Employees of Microsoft Oman took part in a project to clean up Daymaniyat Islands, to help preserve and protect marine wildlife and the natural richness of the coral reefs in Oman.

Supported by the Ministry of Environment in Oman, Tawasul, Extra Divers, Al Sawadi Beach Resort and Waveaction, the reef clean-up project took place over two days where divers removed large volumes of litter such as plastic bags, fishing line, discarded fishing nets, bottle caps and tin cans.

Located about 40 minutes from the coast of Muscat, Daymaniyat Islands is a world heritage Unesco site that is flanked by strikingly scenic coasts and the coral reefs of Oman. Some of the reef areas contain rare coral communities that are currently being faced with several environmental hazards. Seeing that the reefs needed to be protected, the Omani government introduced the country’s first National Coral Reef Management Plan with the aim of preserving the health and richness of the corals.

“The aim of this reef clean-up project was to reach the right message out to the community to help create awareness on the importance of preserving our natural environmental treasures,” stated Hilal Mohammed Al Nabhani, head of Coastal Zone Management section, Ministry of Environment.

“Microsoft has a long history of community engagement in Oman. We remain committed to being part of initiatives like the reef clean up project that helps to preserve the environment that forms an integral part of life for Omanis,” added Ahmad El Dandachi, country manager for Microsoft in Oman.-TradeArabia News Service