Workshop on Musandam Nature Reserve
Published: 04:11 PM,Nov 02,2022 | EDITED : 08:11 PM,Nov 02,2022
Musandam Governorate has a rich nature reserve and is known for its geographical diversity, natural environment and attractive tourist attractions.
The Environment Authority on Wednesday organised a seminar on the management plan of the National Natural Park Reserve intending to preserve its nature and wildlife.
The seminar was held under the auspices of Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam.
The seminar included the presentation of several environmental working papers on the reserve, with the participation of government agencies, the private sector and the local community, such as the Musandam Governor's Office, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.
A survey conducted by the Environment Authority and the Office of the Governor of Musandam described the reserve which covers on an area of 1149.49 square km. It was declared a nature reserve by a Royal Decree issued in June 2020.
The major attraction is that the reserve comprises nine offshore islands, including shallow coasts and shoals. The Umm al Taier is one such island. Sea snakes have been sighted often at the same time, and bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, spinner dolphins and humpback whale dolphins have been spotted in nearby waters.
The islands with sandy beaches have been a haven for nesting birds, green turtles and even porcupines. Another attraction has been the ancient coral reefs as well as the steep rocky cliffs making it a place with distinct geographical features. Attracting marine life to the area are also the algae and seaweeds in the surrounding waters of the islands.
On land, the wildlife recorded are lynx, mountain fox, red fox, hare, hedgehog and wildcat, in addition to lizards and snakes. Meanwhile, about 200 species of perennial, annual and seasonal plants have been recorded. Some of the species have been referred to as rare while others have been marked as threatened with extinction, making the nature reserve crucial to be protected with the application of the right management.
@lakshmioman
The Environment Authority on Wednesday organised a seminar on the management plan of the National Natural Park Reserve intending to preserve its nature and wildlife.
The seminar was held under the auspices of Sayyid Ibrahim bin Said al Busaidy, Governor of Musandam.
The seminar included the presentation of several environmental working papers on the reserve, with the participation of government agencies, the private sector and the local community, such as the Musandam Governor's Office, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.
A survey conducted by the Environment Authority and the Office of the Governor of Musandam described the reserve which covers on an area of 1149.49 square km. It was declared a nature reserve by a Royal Decree issued in June 2020.
The major attraction is that the reserve comprises nine offshore islands, including shallow coasts and shoals. The Umm al Taier is one such island. Sea snakes have been sighted often at the same time, and bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, spinner dolphins and humpback whale dolphins have been spotted in nearby waters.
The islands with sandy beaches have been a haven for nesting birds, green turtles and even porcupines. Another attraction has been the ancient coral reefs as well as the steep rocky cliffs making it a place with distinct geographical features. Attracting marine life to the area are also the algae and seaweeds in the surrounding waters of the islands.
On land, the wildlife recorded are lynx, mountain fox, red fox, hare, hedgehog and wildcat, in addition to lizards and snakes. Meanwhile, about 200 species of perennial, annual and seasonal plants have been recorded. Some of the species have been referred to as rare while others have been marked as threatened with extinction, making the nature reserve crucial to be protected with the application of the right management.
@lakshmioman