Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) has announced a series of initiatives to promote ecotourism within the newly established Ghaf Tree Reserve in South Sharqiyah. The authority has designated the reserve spread over 130,592sqkm as a protected site for a period of 30 years.

An EA official stated that the reserve is designed to encourage ecotourism while safeguarding the environment. Special pathways will be created to allow visitors to explore the reserve without harming the natural surroundings. Tourism programmes such as educational tours, bird-watching trips and sustainable camping events will be introduced. Local communities will play an integral role by providing tourism services, including guiding visitors and selling traditional products, fostering sustainable development in the area.

The reserve was established to protect ghaf trees and other native plant species such as sidr and samr, alongside various annual and seasonal plants. The reserve also aims to safeguard local wildlife, including red foxes, rabbits, wild cats, mongooses and reptiles. It will also protect important bird species such as the Arabian partridge, Egyptian vulture and steppe eagle.

The official added, “Efforts will also focus on combating desertification and supporting resettlement of endangered species such as the Arabian gazelle.”

However, the reserve faces potential long-term challenges, including urban expansion, population growth and human activities that could exert pressure on its boundaries. Overgrazing, intensive agriculture and climate change also pose significant risks to its ecosystem.

“To address these challenges,” the official explained, “the authority plans to promote community awareness, enforce strict laws against illegal activities and establish protected zones within the reserve to minimise human impact. Alternative programmes will encourage sustainable economic activities among residents.”

EA will implement strategies to boost the ghaf tree population through planting initiatives and establishment of specialised nurseries for ghaf seedlings and other native plants. Collaboration with local communities will further expand tree planting efforts on farms and rehabilitate degraded land.

“At the end of the 30-year protection period, EA will conduct a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the reserve’s success in achieving its goals. If further protection is deemed necessary, efforts will continue, with plans to convert the reserve into a permanent model,” the official said.