Tourism firm fined for damaging vegetation in Wadi Darbat
Published: 06:07 PM,Jul 20,2025 | EDITED : 10:07 PM,Jul 20,2025
The EA reminded that protecting Dhofar’s landscapes is a shared national duty.
SALALAH: The Environment Authority (EA) has issued a formal violation notice against a tourism company for causing damage to fragile vegetation cover in Wadi Darbat.
The violation was documented as part of the ongoing 'Environmental Protectors' initiative, a nationwide effort to preserve natural sites during the khareef season. The company in question was found to have led a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles and a heavy truck across green meadows in Wadi Darbat, leaving behind visible tyre tracks and damaging the plant cover.
“This action is a direct violation of Article 21 of the Environmental Protection Law,” said an official from the Environment Authority. “Driving on sensitive terrain, especially during khareef, undermines years of conservation efforts and threatens the natural balance of the area.”
Wadi Darbat, located east of Salalah, is a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists during the monsoon months. Known for its flowing waterfalls, grazing camels and green plateaus, it also serves as a critical habitat for local flora and fauna. Authorities say its beauty also makes it vulnerable.
“This latest action shows the Authority’s deep commitment to environmental preservation,” said a local observer. “I commend the Environment Authority for its vigilant efforts in protecting our natural heritage across the governorate, especially during the busy khareef season. With the large number of visitors, it’s not an easy task, but the Authority - along with other government entities - is doing an exceptional job. I hope all visitors, companies, residents and individuals alike will cooperate and take shared responsibility to protect our fragile ecosystems.”
The 'Environmental Protectors' campaign, launched at the start of the khareef season, includes mobile patrols, fixed inspection points and awareness drives at high-traffic natural locations such as Wadi Darbat, Ittin and Al Mughsail.
In a statement, Eng Zahran al Abdulsalam, Acting Director-General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate, confirmed that monitoring efforts will continue throughout the season: “Khareef brings life to Dhofar, but it also brings pressure. We welcome tourism - but we must ensure it’s sustainable. Off-road violations destroy not only the scenery, but the soil and biodiversity beneath it.”
Legal experts say that under Article 21 of the Environmental Protection Law, violators may face fines, operational restrictions, or court proceedings, depending on the nature and extent of the environmental damage.
The EA reminded that protecting Dhofar’s landscapes is a shared national duty. Visitors and operators are urged to respect nature reserves, stay on designated paths and report any violations through official channels.
The violation was documented as part of the ongoing 'Environmental Protectors' initiative, a nationwide effort to preserve natural sites during the khareef season. The company in question was found to have led a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles and a heavy truck across green meadows in Wadi Darbat, leaving behind visible tyre tracks and damaging the plant cover.
“This action is a direct violation of Article 21 of the Environmental Protection Law,” said an official from the Environment Authority. “Driving on sensitive terrain, especially during khareef, undermines years of conservation efforts and threatens the natural balance of the area.”
Wadi Darbat, located east of Salalah, is a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists during the monsoon months. Known for its flowing waterfalls, grazing camels and green plateaus, it also serves as a critical habitat for local flora and fauna. Authorities say its beauty also makes it vulnerable.
“This latest action shows the Authority’s deep commitment to environmental preservation,” said a local observer. “I commend the Environment Authority for its vigilant efforts in protecting our natural heritage across the governorate, especially during the busy khareef season. With the large number of visitors, it’s not an easy task, but the Authority - along with other government entities - is doing an exceptional job. I hope all visitors, companies, residents and individuals alike will cooperate and take shared responsibility to protect our fragile ecosystems.”
The 'Environmental Protectors' campaign, launched at the start of the khareef season, includes mobile patrols, fixed inspection points and awareness drives at high-traffic natural locations such as Wadi Darbat, Ittin and Al Mughsail.
In a statement, Eng Zahran al Abdulsalam, Acting Director-General of Environment in Dhofar Governorate, confirmed that monitoring efforts will continue throughout the season: “Khareef brings life to Dhofar, but it also brings pressure. We welcome tourism - but we must ensure it’s sustainable. Off-road violations destroy not only the scenery, but the soil and biodiversity beneath it.”
Legal experts say that under Article 21 of the Environmental Protection Law, violators may face fines, operational restrictions, or court proceedings, depending on the nature and extent of the environmental damage.
The EA reminded that protecting Dhofar’s landscapes is a shared national duty. Visitors and operators are urged to respect nature reserves, stay on designated paths and report any violations through official channels.