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JORDAN

1994 in the Dana Biosphere approximately 45% of the models of sustainable tou- landscapes. RSCN is
Reserve, through the esta- costs of caring for Jordan's rism would not have been responsible for the manage-
blishment of a range of tou- protected areas; providing possible without the support ment of Jordan's nature
rism facilities, including a jobs and additional income of international donors, reserves, which include
campsite, a guesthouse and to close on 3,000 people especially USAID, the Dana Biosphere Reserve,
an eco-lodge. Inspired by from poor rural communi- European Union, the Hanns Mujib Nature Reserve,
the success of the Dana ties; and attracting over Seidel Foundation, the Ajloun Forest Reserve,
initiative, RSCN has been 50,000 new international Japan
International Dibeen Forest Reserve,
replicating the Dana model visitors each year to RSCN Cooperation
Agency Azraq Wetland Reserve,
in all of its protected areas, sites, making a significant (JICA), the Swiss Agency Shaumari Wildlife Reserve,
including Mujib, Azraq, and contribution to the national for Cooperation and and recently established
Ajioun nature reserves, pro- tourism sector. Development and the World Yarmouk Nature Reserve.
viding a series of outdoor Bank (GEF Programs).
activities, such as hiking, RSCN was ranked among For more information
biking, and abseiling to the country's top ten local RSCN is a non-profit non- go to: www.rscn.org.jo
occupy visitors during their community employers for governmental organization
visit. the year 2010 by the devoted to the protection
Department of Social and care of Jordan's wild
Last year, Wild Jordan gene- Security. plants, animals and natural
rated nearly 1 million
Jordanian dinars through RSCN's achieve-
covering
ecotourism;
ments in developing

1 2011 Diva 27

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