Jordan’s varied topography, geological structure and climatic conditions have led to the formation of an equally varied range of ecosystems, from evergreen oak forest to sand dune desert.

Deforestation has been particularly acute and the country now has less than 1% of its original tree cover. The Dibeen Forest, north of Amman, is one of the largest continuous natural forest remaining in the Kingdom and its designation as a protected area will increase the total amount of natural forest as nature reserves in the Kingdom. Dibeen Forest is also one of the best remaining examples of natural pine-oak forests in the region. It supports over 17 endangered species and other globally significant biodiversity.

The proposed Reserve with a total area of 8 square kilometers will be developed in the context of a unique Regional Forest Park spanning 200 square kilometers in three local municipalities Jerash, Al Meirad and Burma, where sustainable uses of the Forest’s resources will be pioneered for local communities as alternatives to currently damaging land use practices.

The US$1.1 million project, mainly funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the in-kind contribution of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and local counterparts will address the threats to Dibeen Forest. The project will ensure that the Forest is effectively managed in the interests of biodiversity conservation by creating a nature reserve, complete with bylaws and a trained management team. This will safeguard ecologically significant and vulnerable areas for the Forest. It will also support the development of a unique Regional Forest Park where sustainable uses of forest resources will be pioneered as alternative livelihoods for local communities.

The project meets the Government priority objectives, as set out in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. It will be implemented by the RSCN, working in partnership with national and local stakeholders, including the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, the local municipalities and local users of the Forest.