Latest news with #SuaadalHarthy
Observer
6 days ago
- Science
- Observer
Oman initiates protection of humpback whales
Muscat, June 15 In a rare convergence of international scientists, environmental leaders and policymakers, Oman played host last week to a groundbreaking workshop focused on protecting one of the world's most endangered and isolated whale populations — the Arabian Sea humpback whale. The workshop was considered the start of efforts to develop a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the population, which is isolated to the Arabian Sea and listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species. The workshop facilitated regional collaboration, particularly between Oman and India, guiding the convergence of national conservation efforts into a regional framework. This process is supported by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) in conjunction with the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), platforms with a conservation agenda that will allow the plan to be adopted by all range states boarding the Arabian Sea. 'The scientific community has built a strong foundation of knowledge over the past 25 years,' said Suaad al Harthy of the Environment Society of Oman. 'The CMP efforts now support the aspirations for development of government policy and regional collaboration.' During the workshop participants also examined past and ongoing threat mitigation strategies and reflected on international legal instruments and regional initiatives that could support the CMP's development. A special focus was placed on Masirah, which is internationally recognised as an 'Important Marine Mammal Area' and home to what is considered to be the most important Arabian Sea humpback whale habitat in Oman. The three-day gathering has resulted in a shared vision for marine mammal protection in the region. Stakeholders aim to engage more actively in marine mammal monitoring and conservation and draft a non-binding CMP agreement between Oman and India that paves the way for a wider regional CMP under the auspices of the IWC and CMS. 'Scientific teams from around the region have been identifying threats and advocating for protection of this population as a matter of urgency' commented Dr Andrew Willson from Future Seas. 'The threats from human activities throughout this population's range are rapidly accelerating and the whales are faced with the cumulative impacts of multiple stressors." Collaboration between scientists, government and industry is the only way to tackle these multiple threats. The interest shown by the shipping industry to support the management plan is truly encouraging and demonstrates concern and willingness of industry to navigate carefully through sensitive areas'. This sentiment was best captured by Captain Wolfram Guntermann, representing the World Shipping Council, who very simply stated, 'The life of an endangered whale is priceless'.
Observer
10-05-2025
- Observer
Regeneration project enhances Masirah Island's ecological value
A new locally driven initiative is reimagining the future of Masirah Island by placing ecological regeneration at the centre of sustainable development. Positioned as one of Oman's most unique and underutilised tourism destinations, Masirah is now the focus of a pilot project exploring how natural capital can be restored while laying the groundwork for low-impact tourism opportunities aligned with Oman Vision 2040. The Masirah Beach Regeneration Project — funded by the British Omani Society — is a collaborative effort between local and national stakeholders, including the Wali's Office of Masirah, Environment Authority, Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, Oman Botanic Garden, Environment Society of Oman (ESO), Ocean Ecology Network and Future Seas. The project showcases how community collaboration and environmental leadership can shape a more resilient and inclusive future for coastal areas. Masirah Island is home to some of Oman's most biologically rich coastal ecosystems, with endemic plants, fringing coral reefs, migratory and resident bird populations, and four species of sea turtles — including the globally significant loggerhead turtle population. However, these natural assets face growing threats from unmanaged visitors' activities, urban lighting and beach driving, all of which put pressure on biodiversity and hinder the island's potential as a nature-based tourism destination. 'Masirah is a really special place for wildlife,' says Suaad al Harthy, Executive Director of ESO. 'But these are fragile ecosystems. Our research over the past 20 years has shown that nesting success is easily disrupted by light pollution, beach driving and unregulated tourism. The opportunity now is to reverse these impacts in a way that strengthens both the environment and the economy.' Introducing the concept of regenerative tourism to Oman, the project aims to demonstrate how development can work with nature rather than against it. Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability — emphasising restoration, local stewardship and shared value creation across communities, ecosystems and future generations. Nature-based solutions are a cornerstone of the pilot strategy. The team is assessing which beaches carry the highest ecological value and studying how native dune vegetation can stabilise sediment and shield turtle nesting zones from erosion and rising seas. 'We're conducting field studies to understand how local plant communities can be restored and expanded,' explains Dr Laila al Harthy of the Oman Botanic Garden. 'We're looking at propagation both on-site and at our facility in Muscat, and exploring how revegetation can complement the island's broader eco-tourism vision.' The pilot phase is focused on a critical nesting beach on Masirah's east coast. Early activities include a landscape assessment and conceptual design for low-impact infrastructure — such as shaded picnic areas, interpretive signage, dune walkways and basic visitor facilities — designed to integrate into the natural landscape and enhance visitor experience without compromising ecological integrity. 'We're looking at how other countries have successfully implemented nature-focused tourism,' says Andy Willson from Future Seas, who has supported conservation work on Masirah since 2008. Long-term community benefit and local leadership are essential pillars of the project. Stakeholders are engaging with community members throughout the process, envisioning a locally run model with beach rangers, eco-guides and conservation stewards all trained and employed from within the island. The initiative also highlights a need for investment to strengthen waste management, protect fragile dunes and mitigate threats like light pollution and vehicle erosion. At present, visible impacts from fishing debris, unmanaged tourism and development pressures continue to undermine both ecological health and visitor appeal. 'Much of the value of these beaches is being unnecessarily lost,' says Andy. 'But we know that high-value tourist destinations thrive when their environments are pristine and protected. Masirah has everything it needs to become one of them.' As the pilot progresses, the team aims to demonstrate a model that aligns conservation with tourism and community-led planning — not just for Masirah, but as an example for other sensitive coastal areas across Oman. Richard Stanford, Chairman of the British Oman Society, adds: "The Masirah Beach Regeneration Project is very important for improving the ecological condition of the island which will help to boost responsible environmental tourism and grow the economy. Encouraging collaboration between local communities, environmental experts and national stakeholders, this initiative not only safeguards Masirah Island's unique biodiversity, but also unlocks its potential as a model for regenerative tourism in Oman. The British Omani Society is proud to support such important environmental work as we seek to support Oman Vision 2040." Visitors are invited to support these efforts by respecting beach guidelines; avoid driving on beaches and vegetation, limit the use of torch and camp lights on beaches during the nesting season and leave no waste behind.
Observer
29-04-2025
- Science
- Observer
ESO gets funding from National Geographic Society
MUSCAT: The Environment Society of Oman (ESO)'s executive director Suaad al Harthy has been awarded funding from the National Geographic Society to support a groundbreaking coral reef conservation and capacity-building project in Oman. Al Harthy, a National Geographic Explorer and recipient of the Society's 2024 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia, will use her grant to further ESO's leadership in Oman's environmental conservation. Using the funding, Al Harthy and ESO will pursue two primary objectives: coral reef conservation and capacity building to ensure the long-term sustainability of these critical ecosystems. ESO researchers will assess the health, recovery and resilience of coral reefs surrounding Muscat, including those within and beyond the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve. The initiative also aims to empower female field scientists to lead in coral reef research and protection efforts. Technical support for the project is provided by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD). Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots vital to fisheries, tourism, coastal protection and climate resilience. However, they are increasingly threatened by climate change, human activities and natural disturbances that undermine their ability to provide crucial environmental and economic benefits. ESO's project will contribute critical data to inform sustainable conservation strategies. A key component of the project is a coral reef monitoring workshop, scheduled for April 20–23, 2025, in Muscat. Organised in partnership with NYUAD, the workshop will bring together environmentalists, dive centre experts and academic researchers to strengthen Oman's reef monitoring capacity. Using the funding, Al Harthy and ESO will pursue two primary objectives: coral reef conservation and capacity building to ensure the long-term sustainability of these critical ecosystems. The workshop will be hosted at Oman Sail headquarters. Its brand, SeaOman – the country's leading marine leisure provider and a certified PADI 5* Instructor Development Centre – is supporting ESO by facilitating reef monitoring surveys. 'I am extremely grateful for this grant, which enables my colleagues and I to deepen our understanding of the recovery and resilience of coral reef sites around Muscat, while raising awareness of their importance to both marine biodiversity and Oman's coastal economy. A key pillar of this initiative is capacity building — particularly empowering female field scientists and volunteers to play a leading role in the long-term protection of these vital ecosystems,' she said. Marine conservation enthusiasts also attended a public talk by Prof John Burt, Marine Biologist at NYUAD, titled 'Corals in a Changing Climate: Lessons from the Arabian Gulf' on April 20, 2025. Details about upcoming ESO public events can be found on the organisation's official social media platforms.
