Move to fight plant loss at Oman's unique Sharqiya Sands

Muscat: Scientists at the Oman Botanic Garden (OBG), a project set up by the government to conserve the sultanate's unique ethnobotanical heritage, has launched a study of the natural flora of the country's renowned Sharqiya Sands.

The object of the study is to reverse plant loss in this unique environment, which is a magnet for adventure-minded tourists eager for the thrills offered by dune-driving, sand-surfing and pursuits.

Nature lovers, too, come for the opportunity to immerse themselves in the solitude offered by this expansive "sand-sea", with its stunning dunes, glorious dawns and sun-sets, as well as for a peek at the nomadic lifestyles of the Bedu.

Over-grazing

Concerned that over-grazing and climate change could have a devastating impact on the biodiversity of this singularly exceptional, yet fragile, desertscape, OBG researchers have been studying the climatic, geological and floral feature that makes the Sharqiya Sands unique.

Abdullah Bin Saeed Al Hosni, a horticulture specialist at OBG, explained: "The desert climate is characterised by high temperatures, scarce rainfall and a mobile substrate. Its plants cope with these difficult climatic conditions with a variety of strategies, for example, reaching deep water sources with long roots or reducing water loss by having very few leaves."

Outlining the importance of these tough organisms, he added: "The plants of the desert are used in a range of ways, including for food or for medicine. The loss of desert plants, through over-grazing or climate change could have a dramatic impact, not just for people, but for many animals and other living things that rely on these plants for food and shelter in a hostile environment."

Conservatories

Covering 420 hectares and including covered ‘biomes or conservatories', outside habitats, a craft village, the Oman Botanic Garden is in an advanced stage of development at Al Khoudh on the outskirts of the capital, Muscat.

It aims to showcase all of Oman's 1,200 species of plants within a series of naturalistic habitats, to provide visitors with a taste of the diversity and beauty of the country and encourage people to value and protect the natural environment.