MUSCAT, NOV 7
On a quiet evening along Oman’s coastline, tiny sea turtle hatchlings break through their shells, scramble out of the sand, and instinctively seek the horizon. For millions of years, the ocean’s gentle reflection of starlight guided them safely home.
Today, bright artificial beach lights can lead those fragile hatchlings in the wrong direction—straight toward coastal roads and urban development. To protect these ancient mariners, an Omani initiative is turning to a powerful ally: the next generation.
Through a hands-on programme called “Turtle Watching,” organised by the Awn Environmental Command Centre, children across the Sultanate of Oman are getting a front-row seat to marine conservation. By blending interactive learning with up-close wildlife encounters, organisers aim to instil a lifelong passion for nature in Oman's youth.
Manar bint Abdullah al Riyami, founder of the centre, notes that five of the world’s seven sea turtle species visit Oman's waters—including the endangered Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, Loggerhead, and the flourishing Green turtle.
The country is also home to three of the most critical nesting sanctuaries on Earth. To bring these lessons to life, young participants spent time at the Oman Aquarium observing sea turtles up close, watching how they swim, use their flippers, and navigate underwater space.
Beyond basic biology, the initiative focuses on practical habits kids and families can adopt immediately to safeguard local wildlife:
Switching to Red Light: Replacing harsh white outdoor lights with soft red illumination along beaches prevents baby turtles from getting disoriented after hatching.
Respecting Nesting Zones: Sticking to designated observation paths avoids disturbing mothers laying eggs.
Leaving Hatchlings in Nature: Avoiding touching or moving tiny hatchlings keeps their natural instincts intact as they crawl to the water.
Responsible Ecotourism: Encouraging families to visit scientific sanctuaries like the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve to observe turtles under trained supervision.
Grooming Young Ambassadors
The response from participants has been immediate and enthusiastic. Organisers report children asking detailed questions about nest-depth, digging mechanisms, and why female turtles return to the exact same Omani beaches where they were born decades earlier. Al Riyami emphasises that expanding kids' knowledge is only step one. The overarching goal is to equip them to serve as young environmental ambassadors—taking these conservation habits home to their families, schools, and local communities. Building on this momentum, the programme plans to roll out field trips focusing on other native Omani species, connecting young families directly with the rich biodiversity of their homeland.
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