Muscat – Blessed with diverse topography and terrain, including deserts, mountains and seas, Oman is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Environmental Authority has reported that nature reserves attracted almost 50,000 visitors this year. What measures should be taken by the concerned authorities to attract more visitors and make nature reserve national icons? Here’s what Muscat Daily readers said –

Salim al Abri
Public sector employee
I believe that the concerned authorities should prioritise the development of essential infrastructure within and around nature reserves. There must also be proper signage and information boards to educate visitors about the reserve’s significance. Reserves must have well-maintained roads, visitor centres and accommodation facilities.

Manish Kumar
Private sector employee 
Engaging everyone (local and well as the expatriate community) is crucial for the success of any nature reserve. Authorities should encourage community – including school children – involvement through volunteer programmes, cultural events and eco-friendly initiatives. Film or photography competitions/festivals on environments, events such as nature walks and bird-watching tours can attract diverse groups of visitors, further enhancing reserves.

Nasser al Adawi
Brand manager 
Ecotourism is a new phenomenon that aims to research, study and contemplate nature, plants and animals. Oman has many of the most visited tourist destinations in the Arabian Peninsula due to its beautiful natural landscapes. The Environment Authority seeks to invest in natural reserves to encourage environmental and domestic tourism and provide financial returns that contribute to the development and support the national economy. Offering investment opportunities to specialised companies, institutions and investors wishing to manage ecotourism projects will help increase the number of tourists.

Salim Yahya
Businessman
To elevate the status of nature reserves as national icons, authorities should invest in educational programmes and interpretation centres. These initiatives can provide visitors with valuable insights into the local flora and fauna, environmental conservation efforts and the overall ecological importance of the reserve.

Salim Ahmed
Salesman
The best way to preserve any place is to have fewer buildings. Normally nature reserves have migratory birds and too much infrastructure disturbs them. Also, there must be proper adverts in social media about these places. Visitors must be suggested how to reach these reserves. Many do not know how to reach the destination.

Toufiq Ahmed
Private sector employee
To ensure the long-term viability of nature reserves, concerned authorities must implement and promote sustainable tourism practices. This involves setting visitor limits, enforcing eco-friendly guidelines and investing in eco-tourism initiatives. There also must be strict fines for pollution and littering.

Manish Solanki
Club manager
It’s wonderful to see so many visitors exploring nature reserves. To attract even more visitors and make reserves national icons, the concerned authorities could consider implementing a few measures. They could enhance the infrastructure and facilities at reserves, such as improving trails, adding informative signage, and providing amenities like picnic areas and restrooms. Promoting reserves through various marketing channels, like social media campaigns and partnerships with travel agencies, could also help raise awareness and attract more visitors. Additionally, organising events and activities like guided tours, nature walks and educational programmes can engage visitors and create memorable experiences. By focusing on these aspects, concerned authorities can further enhance the appeal of nature reserves and make them a national treasure.

Yahya Hautamaki
Private sector employee
Well-marked trails and a mobile app for navigation would go a long way to attract more visitors and make nature reserve national treasures.

Mike Omotegbona Kosie
Businessman
Promotional activities in print and digital media, good access and transportation, proper safety and security, minimal restrictions, and entertainment facilities will help attract more visitors to nature reserves.