Bounty Becomes a Boon for Locals and Tourists

Already one of the driest countries on the planet, Jordan is increasingly challenged by global

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climate change. The country sits at the intersection of four major bio-geographical zones with 13 different vegetation types, each supporting a diversity of species—47 of them considered globally threatened. Some of the threatened animals include the Arabian oryx and birds such as the Houbara Bustard and Saker falcon. Jordan’s environmental challenges are compounded by rapid population growth, depleting natural resources, industrial pollution, increased demand for land and water from large-scale agriculture, and urban encroachment. To address some of these challenges, USAID has promoted nature preservation and eco-tourism. Since 2000, Agency efforts have focused on the Dana Biosphere, Jordan’s first and largest biosphere reserve, established in 1993. More...