Ministerial Decree No.39/2017 issuing the Law on Regulation and Protection of Aflaj Sites included on the World Heritage List. Country/Territory Oman Document type Legislation Date 2017 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Water Keyword Irrigation Traditional knowledge/indigenous knowledge Water supply Waterworks Well sinking/boreholes Protection of environment Public health Authorization/permit Pollution control Surface water Freshwater pollution Geographical area Asia, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Near East and North Africa, Western Asia Entry into force notes This Law enters into force the day after its publication in the Official Gazette. Abstract This Law consisting of 20 articles divided in IV Parts aims at protecting and managing the five Aflaj Irrigation Systems (ancient water channels) of Oman added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Responsible body is the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources. Part I deals with Definitions and General Provisions. Part II deals with the management and protection of the falaj and its location and regulates (i) drilling wells and related permits; (ii) the transfer or sale of water from any well located in the areas; (iii) permits for maintenance works, activities that risk polluting the waters with consequent risks for public health; (iv) permits for establishing housing projects; (v) ministerial authorizations for the establishment of reservoirs for holding sewage water; and (vi) permits for changing the type of agricultural land use in the falaj site or setting up facilities on it. Part III deals with Penalties. Part IV deals with Final Provisions. Full text Arabic Website www.sustainableoman.com