Oman's Geological Treasure Trove A Major Tourist Attraction
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eTN The Geological Society of Oman (GSO) has embarked on a new initiative that aims to shine an international spotlight on the sultanate’s world-class geological wonders. Dubbed ‘GeoWonders,’ the project involves a major marketing campaign and exhibition focusing on the rich diversity of the country’s geological wealth. Eight GeoWonder themes have been developed with the aim of providing the tourism industry with the necessary marketing tools to attract geo-tourists into Oman. The initiative is also aimed at provoking public interest in the country’s geological heritage.
The GSO, established in 2001 as a fraternity of geologists, has been the driving force behind current efforts to conserve Oman’s pristine geological heritage and promote the country as a destination for geo-tourism. The sultanate, according to the Society, has textbooks examples of geological specimens and geomorphologic features. “This geological heritage is a treasure that deserves to be looked after and shared,†the GSO stated in its latest annual report.
“Geological conservation is an important area that is close to the hearts and minds of all people, geologists and others. With this in mind the Geological Conservation and Heritage Committee sees its role as educating the public about the importance of geosciences in protecting endangered sites and the sustainable development of geo-tourism.â€Â
Among the Society’s many objectives is a plan to establish GeoParks in the sultanate. As part of this goal, the GSO presented a paper on The Potential of Geo-tourism and GeoParks in Oman, at an international conference held in Germany last September. The paper highlighted the uniqueness and diversity of Oman’s natural geological assets, and the need for these assets to be managed in a sensible way. At the conference, the GSO also set out its vision for the future of Oman’s geological heritage. That goal envisions a future where all of the geological assets are identified, made accessible to a wide range of users, enjoyed in a responsible and sustainable manner, and passed on intact to future generations. “With the continuous development of Oman, more sites of special interest are becoming vulnerable,†the GSO noted in its annual report.
“The aim is to take a more proactive role in advising officials about the importance of these sites and working with them on ways to preserve them.†As part of this initiative, the GSO is also working with the Royal Oman Police to make them aware about the geological significance of specific sites, rocks and fossils. The Geological Conservation and Heritage Committee has also established links with Britain’s Geological Association (GA) with the aim of learning from its experience in establishing GeoParks in the sultanate.
The GA has actively supported geo-conservation and management of the UK’s geological heritage through its Curry Fund grants. Both the GSO and GA are exploring the possibility of a visit by the GSO to Britain during the GA’s 150th anniversary in 2008. That visit will give GSO members the opportunity to visit the UK’s geoparks, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Coast of East Devon and Dorset, and other geo-conservation sites. |
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