Muscat: The Environment Authority (EA) has successfully completed the final phase of the coral reef rehabilitation project in the Daymaniyat Natural Reserve.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the Environment Authority carried out a unique initiative on Sunday. They submerged decommissioned military equipment in the marine environment, effectively creating an underwater museum. This endeavor aims to provide an ideal habitat for coral reefs to thrive and foster the proliferation of marine organisms. The project specifically focuses on rehabilitating and expanding the coral reef areas, compensating for any losses caused by natural and human factors. The ultimate goal is to establish a new ecosystem that closely resembles natural coral reefs. This innovative approach is expected to attract a diverse range of marine creatures, and there are plans to develop an underwater military equipment museum.
Furthermore, this project contributes to the promotion of eco-tourism by creating a distinctive and innovative tourist attraction for visitors and diving enthusiasts. It supports the overall tourism sector in the Sultanate of Oman and helps alleviate the pressure on the natural coral reef sites within the Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve.
It is worth mentioning that the Environment Authority coordinated with the Ministry of Defence and received eight pieces of equipment, including seven Man Atlas trucks and a Skyven aircraft. The chosen site near the islands of the Daymaniyat Natural Reserve was selected due to its favorable conditions, including the presence of natural coral reefs at an appropriate distance. This proximity is expected to facilitate the rapid growth and abundance of coral reefs and marine organisms at the project site.
