(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- As part of privatising the management of nature reserves and protected areas, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) and Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) signed an MoU to develop the Al Huqf Geopark in Al Wusta recently.
The agreement was signed by H E Maitha al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary in MoT and Abdul Amir Abdul Hussein al Ajmi, PDO's director, External Affairs and Value Creation.
'As a part of supporting the vision of the National Program for Enhancing Economic Diversification (Tanfeedh), the MoT and PDO signed an MoU to develop sustainable tourism activities in Al Huqf Geopark in Al Wusta governorate,' the ministry stated.
According to Tanfeedh, three sites have been identified for privatisation of nature reserves which include Qurum Nature Reserve, Al Huqf Geopark and the Al Saleel National Park. Al Huqf is the first project to be handed over to the private investor under the scheme.
'With an intention to augment tourist infrastructure, explore the sultanate's tourism potential and attract tourists, this initiative aims to privatise the management of specific natural and protected sites in Oman.
'To achieve this objective, the government plans to entrust the management of nature reserves and protected sites to private investors in accordance with a specific regulatory framework. The local community living in and around the protected area will be integrated into the development plan,' Tanfeedh's Implementation Support and Follow-Up Unit (ISFU) stated.
According to ISFU, Al Huqf Geopark, which includes Duqm Rock Garden and Al Wusta Wildlife Sanctuary, offers great diversity and lends itself to a wide range of activities suitable for tourism. 'Hence, the tourism potential of the Al Huqf Geopark can be leveraged through three focus areas including geological, cultural and environmental. As part of the Al Huqf Geopark
plan, a map will be developed for tour operators. The map will include potential geological, educational, cultural, social and environmental activities the tourists can engage in.'
ISFU stated that the goal is to reduce reliance on government spending and to develop new recreational opportunities in Oman. Additionally, ISFU has added a new initiative 'Expedite Growth in Domestic Tourism' as part of the tourism drive this year.
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