Coinciding with World Turtle Day 2016, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Oman officially opened its new Eco Centre on May 23 with Najeeb Al Rawas, undersecretary of Environment and Climate Affairs attending as guest of honour.

The celebrations started with children from class KG3 of the Our Planet School arriving to have their own preview of the eco centre and were educated by Mohammed Al Hasani, the resort's dedicated Turtle Ranger, with a talk on the Turtle Care programme that Shangri-La Muscat undertakes. The children were also shown examples of turtle along the resorts Al Bandar beachfront.

The official opening of the centre was attended by over 100 guests, which included local residents, hotel guests, the children from Our Planet and representatives from the Environment Society of Oman (ESO) and Five Oceans Environmental.

“The objective of the eco centre is to encourage education into the conservation of the natural environment that surrounds us here in Muscat and to raise awareness of the extensive work that Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa undertakes in order to protect the endangered sea turtles” said Dirk Salzsieder, the resort’s resident manager and head of the CSR committee.

He added; “After six months of planning, gathering information and creating our concept we are thrilled to officially be opening the eco centre today. We hope that this area will provide a fun and exciting environment for both children and adults alike to learn more about Muscat’s environment."

The newly created educational centre, located above Mokha Café in Al Bandar hotel, is a dedicated area to explore and learn about the natural eco system in Oman as well as the extensive CSR activities and initiatives the resort is involved in. The centre will not only have a collection of information to read and view, but will also be the location of our daily “Turtle Talk” and host of fun and engaging activities for children.

There are seven species of sea turtles in the world today, and six are in danger of extinction. All over the world, historical nesting beaches are being encroached upon, leading to fewer nests and fewer eggs laid. Fortunately, many countries, like Oman, are doing their best to protect sea turtles and ensure that they continue to live for future generations. Shangri-La has an extensive programme to protect the whole eco system in Muscat and the efforts to do this will all be highlighted in this dedicated centre.

The Eco Centre will be open daily from 10 am – 6 pm. Further information can be found on wwe.shangri-la.com/muscat. - TradeArabia News Service