MUSCAT, 8 September 2007 — The Omani government is preparing a master plan to save the country's coastal areas from pollution caused by oil tankers and other ships and illegal fishing activities. This was disclosed by Mohammed ibn Abdullah Al-Mahramy, director-general of environmental affairs at the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources, while recounting the growing problems threatening Oman's 1,700-km-long coasts.
"We will have to act firmly and quickly to protect our coastal wealth before it becomes too late. Environment remains our top priority," Al-Mahramy said.
He said the need of the hour was sound development planning good enough to fight marine pollution and other allied issues. "Our immediate concern is to avoid further deterioration of our coastal areas, one of the largest in the region replete with beautiful beaches and islands."
He said Oman is part and parcel of international campaigns to protect environment from industrialization and urbanization and recalled the 1984 agreement with the World Conservation Union.
Al-Mahramy said the ministry has since undertaken a number of surveys countrywide and a master plan was in the offing to ensure pollution-free atmosphere in keeping with the international standards.
Also, he pointed out, the ministry wants all fishing activities to remain within the lawful domain. "Defaulters will be taken to task," he warned.
The government is also taking appropriate measures to avoid or minimize damages caused by cyclone Gonu that devastated parts of Oman last June. Rehabilitation and repair work is in full swing.
