Plans afoot to invest on natural reserves

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) and Ministry of Tourism are preparing plans for managing natural reserves in the Sultanate, which will open up new avenues for investment in the tourism sector, according to official reports.

Tanfeedh had suggested several initiatives for investment in the management and development of tourist sites in the country.

The Tanfeedh handbook mentions making Oman’s natural resources accessible to international tourist markets, which include natural reserves and springs, natural caves, mountains, deserts and several islands.

Tanfeedh had called for privatising the management of nature sites and protected areas, including enabling niche adventure activities.

The handbook mentions that the Sultanate’s landscape and unique terrain gives it an edge to host several adventure and challenge activities and attract nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Promoting these advantages would impact the development and growth of the tourism sector as there are several investment opportunities in tourism in various areas in the Sultanate, which include the development of facilities and services within these natural attractions and rehabilitation of the sites.

It had also pointed out there were no tools currently available for investing in nature reserves, which limit their role in creating employment opportunities and supporting state revenues.