Oman's National Conservation Strategy
Ever since the launch of the NCS in 1996, environmental issues have commanded public, political and academic attention in Oman. A glance at the NCS not only shows the vast natural resources that exist in Oman but also the way forward in tapping them in a sustainable manner.
According to the NCS some of the environmental concerns facing Omani waters and coastal zone are:
*discharge of wastes by ships and tankers that pass by Omani shores or anchor at Omani ports;
*the small commercial boats that transport commodities between Oman and neighbouring countries, usually throw
*their wastes into the shores and beaches;
*discharge of liquid wastes from some desalination plants;
*some practices of fishermen related to the display and marketing of fish in the fishing harbours and throwing of
*useless fish and fish trash on the beaches;
*dumping of wastes from coastal towns and village in the coastal waters;
*pollutants entering into the sea through wadis and khawrs;
*pollutants from traditional industries, particularly from tanneries;
*flow of chemicals from nearby farms into the beaches and
* litter left by tourists on the beaches.
These factors, says the NCS, cause damage not only to the ecological and biological system of the fisheries habitats, but also to coastal and marine flora like mangroves and coastal reefs. Accordingly, the Ministry of Environment regularly monitors marine pollution, and plans for cleaning the debris at the sea floor are well in place now. The NCS not only documents Oman's overall policy on environment but, in a way, it goes a step further in projecting its ideological outlook on environmental protection.
The conservation of the natural environment is an imperative commanded by Allah, the Lord and Sustainer of all that exists. According to the NCS the conservation of the natural environment is a matter of utmost importance to human beings.
God has not made any of His creatures worthless: every single form of life is the product of a special and intricate development by God, and therefore warrants special respect. As a living genetic resource, each species and variety is unique and irreplaceable. Hence the binding obligation to conserve and develop them for their own sake and for their value as unique irreplaceable living resources for the benefit of one another and of mankind.
Oman Observer 2nd September 2002
National Conservation Strategy — a boon to environmental heritage
Aimed at preserving its wealth of natural endowments, Oman’s ‘National Conservation Strategy: Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Conservation for Sustainable Development’ is indeed one of the most brilliant initiatives in the sphere of environmental protection.
Described as the heart of environmental plans in the Sultanate, the strategy spells out the need and procedures to incorporate environmental considerations in development plans. Drafted by the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources (MRME & WR) in 1992 and approved by the Council of Ministers in 1996, the strategy has laid down the basis for future environmental policies.
The NCS, a three-volume comprehensive document running into thousands of pages, details Oman’s environmental concerns and policies. Aimed at achieving a long-term balance between development and protection of the environment, the NCS has outlined more than 60 development and environmental projects. Some of these projects are being implemented in different ministries under various heads.
Omanis see environmental protection as one of their basic duties. They recognise the fact that care for the environment is a key to sustainable prosperity and well-being of people and that the health and prosperity of the present and future generations depends upon today’s attitudes towards the environment.
Environmentalists have always emphasised the need for a national campaign of environmental awareness along with the implementation of this strategy. Accordingly the ministry of environment has launched a concerted campaign aimed at promoting environmental protection in Oman. Designation of 2001 as the Year of Environment marks the high point of that campaign.
A glance at the NCS not only shows the vast natural resources that exist in Oman but also the way forward in tapping them in a sustainable manner and to ensure that there is no conflict between their various uses and environmental protection. Take the case of rangelands and forests, for example, which represent an important part of the vegetation cover, biological diversity and ecosystems. Studies show that the total area of the open woodlands is about two million hectares, most of them in the southern region. Natural pastures are estimated to be about half a million hectares, most of them in Dhofar and some in north Oman.
Similarly, wildlife in Oman is also relatively rich and diversified and is influenced by geophysical and ecological factors and also by the distribution of vegetational cover. According to the NCS, researchers and visitors to Oman may hardly believe that in Oman live the Arabian Gazelle, Wolf, Striped Hyena, Leopard, Ibex (mountain goat), Arabian Oryx, Arabian Tahar, Desert Fox, Gazelle, Wild Cat, and that her seas host 13 types of whales and dolphins. Not less than 400 birds have been identified; some are indigenous, while others migrate between Oman, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. This is in addition to 75 types of reptiles, two types of amphibians, several types of snakes, four of which are marine ones and five marine turtles, of which four breed along the coast of Oman and have become the attraction of tourists and scientists from all over the world.
The wildlife of Oman is varied and unique. Musandam limestone ranges are home to leopard, Arabian Tahr, Arabian Gazelle, Caracal and Red Fox. Its birdlife includes Chukar, Palm Dove, Rock Dove, Desert Lark, Pale Crag Martin and Hume’s Wheatear. House Sparrow and House Crow are found around the main human settlements; and a variety of seabirds inhabit coastal areas.
Musandam Peninsula is home to Osprey, Kestrel, Sand Partridge, Hume’s Wheatear and Brown-necked Raven. Numerous gulls and other seabirds occur along the coastline. Jabal Akhdar summit has Red Fox in large numbers but Striped Hyena is reputed to be rare. Of the rodents, Spiny Mouse has been recorded, while House Mouse and Black Rat appear to have been introduced. Groups of feral donkeys have appeared in recent years.
As for the birds, Egyptian Vulture, Grey Francolin, Palm Dove, Rock Dove, Pale Crag Martin, Hume’s Wheatear, Yellow-vented Bulbul and Brown-necked Raven have decked up the skies over Jabal Akhdar.
One of the National Conservation Strategy volumes
Northern limestone ranges contain leopard, Red Fox and Wolf. Striped Hyena, and feral donkeys occur here. Batinah alluvial plains are known for widespread presence of Red Fox. Wolf occurs near to the mountain foothills. Crested Lark and Great Grey Shrike add to the beauty of Batinah coast. Batinah coastal sands are known for Indian Roller, Little Green Bee-Eater, Hoopoe, Swift and Swallow. Similarly, most of the Omani continental shelf and deep waters provide good habitats for migration and breeding of several fish species.
Some of the environmental concerns facing Omani waters and coastal zone are: Discharges of wastes by ships and tankers that pass by Omani shores or anchor at Omani ports. The small commercial boats that transport commodities between Oman and neighbouring countries usually throw their wastes into the shoves and beaches. Discharge of liquid wastes from some desalination plants. Some practices of fishermen related to the display and marketing of fish in the fishing harbours and throwing of valueless fish and fish trash on the beaches.
The factors, says the NCS, cause damage not only to ecological and biological system of the fisheries habitats, but also to coastal and marine flora like mangroves and coastal reefs. Accordingly, the MRME & WR regularly monitors marine pollution, and plans for cleaning the debris at the sea floor are well in place now. This, however, does not absolve the tourists and visitors of their duty to contribute to environmental protection by avoiding dumping of litter on the beaches and in the sea.
Oman Observer 16th June 2001
