Oman Launches First Environmental Camp at Western Hajar Starlight Reserve

Oman’s Environment Authority Holds First Camp at Western Hajar Starlight Reserve

Al Dakhiliyah: The Environment Authority organised the first environmental camp at the Western Hajar Starlight Reserve, with the participation of environmental monitors from the governorates of Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah and South Al Batinah.

The camp aims to enhance the efficiency of environmental monitors in field monitoring and inspection and develop their skills in protecting natural resources and biodiversity.

Held under a nature-camping programme inside the reserve, the camp features monitoring patrols, field workshops and scientific lectures introducing participants to the boundaries of the reserve and its central, buffer and transitional zones, as well as the requirements for working within each zone.

Saeed bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Head of the Al Hajar Al Gharbi Starlight Center in Al Nadab, said the camp seeks to strengthen the capabilities of environmental monitors through practical field training and provide an opportunity for exchanging experience among environmental departments.

He noted that conducting the programme inside the reserve allows participants to directly observe its natural environment and biodiversity.

Participants are divided into teams working at different locations across the reserve to conduct foot and joint patrols, monitor vegetation cover and identify environmental violations, particularly the cutting of old-growth trees.

The teams are also installing camera traps to monitor wildlife and identify the species present in the reserve.

The programme includes practical training on the use of GPS devices and camera traps, along with skills in monitoring, documentation, reporting and handling environmental violations. These activities are intended to improve the accuracy of field information and support monitoring within protected areas.

The accompanying sessions cover field-monitoring methods and situations that environmental monitors may encounter while carrying out their duties, providing a platform for participants to discuss appropriate responses and exchange experience in using equipment and conducting field inspections.

Al Busaidi said the reserve covers approximately 386 square kilometres across a mountain range extending through Al Dakhiliyah, Al Dhahirah and South Al Batinah Governorates.

The reserve is characterised by mountainous terrain, a semi-arid climate and low levels of light pollution. Its vegetation includes juniper, wild olive and holly trees, including ancient trees, while its wildlife includes the lynx, as well as various bird and reptile species.

The camp also includes a dedicated programme to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the night sky from light pollution through scientific, environmental and astronomical lectures.

The lectures address the impact of artificial lighting on the visibility of stars and nocturnal wildlife, as well as the energy waste associated with unnecessary lighting.

The camp forms part of the Environment Authority’s efforts to qualify national personnel working in nature reserves, strengthen their field capabilities and enhance cooperation among environmental departments across Oman’s governorates to support environmental monitoring and biodiversity conservation.