Are you interested in making a positive impact on the environment? There is now an opportunity for an enriching experience while contributing to the preservation of Dhofar Governorate’s natural beauty!
Salalah Adventure Tours, a local adventure tour company based in Taqah, Salalah, has been actively involved in environmental cleanup efforts since 2021, making a significant impact in reducing waste and preserving the environment.
Since the launch of this initiative, the dedicated team at Salalah Adventure Tours (SAT) has successfully collected a staggering 8,968.6 kg of trash and debris from beaches, wadis, and other outdoor areas.
All their guides are Omanis with the tourism licensed and are experts in different activity on offer. This includes thousands of plastic bottles, bags, and various other discarded items, all of which have been properly disposed of in collaboration with Be’ah, Oman’s environmental services holding company. These cleanup activities have become an integral part of the company's operations.
“Our decision to initiate these cleanup efforts stemmed from witnessing the deteriorating state of many beautiful locations during our adventure trips,” says a spokesperson for Salalah Adventure Tours. “The realisation dawned on us during our very first cleanup, where we collected over 100 kg of plastic bottles alone.”
Founded by Spanish entrepreneur Hugo Lopez in 2019, SAT carefully selects cleanup locations based on their vulnerability or outstanding natural beauty in and around Salalah.
Beyond merely collecting litter, the initiative aims to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage responsible stewardship of the environment.
The tour guides, Khulood al Shukaili, Salim al Kathiri, and Haitham al Mashikhi, share their perspectives on the cleanup activities. They emphasize the importance of preserving Salalah’s most beautiful places and express gratitude for the support received from universities, hotels, and volunteers.
“Maintaining environmental cleanliness reflects a nation’s progress and sophistication,” remarked Khulood Al Shukaili, highlighting the collaborative effort’s significance in enhancing public awareness.
In addition to the company’s staff, volunteers from Dhofar University, UTAS Salalah, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, star hotels, and the wider community actively participate in cleanup events, combining fun with social responsibility.
Despite the daunting scale of litter in some areas, noticeable improvements have been observed in frequently cleaned sites like Wadi Ghaiz. “We aim to educate the new generation about the harmful effects of plastic and preserve Oman's pristine environment for a better future,” said Salim Al Kathiri. Haitham Al Mashikhi added, “This initiative not only underscores the importance of environmental conservation but also conveys a powerful message of responsibility and enjoyment to all.”
Maher Bahsoun, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah, says they are dedicated to operating sustainably and reducing our environmental footprint through IHG’s Green Engage programme.
“Initiatives to conserve energy and water, implement waste recycling, and prioritise the use of eco-friendly materials. We have also eliminated all single-use plastics from our operations. Our kitchen garden project is expanding to provide fresher, locally-grown produce. We proudly support cleanup efforts, aligning with IHG’s Giving for Good corporate social responsibility to protect destinations worldwide. Preserving Oman’s natural beauty is essential for our community and the tourism industry. We are honoured to have our team members regularly volunteer and contribute to these vital environmental initiatives,” points out Maher.
With its commitment to environmental stewardship, SAT ensures that Oman’s breathtaking landscapes remain preserved for generations to come. Those interested in joining upcoming cleanup events are encouraged to reach out, as the Adventure Tours team welcomes more helping hands.
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