As the temperatures continue to soar and the outdoors become unpalatable, city dwellers are bound to look towards the Western Hajar Mountains or Jabal Akhdar range for a quick tryst with nature in sublime conditions. With temperatures hovering around the 20s and 30s even in summer, Jabal Akhdar Nature Reserve is an easy lure for outdoor enthusiasts. The mountain range rises to a height of 2.980 metres, with its wide plateau close to the summit enhancing its attraction for nature lovers. It is also home to a wide range of exotic fruit crops, thanks to its fascinating geographical features and unique weather conditions. The green blankets enveloping the mountains are another reason why visitors flock to this place, which is aptly called the ‘Green Mountain’.
However, following a decision by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs, visitors wanting to savour the rich natural delights of Al Jabal Al Akhdar Nature Reserve will now have to pay an entry fee, which is expected to bolster the Ministry’s drive towards sustainable tourism.
As per the decision, the following entrance fees will be charged for visitors wanting to enter the Jabal Akhdar Nature Reserve:
For a day visit:
- OMR1 for Omani adults and OMR5 for non-Omanis
- 100 baizas for Omani children under 16 years; OMR1 for non-Omani children
For an overnight stay:
- OMR5 for Omanis and OMR10 for non-Omanis
- OMR1 for Omani children and OMR5 for non-Omani children
These Nature Reserve fees are not applicable for military members, government officials, and academic researchers during official duty, or for residents of the reserve and their blood relatives.
The decision is expected to streamline the flow of visitors to the area and help the Ministry achieve the goals of the Nature Reserve in protecting the biodiversity of species along the Al Hajar Mountains. The reserve stretches along parts of the mountain and reaches the borders of South Al Batinah and is home to several species of birds, Arabian wolves and foxes, as well as and 10 types of rodents. The new decision will boost sustainable environmental tourism and improve local economic conditions.
According to Article 2 of the decision, camping is only allowed in the reserve with prior permission and at the specified time. Visitors are required to drive vehicles only on roads specified by the Ministry, which has also directed that lighting fire requires obtaining a prior permission. Besides, the Ministry prohibits hunting or collecting any wildlife antiques or even stones from the reserve.
The specified list of don’ts, designed to meet its sustainable environment goals, prohibits cutting or burning of trees at the Nature Reserve; discarding waste and using firearms or conventional weapons; use of any kind of toxin; digging wells or mining of any kind; collecting samples for any studies or research without prior permission; and establishing any new facility or expanding old buildings inside the reserve without the permission of the ministry.
The decision, which became effective towards end of May, also stipulates a fine for those who violate the new rule. Violators will be charged a fine of OMR 50, not exceeding OMR200; the same shall be doubled in case of repeat offence.
In tandem with the new decision is the Ministry’s plan to set up a Starlight Reserve in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, which will be the first of its kind in the Gulf. A Royal Decree was signed to establish the same. Article 1 of the Decree states: ‘A nature reserve shall be established in the area of Al Hajar Al Gharbi to see the lights of the stars in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, which shall be assigned the area specified in the decree.’
The areas specified in the decree will be protected from light pollution, which will provide a perfect opportunity for nature to lovers to indulge their senses, as well as astronomers to study the sky under a clear sky.