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The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) conducted the second edition of its specialised workshop titled 'Meteorites in the Sultanate of Oman and Combating Illegal Trade' this morning at the Museum of the Frankincense Land in Dhofar Governorate. The workshop coincides with the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, celebrated annually on November 14.

The workshop aimed to empower various partners responsible for customs inspections at all land, air, and sea entry points, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in tourism guidance, researchers and enthusiasts in geological heritage, entities involved in postal services and customs clearance, law enforcement officials, and museum representatives.

The workshop featured a series of scientific presentations delivered by experts and specialists in the field of meteorites, including Dr. Ali Al Kathiri, a meteorite expert. Presentations included visual displays highlighting the ministry's efforts to preserve and document meteorites, promote sustainability programs, and raise awareness of this valuable cultural heritage. Additional presentations by partner organisations addressed the efforts to combat illegal trafficking in cultural property and the legal frameworks to prevent such practices.

A mini-exhibition was also organised alongside the workshop, showcasing meteorites and the ministry's efforts in organising and preserving these assets, as well as the means of raising awareness and combating illegal trade in this significant national heritage. The ministry, through its various programs, aims to hold meteorite exhibitions, publish specialised scientific and informational materials, and establish storage facilities according to global best practices.

In this context, Saeed Al Obaidani, Director-General of Museums, stated that the workshop aligns with the General Directorate of Museums' annual plan to organise regular programs and workshops aimed at building national capabilities in various areas of the sector, including cultural heritage preservation, awareness, and the fight against illicit trafficking in cultural property. He noted that this workshop would focus specifically on combating illegal trade in meteorites. Over the past few years, the ministry has intensified efforts to curb this issue by enforcing the UNESCO 1970 Convention on Measures to Prohibit and Prevent the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. Raising awareness and educating the public about meteorites are also among the ministry's priorities, in close collaboration with relevant stakeholders to enhance understanding of meteorites' scientific and legal significance in Oman, as per the Cultural Heritage Law and Tourism Law.

Al Obaidani added that the ministry places great importance on empowering and educating staff at all entry points and law enforcement officers on combating the illegal trade in cultural property in general and meteorites in particular, including possible smuggling methods across land, air, and sea borders. Additionally, it is essential to educate tour operators who cater to individual and group tourists on the scientific, informational, and organisational importance of meteorites, as well as to discourage illegal practices and unauthorised trade. The ministry has also incorporated scientific programs to support monitoring, protection, research, and documentation efforts, along with organising temporary exhibitions and coordinating with various sector institutions to display meteorite samples for educational purposes.

Dr. Al Kathiri emphasised that Oman is among the leading countries in meteorite research and documentation. Since 2001, a specialised scientific team, in collaboration with the University of Bern and the Natural History Museum of Bern in Switzerland, has been working as the Omani-Swiss meteorite research team. This team continues its work in research and documentation under the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, following the transfer of geological heritage responsibilities to the ministry as per Royal Decree No. 37/2019.

Dr. Al Kathiri further explained that one of the project's major achievements has been documenting over 7,000 pieces from approximately 1,500 individual falls since 2001. Among these, around 20 per cent are unique meteorites. Notable findings include rare meteorites from the Moon and Mars, the mesosiderite meteorite, iron meteorites, and a collection of HED achondrites (including paired pieces), as well as primary achondrites (including paired pieces). Most of the discovered meteorites are chondrites, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of the total finds, a figure consistent with global statistics, where chondrites make up approximately 84-87 per cent of all meteorites that fall to Earth.

Lieutenant Colonel Juma Al Shiadi, Director of Customs at Muscat International Airport, highlighted the efforts of the Royal Oman Police, represented by the General Directorate of Customs, to protect Oman's cultural and heritage assets through monitoring and inspections at all border points to prevent the smuggling of archaeological items, particularly meteorites. Most cases involve meteorites collected from various regions within Oman without permits for their collection or export, which constitutes a violation of laws and international conventions protecting cultural property.

Al Shiadi added that the Directorate General of Customs constantly strives, through its trained personnel and advanced technology, to detect any meteorite smuggling attempts and track high-risk shipments in containers to curb illegal meteorite trade and protect cultural assets.

The workshop is part of ongoing efforts to protect and monitor meteorites. The ministry is also engaged in a scientific project in collaboration with several leading international scientific institutions, including the Natural History Museum of Bern in Switzerland and Curtin University in Australia, with technical support from Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel). The project involves tracking meteorite samples as they enter Omani airspace through the installation of various monitoring devices. In early October, the project achieved its first milestone by documenting the newly fallen meteorite sample, “Al-Khadhf," the smallest documented and detected meteorite, observed via the monitoring devices. The team will continue monitoring efforts throughout the year, with expectations for new discoveries that will add to the project's achievements.

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