The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan’s natural heritage. Under the patronage of His Majesty the
late King Hussein, who was in place as Honorary President, the RSCN was
founded in 1966 and was given the responsibility by Jordan’s government
to care for and protect the biodiversity of the Hashemite Kingdom. The
RSCN is one of the few national organizations in the Middle East to be
granted such a public service mandate and, as a result of its pioneering
conservation work, the RSCN has achieved international recognition.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature aims to create, manage and advocate
for a national network of protected areas to conserve Jordan’s biodiversity and support
local community development, while promoting wider public support and action for the
protection of the natural environment within Jordan and neighboring countries.
• Establishing and managing protected areas to safeguard Jordan’s most important habitats and ecosystems.
• Running captive breeding programs to save endangered species from extinction.
• Conducting research to provide a scientific basis for conservation programs.
• Enforcing governmental laws to protect wildlife and control illegal hunting.
• Raising awareness on environmental issues, with a focus on school students by creating
nature conservation clubs, providing educational programs in the reserves, and integrating biodiversity concepts in school curricula.
• Supporting the socio-economic development of rural communities by creating job opportunities through eco-tourism, craft production, and other nature-based businesses.
• Providing training and capacity building for environmental practitioners and other institutions throughout Jordan and the Middle East.
• Encouraging public participation in RSCN’s nature activities through membership,
events, and activities.
• Promoting public action for environmental protection through advocacy campaigns and
activities.
The policies and practices of the RSCN are shaped and guided by an elected Board of Directors, made up of 11 members. Responsibility for day-to-day work is delegated to a team of
around 300 staff and is headed by the Director General.
“Helping Nature…Helping People”is
the RSCN's official slogan. It reflects the
RSCN's belief that nature conservation and
economic development go hand in-hand. It
also demonstrates our belief that Jordan’s
natural environment and different habitats
can provide the basis for an alternative
economy led by members of disadvantaged
rural communities, who currently have few
opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
Within its reserves and their surrounding
areas, the RSCN has contributed to creating alternative economies by developing
eco-tourism and other nature-based businesses, which generate additional income
and social benefits for some of Jordan’s
main poverty pockets. By providing tangible advantages, such self-sustaining businesses not only demonstrate that nature
conservation is viable in the “real world”
but they also create alternative and more
benign uses of land. Consequently, the
RSCN strives to gradually build-up popular
support - among the privileged and the
underprivileged - for both the concept and
practice of nature conservation.
The RSCN
has established and currently
manages the following reserves
‫ﻣﺤﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﻴﺮﻣﻮك اﻟﻄﺒﻴﻌﻴﺔ‬
Yarmouk Nature Reserve
‫ﻣﺤﻤﻴﺔ ﻏﺎﺑﺎت ﻋﺠﻠﻮن‬
‫اﻟﻴﺮﻣﻮك‬
Ajloun Forest Reserve Yarmouk SCA
‫اﻟﺨﻴﻮف‬
Al Khayyouf
‫ﺑﺮﻗﻊ‬
Burqu
‫ﻣﺤﻤﻴﺔ ﻏﺎﺑﺎت دﺑﻴﻦ‬
Dibeen Forest Reserve
‫ﻣﺤﻤﻴﺔ اﻻزرق اﻟﻤﺎﺋﻴﺔ‬
Azraq Wetland Reserve
‫ﻣﺤﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﺸﻮﻣﺮي ﻟﻸﺣﻴﺎء اﻟﺒﺮﻳﺔ‬
Shaumari wildlife Reserve
‫راﺟﻞ‬
Rajil
‫ﺣﻤﺮة ﻣﺎﻋﻴﻦ‬
Homret Maeen
‫ﻣﺤﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﻮﺟﺐ ﻟﻠﻤﺤﻴﻂ اﻟﺤﻴﻮي‬
Mujib Biosphere Reserve
‫وادي إﺑﻦ ﺣﻤﺎد‬
Wadi Ibn
Hammad
‫ﻓﻴﻔﺎ‬
Fifa
‫ﻣﺤﻤﻴﺔ ﻓﻴﻔﺎ اﻟﻄﺒﻴﻌﻴﺔ‬
Fifa Nature Reserve
‫أﺑﻮ رﻛﺒﻪ‬
Abu Rukbeh
‫ﻣﺤﻤﻴﺔ ﺿﺎﻧﺎ ﻟﻠﻤﺤﻴﻂ اﻟﺤﻴﻮي‬
Dana Biosphere Reserve
‫ﺑﺎﻳﺮ‬
Bayer
‫اﻟﺸﻮﺑﻚ‬
Shoubak
‫رﺣﻤﺔ‬
Rahmeh
‫ﻗﻄﺮ‬
Qatar
Aqaba Proposed Reserve
N
The RSCN's Socio-Economic Benefits
In addition to the RSCN's main role of conserving Jordan’s natural heritage and
biodiversity, the organization provides a range of socio-economic benefits, from
national to local levels, for the communities surrounding the RSCN's reserves up
to the national economy level.
Local Benefits:
1.The RSCN provides the local native communities with more than (350) job opportunities in
eight governorates across the Kingdom associated with health insurance, social security,
and provident funds.
2.The RSCN boosts the local economy of the communities around its reserves by dealing
with local suppliers and service providers for food and beverage, raw materials, transportation, cultural tourism, traditional activities, and the like. This currently sustains more
than 500 families, with support expecting to reach (1,000) families after the opening of
newly developed projects.
3.The RSCN›s reserves provide rangeland for local herders to graze their livestock. The estimated value generated from local communities grazing in these nature reserves is over a
million dinars.
4.The RSCN provides capacity building for the reserves’ staff through specialized capacity
building programs.
5.The RSCN helps local communities in establishing cooperatives and community groups,
also facilitates raising funds for the community initiatives.
6. The RSCN offers the Ministry of Education and local schools customized environmental
educational programs, in addition to suitable venues to implement their outdoors educational programs .
‫محافظة جرش‬
4%
‫محافظة مأدبا‬
1%
‫محافظة العقبة‬
8%
‫محافظة عجلون‬
7%
‫محافظة العا صمة‬
15%
‫محافظة الطفيلة‬
43%
‫محافظة اربد‬
6%
‫محافظة البلقاء‬
0%
‫محافظة المفرق‬
0%
‫محافظة الكرك محافظة معان‬
7%
‫ محافظة الزرقاء‬0%
9%
The Distribution of Nature Reserve Benefits on the Kingdom’s Governorates
National Benefits:
1.The RSCN has helped to increase Jordan’s national income. The total cumulative income
generated from the organization’s nature reserves in the Kingdom during 2014 exceeded
(2,246,244) JOD.
2.Nature reserves have become an important pillar of Jordan’s national tourism development strategy due to the eco-tourism industry that the RSCN has initiated in the country.
In 2014, more than (187,272) visitors visited nature reserves managed by the RSCN.
3.The RSCN’s reserves have played a vital role in bringing funds from an array of donors
and international entities, which have helped in the development of our reserves’
programs and infrastructure. Most importantly, this created no cost for the Jordanian
government’s treasury.
RSCN Sponsorship Menu
As the nation’s nature and wildlife is for everybody to enjoy, the RSCN has decided to widen
the umbrella of its nature conservancy responsibility. This sponsorship menu offers one the
opportunity to participate in our national mission to protect Jordan's natural environment,
while supporting the disadvantaged local communities of those rural areas that reside in and
around the RSCN’s nature reserves.
What is unique about the "sponsorship opportunities the RSCN" is offering?
• The RSCN offers sponsors multiple benefits, such as tax deduction as part of Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) donations, media exposure, and many more special opportunities.
• The RSCN gives sponsors a chance to go beyond Amman’s borders to expand their good
will to the whole Hashemite Kingdom, from the northernmost to the southernmost
points of the country, Sponsors can give to the RSCN’s different nature reserves and
affect their surrounding local native communities, thus reaching business CSR targets
successfully.
• Getting involved with the RSCN shifts sponsor's activities from "transactions" to "partnerships" as our organization offers the opportunity to engage sponsors corporate staff
as volunteers in executing the sponsored project. This raises sponsor's sense of partnership and project ownership.
• The RSCN extends sponsors the chance to, not only support nature conservation in
Jordan, but also to support underprivileged native communities surrounding our nature
reserves.
• The RSCN grants sponsors worthy media coverage and exposure through press releases
in local press, television channels, and radio stations, as well as via the RSCN’s Website,
newsletters, and announcements, which are distributed to more than (16,000) subscribers. Promotion is also done via RSCN’s social media platforms, which boast over (40,000)
followers.
It’s simple and easy. All that you have to do is:
1.Pick the category that matches your budget and expected benefits.
2.Explore the projects included in that category.
3.Indicate your desired project(s) in the commitment form at the end of the menu, and send
us back the completed form.
Orchid Category (2,000 JOD - 5,000 JOD)
Orchids are some of nature’s most interesting flowers and the most common plant group in the world. They
grow from the Arctic to the Equator
to the southern hemisphere, on all
the continents except Antarctica.
Some orchids that grow naturally,
however, are in danger of disappearing from Earth. In Jordan, a total
of 20 species of orchids have been
recorded - a relatively large range
considering the country’s various
bio-geographical zones. These small
flowers are diverse and are found
growing abundantly in different
places all over the Kingdom, thus as
this category boasts plenty of small
projects from all of the RSCN’s different reserves, the orchid is a fitting
symbol.
Orchid Category’s Sponsor Benefits:
As a sponsor of one of the RSCN’s programs and projects listed in the Orchid Category, the sponsoring party will not only
be publicly demonstrating their support for nature conservation, but will also be receiving the following benefits:
• Tax deduction for the whole amount of fund.
• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on all project-related publications (invitations, posters,
t-shirts, etc.)
• Media coverage through press releases in local press, radio and TV stations, the
RSCN’s Website, newsletters, and social media channels.
• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on the RSCN’s and Wild Jordan’s Websites under “Friends
and Sponsors” section.
• Sponsor recognition at the RSCN’s annual general assembly meeting and planned
annual members events.
• Special 5% discount on the RSCN/Wild Jordan Nature Shop’s high quality handicrafts
produced by local women residing in and around our nature reserves, including customized products for the sponsor’s giveaway needs for one year.
• Special 5% discount on the RSCN’s eco-tourism services provided at the nature reserves for the sponsor's corporate trips for one year.
• Recognition and awarding at the RSCN’s Donors Awarding Event.
• Volunteering opportunities for the sponsor’s staff in executing the sponsored project.
Purchase of an Air Compression Machine
used for Ostrich Egg Engraving- (1,600 JOD)
RSCN's Azraq Ostrich Egg Dotting is one of the first socioeconomic projects
launched back in 1999, it is one of the bestselling projects producing a
range of appealing designs. Currently the workshop uses two techniques
in customizing the unfertilized ostrich eggs; dotting and engraving. The
air compression machine used for engraving the ostrich eggs is outdated
and inefficient. Purchase of a new one would increase production capacity
and minimize production time, allowing RSCN to reduce production costs
and increase profit which would be re-invested in RSCN's socioeconomic
development program.
Wild Recon Film Screening (2,000 JOD)
Wild Recon is one of the wildest shows on Animal Planet. It follows the
adventures of animal explorer Donald Schultz, who is taken on dangerous missions that could yield life-changing scientific discoveries. The RSCN
hosted the Wild Recon group in Jordan and facilitated the filming of Jordan’s wildlife, specifically its animals. In order to share this unique experience with the public - nature and wildlife lovers in particular - the RSCN
aims to screen this film in a public theater, followed by a discussion with
our researchers to give an exciting “behind the scenes” account of the
filming.
Development Nature Shop Equipments
(2,000 JOD)
As part of its conservation network, the RSCN runs a number of handicraft
display centers where local women create and display one-of-a-kind products
inspired by both the environment and local heritage. There are ten of these
Nature Shops in various locations around Jordan. In order to increase sales,
these shops have a continuing need for development and product marketing
though the RSCN’s business network. Developing these trade centers positively
impacts both handicraft workers and the society around them.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature seeks to support the continual development of its Nature Shops and improve their purchasing power by
updating the shop’s equipment. One such improvement will be to create a
screen-printing station inside the warehouse in Amman, allowing customers to
place and receive screen-printing orders on the very same day. Such ease will
increase the number of customers who come to our Nature Shops to purchase
gifts for any occasion.
World Wetlands Day (2,000 JOD)
As a member of the Ramsar Convention since 1977, the RSCN annually
organizes lectures, awareness campaigns, and outreach activities in celebration of World Wetlands Day. The purpose of these activities is to
increase public awareness on the importance of wetlands and the Azraq
wetlands in particular - on both a local and global level, especially in terms
of its importance to migratory birds and to the Sarhani fish - Jordan’s only
endemic species, and further to inspire their support for the protection of
this unique and threatened habitat.
Improving Silk Printing Equipment in
the Azraq Wetland Reserve (2,000 JOD)
The Azraq Wetland Reserve includes several handicraft workshops that manufacture a wide range of products which are inspired by the surrounding environment. While the hand printing workshop is considered one of the pioneering projects within the reserve, it is in continual need of equipment updates
and improvements in order to increase productive power and improve the
quality of its products. Such improvements will lead to increased demand for
these products in the local market.
The silkscreen printing project aims to improve product quality by purchasing
a drying oven which will improve the strength and endurance of printed products and allow them to be used multiple times.
Planting Medicinal Herbs at RSCN
owned lands in Fagou (2,000 JOD)
Fagou’s socioeconomic projects complex includes an Herbs’ Drying and Packaging Workshops which procures herbs from the community to sell them at
Wild Jordan’s Nature Shop and to bring benefit to the farmers and producers
in the community. Next phase, RSCN plans to plant its own medicinal herbs to
produce and sell a fully organic local community product for interested clients.
Implement Firefighting Plan at Azraq
Wetland Reserve (3,000 JOD)
Over the past few years Azraq Wetland Reserve has suffered repeatedly from
incidents of fire, destroying much of the remaining natural habitats in the
reserve comprising of reeds and Sadge (Typha), which are very important
places for nesting and breeding birds. Firefighting is therefore an essential
component of the reserve’s management plans.
The RSCN plans to use heavy machinery to create pathways within the reserve
to facilitate the entry of fire extinguishing equipment in the event of fire.
Conservation Program of the Azraq Wetland
Habitats Through Control of Reeds (3,000 JOD)
The reed cutting in Azraq wetland is an essential management tool to avoid
over accumulation of the reeds and to conserve the main characteristic habitat
of these wetlands.
Usually, reed cutting is done by hand, however, it can be accomplished by
simple machines and tools, and hence it is important to provide the Azraq
Wetland Reserve with reed cutting tools and specialized long boots for water
habitats in order for the reed cutting to proceed continuously.
Earth Hour (3,000 JOD)
Earth Hour is an event led by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The RSCN
annually organizes an Earth Hour in conjunction with the international Earth
Hour campaign, which is a community based environmental campaign that
inspires and empowers communities from every corner of the globe for the
betterment of the planet, joining hundreds of millions of people across 135
countries switch off for an hour. The event includes switch off lights in Wild
Jordan Center and the surrounding streets and neighborhood, candlelit march
starts from Wild Jordan Center, pledges from participants, and other engaging activities.
Study of Predators in the Shumari
Wildlife Reserve (3,000 JOD)
The Shumari Wildlife Reserve contains a small number of predatory animals
such as various wolves, hyenas and jackals in addition to many endangered
species. Communities of these animals living outside of the reserve face a
wide array of problems such as poaching, human land appropriation, draught,
and urban sprawl. In light of such worsening conditions, there has arisen a
need for close observation and monitoring of these populations inside the
reserve. Research on Shumari wildlife can then be applied to helping animal
communities outside of the site.
The RSCN seeks to conduct a detailed and intensive study of predators found
inside the reserve. The reserve’s observatory program has noted a decrease
in diversity amongthese predators, thus calling for in-depth research in order
to fully understand this subset of species and their map out their distribution
within the reserve site.
Handicrafts Catalog Printing & Distribution (3,500 JOD)
Local community women working at RSCN’s socioeconomic projects currently produce approximately 1000 different handicraft products ranging from
edibles to traditional home accessories inspired by the local flora and fauna of
Jordan. RSCN requires printing and distributing a handicrafts products’ catalog
to market and sell handicrafts products to potential clients.
Developing the Management of Water
Buffalo at the Azraq Wetland Reserve
(3,500 JOD)
The Azraq Wetland Reserve uses water buffalos as a management tool to create the characteristic habitat of the wetlands. The RSCN has been managing
the buffaloes for several years and the results of the monitoring program indicate that these buffaloes have contributed to the wetland habitat’s restoration
program.
The RSCN plans to expand the current water buffalo barn to be able to keep
the newborn calves, and also to help in controlling the buffaloes’ movement in
the wetlands and prevent them from approaching birds nests.
Developing Equipment Socio-economic
Projects - Dana Biosphere Reserve
(4,000 JOD)
1. Solar heater: to provide hot water for washing fruits and pots and tools that are used
during the production process.
2. Water tank: to provide sufficient water for the needs of the concerns of the two is used
during cooking and production processes.
3. Pumping water motor: It is used to pump water to the water tank and solar heater.
4. Herb dryer: metal tool or wooden racks consist insert used for drying herbs.
Development of Seheila Rangers Station
in Mujib Biosphere Reserve (4,000 JOD)
Al-Seheila Station is one of Mujib’s conservation and surveillance stations;
more specifically it is located in Madaba to the west of Theban and near Al
Mathloutha village. Al-Seheila Station is located at the center of the reserve,
in an elevated area overlooking a large part of the reserve. Al-Seheila Center
is situated at a key entry point to the Qaseeb, Al-Hidan, Al-Malaqi, eastern
Al-Ryashi and Aynat areas.
The RSCN established Al-Seheila Station with the aim of mitigating various
threats to the reserve such as illegal hunting, overgrazing and random tourism and residential construction and farming. The Station consists of one
room, a lounge, a bathroom and a kitchen and is in need of general maintenance and some basic supplies to support its continued implementation of
monitoring and protection activities in the reserve and its surrounding areas.
Creation of Environmental Police Station
in Mujib Biosphere Reserve (4,000 JOD)
The Royal Department for Environmental Protection, also known as the “Royal
Rangers” provides key support to the RSCN through its follow-up of various
environmental issues, including issues related to Jordan’s nature reserves.
The RSCN is working in partnership with the Royal Rangers to establish a special
police Station in the lower western part of Mujib Reserve on the eastern shore
of the Dead Sea. The planned station will specialize in environmental issues
related to the reserves and will help to implement monitoring, protection and
inspection programs within the reserve and its surrounding areas.
The RSCN seeks to fund the cost of situating this station in a caravan containing
two rooms, a bathroom and kitchen. As it will be located far from water and
electricity networks, the station also needs to be equipped with a solar power
unit, water tank and some basic supplies.
Nature Conservation Research & Survey
Activities (4,000 JOD)
Surveys indicate that the Mujib Biosphere Reserve contains over 300 species of
plants, 10 species of carnivores, and numerous species of resident and migratory birds. The richest vegetation is found on the wadi’s floor where palm trees,
wild fig trees, tamarix trees, and beautiful oleander shrubs grow, in addition to
the lush reed bed that flourishes along the river.
The Mujib Biosphere Reserve is characterized by its extensive area, which supports the presence of different carnivorous species. However, knowledge on
these species is outdated and must be updated to assist in the evaluation of
the level of conservation work needed onsite. Therefore, a Study of Carnivores
shall be conducted in Mujib, requiring equipment, field work, and reporting.
Technical Training on Ceramics Production (4,500 JOD)
Dibeen’s Ceramic Production Workshop are in need of a technical training program to further refine their capacity in ceramic production, seeing as this craft
requires high levels of workmanship. In addition to that, RSCN is looking to
train interested women residing in and around Dibeen Forest Reserve on this
skill, in order to hire them in RSCN’s team.
Develop Visitor Facilities at Azraq
Lodge (5,000 JOD)
Through the development of eco-tourism in protected areas, the RSCN aims
to create employment opportunities and provide socio-economic benefits
to local communities. This helps to encourage greater community support
toward protected areas and discourage activities that threaten nature, such
as overgrazing and hunting, in addition to creating financial returns that
contribute to nature conservation programs. Located not far from Azraq
Wetland Reserve, Azraq Eco-Lodge receives visitors throughout the year.
The Azraq Eco-Lodge needs to build a secure warehouse to store some of the
materials and tools used in its eco-tourism operations, such as maintaining
bicycles and storing mattresses, extra beds and many other items.
Enhancing Forest Protection of Ajloun
Forest Reserve (5,000 JOD)
Ajloun Forest Reserve was established to protect Jordan’s evergreen Oak forests. Distinguished by its wide biodiversity, more than 400 plant species are
located within the reserve, some of which are rare and in danger of extinction.
Jordan’s forests, and particularly those in Ajloun, are facing many threats;
thousands of trees are lost every year due to illegal woodcutting and fires. To
combat this, the RSCN built a watchtower in Ajloun Forest Reserve to ensure
that environmental monitoring programs for wildlife in the reserve are implemented. Due to its strategic location in the center of the reserve, the 11-meter-high tower overlooks a large part of the forest which helps rangers detect
violations and take immediate action.
The RSCN aims to complete the furnishing of the tower’s upper chamber by
enclosing the chamber room with wood on its walls, floor and roof, and by
installing windows as per the designs.
Developing the Enforcement at the
Azraq Wetland Reserve (5,000 JOD)
Illegal hunting and encroachments on the boundaries of the Azraq Wetland
Reserve can represent a serious threat to the habitats and to the species living
in the reserve. The RSCN uses motorcycles to patrol the wetland’s borders and
adjacent important habitat areas.
The reserve currently possesses only one motorcycle, however, it is not enough
to cover a total area of 75 kilometers-squared (the reserve, in addition to the
adjacent large mud flat area). The RSCN needs a second motorcycle to support
the wetland patrol program and ensure its success.
Eco-tourism Development in the
Eastern Desert (5,000 JOD)
Wadi Dahek is located in the eastern desert adjacent to Azraq. Due to its magnificent landscape, the area attracts campers, who also enjoy star-gazing and
exploring the landscape.
The RSCN is preparing programs for Azraq visitors to explore the Dahek area
and camp therein, as a complementary experience to the other attractions in
the area. This program will provide visitors the opportunity to stay longer in the
Azraq area and generate more financial benefits for the local community, as well
as the national economy.
The RSCN needs to purchase essential tools and equipment for the Dahek mobile camp, which will be operated by the Azraq lodge.
Education Activities in the Azraq
Wetland Reserve (5,000 JOD)
The RSCN has pioneered the process of bringing critical water issues into the national curriculum for Jordanian schools. It was able to forge an official and highly effective partnership
with the Ministry of Education to professionally review the curriculum and to introduce water
conservation concepts into lesson programs for all age groups.
It is essential to complement the curriculum program with extracurricular activities targeting
schools of the Azraq Wetland Reserve’s local communities. The wetland education program
includes the following components:
• To develop a biodiversity guide to raise awareness of local school students regarding the
Azraq wetland’s species of fauna and flora.
• To design new eco-games to be implemented as part of the reserve’s educational program.
• To buy tools and materials needed for the reserve’s eco-educational bag (hydro kit).
• To buy binoculars and birds guidebooks for students to be able to implement the reserve’s
students’ bird watching program onsite.
Developing the Azraq Wetland Reserve’s
Interpretation and Signage Systems
(5,000 JOD)
The Azraq Wetland Reserve attracts thousands of local and international visitors each year, who come to enjoy the reserve and learn about the wetlands.
The reserve is equipped with basic interpretation panels, a small interpretation
room, and route signs, however, there is a need to improve the information
on the panels used in the visitor’s center’s interpretation room, which tell the
story of Azraq Oasis, the history of the area, the environmental stresses, and
the RSCN’s conservation efforts to save these wetlands from disappearing.
There is also a need to install new interpretation signs in the Azraq Wetland
Reserve to introduce the Azraq oasis story and the RSCN’s conservation efforts
to visitors during their walking tour as part of the eco-tourism activities designed at this reserve.
Study of the Dieback of the Juniper
Tree at the Dana Biosphere Reserve
(5,000 JOD)
The Dana Biosphere Reserve is the only reserve in Jordan that includes the three
different bio-geographical zones of the kingdom: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian and Sudanian penetration. As such, it is the most diverse nature reserve in
the country in terms of habitats and species, hosting several vegetation types,
including the Phoenician juniper, evergreen oak, sand dunes, acacia, and rocky
sudanian, among others. This reserve is also home to the southernmost remaining forest community of Cypress Cupressus simpervirens.
The juniper tree is facing high threats in Jordan due to human activities and
natural causes represented mainly by drought. The country’s juniper species are
thus undergoing an extreme dieback phenomenon, with populations declining
each year. The RSCN aims to conduct a specialized research of the juniper species
in Dana Biosphere Reserve, requiring fieldwork, new equipment, and reporting.
This study will attempt to understand the causes behind the juniper dieback
phenomenon in order to be able to decrease the threats and conserve the juniper
species regionally.
Completion of the Observation Tower
in Ajloun Forest Reserve (5,000JOD)
The Ajloun Forest Reserve was established with the goal of preserving Ajloun’s
Evergreen Oak forests. Distinguished by its ecological diversity, the reserve is
home to more than 400 species of plants, some of which are rare or endangered. The forests of Jordan in general and those of Ajloun especially, are
often subject to mistreatment – especially in the winter, when the reserve loses
thousands of trees to cutting and fires.
The completion of this tower is critical because it will contribute considerably
to the security of this forest. At a height of 11 meters, the tower will allow
reserve staff to spot damage and take the necessary safety and preservation
measures as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the tower will help implement
the reserve’s environmental observation program, as it is close to tourist walking areas, and it will give visitors the opportunity to enjoy a unique observation
of the Evergreen Oak forests in Ajloun Forest Reserve.
Renovation of Al-Rumana Tower Area
of Dana Biosphere Reserve (5,000 JOD)
The Al-Rumana Tower region is one of the most important areas for the local
communities and it is the only area for the people of the Al -Baseera region
in particular.
In an effort to raise awareness, RSCN is training the reserve team and teaching
them how to cooperate with each category of people who come to Dana,
be they visitors or local residents. The tower is important because it presents
precise, quality information about the reserve and the surrounding areas as
well as the policies of the RSCN. The exhibit encourages both visitors and
local inhabitants to support conservation projects in the reserves so that each
member of society becomes a protector of nature.
Purchasing Research Equipment for
Yarmouk Nature Reserve (5,000 JOD)
RSCN Research and Protection Plan aims to put a clear and comprehensive
mechanism in place for achieving an advanced level of protection and safety
for wild species, ecosystems, animal processes and other aspects of conservation in Yarmouk nature reserve. RSCN plans to achieve this by implementing
conservation systems, administrative planning, and observation systems in
the reserve and the surrounding areas, as well as working out programs to
cover sensitive sites throughout the year.
The Research and Protection Plan is among the most important facilitating
programs in the reserve because plays a major role in assessing the effectiveness of the reserve administration and working toward the safety of the
reserve’s ecosystem. This Plan helps to develop the reserve’s programs and
update its databases while working toward the basic RSCN goal of protecting
Yarmouk’s eco-diversity. In order to succeed, the plan requires basic equipment such as telescopes, binoculars, fixed observation cameras, multipurpose
and high definition cameras, and official uniforms for reserve employees.
Strengthening Jordan’s Fund for Nature
(2,000JOD - 5,000JOD)
Recognizing the need to push ahead as quickly as possible with further designations in response to the enormous development pressure evident throughout the Kingdom, the RSCN is poised to establish an additional 3 protected
areas over the next 3 years.
With the establishment of these 3 new protected areas, the land area under
the RSCN's management will more than double — growing from 1,000 kilometers-squared to 2,160 kilometers-squared. Consequently, recurrent management costs will escalate. The estimated increase in the annual financial
burden for the RSCN is approximately 1,400,000 JOD. While the organization
will strive to offset these costs through an expansion of eco-tourism and private sector concessions, there will remain a significant shortfall that must be
met by the RSCN’s own resources.
For this reason, the RSCN wishes to strengthen its existing Endowment Fund
to enable it to cope with its expanding protected area portfolio and maintain
its dynamic socio-economic development program.
Kestrel
Kestrel Category (5,100 JOD - 15,000 JOD)
The name “kestrel” is given to several different
members of the falcon genus, Falco. Kestrels are
most easily distinguished by their typical hunting
behavior, which is to hover at a height of around
10 to 20 meters over open country - to hover;
kestrels require a slight headwind - and swoop
down on prey. This category’s projects are considered to be valuable hunts for the RSCN to guarantee improved nature conservation measures,
hence the designation, “kestrel.”
Kestrel Category’s Sponsor Benefits:
As a sponsor of one of the RSCN’s programs and projects listed
in the Kestrel Category, the sponsoring party will not only be
publicly demonstrating their support for nature conservation,
but will also be receiving the following benefits:
• Tax deduction for the whole amount of fund.
• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on all project-related publications (invitations, posters,
t-shirts, etc.)
• Media coverage through press releases in local press, radio and TV stations, the RSCN’s
Website, newsletters, and social media channels.
• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on the RSCN’s and Wild Jordan’s Websites under “Friends
and Sponsors” section.
• Sponsor recognition at the RSCN’s annual general assembly meeting and annual members’ events.
• Discounted membership.
• Special 10% discount on the RSCN/Wild Jordan Nature Shop’s high quality handicrafts
produced by local women residing in and around our nature reserves, including customized products for the sponsor’s giveaway needs for one year.
• Special 10% discount on the RSCN’s eco-tourism services provided at the nature reserves
for the sponsor’s corporate trips for one year.
• Recognition and awarding at the RSCN’s Donors Awarding Event.
• Volunteering opportunities for the sponsor’s staff in executing the sponsored project.
Clean Up the World Campaign
(6,000 JOD)
The RSCN annually organizes a clean-up event in conjunction with the International Clean Up the World campaign, which is a community-based environmental campaign that inspires and empowers communities from every corner of the
globe to clean up, fix up, and conserve their environment. Usually, the RSCN
conducts this clean-up campaign in the Dibeen Forest Reserve, as littering is
considered one of the reserve’s main problems as the Dibeen Forest is a popular
picnicking destination. Around 300 to 500 people from different community
segments participate yearly in this campaign to contribute to its success.
Updating Information in the Azraq
Reserve Visitors Center (6,000JOD)
In 2000, the RSCN opened the information hall in the Azraq Visitors Center to
serve as a resource to teach visitors about the various cultural, societal and environmental landmarks in the Azraq region. In addition to displaying information
about the history of the Azraq region and the various groups of animals that
are indigenous to the area, the room also informs visitors about the problem
of locals pumping and draining water from the oasis basin. The hall also keeps
visitors up to date about the environmental rehabilitation project and the restoration of the basin that is home to the only type of vertebral fish in the oasis:
the Sarhani fish.
The RSCN seeks to renovate the information hall and update the information
found therein because the room has not been changed since its establishment.
Study of the Ibex in Mujib Biosphere
Reserve (8,000 JOD)
The RSCN began a study of the Ibex Mountain Goat in 1995, when increasing
populations prompted the RSCN to conduct research on where this endangered species can be found in addition to studies of their habitats and appropriate breeding environments.
Because the Ibex is such an influential species in Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the
RSCN seeks to begin a study on the Ibex population within the site. This study
will be completed using satellite tracking systems, as it is meant to help researchers understand the movement patterns and behaviors of Ibex communities. This study will consider both biotic and abiotic indices in order to aid in the
protection of the species and the reduction of threats against it.
Improving the Visitor’s Experience at the
Aqaba Birds Observatory (8,000 JOD)
The RSCN manages the Aqaba Bird Observatory which is an important part of
the wetlands that are situated along flyways of birds migrating from Northern
Europe and Asia to Africa through the Rift Valley. The Observatory attracts large
numbers of migratory water birds, birds of prey and passerines, especially during spring and autumn.
The Aqaba Bird Observatory covers a wide area of about 500 dunums that
encompasses critical habitats to attract birds, as well as forked tourist trails
that link these habitats. In order to regulate the movement of visitors in these
trails, we aim to provide directional signs on tourist trails and provide places for
bird-watching in some areas that attract large numbers of birds. This will allow
tourists to be able to roam inside the Observatory by following the signs for safe
paths and enjoy the bird-watching services at key controlled spots.
Rangeland Survey of the Ajloun and
Dibeen Forest Reserves (9,000 JOD)
Ajloun and Dibeen represent forest reserves that are dominated by the Mediterranean type of forests. The rangeland of these two reserves are in decline
each year due to natural causes and human practices - such as, livestock over
grazing - as well as because of the area’s accessibility by the local community
and lacking levels of supervision. There is, however, no detailed assessment for
the amount of grazing that occurs or its impact on these two reserves.
There is a need to conduct rangeland studies in both the Ajloun Forest Reserve and the Dibeen Forest Reserve, requiring fieldwork, consultant support,
new equipment, and reporting. These rangeland studies will increase RSCN’s
understanding of the main causes of the rangelands’ decline, thus ensuring a
well-studied conservation plan to be drawn up accordingly. A comprehensive
communication strategy can also be developed to influence the local communities’ use of both reserves.
Developing the Vegetation Map of the
Dana Biosphere Reserve (9,000 JOD)
The Dana Biosphere Reserve is the only reserve in Jordan that includes the three
different bio-geographical zones of the kingdom: Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian and Sudanian penetration. As such, it is the most diverse nature reserve in
the country in terms of habitats and species, hosting several vegetation types,
including the Phoenician juniper, evergreen oak, sand dunes, acacia, and rocky
sudanian, among others. This reserve is also home to the southernmost remaining forest community of Cypress Cupressus simpervirens.
The RSCN plans to update its map of ground and vegetation cover in Dana
biosphere reserve by purchasing high definition satellite photos and analyzing
them using remote sensing technology. This project aims to create up-to-date
versions of the reserve’s ground cover and plant community maps, in addition
to updating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index therein. For a comprehensive approach, the imaging results will be merged with the aforementioned
plant life field study.
Advertising Campaign to Promote
Wild Jordan Crafts (9,000 JOD)
RSCN aspires to being able to launch an advertising campaign to better market, and sell handicrafts produced at local community socioeconomic projects;
stemming from RSCN’s belief in the necessity of increasing benefits going back
to the community generated from the increase in sales of their traditional handicrafts.
Improve Visitor Facilities at Mujib
Biosphere Reserve (10,000 JOD)
At 410 meters below sea level, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve is the lowest nature
reserve on Earth. Its rugged and spectacular mountains border the Dead Sea
coast and are dissected by several river-filled canyons; some are seasonal while
others are permanent. Mujib is one of the key valleys flowing through a rose
colored rock canyon (Siq) which extends to the Dead Sea coast at 410 meters
below sea level, attracting adventure lovers for hiking, swimming, climbing and
waterfall abseiling activities.
The unique diversity along the passage of Wadi Mujib makes it the most adventurous site in Jordan. Its popularity has had a major impact on introducing
Jordanians to the nature reserves and raising awareness of the importance of
conservation for the enjoyment of all.
To reach these water trails, one must cross the 150m long iron bridge from the
visitor center at the reserve‘s tourism unit which leads to the Siq.
The RSCN is urgently seeking to finance the general maintenance and painting
works of this bridge, as it is the key entry and exit point to and from other water
trails
Improve Visitor Facilities at Yarmouk
Nature Reserve(10,000 JOD)
Each year, Yarmouk Nature Reserve attracts large numbers of local and international visitors to enjoy and learn about the area’s environment and nature.
The reserve is famous for its two vegetation types: Deciduous oak forest and
freshwater vegetation types. Rapid assessment surveys show that there are 59
plant species in the reserve, among them the Deciduous Oak, which is Jordan’s
national tree.
The RSCN established an environmental tourist camp within the reserve, as part
of its plan to develop ecotourism in the nature reserves under its management.
It implements its eco-tourism initiatives under the principles of responsible and
sustainable tourism in natural areas that seek to preserve the environment
while developing socio-economic benefits for the local community. The RSCN
therefore plans to build a cafeteria to serve the visitors at the reserve, which
will enhance tourist services provided by the reserve while providing jobs for
the local community.
Enhancing Safety Procedures and
Equipment in Mujib’s Biosphere
Reserve Water Trails (10,000 JOD)
The Tourism Unit at Mujib Biosphere Reserve is one of the key units responsible
for raising environmental awareness and the concept of ecotourism among the
reserves’ visitors. The reserve is visited by a large number of visitors estimated
at 20,000 annually.
The reserve receives individuals and organized groups of visitors looking for
leisure and adventure through the reserve’s tourism programs, which include
hikes to waterfalls and mountain climbing. Trained tour guides equipped with
safety and climbing gear escort visitors along the tourist routes and provide
information on the reserve and its waterways.
The RSCN continues to implement general safety standards for visitors by providing them with life vests, ropes and first aid. The RSCN also seeks to provide
visitors with helmets to enhance the general safety procedures through the
water trails.
Developing Internet Communication
within Reserves (10,000 JOD)
Most of the RSCN’s reserves are located in remote areas, which still require
effective mechanisms of communication. Specialists have defined the need for
additional bands of Internet to cover the different operating units at each site.
A new band is essential to provide the RSCN’s different locations with stable
Internet connections for better communication.
The RSCN’s Members Events
(10,000 JOD)
The RSCN is a membership organization; the number of members and friends
in 2012 exceeded 15,000. The RSCN is planning to organize a series of member’s events that include: receptions, quiz nights, and other gatherings. The
objective of these events is to share the RSCN’s conservation strategies and
achievements, and to develop new ways for members to become engaged in
the RSCN’s activities.
Vegetation Study in Dana Biosphere
Reserve (10,000 JOD)
Dana Biosphere Reserve is among the richest areas in the world when it comes
plant diversity. At this time, there is a clear need to update the archive of information on the Dana plant community, as all continuing field research on plant
life in Dana Reserve is currently based on the results of a general study that was
conducted twenty years ago. The new study will be a comprehensive analysis
taking into accounts all of the changes that have occurred in the past twenty
years. As part of the RSCN’s long-term conservation strategy, this study will
focus on building the skills and abilities of Dana field researchers by bringing in
local and international experts to lead the project.
Launching the Jordan Journal of
Natural History (10,000 JOD)
As an addition to its research department, the RSCN established a center for
the observation of ecological diversity in the Hashemite Kingdom. One of this
center’s major responsibilities is issuing a scientific journal dealing with ecological diversity in Jordan and the neighboring Arab countries. This project will help
to enrich the body of ecological information in the region and publish it in a
manner that is at once scientifically accurate and high in quality.
To this end, a scientific journal is currently being prepared for the press under
the title of Jordan Journal of Natural History. To acknowledge and celebrate the
launch of this publication, the RSCN will organize a formal ceremony and invite
the nine magazine contributors. The ceremony, resembling a scientific conference, will entertain attendees who specialize in relevant fields and will include
paper presentations and talks by conservation experts.
Conservation Program Development in
Yarmouk Nature Reserve (10,000 JOD)
The Yarmouk Nature Reserve is located in the northwestern region of the Hashemite Kingdom on the border of the Golan Heights. The reserve spans over 20
square kilometers of land and is made up of two topographical components:
mountains and valleys. The mountains are covered with deciduous oak forests
and reach elevations of up to 500 meters above sea level, and the valleys that
fall between them descend toward the Yarmouk River. These small to medium
valleys, with the exception of the Shag Al-Bared valley, all contain seasonal
runoff.
In recent years, this reserve has been threatened by a number of dangers, especially fire. In order to mitigate such threats, the RSCN plans to build three observation towers in the reserve, allowing the safety team to identify dangerous
places in the reserve and make announcements about fires as quickly as possible. As most areas of the reserve are mountainous and difficult to access, these
towers will serve as stable points from which 80% of the reserve’s area can be
observed. The tower locations will be selected from established safety sites.
Updating the Information Hall in Dana
Biosphere Reserve Visitors Center
(10,000 JOD)
Since its establishment, the RSCN has been aware of the importance of including educational and environmental awareness programs in its nature reserves.
For this reason, the RSCN has designed a number of environmental education
programs that aim to raise general awareness about environmental issues and
their importance. The RSCN has also launched several specialized awareness
programs that target the local populations living around each nature reserve.
The RSCN established the information hall in Dana Biosphere Reserve in 1995.
This room serves as an illustrative source of information about the important
cultural, social and environmental landmarks inside the reserve.
Conservation Program of the Azraq
Wetland Habitats (10,000 JOD)
The RSCN uses a reverse pumping of water system in the Azraq Wetland Reserve
to recreate the characteristic habitats of original wetlands, which are home to
thousands of plants and animals species, including the endemic Sarhani fish.
The RSCN is planning to renew the pipeline network in order to guarantee effective distribution of water to the important wetland habitats.
Nature Reserve’s Eco-Games (11,000 JOD)
The RSCN is planning to develop eco-games to be used in all of their nature
reserves, as games are an effective tool for raising visitor’s awareness of biodiversity conservation. The eco-games target school students (6 to 16 years)
who visit the RSCN’s reserves. These games offer students the chance to learn
through playing, exploring, and entertainment. When visiting the nature reserves, students will learn basic environmental concepts, acquire conservation
skills, and adopt environmentally-friendly attitudes. Since the Nature Reserves’
Educational Program established in 2004, many eco-games have been produced to add value to this program. Currently, however, the program needs
to be updated and new eco-games must be developed and/or reproduced, as
some games require maintenance.
Boundaries Demarcation to define the
borders of Fifa Nature Reserve (12,000 JOD)
Fifa Nature Reserve is located in the southwestern part of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is 140 km south of Amman and its western border is the international border between Jordan and the West Bank. Fifa was declared a nature
reserve in the year 2011. The protected area extends 26 square kilometers from
Al-Summar area in the north to Wadi Khanzeera in the south, and is under the
administration of the Jordan Valley in the southern Karak Governorate. The
lowest point of the reserve is 420 m below sea level. Fifa Nature Reserve is home
to two important species of salt and tropical plants.
The RSCN is looking to raise awareness of the environmental importance of the
reserve and reduce threats and negative impact to its biodiversity by installing
boundaries marks on the ground to define the borders of the reserve, and to
install concrete signs measuring a meter high, half a meter wide for a distance
of 12 km in length.
Evaluate the Status of Hunting Species
in Jordan (13,000 JOD)
Since its start in the 1970s, the RSCN has been active in defining the species
designated on local hunting lists. However, for a long time these hunting lists
have remained unchanged with no updates, despite the declining number of
species and disappearance of others.
Accordingly, and taking the RSCN’s staff observations in the field into consideration and groups of hunters who have been in communication with the RSCN,
a field study became a must to re-evaluate all listed species in various regions
of the Kingdom, and recommendations will be made to sustain the practice of
hunting by proposing species that are not under threat and which may not be
currently listed, re-mapping the hunting areas according to the distribution and
intensity of species, or making suggestions for breeding of some hunter-targeted species.
Enhancing the Adventure Tourism at the
Mujib Biosphere Reserve (14,000 JOD)
The Mujib Biosphere Reserve is known for its adventurous water trails and activities that attract tourist from all over the world. Visitors enter the canyon trails via
a small reception complex, which contains a waiting area, bathrooms, a small
office, and a store. This complex was built in 2003 as a pioneering venture to
develop tourism in Mujib and as a conservation and socio-economic tool.
In the light of the increased number of visitors to the Mujib canyon, and in order
to maintain a high level of visitor’s enjoyment, as well as maintain an acceptable
level of safety, the RSCN seeks the support to better equip the Mujib Biosphere
Reserve with essential equipment, such as life jackets, ropes, helmets, stretchers, and the like.
Wild Weekly Weekends (15,000 JOD)
Visiting the reserves was made easier by Wild Jordan’s Wild Weekly Weekends.
This program enables Jordanians and tourists to visit the RSCN’s reserves on
regular basis. The idea behind the organized trips is to open new channels for
Jordanians to visit the nature reserves and learn more about their biodiversity,
while encouraging domestic tourism as all income generated from these trips
go to support the local communities that live in and around the reserves. These
excursions also help protect Jordan’s environment for future generations.
The current program is simple and requires development; the RSCN hopes to
secure funding to develop the Weekly Weekends program through intensive
marketing using effective new methods.
Conservation program of the Fifa
Nature Habitats (15,000 JOD)
The Fifa Nature Reserve lies at an elevation of 420 meters below sea level and
thus contains two important plant categories: local and tropical.
One of the major conservation issues in Fifa Nature Reserve is local planting of
Acacia trees, which contribute heavily to the deterioration of endemic vegetation for a number of reasons. Acacias have roots up to 60 meters long, which
absorb large quantities of groundwater and starve surrounding plants. These
trees are extremely hardy and can endure difficult climactic conditions, outlasting endemic plant species by starving them of water and sunlight. Acacias force
the surrounding plant life to spread to other areas, and their presence has a very
negative impact on the local community of Arak trees.
As part of its conservation efforts, RSCN seeks to remove the Acacia trees from
Fifa Nature Reserve and replace them with the indigenous Arak trees. This process will result in a number of environmental and economic benefits for the area.
Managing the Water System at Fifa
Nature Reserve (15,000 JOD)
The RSCN seeks to revisit and complete plans to revive the reserve’s natural
habitats and reclaim bodies of water for conservation. This applies especially in
the Ain Bin Thaker region, due to its historical and environmental importance
as well as its ecological diversity. This work includes a study on the local fish to
determine which species are indigenous and which are invading, as well as to
determine the primary threats to this fish community. A major objective of this
project is to preserve the water system with as few losses as possible. There
may arise a need for water redistribution, cleaning, purification of water sources and removal of fire debris and rotted plant life.
Strengthening Jordan’s Fund for
Nature (5,100 JOD - 15,000 JOD )
Recognizing the need to push ahead as quickly as possible with further designations in response to the enormous development pressure evident throughout
the Kingdom, the RSCN is poised to establish an additional 3 protected areas
over the next 3 years.
With the establishment of these 3 new protected areas, the land area under
the RSCN's management will more than double — growing from 1,000 kilometers-squared to 2,160 kilometers-squared. Consequently, recurrent management costs will escalate. The estimated increase in the annual financial burden
for the RSCN is approximately 1,400,000 JOD. While the organization will strive
to offset these costs through an expansion of eco-tourism and private sector
concessions, there will remain a significant shortfall that must be met by the
RSCN’s own resources.
For this reason, the RSCN wishes to strengthen its existing Endowment Fund to
enable it to cope with its expanding protected area portfolio and maintain its
dynamic socio-economic development program.
Iris Category (15,100 JOD – 50,000 JOD)
Iris is a genus of 260 to 300 species of flowering plants that boast ornate flowers. It takes
its name from the Greek word for “rainbow”
referring to the wide variety of colors found
among the specie’s flowers. The Black Iris is
Jordan’s national flower and can be found all
across the country, particularly in the Karak
Governorate. This category was so named as
its projects symbolize and represent the RSCN
like the iris symbolizes and represents the Hashemite Kingdom.
Iris Category’s Sponsor Benefits:
As a sponsor of one of the RSCN’s programs and projects listed in the Iris
Category, the sponsoring party will not only be publicly demonstrating
their support for nature conservation, but will also be receiving the following benefits:
• Tax deduction for the whole amount of fund.
• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on all project-related publications (invitations, posters,
t-shirts, etc.)
• Media coverage through press releases in local press, radio and TV stations, the RSCN’s
Website, newsletters, and social media channels.
• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on the RSCN’s and Wild Jordan’s Websites under “Friends
and Sponsors” section.
• Sponsor recognition at the RSCN’s annual general assembly meeting and planned annual
members’ events.
• Special 15% discount on the RSCN/Wild Jordan Nature Shop’s high quality handicrafts
produced by local women residing in and around our nature reserves, including customized products for the sponsor’s giveaway needs for one year.
• Special 15% discount on the RSCN’s eco-tourism services provided at the nature reserves
for the sponsor’s corporate trips for one year.
• Honorary memberships.
• The sponsor’s business name or logo prominently displayed in advertisements, including
“Thank You” ads through our members and friends database, which includes more than
10,000 subscribers.
• Access to a training room once a year free of charge in one of the RSCN’s sites.
• Recognition and awarding at the RSCN’s Donors Awarding Event.
• Volunteering opportunities for the sponsor’s staff in executing the sponsored project.
Uniforms for Law Enforcement Rangers
(20,000 JOD)
Based on its authority under the Hunting and Forestry Conservation Law to
implement a number of security services, the RSCN has been granted a law
enforcement capacity concerned with the control and application of all laws
relating to agriculture and biodiversity.
The RSCN seeks to finance the purchase of uniforms for members of its rangers, to enable citizens or partners to identify them by their uniform when in
the field. The uniform shall be selected carefully to suit the nature of the field
work involved, such as long distance walking in hot or cold conditions, and in
terms of color, quality and design.
Security Improvements at the Azraq
Wetland Reserve (20,000 JD)
The Azraq Wetland Reserve, one of RSCN’s oldest reserves, was established in
1978 to preserve the precious Azraq Oasis. The oasis has been a habitat for
migrating birds and many different types of animals for several centuries. In
1994 the RSCN initiated efforts to save the oasis, and with international support, the Society was able to restore several bodies of water and construct a
network of observation paths for visitors. Renovations have led to the return of
many birds and other wildlife to Azraq and made the oasis a prime destination
for eco-tourism.
The fence enclosure surrounding the Azraq reserve was built in 1980. Considering the age of the fence, corrosion and the ease with which the reserve can
be broken into, the RSCN seeks to repair corroded parts of the fence as well as
conduct general maintenance on the whole structure. This process will include
the installation of new iron corners in order to improve security and stability.
Pasture Renovation in Shumari Wildlife
Reserve (20,000 JOD)
The Shumari Wildlife Reserve is quite unique as it is home to numerous communities of rare wild animals. Shumari protects and breeds many endangered
species including the Ibex, the Arabian Oryx and the Arabian Gazelle. The
reserve also protects a number of predatory species such as wolves, foxes,
hyenas and jackals, in addition to various rare and endangered species of
reptiles and amphibians that are extremely important to the local eco-system.
Last but not least, the reserve is home to a number of desert rodents that are
the primary food source for a number of bird and reptile species in the region.
The RSCN seeks to renovate the pastures of the Shumari Wildlife Reserve by
encouraging the growth of vegetation cover and improving on existing water-harvesting projects. Because the region receives only enough seasonal
rainfall to nourish the pastures’ most basic needs, temperature increases and
the subsequent drying up of streams have led to a search for new methods of
water-harvesting and water distribution in Shumari.
Renovation of the Area Surrounding the
Yarmouk Nature Reserve (20,000 JOD)
Every year, the Yarmouk Nature Reserve attracts a large number of local and
international visitors who come to enjoy the reserve and familiarize themselves
with the environment and nature of the area. Yarmouk is famous for its deciduous oak forests and fresh water undergrowth. Preliminary surveys found that
59 species of plants grow in the area, the most important of which may be the
deciduous oak, one of Jordan’s national trees.
While the Yarmouk Nature Reserve administrative building was constructed on
reserve land, the building and the surrounding trees are often damaged by encroaching herds of domestic livestock. In addition to the threat posed by errant
grazers, the area is also contaminated by weekend and holiday trespassers who
leave waste on the building site.
Drawing Borders for the Yarmouk
Nature Reserve (30,000 JOD)
The Yarmouk Nature Reserve faces a number of problems, the most important
of which being attacks by local livestock herders and loggers on the trees of
the Yarmouk’s forests, not to mention the high volume of regular visitors to the
reserve. Because of high traffic in the spring and summer, it has become necessary to draw borders around the reserve in order to clarify its lands and limits
from all sides. This will help to limit the constant questions and allegations by
aggressors toward the reserve’s natural resources. Furthermore, placing signs
to increase visitors’ awareness will help protect the privacy of the reserve and
prevent damage to its facilities.
Management of Aqaba Birds
Observatory Forest (40,000 JOD)
The Aqaba Birds Observatory, managed by the RSCN, includes a forest that covers an area of around 100,000 square meters and which is an important habitat
used by migratory birds when flying over the region during migration seasons.
The native ecosystem plays a protective role to these migratory birds, and to
enable this role the RSCN aims to replace some harmful non-native invasive
trees with authentic plant types found in the native ecosystem to preserve the
natural pattern and reduce the spread of invasive species. This aims to preserve
the future of the ecosystem and to serve the overall objective of the Observatory which is to attract migrating birds. The project aims to install irrigation
systems to support the new plants as well as to develop green spaces to invest
in as parks and picnic areas for use by the local community. This project will
be implemented over three years in order to maintain the site’s vegetation and
ensure the sustainability of the forest.
Strengthening Jordan’s Fund for Nature
(15,000 JOD - 50,000 JOD)
Recognizing the need to push ahead as quickly as possible with further designations in response to the enormous development pressure evident throughout
the Kingdom, the RSCN is poised to establish an additional 3 protected areas
over the next 3 years.
With the establishment of these 3 new protected areas, the land area under
the RSCN's management will more than double — growing from 1,000 kilometers-squared to 2,160 kilometers-squared. Consequently, recurrent management costs will escalate. The estimated increase in the annual financial burden
for the RSCN is approximately 1,400,000 JOD. While the organization will strive
to offset these costs through an expansion of eco-tourism and private sector
concessions, there will remain a significant shortfall that must be met by the
RSCN’s own resources.
For this reason, the RSCN wishes to strengthen its existing Endowment Fund to
enable it to cope with its expanding protected area portfolio and maintain its
dynamic socio-economic development program.
Oryx Category (50,100 JOD and above)
The oryx is considered one of the most remarkable and extraordinary ungulate species in the Arabian culture. In the 1950's this
creature was extinct from the wilderness in
Jordan, however, an extraordinary long-term
initiative commenced by the RSCN was established to re-introduce this species to the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve. The Arabian Oryx is the
national animal of Jordan, thus this category’s
name was chosen as such because of the importance of the projects it includes.
Oryx Category’s Sponsor Benefits:
As a sponsor of one of the RSCN’s programs and projects listed
in the Oryx Category, the sponsoring party will not only be
publicly demonstrating their support for nature conservation,
but will also be receiving the following benefits:
• Tax deduction for the whole amount of fund.
• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on all project-related publications (invitations, posters,
t-shirts, etc.)
• Media coverage through press releases in local press, radio and TV stations, the RSCN’s
Website, newsletters, and social media channels.
• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on the RSCN’s and Wild Jordan’s Websites under “Friends
and Sponsors” section.
• Sponsor recognition at the RSCN’s annual general assembly meeting and planned annual
members’ events.
• The sponsor’s name will be added to the donors’ panel under the title, “RSCN Supporter,” at the entrance of the RSCN or the reserve for which the sponsored project belong.
• Special 20% discount on the RSCN/Wild Jordan Nature Shop’s high quality handicrafts
produced by local women residing in and around our nature reserves, including customized products for the sponsor’s giveaway needs for one year.
• Special 20% discount on the RSCN’s eco-tourism services provided at the nature reserves
for the sponsor’s corporate trips for one year.
• Honorary memberships.
• The sponsor’s business name or logo prominently displayed in advertisements, including
“Thank You” ads through our members and friends database, which includes more than
10,000 subscribers.
• Access to a training room once a year free of charge in one of the RSCN’s sites.
• Recognition and awarding at the RSCN’s Donors Awarding Event.
• Volunteering opportunities for the sponsor’s staff in executing the sponsored project.
Recognizing the need to push ahead as quickly as possible with further designations in response to the enormous development pressure evident throughout
the Kingdom, the RSCN is poised to establish an additional 3 protected areas
over the next 3 years.
With the establishment of these 3 new protected areas, the land area under
the RSCN's management will more than double — growing from 1,000 kilometers-squared to 2,160 kilometers-squared. Consequently, recurrent management costs will escalate. The estimated increase in the annual financial burden
for the RSCN is approximately 1,400,000 JOD. While the organization will
strive to offset these costs through an expansion of eco-tourism and private
sector concessions, there will remain a significant shortfall that must be met by
the RSCN’s own resources.
For this reason, the RSCN wishes to strengthen its existing Endowment Fund to
enable it to cope with its expanding protected area portfolio and maintain its
dynamic socio-economic development program.
Launching a Branded Retail Store “Nature
Shop” at a Strategic Location (80,000 JOD)
Launching a new Nature Shop at a strategic location such as a high
end mall in Jordan will allow RSCN to target a new segment to market
and sell RSCN’s Wild Jordan Crafts, increasing sales and benefits for
local community producers.
Wetlands Water Treatment System at
Aqaba Birds Observatory (100,000 JOD)
The Aqaba Birds Observatory uses available open water surfaces at the Aqaba
Water Treatment Station as rest areas for migratory birds on the main migration route between Africa and Northern Europe and East Asia. These pools of
treated open water are used by various kinds of birds landing at the Station for
nourishment and as a rest area.
The Observatory is looking to assign a unit specialized in wetland water treatment systems to improve the quality of the water bodies in the Observatory for
several purposes: to improve habitat quality, rehabilitation of the forest, and
create places for educational programs and local community activities which
require better treated water than the existing quality.
Development of the Mujib River
Eco-Tourism Facilities (200,000 JOD)
With its spectacular gorge and waterfalls, the Mujib River Canyon has become
one of the most well-known eco and adventure tourism sites in Jordan. In
2010, it attracted over 25,000 visitors - both international and Jordanian - and
generated 80,000 JOD in revenue for the Mujib Nature Reserve, as well as
35 jobs for local people. In total, tourism contributed approximately 70% of
the running costs of the whole Mujib Reserve, an area of some 220 kilometers-squared.
As a result of Mujib’s popularity, the Visitor Reception Complex no longer has
the capacity to cope with either the existing volume of tourists, or likely future
demands. The RSCN is looking to modify and expand this complex at the base
of the Mujib Canyon to enable it to accommodate current and future tourist
use and provide a better and safer visitor experience. This will involve the construction of new bathrooms, changing rooms, a cafeteria, a safety equipment
storage room, and a visitor’s information area. By revitalising the complex in
this way, it will enable the RSCN to generate more conservation and community benefits from tourism at Mujib.
Development of Eco-tourism in the
Dibeen Forest Reserve (250,000 JOD)
The Dibeen Forest Reserve receives thousands of visitors during the weekends of
the spring and summer seasons as it is one of the few natural forests in north
Jordan that has the basic facilities and infrastructure. The large number of visitors
to the park is threatening the natural Aleppo pine forest, which represents the
furthest boundaries of such forest in the southern hemisphere.
Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an alternative picnicking site outside of the Dibeen Reserve, which would minimize the impact on the natural
eco-system within the protected area. The new picnicking site would be developed in partnership with local community representatives in order to create
viable financial and marketing opportunities for their products, activities, and
awareness programs.
The RSCN Sponsorship Commitment Form
Please indicate the project(s) you wish to lend support for.
Thank you for your commitment to support our natural environment.
Orchid Category
Purchase of an Air Compression Machine used for Ostrich Egg Engraving.........(1,600 JOD)
Wild Recon Film Screening ………..………….....................………..….........(2,000 JOD)
Development Nature Shop Equipments……….….....................…….……... (2,000 JOD)
World Wetlands Day…………………………….….......................…….………(2,000 JOD)
Improving Silk Printing Equipment in the Azraq Wetland Reserve…................. (2,000 JOD)
Planting Medicinal Herbs at RSCN owned lands in Fagou….......................... (2,000 JOD)
Implement firefighting plan at Azraq Wetland Reserve..……………..…………..(3,000 JOD)
Conservation Program of the Azraq Wetland Habitats Through Control of Reeds..(3,000 JOD)
Earth Hour.……………………………………..………………………..…………..(3,000 JOD)
Study of Predators in the Shumari Wildlife Reserve….……..……….................(3,000 JOD)
Print Products Catalog.......................................................................... (3,500 JOD)
Developing the Management of Water Buffalo at the Azraq Wetland..............(3,500 JOD)
Developing Equipment Socio-economic Projects .........................................(4,000 JOD)
Development of Seheila Rangers Station in Mujib Reserve…….………………… (4,000 JOD)
Creation of Environmental Police Station in Mujib Reserve ….…………………..(4,000 JOD)
Nature Conservation Research & Survey Activities.…………………..……………(4,000 JOD)
Technical Training on Ceramics Production.…………….........……..……………(4,500 JOD)
Develop Visitor Facilities at Azraq Eco-Lodge …………..………………………...(5,000 JOD)
Enhancing Forest Protection of Ajloun Forest Reserve ……………….………….. (5,000 JOD)
Developing the Enforcement at the Azraq Wetland Reserve.…………...…........(5,000 JOD)
Eco-tourism Development in the Eastern Desert….……………………...……....(5,000 JOD)
Education Activities in the Azraq Wetland Reserve.…………….………………...(5,000 JOD)
Developing the Azraq Wetland Reserve’s Interpretation and Signage Systems....(5,000 JOD)
Study of the Dieback of the Juniper Tree at the Dana Biosphere Reserve.…….…(5,000 JOD)
Completion of the Observation Tower in Ajloun Forest Reserve………….……… (5,000 JOD)
Renovation of Al-Romana Tower Area of Dana Biosphere Reserve ………..……(5,000 JOD)
Purchasing Research Equipment for Yarmouk Nature Reserve.……….………….(5,000 JOD)
Strengthening Jordan’s Fund For Nature ….………………………(2,000 JOD – 5,000 JOD)
Conservation Program of the Azraq Wetland Habitats.…………..…….….........(5,000 JOD)
Kestrel Category
Clean Up the World Campaign.…………………………….……………….........(6,000 JOD)
Bird Ringing at the Azraq Wetland Reserve …………………………………........(6,000 JOD)
Updating Information in the Azraq Reserve Visitors Center………………....….. (6,000 JOD)
Renovation of the Solar Power System at Al-Romana Camp……………………. (7,000 JOD)
Birds Study in Mujib Biosphere Reserve ……………………………………….…. (8,000 JOD)
Improving Packaging Machinery in the Azraq Wetland Reserve Workshop....… (8,000 JOD)
Study of the Ibex in Mujib Biosphere Reserve………..……………………….…. (8,000 JOD)
Improving the Visitors’ Experience at the Aqaba Birds Observatory …………..…(8,000 JOD)
Developing the Vegetation Map of the Dana Biosphere Reserve ……….……..(9,000 JOD)
Rangeland Survey of Ajloun and Dibeen Forest Reserves …………….…………..(9,000 JOD)
Improve Visitor Facilities at Yarmouk Nature Reserve……………………….......(10,000 JOD)
Developing Internet Communication Within the Reserves …………….……….(10,000 JOD)
RSCN Member’s Events ……………….………………………...………………..(10,000 JOD)
Improve Visitor Facilities at Mujib Reserve ………………………………………..(10,000 JOD)
Vegetation Study in Dana Biosphere Reserve …………………………………….(10,000 JOD)
Launching the Jordan Journal of Natural History……………………………….. (10,000 JOD)
Updating the Information Hall in Dana Biosphere Reserve Visitors Center .......(10,000 JOD)
Birds Observatory in Yarmouk Nature Reserve ….……………………………....(10,000 JOD)
Enhancing Safety Procedures and Equipment in Mujib’s Water Trails.……....…(10,000 JOD)
Conservation Program Development in Yarmouk Nature Reserve...…………… (10,000JOD)
Nature Reserves Eco-Games..……………….…………………..……….……..(11,000 JOD)
Boundaries Demarcation to define the borders of Fifa Nature Reserve...………(12,000 JOD)
Evaluate the status of game species in Jordan ………….……………………….(13,000 JOD)
Enhancing the Adventure Tourism at the Mujib Biosphere Reserve.……..….....(14,000 JOD)
Wild Weekly Weekends.……………….……………...………………....…….(15,000 JOD)
Equipping the Pottery Workshop in Dibeen Forest Reserve…...………....….....(15,000 JOD)
Conservation program of the Fifa Nature Habitats…………………….….….... (15,000 JOD)
Managing the Water System at Fifa Nature Reserve……………..…….….…... (15,000 JOD)
Strengthening Jordan’s Fund For Nature.………………..…………(5,100 JOD – 15,000 JOD)
Iris Category
Uniforms for Law Enforcement Rangers ..............................................(20,000 JOD)
Security Improvements at Azraq Wetland Reserve................................... (20,000 JD)
Pasture Renovation in Shumari Wildlife Reserve...……………………………... (20,000 JOD)
Renovation of the Area Surrounding the Azraq Wetland Reserve..……...…... (20,000 JOD)
Rehabilitation of the original wetland habitat at the Azraq Wetland Rese….... (30,000 JOD)
Drawing Borders for the Yarmouk Nature Reserve………........................... (30,000 JOD)
Management of Aqaba Birds Observatory Forest ……………………………(40,000 JOD)
Strengthening Jordan’s Fund for Nature........................... (15,000 JOD - 50,000 JOD)
Oryx Category
Strengthening Jordan’s Fund for Nat………………………..………..(more than 50,000 JOD)
Opening of the nature shop in one of the major shopping malls.............. (80,000 JOD)
Wetlands Water Treatment System at Aqaba Birds Observatory..……………..(100,000 JOD)
Development of the Mujib River Eco-tourism Facilities.………..………………(200,000 JOD)
Development of Eco-tourism in the Dibeen Forest Reserve..………….……… (250,000 JOD)
For questions and additional information, please contact:
Heba Zuhair
Phone +962 6 533 7931/2 +962 79 737 3352
E-mail: [email protected]
Help us!
Please pass this on to others who can help, too!
Tel: +962 6 5337 931/2
Fax: +962 6 5357 618
P. O. Box 1215 Amman 11941 Jordan
www.rscn.org.jo