The Aqaba Bird Observatory is the first specialized observatory for birds in Jordan, located at a habitat that has become very important for birds and their migration at the global level.  Bird observatories are often used as effective tools in environmental educational and public awareness programs. School students, university students and local people can watch birds from a close distance and learn more about them and the importance of Aqaba as a habitat for birds in their global migration, thus learning more about the conservation of important biodiversity species locally and globally. This kind of information that enhances the interest in preserving bird species and their habitats will be provided by well-trained local staff in order to have more impact on the community of Aqaba and Jordan in general.  Project activities will include organizing training workshops, site visits, school lectures, creating a bird watching group, with special focus on students and environmental club leaders.  Visiting bird watchers will also be encouraged to visit the observatory and make use of its facilities for information and research.  

Today’s event marks the continuation of local community efforts in Jordan supported by the SGP ever since it started operation back in 1992.  This falls in line with its strategic objectives of achieving global environmental benefits in the areas of biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation and persistent organic pollutants, as well as the achievement of enhanced and improved livelihoods of the local communities and their capacities to manage their natural resources.