Integrated initiatives enhance marine environment protection in South Al Sharqiyah

Sur: During the month of September 2026, specialised teams from the Environment Department in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate conducted a campaign during which the participants saved the lives of 201 adult turtles that went stray from their natural habitat. They also brought a total of 57,744 hatchlings of turtles back to the sea during the campaign. The Environment Department in South Al Sharqiyah undertake constant efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. These efforts involve educational programmes that combine fieldwork with community outreach. The drive includes initiatives to protect nesting sites, monitor turtles and their hatchlings and handle emergency cases.The drive, which lays emphasis on community engagement, is supported by Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO).The recent activities took place at Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve—a prime nesting site for sea turtles. During such campaigns, specialists and environment activists patrol the beach, track egg-laying sites and assist hatchlings when necessary. They also facilitate visitor access to the sites and address behaviours that could endanger the turtles or spoil their habitat. -ONA