Musandam Governorate: A Unique Marine Environment
Khasab, 21 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- The Environment Authority in Musandam Governorate continues to implement integrated environmental programs and projects, leveraging the region's wealth of marine inlets (khors), beaches, and islands that host a rich biodiversity of marine and terrestrial organisms.
Salim Humaid Al Junaibi, Director of the Environment Department in Musandam Governorate, told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the governorate is one of the most prominent environmental regions in the Sultanate of Oman due to its unique natural characteristics. Foremost among these is a marine environment renowned for its enchanting sandy beaches, winding inlets, and diverse islands, which support significant biodiversity including marine mammals, turtles, and birds, alongside coral reefs that serve as ecosystems of high environmental and economic importance.
He added that the marine environment in Musandam faces several challenges, most notably overfishing and oil pollution from oil tankers and cargo ships, in addition to the dumping of waste into the sea.
He pointed out that the Environment Authority works to mitigate the impact of these challenges by enforcing strict environmental laws and regulations against violators of wildlife. These efforts are complemented by intensifying environmental awareness programs through workshops, seminars, and lectures, and conducting cleaning campaigns for both terrestrial and marine environments. Furthermore, field studies and surveys are conducted to monitor obstacles and devise appropriate solutions to achieve a clean and sustainable environment.
Regarding the protection of dolphins, coral reefs, and marine life, Al Junaibi explained that the Authority places great importance on this area by raising environmental awareness among the local community and stakeholders, including government entities, tourism companies, divers, fishermen, and students from universities and schools.
He mentioned that the Authority implements scheduled periodic monitoring and surveillance programs using modern technologies, alongside field patrols and the preparation of environmental studies and research related to marine biodiversity. He noted that these monitoring and awareness programs undertake a pivotal role in balancing tourism activities with environmental conservation in Musandam by raising awareness about the importance of natural components and curbing violations that may negatively affect environmental resources.
On future plans to enhance environmental sustainability, he clarified that the Environment Authority is continuing its cleaning campaigns for land and sea in cooperation with relevant authorities and the local community. Plans also include intensifying periodic monitoring of various environments and conducting scientific research on terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
He further stated that the plans encompass afforestation projects to develop vegetation cover and combat desertification, enhancing environmental supervision over industrial projects, enforcing environmental regulations, and implementing projects aimed at preserving wildlife.
He noted that the governorate is currently witnessing several ongoing and planned environmental projects, most notably "Tharwa" Project which is dedicated to developing and rehabilitating coral reef environments.
Other important example include the Osprey Nesting Sites Monitoring Project, the Wild Tree Fencing Project in the Wilayat of Khasab, the Mangrove Planting Project in the Wilayat of Dibba and the Annual Seed Sowing Project in the Wilayat of Madha.
Al Junaibi also highlighted annual survey projects for terrestrial and marine environments, which include inventories of wild and sea birds, vegetation cover, terrestrial and marine mammals, turtles, beaches, wetland environments, and coral reefs. This is in addition to a project to survey types of marine mammals, the establishment and planting of the Al Mazi enclosure, and the implementation of programs for the Musandam National Natural Park in accordance with its approved management plan.
In conclusion, Salim Humaid Al Junaibi emphasized that these projects and programs collectively aim to monitor, develop, and rehabilitate natural environments, preserve biodiversity, and enhance the concept of environmental sustainability to ensure a clean and safe environment for current and future generations in Musandam Governorate.
---Ends/AG
