Muscat: The “Basmatna Gheer” volunteer team launched the “Capture Nature” program, targeting the Western Hajar Mountain Star Light Reserve to explore nature and promote ecotourism.
The attendees were a group of youth passionate about photography, drawing, and content creation.
According to the team, ecotourism is one of the most important sources of income diversification in Oman, as the country boasts stunning natural landscapes and rich biodiversity.
The Western Hajar Mountain Star Light Reserve was established by a Royal Decree in 2019 and its location in the Mountains, spanning three governorates: South Al Batinah, Al Dakhiliyah, and Al Dhahirah. The reserve is characterized by its biodiversity of plants and animals and has been designated a protected area due to its remoteness from cities and absence of light pollution, making it an ideal place for stargazing.
The two days program held on the 4th and 5th of October included activities such as stargazing, where participants had the chance to observe stars and planets in a clear, light-pollution-free sky. There was also a climate workshop that focused on the effects of climate change and environmental shifts. Participants engaged in hands-on activities such as olive harvesting while learning about cultivation methods, as well as had the opportunity to attend a traditional pottery-making workshop.
According to the participants they impressed by the experience,”The activities were well-organized and the program deepened our connection with nature while raising awareness on crucial environmental issues. There is a sense of fulfillment and appreciation for the unique blend of education and hands-on experience.”
The participants also contributed to a tree-tagging project by numbering a group of Acacia trees.
Samia Albalushi, Basmtna Gheer member explained, “Tagging ancient trees helps in tracking their health and monitoring them regularly, which contributes to their protection from deterioration or unintended removal.” Additionally, she pointed out that it plays a role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving these rare and historical trees, while promoting environmental conservation through the placement of barcodes on each tree. Ancient trees can also serve as an attraction for ecotourism, as tagging provides valuable information about these trees to visitors and those interested.
The team feels the initiatives represent an important step toward promoting ecotourism in Oman and highlighting the beauty of the Omani landscape and its environmental diversity.
“Through cooperation between government agencies and volunteer organizations, a balance between tourism development and environmental conservation can be achieved, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come,” the team stated.
Basmtna gheer is an environmental volunteer group that works on raising awareness about climate change efforts and advocates for grassroots action for the local community to achieve a sustainable future for youth. It is the group that organized the First Local conference of youth in Oman and regional conferences of youth (RCOY MENA) 2023 to provide the youth in Oman a platform to voice this message and demands.
The group works on different issues related to environment from planting trees to representing Omani youth in COP27 and COP28.
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