MUSCAT: The Environment Society of Oman (ESO)’s executive director Suaad al Harthy has been awarded funding from the National Geographic Society to support a groundbreaking coral reef conservation and capacity-building project in Oman. Al Harthy, a National Geographic Explorer and recipient of the Society’s 2024 Wayfinder Award presented by Kia, will use her grant to further ESO’s leadership in Oman’s environmental conservation.
Using the funding, Al Harthy and ESO will pursue two primary objectives: coral reef conservation and capacity building to ensure the long-term sustainability of these critical ecosystems. ESO researchers will assess the health, recovery and resilience of coral reefs surrounding Muscat, including those within and beyond the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve. The initiative also aims to empower female field scientists to lead in coral reef research and protection efforts. Technical support for the project is provided by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD).
Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots vital to fisheries, tourism, coastal protection and climate resilience. However, they are increasingly threatened by climate change, human activities and natural disturbances that undermine their ability to provide crucial environmental and economic benefits. ESO’s project will contribute critical data to inform sustainable conservation strategies.
A key component of the project is a coral reef monitoring workshop, scheduled for April 20–23, 2025, in Muscat. Organised in partnership with NYUAD, the workshop will bring together environmentalists, dive centre experts and academic researchers to strengthen Oman’s reef monitoring capacity.
Source:
Oman Observer
