Latest news with #EnvironmentSocietyofOman
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
Oman plans management for Arabian Sea humpback whales
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) launched a regional workshop titled 'Managing the Protection and Conservation of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales' on Tuesday in collaboration with Environment Society of Oman. The three-day event aims to enhance conservation efforts for one of the world's most endangered whale populations. Held with participation of international experts, researchers, and representatives from public and private sector entities, besides civil society organisations, the workshop is focused on developing a comprehensive management framework to protect the Arabian Sea humpback whale. Believed to number fewer than 100 individuals, the species is primarily found in waters off Oman, especially in the Gulf of Masirah. Key discussions during the workshop include the most pressing threats to the species, such as shipping traffic, oil and gas exploration, and fishing activities. Participants will also explore the latest scientific research from Oman and India, and evaluate practical steps for implementing a joint conservation management plan. The workshop will include a review of the plan's structure, with emphasis on coordinated actions between countries bordering the Arabian Sea. EA presented updates from the Marine Mammal Species Survey Project in Musandam, covering the period 2023 to 2025, at the workshop. The survey is part of broader efforts to enhance regional cooperation in marine conservation. A key part of the workshop is a proposal to establish a non-binding cooperation agreement between Oman and India to protect the Arabian Sea humpback whale. Additionally, a draft regional management plan will be prepared and a joint coordination committee will be formed comprising international partners from the International Whaling Commission. The Arabian Sea humpback whale has been under scientific observation in Oman since 2000. In 2008, the species was added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species due to its critically low population and isolated habitat. This week's workshop is expected to play a pivotal role in aligning regional conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term survival of this unique marine species.
Zawya
12-05-2025
- Zawya
Oman: Regeneration project enhances Masirah Island's ecological value
A new locally driven initiative is reimagining the future of Masirah Island by placing ecological regeneration at the centre of sustainable development. Positioned as one of Oman's most unique and underutilised tourism destinations, Masirah is now the focus of a pilot project exploring how natural capital can be restored while laying the groundwork for low-impact tourism opportunities aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The Masirah Beach Regeneration Project — funded by the British Omani Society — is a collaborative effort between local and national stakeholders, including the Wali's Office of Masirah, Environment Authority, Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Oman Botanic Garden, Environment Society of Oman (ESO), Ocean Ecology Network and Future Seas. The project showcases how community collaboration and environmental leadership can shape a more resilient and inclusive future for coastal areas. Masirah Island is home to some of Oman's most biologically rich coastal ecosystems, with endemic plants, fringing coral reefs, migratory and resident bird populations, and four species of sea turtles — including the globally significant loggerhead turtle population. However, these natural assets face growing threats from unmanaged visitors' activities, urban lighting and beach driving, all of which put pressure on biodiversity and hinder the island's potential as a nature-based tourism destination. 'Masirah is a really special place for wildlife,' says Suaad al Harthy, Executive Director of ESO. 'But these are fragile ecosystems. Our research over the past 20 years has shown that nesting success is easily disrupted by light pollution, beach driving and unregulated tourism. The opportunity now is to reverse these impacts in a way that strengthens both the environment and the economy.' Introducing the concept of regenerative tourism to Oman, the project aims to demonstrate how development can work with nature rather than against it. Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability — emphasising restoration, local stewardship and shared value creation across communities, ecosystems and future generations. Nature-based solutions are a cornerstone of the pilot strategy. The team is assessing which beaches carry the highest ecological value and studying how native dune vegetation can stabilise sediment and shield turtle nesting zones from erosion and rising seas. 'We're conducting field studies to understand how local plant communities can be restored and expanded,' explains Dr Laila al Harthy of the Oman Botanic Garden. 'We're looking at propagation both on-site and at our facility in Muscat, and exploring how revegetation can complement the island's broader eco-tourism vision.' The pilot phase is focused on a critical nesting beach on Masirah's east coast. Early activities include a landscape assessment and conceptual design for low-impact infrastructure — such as shaded picnic areas, interpretive signage, dune walkways and basic visitor facilities — designed to integrate into the natural landscape and enhance visitor experience without compromising ecological integrity. 'We're looking at how other countries have successfully implemented nature-focused tourism,' says Andy Willson from Future Seas, who has supported conservation work on Masirah since 2008. Long-term community benefit and local leadership are essential pillars of the project. Stakeholders are engaging with community members throughout the process, envisioning a locally run model with beach rangers, eco-guides and conservation stewards all trained and employed from within the island. The initiative also highlights a need for investment to strengthen waste management, protect fragile dunes and mitigate threats like light pollution and vehicle erosion. At present, visible impacts from fishing debris, unmanaged tourism and development pressures continue to undermine both ecological health and visitor appeal. 'Much of the value of these beaches is being unnecessarily lost,' says Andy. 'But we know that high-value tourist destinations thrive when their environments are pristine and protected. Masirah has everything it needs to become one of them.' As the pilot progresses, the team aims to demonstrate a model that aligns conservation with tourism and community-led planning — not just for Masirah, but as an example for other sensitive coastal areas across Oman. Richard Stanford, Chairman of the British Oman Society, adds: "The Masirah Beach Regeneration Project is very important for improving the ecological condition of the island which will help to boost responsible environmental tourism and grow the economy. Encouraging collaboration between local communities, environmental experts and national stakeholders, this initiative not only safeguards Masirah Island's unique biodiversity, but also unlocks its potential as a model for regenerative tourism in Oman. The British Omani Society is proud to support such important environmental work as we seek to support Oman Vision 2040." Visitors are invited to support these efforts by respecting beach guidelines; avoid driving on beaches and vegetation, limit the use of torch and camp lights on beaches during the nesting season and leave no waste behind. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
04-05-2025
- Health
- Observer
Study affirms resilience of Oman's frankincense trees
MUSCAT: A landmark scientific study has confirmed that Oman's frankincense trees — renowned for producing an aromatic resin deeply woven into the nation's historical and cultural legacy — do not face widespread decline in the southern reaches of the Sultanate of Oman, despite facing a variety of environmental and human-induced threats. This encouraging discovery stems from the first-ever comprehensive conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra, the botanical name for these iconic trees, in their native mountainous habitats of Dhofar Governorate. The research initiative was led by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), in collaboration with the Environment Authority, Wageningen University & Research, FairSource Botanicals and Mendel University in Brno. The project received initial funding support from the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Oman. In a statement, Dr Amor al Matani, President of ESO's Board of Directors, hailed the successful completion of the study as a pivotal step forward. 'ESO's role in driving this landmark study is a testament to its long-standing commitment to safeguarding Oman's frankincense heritage, given the priceless cultural and ecological value associated with this aromatic resin. Our sincere thanks to the Environment Authority and all the international partners who helped bring this initiative to life.' Ali bin Salem Bait Said, Director of the Office for the Conservation of the Environment, at Environment Authority office in Dhofar, said: 'This study has brought together local and international institutions in a first-of-its-kind collaboration to deliver science-based insights into the health of our frankincense populations." These findings are an important step forward to protect frankincense trees not only as a cultural and spiritual symbol of Oman's ancient incense trade, but also as the cornerstone of a thriving domestic industry centred around incense and related products. Of the roughly 24 species in the Boswellia genus worldwide, Boswellia sacra Flück. — a deciduous tree of modest stature — is native to southern Arabia (Oman and Yemen) and Somalia. In Oman, the species is found across Dhofar growing from sea level to elevations as high as 1,774 metres in the mountain ranges. However, the trees are not immune to threats. Overgrazing, particularly by camels, poses one of the most serious risks to sapling survival. Additional challenges include insect infestations, pest attacks, unsustainable resin harvesting, nearby mining activities, and increasingly erratic weather events — all of which can impact tree vitality and regeneration. While the study dispels fears of an imminent population collapse, the researchers caution against complacency. The threats facing Boswellia sacra are complex, varying by location and season, and influenced by ecological, social, and political dynamics. To be effective, conservation strategies must therefore address the full socio-ecological context, the paper emphasises.
Muscat Daily
04-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Omani Frankincense trees defy extinction fears
Salalah – A pioneering scientific study has confirmed that Oman's iconic frankincense trees (Boswellia sacra) are not facing widespread decline in the Dhofar Governorate, despite ongoing environmental and human-induced threats. The comprehensive conservation assessment — the first of its kind conducted in the Sultanate — was led by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) in collaboration with the Environment Authority, Wageningen University & Research, FairSource Botanicals, and Mendel University in Brno. The project was initially supported by the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Oman. Initiated in 2022, the study examined population dynamics, ecological pressures, and natural regeneration trends of Boswellia sacra across its known range in Dhofar. Published findings reveal that while the trees exhibit variable population structures and regeneration rates, there is no indication of a broad-scale population collapse. These findings represent a significant step forward in efforts to conserve the frankincense tree, a species integral to Oman's cultural heritage and a key pillar of its traditional industries centred on incense and resin-based products. Native to southern Arabia and parts of East Africa, Boswellia sacra Flück. grows across diverse elevations in Dhofar, from sea level to 1,774 metres in the mountain ranges. Of the approximately 24 known species in the Boswellia genus, this particular species is most closely associated with Oman's ancient incense trade. Despite the overall positive outlook, the study acknowledges several ongoing threats to the species. Overgrazing, especially by camels, poses a significant risk to young saplings. Other pressures include pest infestations, unsustainable resin extraction, nearby mining activity, and the increasing unpredictability of climate patterns. While the absence of large-scale decline is encouraging, the researchers stress the importance of continued vigilance. The threats faced by Boswellia sacra are complex, site-specific, and shaped by a range of ecological, social, and political factors. Effective conservation strategies must therefore adopt a holistic, context-sensitive approach. Dr Amor al Matani, President of ESO's Board of Directors, described the study's completion as a milestone for conservation in Oman. 'ESO's leadership in this research underscores our ongoing commitment to protecting the frankincense tree, which holds profound cultural and ecological value for the Sultanate,' she stated, while extending thanks to the Environment Authority and international partners. Ali Bin Salem Bait Said, Director of the Office for the Conservation of the Environment at the Environment Authority in Dhofar, added: 'This collaboration marks an important advance in our understanding of Boswellia sacra. The study demonstrates that generalisations about frankincense tree decline must be approached with caution, as threats and conservation contexts differ significantly by region and species.' The study, titled Rapid conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra in Oman reveals complex threat and population patterns, is available on ScienceDirect. Further research is ongoing, with ESO and its partners committed to supporting informed and sustainable conservation of this culturally significant species.
Observer
04-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Oman's frankincense trees resilient despite challenges: Study
Muscat: A scientific study has confirmed that Oman's frankincense trees do not face widespread decline in the southern reaches of the Sultanate, despite facing a variety of environmental and human-induced threats. This encouraging discovery stems from the first-ever comprehensive conservation assessment of Boswellia sacra , the botanical name for these iconic trees, in their native mountainous habitats of Dhofar Governorate. The research initiative was led by the Environment Society of Oman (ESO), in collaboration with the Environment Authority, Wageningen University & Research, FairSource Botanicals, and Mendel University in Brno. The project received initial funding support from the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in Oman. Launched in 2022, the study examined the population dynamics, ecological pressures, and natural regeneration patterns of Boswellia sacra across its known distribution in Dhofar. A scientific paper published earlier this year reported that while the trees show diverse population structures and regeneration rates, there is no evidence of a widespread population decline. These findings are an important step forward to protect frankincense trees not only as a cultural and spiritual symbol of Oman's ancient incense trade, but also as the cornerstone of a thriving domestic industry centered around incense and related products. Of the roughly 24 species in the Boswellia genus worldwide, Boswellia sacra Flück. — A deciduous tree of modest stature — is native to southern Arabia (Oman and Yemen) and Somalia. In Oman, the species is found across Dhofar, growing from sea level to elevations as high as 1,774 meters in the mountain ranges. However, the trees are not immune to threats. Overgrazing, particularly by camels, poses one of the most serious risks to sapling survival. Additional challenges include insect infestations, pest attacks, unsustainable resin harvesting, nearby mining activities, and increasingly erratic weather events — all of which can impact tree vitality and regeneration. While the study dispels fears of an imminent population collapse, the researchers caution against complacency. The threats facing Boswellia sacra are complex, varying by location and season, and influenced by ecological, social, and political dynamics. To be effective, conservation strategies must therefore address the full socio-ecological context, the paper emphasizes. In a statement, The Honorable Dr. Amor Al Matani, President of ESO's Board of Directors, hailed the successful completion of the study as a pivotal step forward. 'ESO's role in driving this landmark study is a testament to its long-standing commitment to safeguarding Oman's frankincense heritage, given the priceless cultural and ecological value associated with this aromatic resin. Our sincere thanks to the Environment Authority and all the international partners who helped bring this initiative to life.' Mr. Ali Bin Salem Bait Said, Director of the Office for the Conservation of the Environment, at the Environment Authority office in Dhofar, added: 'This study has brought together local and international institutions in a first-of-its-kind collaboration to deliver science-based insights into the health of our frankincense populations. By challenging widely held assumptions about the species' decline, the study shows that international conservation concerns should recognize differences between frankincense species and between their countries of origin, and the measures taken by each country.'
