MUSCAT: The Environment Authority (EA) said that the Royal Decree establishing a new nature reserve in the Dhofar Governorate, named the Maritime Buffer Zone Reserve Around Al Hallaniyat Islands, is a step towards enhancing the Sultanate of Oman’s environmental position regionally and internationally. It is part of the environmental protection system and the preservation of marine biodiversity and is also in line with Oman Vision 2040.
The EA said that efforts are underway to implement the Royal Decree in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure its provisions are carried out and the objectives of establishing the reserve are achieved.
The Royal Decree reflects the Sultanate of Oman’s unwavering commitment to protecting its natural resources and preserving its unique environmental heritage, in accordance with its obligations under international and regional agreements. It also reinforces the Sultanate of Oman’s environmental standing and underscores its forward-looking vision for safeguarding its natural heritage for future generations as well as enhancing the environmental progress witnessed in the Sultanate of Oman under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
The new reserve encompasses the Al Hallaniyat Islands, formerly known as the Khuriya Muriya islands, is located in the northeastern part of the Dhofar Governorate. It comprises the Al Hallaniyat maritime archipelago, encompassing five islands: Al Sawda, Birds Island, Al Hasikiyah, Al Qibliya and Al Hallaniyat which is the largest island. The reserve surrounds four of these islands: Al Sawda, Al Hasikiyah, Al Qibliyah and Al Hallaniyat.
The EA explained that the reserve’s boundaries extend from the highest tide point on each island’s shores to a distance of 5 kilometres into the sea. The reserve covers an area of approximately 667 square kilometres and is characterized by its vast topography, spanning deserts, highlands, springs, bays and beaches. It is known for its birds, sheep, rare sea turtles and large fish.
The EA noted that this reserve represents a valuable addition to the network of nature reserves in the Sultanate of Oman. It possesses unique environmental characteristics that make it a natural marine treasure. It also contains diverse ecosystems including coral reefs in shallow waters, sandy beaches, and deep-sea areas rich in marine flora and fauna. Furthermore, it serves as a haven for marine life and a crucial feeding and nesting area for rare sea turtles which lay their eggs on its sandy shores.
The reserve is a habitat for marine mammals with various species of whales and dolphins frequently observed in the waters surrounding the islands. The islands also provide predator-free areas suitable for nesting and breeding attracting both resident and migratory seabirds, it said.
The EA explained that the number of nature reserves in Dhofar Governorate has increased to 13, representing diverse environments (marine, wetland, terrestrial, mountainous and plains), thus enhancing the representation of all natural environments in the governorate. The reserve opens up opportunities for collaboration with research and tourism entities to develop monitoring programmes, environmental education, and sustainable tourism initiatives while maintaining a balance between environmental protection goals and the sustainability of economic activities.
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