Proposal to set up Musandam National Park

KHASAB: The Governorate of Musandam boasts rich geographical diversity and stunning natural scenes such as the mountains, valleys and deserts that are home to a wide range of animals and plants. The islands of Musandam are a safe haven for migratory birds. This has made Musandam an attractive tourist destination for overseas tourists wishing to explore the beauties of Musandam.

Abdulsalam bin Hassan al Kamzari, Acting Director of the Environment Department in Musandam Governorate, said that due to the tourism potentials of Musandam and its natural diversity, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik issued his Royal directives to develop Musandam Governorate through establishing development projects to achieve sustainable development and boost economic diversity.

In comments to Oman News Agency (ONA), he affirmed that the Omani government attaches a great importance to preserving the ecosystems of the Sultanate’s in general and the Musandam Governorate in particular by conducting an environmental assessment in an effort to identify the economic and financial value of environmental terms such as trees, wild animals and plants and endangered animals taking into account the comprehensive economic development the Sultanate has witnessed country and will witness in the coming years.

The Aum Al Tair Island in Musandam Governorate is a safe haven for migratory birds coming from Europe all year round. There is a proposal to convert the island into a nature reserve under the name Musandam National Park due to its international importance, the official said.

The official explained that sustainable ecotourism is one of the most important resources that contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, adding that the government’s strategy to embrace the concept of environmental tourism in Musandam Governorate and other governorates of the Sultanate, will achieve multiple benefits and simulate the economy and tourism in Musandam Governorate. — ONA