Muscat – The Environment Authority (EA) has stepped up efforts to safeguard natural heritage, uncovering dozens of environmental violations, including illegal tree cutting, beach sand removal and unlicensed land excavation, while also thwarting an attempt to smuggle endangered Omani spiny-tailed lizards through Muscat International Airport.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the sultanate’s natural resources and biodiversity, the authority said it continues to implement programmes aimed at conserving ecosystems, preserving nature reserves and protecting endangered species.

As part of these efforts, the EA is carrying out wildlife monitoring programmes and regulating activities that may adversely affect ecosystems, while strengthening environmental monitoring and inspection systems to ensure compliance with environmental standards and minimise harm to natural resources.

Hamad bin Salim Al Mashaykhi, Head of the Environment Centre in Al Kamil Wal Wafi in South Sharqiyah, said a total of 81 environmental violations of various types were recorded between January and June this year in the governorate.

He added that the Environment Centre in Al Kamil Wal Wafi alone registered five environmental violations during an intensive 24-hour inspection campaign conducted as part of ongoing field operations across the governorate.

The violations included the burning of used tyres, the cutting of protected ghaf trees in several conservation sites, excavation and transportation of soil without the required environmental permits, and the illegal extraction and transportation of beach sand.

Al Mashaykhi said the violations underscore the authority’s continued vigilance and determination to curb practices that breach environmental regulations and threaten ecosystems and natural habitats. He stressed that specialised teams will continue conducting field inspections to protect conservation areas from degradation.

He urged citizens, residents and business owners to comply fully with environmental legislation and obtain the necessary permits before undertaking any activities that may affect the environment.

In a separate case, the EA, in cooperation with relevant agencies, arrested an individual at Muscat International Airport for attempting to smuggle spiny-tailed lizards, a species classified as endangered. The reptiles were being transported illegally, prompting the authority to initiate legal action against the suspect in accordance with applicable regulations.