to improve environmental outcomes. The hackathon addressed a broad range of environmental topics, including coastal erosion, climate change, hurricanes, rising temperatures, invasive species, desertification, and overgrazing. During the closing ceremony, the Masar platform was launched to track performance indicators of employees in the North al Batinah Environment Department. The event also featured several working papers on environmental issues and a dialogue session focusing on the impact of climate change.
