Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

AN INDICATOR BASED VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF WILAYATS TO DEVELOPMENT

B.S. Choudri, Mahad Baawain, A. Al-Sidairi and H. Al-Nadabi

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of anthropogenic pressures in terms of indicators which would contribute to the relative vulnerability of Wilayats (Administrative Zones) to development and related activities in the Al-Batinah South region of Oman. The objective of this work is to rank each Wilayat based on pressure indicators to provide inputs for local stakeholders involved in resource planning and management by developing a sense of understanding on the relative vulnerability of Wilayats. The study of using pressure indicators would help to identify, key development pressures with the potential to affect ecosystems of Wilayats having strong driving forces for development and experiencing anthropogenic pressures. This study used secondary database published by the government agencies for indicators based on the literature review. Results of ranking exercise indicated that Barka and Al Musannah Wilayats are more vulnerable, having pressures of studied drivers such as agriculture and urbanization than other Wilayats in Al-Batinah South; this could be attributed to location of these two Wilayats proximity to the coast. The identified pressure indicators presented in this study could be used to design monitoring systems that can help further development of holistic environmental and socio-economic indicators for the Wilayats in Oman and in the region.