Nature reserves cornerstones for sustainable development goals

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman is strengthening its environmental protection network, with 32 nature reserves now covering an estimated 17,839.6 square kilometres — accounting for roughly 5.76 per cent of the country’s total area. The growing system forms a critical pillar of Oman's national strategy to preserve ecosystems, safeguard biodiversity, and support international climate targets.
Zahra bint Khalfan al Sharqi, Head of the Nature Reserves Management Section at the Environment Authority (EA), emphasised that nature reserves serve a purpose beyond basic land protection.
'The role of reserves extends to supporting scientific research, enhancing environmental monitoring, regulating the sustainable use of natural resources, raising ecological awareness, and developing responsible ecotourism,' Al Sharqi said.
The Environment Authority is advancing several key initiatives to optimise reserve management:
Technology-Driven Monitoring: Deploying camera traps, environmental tracking technology, and expanding the national biodiversity database.
Community Engagement: Increasing local community participation in natural resource management and creating green jobs in eco-guiding, tourism services, and traditional crafts.
Infrastructure & Regulations: Updating site-specific management plans, completing regulatory frameworks, and refining field management efficiency.
Global Recognition and New Declarations
Oman has achieved key milestones in nature conservation over recent years. Notably, Unesco added the Al Jabal Al Akhdhar Reserve and Al Sareen Reserve to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, acknowledging Oman's balanced approach to ecological protection and sustainable development.
Six new nature reserves have been established over the past five years, most recently the Hallaniyat Islands Marine Buffer Zone Reserve. These protected zones serve as safe havens for high-priority species recognised under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifications, including the Arabian Leopard, Arabian Oryx, Arabian Gazelle, Arabian Tahr, sea turtles, and birds of prey.
Combating Climate Change
The Environment Authority is addressing main threats such as illegal poaching and climate change impacts. Rising sea temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and shifting climate zones pose risks to sensitive habitats including coral reefs, mangrove forests, and sea turtle nesting beaches.
To build resilience, the EA is integrating climate adaptation strategies directly into reserve management plans. Key efforts include expanding mangrove afforestation, restoring degraded habitats, and monitoring environmental shifts over long-range timelines.
Advancing Ecotourism and the Green Economy
Oman’s approach positions ecotourism as a tool that supports — rather than compromises — conservation. The EA regulates reserve visits through designated access zones, visitor capacity limits, permit systems, and seasonal access restrictions during critical animal breeding and nesting periods.
These conservation efforts directly align with Oman's international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the global '30x30' target, which aims to protect 30% of the planet's land and ocean areas by 2030. — ONA