Cyril Piaia, CEO of Muriya Tourism Development at the Muriya stall at the Gulf Eco Exhibition.
MUSCAT -- Conservation of the natural environment is a central concern for Muriya Tourism Development while managing its upcoming projects before, during and post construction. The company was the silver sponsor in the fourth Gulf Eco Exhibition that was recently held at the Exhibition Centre in Oman. "Muriya is committed to keep environmental concerns at the forefront of planning and design for each project," stated Cyril Piaia, Chief Executive Officer of Muriya.
It is following the example set by parent company Orascom's flagship development, El Gouna on Egypt's Red Sea coast where a beachside village has been built with minimal disruption to the surroundings. The development of El Gouna has gained international recognition for its efforts and has been bestowed with four prestigious Green Globe Awards. In Oman, Muriya is following suit and taking steps to ensure all its projects are developed in a socially responsible manner. The nine square metres stall that Muriya took up at the Gulf Eco highlighted some measures Muriya plans to implement.
The state of the coral life will regularly be monitored by specialists to calculate the impact of development. Steps will be taken to conserve the coral, such as banning boats from throwing anchors in coral areas; instead they could 'anchor' themselves on buoys (floating balls) that will be placed by Muriya. Buffer zones will be established in environment sensitive areas, such as the 50 - 70 m 'no building zone' near the 'khawrs' (inland creeks) in Salalah that houses special species of birds and fish. Vegetation clearing will be minimised to reduce habitat loss -- Muriya will try and build around the natural resources rather than destroy it.
In Salalah, Muriya will develop and implement a turtle management and nesting surveillance programme to protect the turtles. This will include restricting off road vehicles, limiting lights that distract turtles and educating people. A waste management plan will be put into place that will include recycling, minimisation of waste by educating guests and employees and regular waste collection and disposal. The company will also monitor any environmental changes in sediment or marine life, air emissions, dust, noise, and so on. Muriya will also liaise with local fishermen in Sifah to monitor and minimise impact on the marine life.
Piaia reiterated the key element of Muriya projects is to add to the beauty of the land rather than detract from it. The Gulf Eco Exhibition was organised by Oman International Trade & Exhibition (OITE). This year around 300 companies participated in the exhibition to raise awareness for the urgent issues that the environment faces in today's world.
By A Staff Reporter
© Oman Daily Observer 2008
