Investors sought for Qurum Nature Reserve

Muscat, Nov 8 - Expression of Interest (EoI) has been invited from investors for the development and management of nature-based tourism activities at the Qurum Nature Reserve in Muscat. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, has invited the EoI. Applicants should present an action plan on how to develop/manage nature-based tourism at the reserve and their previous experience in nature-based tourism development in protected areas (wetland eco-system). The required documents have to be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism by December 17. An EoI has also been sought for the development and management of nature-based tourism activities at Al Saleel Natural Park in Sharqiyah. Applications should be submitted by December 14. Recommendations from Tanfeedh handbook says: “The Sultanate enjoys distinctive natural diversity that makes it one of the richest countries in the region for its biodiversity; these attributes can be utilised to enhance sector performance. “Unfortunately, there are currently no tools available for investing in nature reserves, which limit their role in generating employment opportunities and supporting state revenues.” It added, “Statistics show the number of tourists who visited Wadi Bani Khalid, Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve and Jabal al Akhdar, among the most prominent sites in 2015, was 307,000, which represent 16 per cent of the total number of tourists.” The number of visitors to these sites rose 12 per cent since 2011. There are opportunities to increase traffic to these sites, which help in a larger contribution to the Sultanate’s GDP through tourism. This will increase the State revenue and reduce costs of maintenance and protection of these sites. It identified two pilot project sites: Qurum Nature Reserve and Qurum Natural Park as a complementary site. This will be the first project among the representative pilot projects. Qurum Reserve was proclaimed a nature reserve in 1975 because of its biodiversity. The second project entails setting up a geological park in the Wusta Governorate, given its natural biodiversity and geological diversity. This initiative aims to attract 540,000 visitors to the two sites by 2020 and create 190 jobs, most of which are expected to go to Omanis. The first project entails designating Qurum Nature Reserve and Qurum Park as natural tourist sites that include activities such as bird-watching and hunting, health activities such as natural treatments and yoga classes, and recreational and educational activities aimed at children. Qurum Natural Park will include a park for natural adventures, tracks for cycling and jogging, and miniature replicas representing Omani culture and heritage. The Neoglacial Park in Al Wusta will include a number of geological activities such as geological education tracks, and activities related to cultural, social and environmental heritage. These pilot projects are expected to serve as models for other environmental and natural initiatives such as the Wadi Daiqah Dam and Al Saleel Nature Reserve. Vinod Nair