Muscat – Oman encompasses 32 natural reserves spanning an area of roughly 17839.6 sq km, which equals about 5.76% of its total land area. These reserves form a core pillar of Oman’s strategy for environmental conservation and biological diversity protection, covering terrestrial, marine, and wetland ecosystems.

Zahra Khalaf Al Shuraiqi, Head of the Natural Reserves Management Department at the Environment Authority, stated that reserves support scientific research, environmental monitoring, and sustainable resource use.

Over the past five years, Oman has announced 6 new reserves, culminating in the establishment of the marine buffer zone around the Hallaniyat Islands. Furthermore, Jabal Akhdar and Al Sarin reserves were added to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves last year.

The Environment Authority focuses on high-priority national and global species such as the Arabian leopard, Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelle, Arabian tahr, sea turtles, and birds of prey, adhering to International Union for Conservation of Nature standards.

To combat challenges like illegal hunting and climate change—which affects temperatures, rainfall, and coral reefs—the Authority integrates climate factors into management plans, restores habitats, and expands mangrove cultivation. The reserves also drive the green economy by promoting ecotourism through structured visitor management systems, designated paths, carrying capacities, and strict environmental controls for investments.