Oman marks Biological Diversity, Turtles Days

By Zainab Al Nasseri — MUSCAT: May 22 - The Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs marked the International Day for Biological Diversity and the World Turtles Day, which fall on May 22 and 23 respectively every year. The ceremony was presided over by Sulaiman bin Nasser al Akhzami, Director-General of Nature Conservation. Ahmed al Shukaili, Head, Biological Diversity Department, indicated the importance of diversity in wooing tourists from all over the world. “By preserving biological environment, we revive tourism which leads to improved economic growth and living standards. The Sultanate has significant landmarks and rich landscape for ecotourism,” he said. Celebrating the Turtles Day underlines the need to protect these species from all threats, Al Shukaili said. “Royal Decree No 25/96 declared the Turtles Reserve in Ras Al Hadd, Sharqiyah South, with the aim of protecting them and saving their nesting habitats along the beaches. Also, Ras Al Jinz Scientific & Visitor Center, established in 2008, offers a unique ecotourism experience — an unparalleled encounter with sea turtles. It houses a research library and research facilities for marine biology and archaeology, promoting social responsibility and sound environmental practices,” he said. A visual presentation was made on the green turtles’ initiative in Arab Gulf. Abdullah al Subhi, from Biological Diversity Department, elaborated on GPS tracking devices to learn more about the living, feeding and migration patterns of sea turtles. Majid al Khanbashi, a natural reserves specialist, presented a paper on ecotourism and its role in oil economy, developing reserves and optimising the community income. Khoula al Azri, also a natural reserves specialist, spoke about the ministry’s efforts in the field, facts about turtles in Oman, their types and habitats, and the government’s conservation plans.