Mahrouqi reviews progress at Oman Botanic Garden
H E Salim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism, visited Oman Botanic Garden to review progress of work on the project on Sunday.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, said H E Mahrouqi visited the site to monitor progress of work, meet officials, discuss construction and appreciate efforts made by the project team.
The project will showcase all the native plant species of Oman in carefully created natural habitats, from bone-dry deserts to lush green monsoon forests.
The garden will also feature traditionally cultivated crops and the many ways people use plants in Oman. Located at the foothills of the Al Hajar mountains in Al Khoud, the site is one of only a handful of locations in the world where the ancient seabed is visible sitting 100m above sea level.
The ministry informed that 1,407 species of indigenous flora have been grown in environments simulating their natural habitat. ‘The team has conducted about a thousand field trips since the beginning of the project.’
The project is the first of its kind in the region; no other botanical garden represents the entire flora of one country in habitat settings, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for visitors to experience the natural vegetation of Oman while learning about agricultural heritage, cultural traditions and the legendary hospitality of the country.
The project will include cable cars, nurseries, a visitor centre, research centre, field study centre, habitat gardens, habitat pavilions, amenity areas, play areas and family zones in garden settings that are unique to Oman.