Latest news with #SuaadAlHarthi
Observer
21-04-2025
- Science
- Observer
ESO director gets funding for Coral Reef Conservation Project
MUSCAT - The Environment Society of Oman (ESO)'s executive Director, Suaad Al Harthi, has been awarded funding from the National Geographic Society to support a groundbreaking coral reef conservation and capacity-building project in Oman. Al Harthi, a National Geographic Explorer and recipient of the Society's 2024 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia, will use her grant to further ESO's leadership in Oman's environmental conservation. Using the funding, Al Harthi and ESO will pursue two primary objectives: coral reef conservation and capacity building to ensure the long-term sustainability of these critical ecosystems. ESO researchers will assess the health, recovery, and resilience of coral reefs surrounding Muscat, including those within and beyond the Ad Dimaniyyat Islands Nature Reserve (DINR). The initiative also aims to empower female field scientists to lead in coral reef research and protection fforts. Technical support for the project is provided by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots vital to fisheries, tourism, coastal protection, and climate resilience. However, they are increasingly threatened by climate change, human activities, and natural disturbances that undermine their ability to provide crucial environmental and economic benefits. ESO's project will contribute critical data to inform sustainable conservation strategies. A key component of the project is a coral reef monitoring workshop, scheduled for April 20–23, 2025, in Muscat. Organized in partnership with NYUAD, the workshop will bring together environmentalists, dive center experts, and academic researchers to strengthen Oman's reef monitoring capacity. The workshop will be hosted at Oman Sail headquarters. Its brand, SeaOman – the country's leading marine leisure provider and a certified PADI 5* Instructor Development Centre – is supporting ESO by facilitating reef monitoring surveys. Suaad al Harthi shared: 'I am extremely grateful for this grant, which enables my colleagues and I to deepen our understanding of the recovery and resilience of coral reef sites around Muscat, while raising awareness of their importance to both marine biodiversity and Oman's coastal economy. A key pillar of this initiative is capacity building - particularly empowering female field scientists and volunteers to play a leading role in the long-term protection of these vital ecosystems.' Marine conservation enthusiasts also attended a public talk by Professor John Burt, Marine Biologist at NYUAD, titled 'Corals in a Changing Climate: Lessons from the Arabian Gulf' on April 20, 2025. Oman's coral reefs, like many around the world, are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with rising sea temperatures triggering more frequent and severe coral bleaching events. The coral ecosystems of the Arabian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Arabian Sea are among the most biodiverse ecosystems in the region. However, regional studies indicate a 40.1% decline in live coral cover since 1997, driven largely by recurring bleaching events. Professor Burt noted, 'Coral reefs are the most diverse ecosystem in Arabia, yet our understanding of the status and trends in regional reef health remains underdeveloped. The reef monitoring efforts spearheaded by ESO will provide invaluable data to help support conservation efforts for Oman's amazing reef ecosystems.'
Observer
20-03-2025
- Science
- Observer
Wadi Dawkah appoints a Scientific Advisory Council to Research, Understand and Preserve the UNESCO Heritage Site
Scientific Advisory Council to Help Preserve Wadi Dawkah The frankincense trees have flourished in Wadi Dawkah, located in Dhofar, southern Oman, for thousands of years, with their relationship to humanity tracing back to antiquity. However, many secrets remain to be uncovered to truly understand, nurture, and preserve these remarkable trees. For Amouage, this translates into taking concrete, purposeful actions grounded in scientific research conducted by highly specialised partners. In this context, the Wadi Dawkah Scientific Advisory Council has been established as a key mechanism to support Amouage's ambition of transforming the site into a global reference for the sustainable, ethical, and transparent sourcing of natural ingredients for perfumery. Wadi Dawkah appoints a Scientific Advisory Council to Research, Understand and Preserve the UNESCO Heritage Site The Scientific Advisory Council brings together a distinguished group of international specialists alongside leading Omani experts. The council is composed of Dr. Khalid Al Farsi, a Horticulture Expert from the Oman Botanic Garden; Suaad Al Harthi, Executive Director at the Environment Society of Oman; Dr. Laila Al Harthy, a Botany Expert; and Thomas Andro, Vice-President of Responsible Sourcing at DSM-Firmenich. The role of the Council is to ensure scientific rigor, involving a series of meticulous baseline studies not only related to the frankincense tree itself but also to the environment in which it thrives. The results of these analyses will enable the establishment of guidelines for day-to-day practices: understanding the current environment in all its aspects is essential for determining the best course of action for the preservation and future development of Wadi Dawkah. Wadi Dawkah appoints a Scientific Advisory Council to Research, Understand and Preserve the UNESCO Heritage Site Since becoming custodians of the site, Amouage has demonstrated continuous efforts towards the ethical and transparent development of Wadi Dawkah. This includes ongoing monitoring, data collection through a dedicated database and application, the employment of a growing local workforce, external inspections conducted through a network of partnerships, and the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Environment Society of Oman in 2024. The establishment of the Wadi Dawkah Scientific Advisory Council brings scientific rigour and a structured framework to these efforts through comprehensive documentation and research. It enables a deeper understanding of the Wadi Dawkah environment and the identification of strategies that can be effectively implemented in daily operations. For Amouage, this provides an external challenge to enhance stewardship of the site significantly and demonstrates a firm commitment to the sustainable development of the Wadi Dawkah UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wadi Dawkah appoints a Scientific Advisory Council to Research, Understand and Preserve the UNESCO Heritage Site Historic Sanctuary Wadi Dawkah is home to the world's largest protected Boswellia sacra forest. This historic sanctuary, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, serves not only as a reservoir of biodiversity but also as a critical line of defence in the effort to protect the revered frankincense tree. With over 5,000 frankincense trees flourishing across 3,500 acres, Wadi Dawkah is where the journey of this precious resin begins—one steeped in ancient tradition and cultural significance. Historically, the use of frankincense dates back millennia, its aromatic smoke woven into the fabric of religious rituals and funerary rites. Frankincense was believed to carry human prayers to the divine, and its resin, used in embalming practices, linked the living to the realms beyond. The Dhofar region has been instrumental in the incense trade since antiquity, as evidenced by archaeological sites such as Khor Rori, Shisr, and Al-Baleed, which dot the ancient Incense Route. Today, Wadi Dawkah stands at a crucial intersection of tradition and modernity. Under the guidance of Matthew Wright, the head of Wadi Dawkah, an international team collaborates with local Omani experts to ensure that these ancient practices are preserved and revitalised. Wright's deep connection to the region, amplified by years of experience living in Salalah and studying Arabic, positions him as an ideal steward of this remarkable site. He is committed to leading initiatives that will establish a thriving frankincense industry while simultaneously fostering respect and sustainability. Wadi Dawkah appoints a Scientific Advisory Council to Research, Understand and Preserve the UNESCO Heritage Site Listening to the echoes of the past, Mohammed Istanbooli leads the team responsible for caring for and nurturing the frankincense trees. A native of Salalah, Istanbooli's bond with the land and its trees runs deep. He supervises the delicate process of resin harvesting, ensuring that each tree is treated with the utmost care, embodying a philosophy that intertwines ecological consciousness with cultural heritage. Although the frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah are treasures of the land, they face environmental threats and pressures from overharvesting. It is within this context that the Wadi Dawkah project emerges as a lifeline for not only the trees but also the communities that rely on them. Ghanem Jaddad, whose family has been entwined with the region's frankincense for generations, plays a crucial role in linking Omani skills and communal knowledge to broader sustainability efforts. His life embodies the continuity of tradition, as he works alongside a dedicated team to safeguard this natural heritage for future generations. The initiative extends beyond the preservation of trees; it encompasses the local community as well. Employment opportunities for residents of Thumrait and other nearby towns are created, revitalising age-old practices and ensuring that the artisan techniques of harvesting and processing frankincense continue to thrive. This harmonious approach not only benefits the local population but also contributes significantly to the sustainable management of this unique ecosystem, helping to sustain an ancient cultural legacy in a modern world. The Scientific Advisory Council is an essential expansion of these efforts, ensuring the ongoing success of the site's preservation. By integrating scientific research with traditional knowledge, the council aims to establish best practices that will foster resilience in Wadi Dawkah's environment against climate change and other external pressures. This collaboration is paramount, as it blends the wisdom of local communities with the rigour of scientific inquiry.
