The Environment and Wildlife
The Sultanate of Oman is considered one of the leading countries in the region in the field of environment preservation, with the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment especially established for this purpose. His Majesty the Sultan has also sponsored a major biennial conservation award, which is considered the first
Arab international award of its kind, and is presented under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme in recognition of the outstanding contribution of individuals, groups, establishments and organisations in preserving the environment in accordance with UNESCO's policies.
As a mark of gratitude for his efforts in preserving the environment locally, regionally and internationally, His Majesty the Sultan was awarded the prestigious John C. Philips Award by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). Meanwhile, the National Environment Strategic Plan for the preservation of Oman's environment has become an integral part of a comprehensive development strategy aimed at increasing environmental awareness. Omani Environment Day is celegrated on 8th January each year. Over the last 13 years, a month-long competition has been organised between the different municipalities in the field of environment preservation. A similar activity is also organised by a number of industrial companies to promote awareness of industrial environmental issues.
A comprehensive environment programme was established by His Majesty the Sultan in 1984, in cooperation with the WWF, with the primary objectives of protection and breeding of endangered species of animals and plants. Six nature reserves were established under the programme: an Arabian Oryx Reserve with over 300 oryx in Jiddat al Harasis; a Marine Turtle Reserve at Ras al-Hadd; the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve; the Wadi Sarin Nature Reserve for preservation of the Arabian tahr; protected areas in the Khors of Dhofar and a special Mangrove Nature Reserve. These reserves have become interesting tourist attractions and are particularly important to the long term preservation of key natural environments and species in the Sultanate.
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