The Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism to prepare plans for managing the natural reserves in the Sultanate, which will open new avenues for investment in the tourism sector, said a top official.
MECA added that environmental permit for large projects can be obtained in 3o days problem there is a compliance on all conditions laid out by the ministry. It added that all services at MECA can be done online easily through the Ministry's website, he said.
The ministry said that Oman is one of the few early states to that made environmental permits mandatory for development projects in support of sustainable development.
Natural Reserves in Oman as per the Environmental Society of Oman
Oryx Sanctuary
The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary was formally established by Royal Decree No 4/94. It lies in Al Wusta Region and originally covered an area of 24,785.4 sq km. This vast expanse encompassed a diverse range of ecosystems, with features such as plains, sand dunes and hills. In addition to its topographical diversity, the area is rich in natural and cultural features
Saleel Nature Reserve (protected under Royal Decree Decree No. 50 / 97 on 28 / 6 / 97) lies in the eastern region of Oman between Badyiah and Sur. The 220 square kilometers consists of a series of mountainous and rocky plains as well as some valleys and high hills. The Reserve is home to deer and wild cat and some local and migratory birds.
Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Oman's Turtle Reserve combines the previously proposed Ras Al Hadd National Scenic Reserve and the Ras al Jinz National Nature Reserve and encloses 120 sq. km. (12,000 ha.) of beaches, shorelands, adjacent sea and seabed and two khawrs.
Daymaniyat Island Reserve
The Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve encloses 203 sq. km. (20,300 ha.) of sea and seabed and includes the nine islands, rocks and reefs and offshore shoals situated 16 - 18 kilometres off the Seeb-Barka coast. The islands are an outstanding conservation area of national and regional importance. They have the highest density of nesting seabirds and the only known Osprey nesting sites in the capital area.
Khawr Baleed Reserve
Khawr Baleed was proposed as a National Nature Reserve by the IUCN in 1986 and then again in 1990. A concept development plan was completed in 1995 suggesting the establishment of an Archaeological Park. This park is located within the municipality of Salalah in the Governorate of Dhofar, Sultanate of Oman. The park contains the archaeological remains of Al Baleed, an important medieval trading city. Its site is of great importance in the history of Oman.
Khawr Rawri is the largest of the proclaimed khawrs along the Salalah coast measuring 2.5 km long and up to 400 m wide. Khawr Rawri provides an important habitat for birds, fish and a representative sample of the vegetation of the gravel plains under the influence of the Khareef.
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