Muscat: In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at preserving marine ecosystems and boosting eco-tourism, the Environment Authority of Oman, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, launched a project to repurpose out-of-service military equipment into an underwater museum.
The project, implemented on Sunday, is situated within the Daymaniyat Natural Reserve, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
The endeavor seeks to address the decline of coral reefs caused by natural and human factors by creating an artificial reef ecosystem. By strategically placing decommissioned military equipment underwater, including seven Man Atlas trucks and a Skyven aircraft, the project aims to provide a substrate for coral growth and serve as a habitat for marine organisms.
One of the primary objectives of the project is to alleviate the pressure on natural coral reef sites in the Daymaniyat Islands Natural Reserve by offering an alternative attraction for tourists and diving enthusiasts. This innovative approach not only fosters eco-tourism but also contributes to the preservation and rehabilitation of the marine environment.
The chosen site near the Daymaniyat Islands was selected for its proximity to existing coral reefs, which are expected to facilitate the rapid growth of marine life around the submerged military equipment. This unique underwater museum is poised to attract a myriad of marine creatures, offering a distinctive experience for visitors while promoting biodiversity conservation.
The collaboration between the Environment Authority and the Ministry of Defense underscores the government's commitment to innovative solutions for environmental conservation and sustainable tourism development.
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