UK endurance swimmer says Oman has immense potential for ecotourism
Date
8/27/2014 3:37:09 AM
(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) UK's endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh has said that Oman has a lot of potential for ecotourism with focus on sustainable development.
Pugh was addressing a gathering at the Shangri La's Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa on Tuesday after completing the penultimate leg of his Seven Seas for One Reason challenge.
A maritime lawyer by profession Pugh said 'The country should have enough parks on the land and protected areas in the sea. I would like to tell the youth of Oman that they should help the government in conserving and protecting the environment. It is the responsibility of the youth to urge policymakers and leaders to adopt policies in this regard. I feel that raising awareness about the environment is as important as knowing about human rights.'
Talking about his Seven Seas challenge the swimmer said that he found the Arabian Sea to be one of the most beautiful seas and will always remember this leg of the challenge in Ras al Hadd. 'There were so many turtles as I swam. I was impressed that Oman's government has made lots of efforts to protect the sea in its most natural form. I don't like to go snorkeling or diving where there is no marine life' he said adding that he has fallen in love with Oman and its people. 'I was in Ras al Hadd for the penultimate leg of my challenge and I had asked a fisherman to help me and he was waiting for me at 5am with his boat. I was overwhelmed by his gesture as I have not come across many people who go out of their way to help people. I was in love with Oman instantly.'
Describing his North Pole challenge he said 'I formed a team of people who were passionate about what they were doing and also had the humility. These are the two elements you need to be successful.'
In 2007 Pugh swam a kilometre in open sea in -1.7° C and completed this challenge in 18 minutes and 50 seconds. 'I was advised not to stay in the water for more than a few minutes to avoid frost bite. But I had trained for it and was physically and mentally prepared. Every time I took a swim I imagined myself closer to my dream. My fingers were numb for four months after the swim. I knew impossible was only a state of mind.'
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