Safaa Batin
Nobility
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2004
- Messages
- 302
- City
- Irbid
- Country
- Jordan
Queen Rania Opens Ajloun Nature Reserve
AJLOUN, Sep. 28 (Petra)--In line with the vision of promoting sustainable community development while preserving different areas of the Kingdom culturally, historically, and ecologically, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated the Ajloun Nature Reserve, a pioneer eco-tourism project launched by the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) in cooperation with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN).
The project, funded by the Spanish Agency for International cooperation and the Japanese Embassy, is the first Eco-tourism project in Ajloun and the most unique in terms of the resources and services offered in the reserve.
While highlighting the importance of forests and nature conservation, the Ajloun Reserve merges efforts in environmental protection as a means to promote sustainable community development through developing eco-tourism activities within and around the area as a means of supporting conservation programs and providing job opportunities for the local community.
While Ajloun is considered one of the poorest governorates in the Kingdom with almost non-existent tourist activities, it is hoped that the pilot project will encourage its replication throughout the various governorates of the Kingdom, as it showcases a successful example of how building a corporate identity for the different governorates can benefit the country at large.
During her visit to the reserve, Queen Rania was briefed by JRF Director General Maha Khatib, and RSCN Director General Khaled Irani with an overview of the role of JRF and RSCN in the Ajloun area.
Queen Rania, who is chairperson of JRF, toured the different areas of the reserve, taking a firsthand look at the camping area where children from Ajloun enjoyed the environmental activities held there. She also met local women making the natural and hand-made products from Ajloun.
Representatives of the local community joined the Governor of Ajloun as Queen Ranialaunched the RSCN's website of birds also toured the photography exhibition, portrayingthe implementation phases of the project which started 18 months ago.
With a total budget of nearly JD200,000 donated by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation in cooperation with RESCATE' and the Japanese Embassy, the donor bodies expressed to Her Majesty their pride in being part of such a pioneer initiative.
Enjoying the highest rainfall rate in Jordan, Ajloun is a haven of rolling hills covered by dense woodlands of evergreen oak and scattered pistachio, carob and wild strawberry tress. Rich in natural, agricultural and human resources and known for its revered historic and religious significance, Ajloun promises great tourism potential.
The Ajloun Nature Reserve is now serviced by 10 cabins, a srestaurant with a splendid view of the reserve, a visitor information center, a research center and a handicraft production center whose designs are inspired by Ajloun's picturesque beauty and reflect its culture and heritage.
It is hoped that this will entice Jordanians towards local tourism as well as make them aware of the importance of forest conservation in Jordan, especially since all our woodlands combined comprise not more than 0.9% of the Kingdom's total area
JRF, a non-profit NGO dedicated to social and economic community empowerment also spearheads many projects in Ajloun Governorate that provide employment opportunities for local residents and training courses for their benefit. The latest venture currently underway is the promotion and implementation of Site Management Plan, an ambitious urban development master plan that will formulate a vision and public investment programme for sustainable development and tourism promotion in Ajloun city, Ajloun castle, Anjara and the surrounding area.
The Spanish Agency for International Cooperation was established in 1988 endeavors to promote welfare and stability throughout the world, especially the Arab world. Spain's long and enduring friendship with Jordan has been strengthened through the many projects the Agency has sponsored since 1971, several of these in cooperation with JRF, such as the Jabal Al Nasser Center which promotes proactive measures to eradicate the root social causes of child abuse and neglect.
The RSCN hopes to spread awareness to all Jordanians about Ajloun's area prospective and potential and encourage optimal use of its touristic, environmental, geographical, human and cultural resources.
AJLOUN, Sep. 28 (Petra)--In line with the vision of promoting sustainable community development while preserving different areas of the Kingdom culturally, historically, and ecologically, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated the Ajloun Nature Reserve, a pioneer eco-tourism project launched by the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) in cooperation with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN).
The project, funded by the Spanish Agency for International cooperation and the Japanese Embassy, is the first Eco-tourism project in Ajloun and the most unique in terms of the resources and services offered in the reserve.
While highlighting the importance of forests and nature conservation, the Ajloun Reserve merges efforts in environmental protection as a means to promote sustainable community development through developing eco-tourism activities within and around the area as a means of supporting conservation programs and providing job opportunities for the local community.
While Ajloun is considered one of the poorest governorates in the Kingdom with almost non-existent tourist activities, it is hoped that the pilot project will encourage its replication throughout the various governorates of the Kingdom, as it showcases a successful example of how building a corporate identity for the different governorates can benefit the country at large.
During her visit to the reserve, Queen Rania was briefed by JRF Director General Maha Khatib, and RSCN Director General Khaled Irani with an overview of the role of JRF and RSCN in the Ajloun area.
Queen Rania, who is chairperson of JRF, toured the different areas of the reserve, taking a firsthand look at the camping area where children from Ajloun enjoyed the environmental activities held there. She also met local women making the natural and hand-made products from Ajloun.
Representatives of the local community joined the Governor of Ajloun as Queen Ranialaunched the RSCN's website of birds also toured the photography exhibition, portrayingthe implementation phases of the project which started 18 months ago.
With a total budget of nearly JD200,000 donated by the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation in cooperation with RESCATE' and the Japanese Embassy, the donor bodies expressed to Her Majesty their pride in being part of such a pioneer initiative.
Enjoying the highest rainfall rate in Jordan, Ajloun is a haven of rolling hills covered by dense woodlands of evergreen oak and scattered pistachio, carob and wild strawberry tress. Rich in natural, agricultural and human resources and known for its revered historic and religious significance, Ajloun promises great tourism potential.
The Ajloun Nature Reserve is now serviced by 10 cabins, a srestaurant with a splendid view of the reserve, a visitor information center, a research center and a handicraft production center whose designs are inspired by Ajloun's picturesque beauty and reflect its culture and heritage.
It is hoped that this will entice Jordanians towards local tourism as well as make them aware of the importance of forest conservation in Jordan, especially since all our woodlands combined comprise not more than 0.9% of the Kingdom's total area
JRF, a non-profit NGO dedicated to social and economic community empowerment also spearheads many projects in Ajloun Governorate that provide employment opportunities for local residents and training courses for their benefit. The latest venture currently underway is the promotion and implementation of Site Management Plan, an ambitious urban development master plan that will formulate a vision and public investment programme for sustainable development and tourism promotion in Ajloun city, Ajloun castle, Anjara and the surrounding area.
The Spanish Agency for International Cooperation was established in 1988 endeavors to promote welfare and stability throughout the world, especially the Arab world. Spain's long and enduring friendship with Jordan has been strengthened through the many projects the Agency has sponsored since 1971, several of these in cooperation with JRF, such as the Jabal Al Nasser Center which promotes proactive measures to eradicate the root social causes of child abuse and neglect.
The RSCN hopes to spread awareness to all Jordanians about Ajloun's area prospective and potential and encourage optimal use of its touristic, environmental, geographical, human and cultural resources.
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