After six years of hard work, Friends of the Earth Middle East have opened an eco-park in Jordan dedicated to preserving biodiversity
Last week, the Sharhabil Bin Hassneh EcoPark in Jordan was opened after six years of planning which saw the development of several thousand dunams of land in the Jordan Valley. As well as fencing off the area to regulate overgrazing (which had contributed to the degradation of the land), there was also a concerted effort to restore some of the natural vegetation and protect wildlife.
According to Friends of the Earth Middle East (FoE-ME), the aim of the eco-park is to establish a model for preserving the natural diversity of the Jordan Valley and also to raise public awareness about the ecological importance of the landscape.
FoE-ME is a unique green organisation which brings together environmentalists from Jordan, Israel and Palestine to resolve regional environmental problems and develop the potential for eco-tourism. The Sharhabil Bin Hassneh Eco Park is part of the organisation’s plans to rehabilitate the Jordan Valley River so “it is no longer treated as a backyard dumping ground by tourists and residents.”
FoE-ME are currently offering tours of the eco-park for adults and children to learn more about the natural diversity of the Jordan Valley. There will also be opportunities to go bird watching as well as enjoy some nature trails- keep an eye out for wild flowers such as the Scarlet Pimpernel and Small Pheasant’s Eye.
The eco-park in Jordan also comes equipped with ten eco-lodges so you enjoy the full beauty of the park over a couple of days stay. Perfect for an eco holiday!
:Images via Sharhabil Bin Hassneh EcoPark.
For more on Jordan’s green news see:
Jordan Valley Eco-Centre Opens Community Guesthouse
Jordan Signs Up For Epic ‘Sahara Forest Project’
Travellers Want Trains- What is the Middle East Doing About It?
Author: Arwa Aburawa
Arwa is a Muslim freelance writer who is interested in everything climate change related and how Islam can inspire more people to care for their planet and take active steps to save it while we can. She is endlessly suspicious of all politicians and their ceaseless meetings, especially as they make normal people believe that they are not part of the solution when they are the ONLY solution. Her Indian auntie is her model eco-warrier, and when Arwa is not busy helping out in the neighborhood alleyway garden, swap shopping or attempting fusion vegetarian dishes- with mixed success, she’d like to add- she can be found sipping on foraged nettle tea.
The trip was cancelled, but I did go to an eco-water facility in the West Bank. Will post soon.
Also – I think if politicians went to work with the directors of FOEME for a week, they’d have a much clearer picture on how to make peace in the Middle East.
I plan on visiting the eco-park next week with FOEME. I hope to report back with some great pictures.