Muscat – Oman is drawing up a new management plan for the Jabal Akhdar Biosphere Reserve, covering conservation, climate change monitoring and sustainable ecotourism as authorities seek to strengthen protection of one of the country’s key natural areas.

The Environment Authority on Monday organised a specialised workshop for members of the National Committee for the Man and the Biosphere Programme to review the draft plan and discuss how its programmes can be aligned with strategies of relevant government sectors.

A key part of the plan involves defining the reserve’s core, buffer and transition zones, providing a framework for balancing environmental protection with human activity and sustainable use.

Committee members examined proposed conservation programmes, environmental surveys and climate monitoring, alongside plans for sustainable ecotourism, benefit sharing, education and awareness, and greater participation by stakeholders.

The workshop is expected to produce a consolidated document incorporating observations and amendments from committee members before the management plan moves forward.

It will also define the roles of government and other entities represented on the committee in implementing the proposed programmes.

The meeting discussed the formation of a technical team to monitor the Jabal Akhdar and Al Sareen nature reserves, as well as preparation of baseline information for each site covering boundaries, geographical ranges, environmental values and challenges.

Officials also discussed mechanisms to strengthen the work of the National Committee and adopt an annual programme of activities.

The session reviewed outcomes of the 38th meeting of the Man and the Biosphere Programme Council, as well as Oman’s participation in an international meeting in Paraguay and the programme’s Youth Conference.

The proposed management framework comes as authorities look to integrate conservation with tourism and community involvement in environmentally sensitive areas.

Jabal Akhdar’s draft plan places particular emphasis on identifying conservation priorities while establishing mechanisms for environmental monitoring and sustainable tourism.

The Environment Authority said the process is intended to bring together the responsibilities of different institutions and strengthen coordination in managing and protecting the biosphere reserve.