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Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Regional workshop discusses protection of Arabian Sea humpback whales
Muscat: A workshop titled "Management of Protection and Conservation of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales" was held on Tuesday to explore means of enhancing regional cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and India to adopt a joint executive action framework known as the "Conservation Management Plan'. The three-day workshop aims to establish a cooperative framework to strengthen scientific research, reduce threats, raise awareness, and set objectives to improve the environmental status of this endangered species. Organised by the Environment Authority in collaboration with Oman Environment Society and Future Seas Company, the workshop brings together a select group of international experts, researchers, government and private sector representatives, and civil society organisations. It highlights the key threats facing whales in their habitats, particularly in the Gulf of Masirah in Oman. The workshop discusses the latest scientific developments regarding whales and their threats in Oman and India, ways to foster mutual understanding and cooperation on implementing the conservation management plan, identifying joint activities, and familiarising participants with the structure of the whale protection and conservation plan. Additionally, it reviews solutions to threats posed by shipping traffic, oil exploration, and fishing activities. The Environment Authority presented a visual presentation on the key efforts of the Marine Mammal Species Survey Project in Musandam Governorate from 2023 to 2025. The workshop aims to enhance regional coordination and integration in protecting this rare whale species and adopt a non-binding cooperation agreement between Oman and India for the conservation of Arabian Sea humpback whales. It also seeks to draft a preliminary regional management plan for these whales and form a coordination committee comprising representatives from Oman and India, along with international partners from the International Whaling Commission. The Arabian Sea humpback whales are a unique species that has been the subject of ongoing scientific research off the coast of Oman since 2000. This species was officially listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2008, with estimates suggesting their population does not exceed 100 whales. They are found in all countries bordering the Arabian Sea.
Times of Oman
6 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Discussion on protection of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales
Muscat: A workshop titled 'Management of Protection and Conservation of Arabian Sea Humpback Whales' was held on Tuesday to explore means of enhancing regional cooperation between the Sultanate of Oman and India to adopt a joint executive action framework known as the 'Conservation Management Plan'. The three-day workshop aims to establish a cooperative framework to strengthen scientific research, reduce threats, raise awareness, and set objectives to improve the environmental status of this endangered species. Organised by the Environment Authority in collaboration with Oman Environment Society and Future Seas Company, the workshop brings together a select group of international experts, researchers, government and private sector representatives, and civil society organizations. It highlights the key threats facing whales in their habitats, particularly in the Gulf of Masirah in Oman. The workshop discusses the latest scientific developments regarding whales and their threats in Oman and India, ways to foster mutual understanding and cooperation on implementing the conservation management plan, identifying joint activities, and familiarising participants with the structure of the whale protection and conservation plan. Additionally, it reviews solutions to threats posed by shipping traffic, oil exploration, and fishing activities. The Environment Authority presented a visual presentation on the key efforts of the Marine Mammal Species Survey Project in Musandam Governorate from 2023 to 2025. The workshop aims to enhance regional coordination and integration in protecting this rare whale species and adopt a non-binding cooperation agreement between Oman and India for the conservation of Arabian Sea humpback whales. It also seeks to draft a preliminary regional management plan for these whales and form a coordination committee comprising representatives from Oman and India, along with international partners from the International Whaling Commission. The Arabian Sea humpback whales are a unique species that has been the subject of ongoing scientific research off the coast of Oman since 2000. This species was officially listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2008, with estimates suggesting their population does not exceed 100 whales. They are found in all countries bordering the Arabian Sea.
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. (
