ABSTRACT
Occupying the southeastern corner of Arabia and lying under the influence of the moist monsoon, the southern Region of Oman has a unique climatic, vegetation and pastoral characteristics when compared to the rest of Oman or the Arabian Peninsula. The region comprises of four major inter-related sub-divisions: the Jerbeeb (short grass and shrubs), Khatam (tall grass and scattered trees) woodland on slopes and escarpments (decialnous trees, shrubs and climbers with an understory of grass and forbs) and Qatan (Euphorbia, shrubs and short grass).
For a long time these areas used to support livestock raising and traditional rain fed cultivation on the Jabel with limited irrigated agriculture on Salalah plain and fishing along the coast. Due to low human and livestock population this ecosystem was relatively stable. With advent of new development program: increased water availability, better human and animal health services, increased cash flow and subsidized goods both population increased exerting more pressure on the renewable natural resources. Traditional range utilization and livestock movement as well as right of use of grazing lands started to break down resulting in irrational use of some areas.
Being aware of the importance of range and woodlands, the Government initiated surveys, assessment and pilot management improvement programs. However, there was an immediate need for a program which would recognize the role of local communities, consult with herders and implement the program through their active participation. Such programs can meet herders expectations and ensure the long-term conservation of the rangeland and woodland resources of Oman.
