Authors : 1Hassan A. Al-Ajmi, 2Mushtaque Ahmed , 3Hayder A. Abdel Rahman and 3Salim Ali Al-Rawahy
Abstract: Water shortages in the Sultanate of Oman are becoming very critical. The annual deficit is estimated to be 390 million cubic meters. Depletion of the groundwater reserves has lead to seawater intrusion and salinization in coastal zones, which comprise 60% of the agricultural areas. Like most parts of the country, available water resources of Al-Dhahirah Region of Northern Oman can not meet the growing demands for water. Most of the aquifers in the region were highly affected by the drought years of 1985 -89. Water shortage has become a limiting factor for social and economic development of the area, creating unrest between user groups and degradation of the water resources. Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) concept is now generally accepted as an appropriate approach to deal with various aspects of water systems in the context of a catchment. The concept is based on perception of water as an integral part of the ecosystem, a natural resource and a social and economic commodity with many environmental impacts. Wadi Al-Ayn Catchment was selected as a site of this study to look into the potential for applying the Integrated Catchment Management concept. The socio-economic backgrounds and regional development plans of the region were addressed first and the ICM concept was applied considering water resources, quality, use, ecosystems, and legislation and laws. Water management priorities of the subcatchments were ranked and discussed.
1Hassan A. Al-Ajmi, , 2Mushtaque Ahmed , 3Hayder A. Abdel Rahman and 3Salim Ali Al-Rawahy , 2005. Integrated Catchment Management in Arid Countries A Case Study: Wadi Al-Ayn Catchment, Northern Oman . Pakistan Journal of Social Sciences, 3: 241-248.