User:Jordan401/sandbox

Agiv24 (talk)

RSCN's Nature Guides & Politics
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is an organization that was created in 1966, located in Amman Jordan. The organization was developed to protect the natural resources, landscapes, and wild life native to Jordan. The effects of Jordanian dinar 1.6 million from eco-tourism in Jordan provided through the RSCN's efforts have helped create much needed awareness. The money has also been used towards expansion by hiring new nature guides and opening a second Wild Jordan Center in Ajloun. The Nature Guides participated in a one year training in the ecology field of study in South Africa. Four guides were selected through the Nature Guide Training Scholarship Competition.

Foreign Aid and Environmentalism
SEPARATELY LINK TO RSCN WIKIPEDIA PAGE


 * Also link it to Felipe's entry

Preserving the Land
The protection of the natural biodiversity in Jordan is a prominent effort carried out by the Nature Guides. One way Jordan is trying to preserve its landscape is through hunting regulations that protect endangered species and animals from illegal poaching. For example, in the Yarmouk Nature Reserve, there is an emphasis on protection for the deciduous oak trees, which make up 85% of trees in Jordan. There are also hot springs and cold springs located in Yarmouk Reserve that if unregulated by the nature guides would be vulnerable to destruction or pollution by the tourists.

Limitations
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) has successfully reintroduced species and restored landscapes throughout Jordan. Since 2013, there has been local opposition from the Jordan communities near conservation sites. The surrounding communities are “expecting immediate gratification” with the intentions of the RSCN’s land preservation and hunting regulations. Locals in Jabal Masouda were under the impression that their land would be transformed into a nature reserve. Similarly, Karak, Petra, Tafileh, and Aqaba are being affected by the RSCN's restriction to allow their communities to log and their animals area to graze. The resistance from local communities originates from the restrictions on their use of the land and rights for economic benefits.

Reintroduction of Species
The RSCN has recorded 412 species in the Al Mujib reserve alone. Many species are being threatened due to water scarcity, land loss, and grazing from livestock. According Abdul Razzaq Hamoud, the director of the RSCN, there have been over 30 birds and 30 animals that have been seized by the RSCN due to unlawful possession. Many of the animals are being taken over the Saudi Arabian border. Once the animals are healthy, they are able to enter into the wild again. As a solution, the RSCN believes that raising awareness will help the animal species that are threatened. The purpose of the RSCN’s Nature Guide program is to provide tourists with first hand nature experience.

Restoration of Villages
Since much of the infrastructure in Dana Village is compromised, the RSCN has renovated the houses into tourist buildings, which are used for the eco-tourism efforts. The original houses that are located in Dana Village will be transformed into locations for tourists such as souvenir stores, restaurants, and hotels through the help of USAID’s $2 million. The need for “responsible nature tourism development” is paramount to the protection of the natural environment in Jordan. The RSCN's efforts are highlighted through their developments to enhance eco-tourism in Jordan and provide more awareness to the environment.