Eco Tourism

‘Take only photographs; leave only footprints’

As travellers reach the far corners of the world, they are faced with the responsibility to preserve the fragile environments they visit. This idea of travelling responsibly is called ecotourism, conscientious travel to protect the environment and nourish its many cultures.

Rawabi & Eco-Tourism
Our mission is to promote sustainable development and eco-friendly travel by providing programs that help travellers protect the environmental, socio-cultural and economic needs of Oman.

Rawabi Desert Adventure’s decision to create and promote ecotourism was due to Peter Knox’s (founder and owner) years of experience in the Oil Industry in the area of Environmental Impact Assessment. He is and has always been quite aware of the importance of man’s impact on his surrounding environment. Oman’s landscape has been virtually untouched despite its rapid development both socially and economically over the past 35 years. It is essentially a blank canvas, one which can avoid suffering the mistakes made by other countries. We can do this by ensuring that the impact of tourism does not adversely affect the country and its people. There are many ways in which tourists and operators alike can limit the footprint they leave on the area they are visiting. RDA has taken the responsibility to meet the following criteria to enhance ecotourism:

  • conservation of biological diversity and cultural diversity, through ecosystems protection
  • promotion of sustainable use of biodiversity, by providing jobs to local populations
  • sharing of socio-economic benefits with local communities and indigenous people by having their informed consent and participation in the management of ecotourism enterprises.
  • increase of environmental & cultural knowledge
  • minimisation of tourism's own environmental impact
  • affordability and lack of waste in the form of luxury
  • local culture, flora and fauna being the main attractions

How you can be a responsible traveller:
While you are on tour minimize the negative social, environmental and economical impacts of your visit.

  • Remember ... you are a guest.
  • Be culturally sensitive and respect local customs.
  • Allow enough time in each place to appreciate it.
  • Travel by your own muscle power where possible.
  • Be careful not to introduce exotic plants or animals.
  • Stay on the track (trail).
  • Leave an area cleaner than when you found it.
  • Don't exploit an area when food gathering.
  • Don't disturb wildlife or wildlife habitats.
  • Familiarize yourself with local regulations.
  • Don't use soap or detergents in natural water bodies.
  • When travelling, spend money on local enterprises.
  • Consider the implications of buying plant and animal products. Find out if they're rare or endangered, taken from the wild, and if the trade is approved of by local authorities.
  • Don't encourage illegal trade by buying products made from endangered species.