Future of whales and dolphins in Oman brighter, thanks to Ford grants support of research and conservation initiative

• Increased scientific understanding of natural habitat improves conservation efforts
• Sustainable eco-tourism practices ensured through community involvement

Oman's rich marine life and coastal habitats are rapidly changing as a result of the Sultanate's steady march to progress. Its increased industrial, agricultural and industrial activities may impact its rich and diverse marine life, including about 20 different species of whales and dolphins, signaling a trying time to activate environmental protection efforts.

Thanks to a group of dedicated volunteer scientists, however, Oman's cetacean guests can look forward to a friendlier habitat. "Through research, we hope to gain a comprehensive understanding of the distribution and ecology of whales and dolphins in Oman in order to help protect their habitats," said Robert Baldwin, Leader of the Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group.

The Environment Society of Oman, past year recipient of Ford Motor Company's Conservation and Environmental Grants, is the umbrella organisation that overseas various environmental initiatives in the country, including the Oman Whale and Dolphin Research Group, the group primarily responsible for the research undertaking.

The group's work includes maintaining a database of cetacean sightings and strandings. To date, the database includes over 1600 reports of sightings and strandings dating back to the 1970's. It is officially held by the Oman Natural History Museum, but volunteers update information with new reported sightings.

"We use the data to look for patterns, as well as generate maps and charts of sightings to understand distribution, migration and other behavioural models that can help our conservation efforts," added Baldwin.

The more visible aspect of the group's efforts can be seen from its emergency rescue services for whales and dolphins stranded on Oman's beaches or entangled in fishing nets; as well as disseminating information through local media, presentations to the public and development of educational materials to promote awareness of Oman's cetaceans and the need to protect their environment.

Recognising the delicate issue of progress and sustainable development, Baldwin explained that his group has also actively engaged local tour operators to promote responsible whale and dolphin-watching activities. "If there is an opportunity, we use research and our activities to benefit eco-tourism efforts in the country. This way, we help conserve the natural habitat of whales and dolphins and contribute to the progress of the Sultanate," Baldwin continued.

So far, the group's dedication and hard-work have paid off, including increased public and scientific understanding of whales and dolphins. Many of the organisation's findings have been published in respected journals locally and internationally. "We have also seen a rise in government involvement to improve marine life conditions in general, as well as enhanced economic benefits resulting from the use of gained information by maritime eco-tourism operators."

Aside from raising general public awareness, the programme has engaged Omani researchers and students (including PHD students) in extensive and advanced marine life training.

In recognition of its efforts, Ford Motor Company chose the Environment Society of Oman as one of the recipients of its Conservation and Environment Grants for the whale and dolphin research programme. "Beyond the recognition, which we of course appreciate, we are thankful to Ford Motor Company for providing us the means to continue our research which will hopefully enable us to do more," explained Baldwin. "And thanks to Ford, we can now afford a new boat," he enthused.

This year, Ford Motor Company will once again select winners for its annual Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environment Grants. The grants were introduced in the GCC in 2000, and expanded to include Jordan, Lebanon and Syria in 2001. An independent jury of government officials, private and international environmentalists selects winners, and applications this year are accepted until February 14, 2008. More information on the 2007-2008 Ford Grants can be found at the bilingual website www.ford-environmentalgrants.com.

The criteria to enter remain unchanged. The Ford Grants are open to small-scale, non-profit groups and individuals in the GCC and Levant countries with ongoing projects aimed at the natural environment, environmental education, or conservation engineering. Grants have ranged between US$1,000 and US$15,000, and more than 75 projects have received funding since 2000. A total of USD600,000 has been given as grants since its inception in the region.

Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East's Sales & Marketing director, said: "Just like many of our grant recipients, we feel privileged to be doing something for the environment in the communities where we serve our customers. Globally, Ford Motor Company has actively supported various initiatives to improve the environment. Through the grants, we hope to encourage more individuals and groups to play an active role and to recognize their efforts publicly."