The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan’s natural heritage. Under the patronage of His Majesty the late King Hussein, who was in place as Honorary President, the RSCN was founded in 1966 and was given the responsibility by Jordan’s gov-ernment to care for and protect the biodiversity of the Hashemite Kingdom. The RSCN is one of the few voluntary organizations in the Middle East to be granted such a public ser-vice mandate and, as a result of its pioneering conservation work, the RSCN has achieved international recognition.

The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature

The RSCN’s Mission StatementThe Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature aims to create, manage and advocate for a national network of protected areas to conserve Jordan’s biodiversity and support local community development, while promoting wider public support and action for the protection of the natural environment within Jordan and neighboring countries.

The RSCN accomplishes its role in managing Jordan’s natural resources and protecting the country’s biodiversity by:

• Establishing and managing protected areas to safeguard Jordan’s most important habitats and ecosystems.

• Running captive breeding programs to save endangered species from extinction.

• Conducting research to provide a scientific basis for conservation programs.

• Enforcing governmental laws to protect wildlife and control illegal hunting.

• Raising awareness on environmental issues, with a focus on school students by creating nature conservation clubs, providing educational programs in the reserves, and integrating biodiversity concepts in school curricula.

• Supporting the socio-economic development of rural communities by creating job opportunities through eco-tourism, craft production, and other nature-based businesses.

• Providing training and capacity building for environmental practitioners and other institutions throughout Jordan and the Middle East.

• Encouraging public participation in RSCN’s nature activities through membership, events, and activities.

• Promoting public action for environmental protection through advocacy campaigns and activities.

The policies and practices of the RSCN are shaped and guided by an elected Board of Directors, made up of 11 members. Responsibility for day-to-day work is delegated to a team of over 350 staff and is headed by the Director General. Quotidian work falls under four main functional divisions: Conservation, Outreach, Administration & Finance, and Wild Jordan.

Helping Nature…Helping People“Helping Nature…Helping People”, is the RSCN›s official slogan. It reflects the RSCN›s belief that nature conservation and economic devel-opment go hand in-hand. It also demonstrates our belief that Jordan’s natural environment and different habitats can provide the basis for an alternative economy led by members of disadvantaged rural communi-ties, who currently have few opportunities to improve their livelihoods. Within its reserves and their surrounding areas, the RSCN has contrib-uted to creating alternative economies by developing eco-tourism and other nature-based businesses, which generate additional income and social benefits for some of Jordan’s main poverty pockets. By providing tangible advantages, such self-sustaining businesses not only demon-strate that nature conservation is viable in the “real world,” but they also create alternative and more benign uses of land. Consequently, the RSCN strives to gradually build-up popular support - among the privileged and the underprivileged - for both the concept and practice of nature conservation.

The RSCN has established and currentlymanages the following reserve:

Burqu

Rajil

Yarmouk SCA

Al Khayyouf

Homret Maeen

Wadi IbnHammad

FifaAbu Rukbeh

Bayerباير

أبو ركبه

الشوبك

رحمة

قطر

فيفا

وادي إبن حماد

حمرة ماعين

الخيوف

اليرموك

راجل

برقع

Shoubak

Rahmeh

Qatar

Aqaba Proposed Reserve

Azraq Wetland Reserveمحمية االزرق المائية

Ajloun Forest Reserveمحمية غابات عجلون

Dibeen Forest Reserveمحمية غابات دبين

Shaumari wildlife Reserveمحمية الشومري لألحياء البرية

Mujib Biosphere Reserveمحمية الموجب للمحيط الحيوي

Fifa Nature Reserveمحمية فيفا الطبيعية

Dana Biosphere Reserveمحمية ضانا للمحيط الحيوي

Yarmouk Nature Reserveمحمية اليرموك الطبيعية

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In addition to the RSCN's main role of conserving Jordan’s natural her-itage and biodiversity, the organization provides a range of socio-eco-nomic benefits, from national to local levels, for the communities surrounding the RSCN's reserves up to the national economy level.

The RSCN's Socio-Economic Benefits

Local Benefits:

1. The RSCN provides the local native communities with more than 350 job opportunities in eight governorates across the Kingdom associated with health insurance, social security, and provident funds.

2. The RSCN boosts the local economy of the communities around its reserves by dealing with local suppliers and service providers for food and beverage, raw materials, transportation, cultural tourism, tradition-al activities, and the like. This currently sustains more than 500 families, with support expecting to reach 1,000 families after the opening of newly developed projects, such as the Dana Village, Ajloun Academy, and others.

3. The RSCN›s reserves provide rangeland for local herders to graze their livestock. The estimated value generated from local communities graz-ing in these nature reserves is over a million dinars.

4. The RSCN provides capacity building for the reserves’ staff through specialized capacity building programs.

5. The RSCN helps local communities in establishing cooperatives and community groups, also facilitates raising funds for the community ini-tiatives. The total amount of funds that were received by the facilitation of the RSCN was (683,469) JOD at 2013 year.

6. The RSCN offers the Ministry of Education and local schools cus-tomized environmental educational programs, in addition to suitable venues to implement their outdoors educational programs

The Distribution of Nature Reserve Benefits on the Kingdom’s Governorates

National Benefits:

1. The RSCN has helped to increase Jordan’s national income. The total cumulative income generated from the organization’s nature reserves in the Kingdom during 2013 exceeded 1,635,966,800 JOD.

2. Nature reserves have become an important pillar of Jordan’s national tourism development strategy due to the eco-tourism industry that the RSCN has initiated in the country. In 2013, more than 174,284 visitors visited nature reserves managed by the RSCN.

3. The RSCN’s reserves have played a vital role in bringing funds from an array of donors and international entities, which have helped in the development of our reserves’ programs and infrastructure. Most impor-tantly, this created no cost for the Jordanian government’s treasury.

RSCN Sponsorship Menu As the nation’s nature and wildlife is for everybody to enjoy, the RSCN has decided to widen the umbrella of its nature conservancy responsibility. This sponsorship menu offers one the opportunity to participate in our national mission to protect Jordan's natural environment, while supporting the dis-advantaged local communities of those rural areas that reside in and around the RSCN’s nature reserves `

What is unique about the sponsorship opportunities the RSCN is

offering?

• The RSCN offers sponsors multiple benefits, such as tax deduction as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) donations, media exposure, and many more special opportunities.

• The RSCN gives sponsors a chance to go beyond Amman’s borders to expand their good will to the whole Hashemite Kingdom, from the northernmost to the southernmost points of the country, Sponsors can give to the RSCN’s different nature reserves and affect their surrounding local native communities, thus reaching business CSR targets successfully.

• Getting involved with the RSCN shifts sponsor's activities from "transac-tions" to "partnerships" as our organization offers the opportunity to en-gage sponsors› corporate staff as volunteers in executing the sponsored project. This raises sponsor's sense of partnership and project ownership.

• The RSCN extends sponsors the chance to, not only support nature con-servation in Jordan, but also to support underprivileged native communi-

ties surrounding our nature reserves.

• The RSCN grants sponsors worthy media coverage and exposure through press releases in local press, television channels, and radio stations, as well as via the RSCN’s Website, newsletters, and announcements, which are distributed to 10,000 subscribers. Promotion is also done via RSCN’s social media platforms, which boast over 15,700 followers.

It’s simple and easy. All that you have to do is:

1. Pick the category that matches your budget and expected benefits.

2. Explore the projects included in that category.

3. Indicate your desired project(s) in the commitment form at the end of the menu, and send us back the completed form.

Orchids are some of nature’s most interesting flowers and the most com-mon plant group in the world. They grow from the Arctic to the Equator to the southern hemisphere, on all the continents except Antarctica. Some orchids that grow naturally, however, are in danger of disappearing from Earth. In Jordan, a total of 20 species of orchids have been recorded - a relatively large range considering the country’s various bio-geographical zones. These small flowers are diverse and are found growing abundantly in different places all over the Kingdom, thus as this category boasts plenty of small projects from all of the RSCN’s different reserves, the orchid is a fitting symbol.

Orc

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Orchid

Orchid Category’s Sponsor Benefits:As a sponsor of one of the RSCN’s programs and projects listed in the Orchid Category, the sponsoring party will not only be publicly demonstrating their support for nature conservation, but will also be receiving the following benefits:

• Tax deduction for the whole amount of fund.

• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on all project-related publications (invita-tions, posters, t-shirts, etc.)

• Media coverage through press releases in local press, radio and TV sta-tions, the RSCN’s Website, newsletters, and social media channels.

• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on the RSCN’s and Wild Jordan’s Websites under “Friends and Sponsors” section.

• Sponsor recognition at the RSCN’s annual general assembly meeting and planned annual members events.

• Special 5% discount on the RSCN/Wild Jordan Nature Shop’s high quality handicrafts produced by local women residing in and around our nature reserves, including customized products for the sponsor’s giveaway needs for one year.

• Special 5% discount on the RSCN’s eco-tourism services provided at the nature reserves for the sponsor's corporate trips for one year.

• Recognition and awarding at the RSCN’s Donors Awarding Event.

• Volunteering opportunities for the sponsor’s staff in executing the spon-sored project.

Wild Recon is one of the wildest shows on Animal Planet. It follows the adventures of animal explorer Donald Schultz, who is taken on dangerous missions that could yield life-changing scientific discoveries. The RSCN hosted the Wild Recon group in Jordan and facilitated the filming of Jordan’s wildlife, specifically its animals. In order to share this unique experience with the public - nature and wildlife lovers in particu-lar - the RSCN aims to screen this film in a public theater, followed by a discussion with our researchers to give an exciting “behind the scenes” account of the filming.

Wild Recon Film Screening (2,000 JOD)

As part of its conservation network, the RSCN runs a number of handicraft display centers where local women create and display one-of-a-kind products inspired by both the environment and local herit-age. There are ten of these Nature Shops in various locations around Jordan. In order to increase sales, these shops have a continuing need for development and product marketing though the RSCN’s business network. Developing these trade centers positively impacts both handi-craft workers and the society around them.

The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature seeks to support the continual development of its Nature Shops and improve their purchas-ing power by updating the shop’s equipment. One such improvement will be to create a screen-printing station inside the warehouse in Amman, allowing customers to place and receive screen-printing orders on the very same day. Such ease will increase the number of customers who come to our Nature Shops to purchase gifts for any occasion.

Development Nature Shop Equipments (2,000 JOD)

As a member of the Ramsar Convention since 1977, the RSCN annually organizes lectures, awareness campaigns, and outreach activities in celebration of World Wetlands Day. The purpose of these activities is to increase public awareness on the importance of wetlands and the Azraq wetlands in particular - on both a local and global level, especial-ly in terms of its importance to migratory birds and to the Sarhani fish - Jordan’s only endemic species, and further to inspire their support for the protection of this unique and threatened habitat.

World Wetlands Day (2,000 JOD)

The Azraq Wetland Reserve includes several handicraft workshops that manufacture a wide range of products which are inspired by the surrounding environment. While the hand printing workshop is considered one of the pioneering projects within the reserve, it is in continual need of equipment updates and improvements in order to increase productive power and improve the quality of its products. Such improvements will lead to increased demand for these products in the local market.

The silkscreen printing project aims to improve product quality by pur-chasing a drying oven which will improve the strength and endurance of printed products and allow them to be used multiple times.

Improving Silk Printing Equipment in the Azraq Wetland Reserve (2,000 JOD)

Over the past few years Azraq Wetland Reserve has suffered repeat-edly from incidents of fire, destroying much of the remaining natural habitats in the reserve comprising of reeds and Sadge (Typha), which are very important places for nesting and breeding birds. Firefighting is therefore an essential component of the reserve’s management plans.

The RSCN plans to use heavy machinery to create pathways within the reserve to facilitate the entry of fire extinguishing equipment in the event of fire.

Implement firefighting plan at Azraq Wetland Reserve (3,000 JOD)

The reed cutting in Azraq wetland is an essential management tool to avoid over accumulation of the reeds and to conserve the main charac-teristic habitat of these wetlands.

Usually, reed cutting is done by hand, however, it can be accomplished by simple machines and tools, and hence it is important to provide the Azraq Wetland Reserve with reed cutting tools and specialized long boots for water habitats in order for the reed cutting to proceed continuously.

Conservation Program of the Azraq Wetland Habitats Through Control of Reeds (3,000 JOD)

Earth Hour is an event led by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The RSCN annually organizes an Earth Hour in conjunction with the inter-national Earth Hour campaign, which is a community based environ-mental campaign that inspires and empowers communities from every corner of the globe for the betterment of the planet, joining hundreds of millions of people across 135 countries switch off for an hour. The event includes switch off lights in Wild Jordan Center and the surround-ing streets and neighborhood, candlelit march starts from Wild Jordan Center, pledges from participants, and other engaging activities.

Earth Hour (3,000 JOD)

The Shumari Wildlife Reserve contains a small number of predatory animals such as various wolves, hyenas and jackals in addition to many endangered species. Communities of these animals living outside of the reserve face a wide array of problems such as poaching, human land appropriation, draught, and urban sprawl. In light of such worsening conditions, there has arisen a need for close observation and monitoring of these populations inside the reserve. Research on Shumari wildlife can then be applied to helping animal communities outside of the site.

The RSCN seeks to conduct a detailed and intensive study of predators found inside the reserve. The reserve’s observatory program has noted a decrease in diversity amongthese predators, thus calling for in-depth research in order to fully understand this subset of species and their map out their distribution within the reserve site.

Study of Predators in the Shumari Wildlife Reserve (3,000 JOD)

The Azraq Wetland Reserve uses water buffalos as a management tool to create the characteristic habitat of the wetlands. The RSCN has been managing the buffaloes for several years and the results of the moni-toring program indicate that these buffaloes have contributed to the wetland habitat’s restoration program.

The RSCN plans to expand the current water buffalo barn to be able to keep the newborn calves, and also to help in controlling the buffaloes’ movement in the wetlands and prevent them from approaching birds› nests.

Developing the Management of Water Buffalo at the Azraq Wetland Reserve (3,500 JOD)

Al-Seheila Station is one of Mujib’s conservation and surveillance sta-tions; more specifically it is located in Madaba to the west of Theban and near Al Mathloutha village. Al-Seheila Station is located at the center of the reserve, in an elevated area overlooking a large part of the reserve. Al-Seheila Center is situated at a key entry point to the Qaseeb, Al-Hidan, Al-Malaqi, eastern Al-Ryashi and Aynat areas.

The RSCN established Al-Seheila Station with the aim of mitigating various threats to the reserve such as illegal hunting, overgrazing and random tourism and residential construction and farming. The Station consists of one room, a lounge, a bathroom and a kitchen and is in need of general maintenance and some basic supplies to support its continued implementation of monitoring and protection activities in the reserve and its surrounding areas.

Development of Seheila Rangers Station in Mujib Reserve (4,000 JOD)

The Royal Department for Environmental Protection, also known as the “Royal Rangers” provides key support to the RSCN through its follow-up of various environmental issues, including issues related to Jordan’s nature reserves.

The RSCN is working in partnership with the Royal Rangers to establish a special police Station in the lower western part of Mujib Reserve on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. The planned station will specialize in environmental issues related to the reserves and will help to implement monitoring, protection and inspection programs within the reserve and its surrounding areas.

The RSCN seeks to fund the cost of situating this station in a caravan containing two rooms, a bathroom and kitchen. As it will be located far from water and electricity networks, the station also needs to be equipped with a solar power unit, water tank and some basic supplies.

Creation of Environmental Police Station in Mujib Reserve (4,000 JOD)

Surveys indicate that the Mujib Biosphere Reserve contains over 300 species of plants, 10 species of carnivores, and numerous species of resident and migratory birds. The richest vegetation is found on the wa-di’s floor where palm trees, wild fig trees, tamarix trees, and beautiful oleander shrubs grow, in addition to the lush reed bed that flourishes along the river.

The Mujib Biosphere Reserve is characterized by its extensive area, which supports the presence of different carnivorous species. Howev-er, knowledge on these species is outdated and must be updated to assist in the evaluation of the level of conservation work needed onsite. Therefore, a Study of Carnivores shall be conducted in Mujib, requiring equipment, field work, and reporting.

Nature Conservation Research &Survey Activities (4,000 JOD)

Through the development of eco-tourism in protected areas, the RSCN aims to create employment opportunities and provide socio-economic benefits to local communities. This helps to encourage greater com-munity support toward protected areas and discourage activities that threaten nature, such as overgrazing and hunting, in addition to creat-ing financial returns that contribute to nature conservation programs. Located not far from Azraq Wetland Reserve, Azraq Eco-Lodge receives visitors throughout the year.

The Azraq Eco-Lodge needs to build a secure warehouse to store some of the materials and tools used in its eco-tourism operations, such as maintaining bicycles and storing mattresses, extra beds and many other items.

Develop Visitor Facilities at Azraq Eco-Lodge (5,000 JOD)

Ajloun Forest Reserve was established to protect Jordan’s evergreen Oak forests. Distinguished by its wide biodiversity, more than 400 plant species are located within the reserve, some of which are rare and in danger of extinction.

Jordan’s forests, and particularly those in Ajloun, are facing many threats; thousands of trees are lost every year due to illegal woodcut-ting and fires. To combat this, the RSCN built a watchtower in Ajloun Forest Reserve to ensure that environmental monitoring programs for wildlife in the reserve are implemented. Due to its strategic location in the center of the reserve, the 11-meter-high tower overlooks a large part of the forest which helps rangers detect violations and take imme-diate action.

The RSCN aims to complete the furnishing of the tower’s upper cham-ber by enclosing the chamber room with wood on its walls, floor and roof, and by installing windows as per the designs.

Enhancing Forest Protection of Ajloun Forest Reserve (5,000 JOD)

The RSCN uses a reverse pumping of water system in the Azraq Wet-land Reserve to recreate the characteristic habitats of original wetlands, which are home to thousands of plants and animals species, including the endemic Sarhani fish.

The RSCN is planning to renew the pipeline network in order to guar-antee effective distribution of water to the important wetland habitats.

Conservation Program of the Azraq Wetland Habitats (5,000 JOD)

Illegal hunting and encroachments on the boundaries of the Azraq Wetland Reserve can represent a serious threat to the habitats and to the species living in the reserve. The RSCN uses motorcycles to patrol the wetland’s borders and adjacent important habitat areas.

The reserve currently possesses only one motorcycle, however, it is not enough to cover a total area of 75 kilometers-squared (the reserve, in addition to the adjacent large mud flat area). The RSCN needs a second motorcycle to support the wetland patrol program and ensure its success.

Developing the Enforcement at theAzraq Wetland Reserve (5,000 JOD)

Wadi Dahek is located in the eastern desert adjacent to Azraq. Due to its magnificent landscape, the area attracts campers, who also enjoy star-gazing and exploring the landscape.

The RSCN is preparing programs for Azraq visitors to explore the Dahek area and camp therein, as a complementary experience to the other attractions in the area. This program will provide visitors the opportuni-ty to stay longer in the Azraq area and generate more financial benefits for the local community, as well as the national economy.

The RSCN needs to purchase essential tools and equipment for the Dahek mobile camp, which will be operated by the Azraq lodge.

Eco-tourism Development in the Eastern Desert (5,000 JOD)

The RSCN has pioneered the process of bringing critical water issues into the national curriculum for Jordanian schools. It was able to forge an official and highly effective partnership with the Ministry of Edu-cation to professionally review the curriculum and to introduce water conservation concepts into lesson programs for all age groups. It is essential to complement the curriculum program with extracurric-ular activities targeting schools of the Azraq Wetland Reserve’s local communities. The wetland education program includes the following components:

• To develop a biodiversity guide to raise awareness of local school students regarding the Azraq wetland’s species of fauna and flora.

• To design new eco-games to be implemented as part of the reserve’s educational program.

• To buy tools and materials needed for the reserve’s eco-educational bag (hydro kit).

• To buy binoculars and birds guidebooks for students to be able to implement the reserve’s students’ bird watching program onsite.

Education Activities in the Azraq Wetland Reserve (5,000 JOD)

The RSCN strives to switch all sources of energy in its protected areas to renewable energy. Implementing solar energy in the Azraq area has tremendous potential for success as in that location there are more than 300 days of sunlight a year.

The RSCN plans to use solar energy to generate power for the Azraq Wetland Reserve’s visitor’s center. These systems will also include water heating and small photovoltaic units.

The new solar unit will be used as pilot to be replicated in all RSCN sites and will be also used as a tool for raising visitor’s awareness about renewable energy.

Eco-tourism Development in the Azraq Wetland Reserve (5,000 JOD)

The Azraq Wetland Reserve attracts thousands of local and internation-al visitors each year, who come to enjoy the reserve and learn about the wetlands. The reserve is equipped with basic interpretation panels, a small interpretation room, and route signs, however, there is a need to improve the information on the panels used in the visitor’s center’s interpretation room, which tell the story of Azraq Oasis, the history of the area, the environmental stresses, and the RSCN’s conservation efforts to save these wetlands from disappearing.

There is also a need to install new interpretation signs in the Azraq Wetland Reserve to introduce the Azraq oasis story and the RSCN’s conservation efforts to visitors during their walking tour as part of the eco-tourism activities designed at this reserve.

Developing the Azraq Wetland Reserve’s Inter-pretation and Signage Systems (5,000 JOD)

The Dana Biosphere Reserve is the only reserve in Jordan that includes the three different bio-geographical zones of the kingdom: Mediterra-nean, Irano-Turanian and Sudanian penetration. As such, it is the most diverse nature reserve in the country in terms of habitats and species, hosting several vegetation types, including the Phoenician juniper, ever-green oak, sand dunes, acacia, and rocky sudanian, among others. This reserve is also home to the southernmost remaining forest community of Cypress Cupressus simpervirens.

The juniper tree is facing high threats in Jordan due to human activi-ties and natural causes represented mainly by drought. The country’s juniper species are thus undergoing an extreme dieback phenomenon, with populations declining each year. The RSCN aims to conduct a specialized research of the juniper species in Dana Biosphere Reserve, requiring fieldwork, new equipment, and reporting. This study will at-tempt to understand the causes behind the juniper dieback phenome-non in order to be able to decrease the threats and conserve the juniper species regionally.

Study of the Dieback of the Juniper Tree at the Dana Biosphere Reserve (5,000 JOD)

Jordanbiodiversity.rscn.org.jo is the official biodiversity database in Jordan. This database is an important tool for relevant stakeholders to understand and access knowledge about Jordan’s biodiversity. The database was established by RSCN, but with the continuous and rapid changes in the statuses of different species, it requires updating and must be further developed to meet the standards of use and efficiency by different stakeholders. This development requires software upgrad-ing, data entry, and technical visual maintenance.

Development of the Jordan Biodiversity Database (5,000 JOD)

The Ajloun Forest Reserve was established with the goal of preserving Ajloun’s Evergreen Oak forests. Distinguished by its ecological diversity, the reserve is home to more than 400 species of plants, some of which are rare or endangered. The forests of Jordan in general and those of Ajloun especially, are often subject to mistreatment – especially in the winter, when the reserve loses thousands of trees to cutting and fires.

The completion of this tower is critical because it will contribute con-siderably to the security of this forest. At a height of 11 meters, the tower will allow reserve staff to spot damage and take the necessary safety and preservation measures as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the tower will help implement the reserve’s environmental observation program, as it is close to tourist walking areas, and it will give visitors the opportunity to enjoy a unique observation of the Evergreen Oak forests in Ajloun Forest Reserve.

Completion of the Observation Tower in Ajloun Forest Reserve (5,000JOD)

The Al-Romana Tower region is one of the most important areas for the local communities and it is the only area for the people of the Al -Baseera region in particular.

In an effort to raise awareness, RSCN is training the reserve team and teaching them how to cooperate with each category of people who come to Dana, be they visitors or local residents. The tower is impor-tant because it presents precise, quality information about the reserve and the surrounding areas as well as the policies of the RSCN. The ex-hibit encourages both visitors and local inhabitants to support conser-vation projects in the reserves so that each member of society becomes a protector of nature.

Renovation of Al-Romana Tower Area of Dana Biosphere Reserve (5,000 JOD)

RSCN Research and Protection Plan aims to put a clear and compre-hensive mechanism in place for achieving an advanced level of pro-tection and safety for wild species, ecosystems, animal processes and other aspects of conservation in Yarmouk nature reserve. RSCN plans to achieve this by implementing conservation systems, administrative planning, and observation systems in the reserve and the surrounding areas, as well as working out programs to cover sensitive sites through-out the year.

The Research and Protection Plan is among the most important facili-tating programs in the reserve because plays a major role in assessing the effectiveness of the reserve administration and working toward the safety of the reserve’s ecosystem. This Plan helps to develop the reserve’s programs and update its databases while working toward the basic RSCN goal of protecting Yarmouk’s eco-diversity. In order to suc-ceed, the plan requires basic equipment such as telescopes, binoculars, fixed observation cameras, multipurpose and high definition cameras, and official uniforms for reserve employees.

Purchasing Research Equipment for Yarmouk Nature Reserve (5,000 JOD)

Recognizing the need to push ahead as quickly as possible with further designations in response to the enormous development pressure evident throughout the Kingdom, the RSCN is poised to establish an additional 3 protected areas over the next 3 years.

With the establishment of these 3 new protected areas, the land area under the RSCN's management will more than double — growing from 1,000 kilometers-squared to 2,160 kilometers-squared. Consequently, recurrent management costs will escalate. The estimated increase in the annual financial burden for the RSCN is approximately 1,400,000 JOD. While the organization will strive to offset these costs through an expansion of eco-tourism and private sector concessions, there will remain a significant shortfall that must be met by the RSCN’s own resources.

For this reason, the RSCN wishes to strengthen its existing Endowment Fund to enable it to cope with its expanding protected area portfolio and maintain its dynamic socio-economic development program.

Strengthening Jordan’s Fund for Nature (2,000JOD - 5,000JOD)

The name “kestrel” is given to several different members of the falcon genus, Falco. Kestrels are most easily distinguished by their typical hunting behavior, which is to hover at a height of around 10 to 20 meters over open country - to hover; kestrels require a slight headwind - and swoop down on prey. This category’s projects are considered to be valuable hunts for the RSCN to guarantee improved nature conservation measures, hence the designation, “kestrel.”

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Kestrel Category’s Sponsor Benefits:As a sponsor of one of the RSCN’s programs and projects listed in the Kestrel Category, the sponsoring party will not only be publicly demonstrating their support for nature conservation, but will also be receiving the following benefits:

• Tax deduction for the whole amount of fund.

• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on all project-related publications (invita-tions, posters, t-shirts, etc.)

• Media coverage through press releases in local press, radio and TV sta-tions, the RSCN’s Website, newsletters, and social media channels.

• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on the RSCN’s and Wild Jordan’s Websites under “Friends and Sponsors” section.

• Sponsor recognition at the RSCN’s annual general assembly meeting and annual members’ events.

• Discounted membership.

• Special 10% discount on the RSCN/Wild Jordan Nature Shop’s high quality handicrafts produced by local women residing in and around our nature reserves, including customized products for the sponsor’s givea-way needs for one year.

• Special 10% discount on the RSCN’s eco-tourism services provided at the nature reserves for the sponsor’s corporate trips for one year.

• Recognition and awarding at the RSCN’s Donors Awarding Event.

• Volunteering opportunities for the sponsor’s staff in executing the spon-sored project.

The RSCN annually organizes a clean-up event in conjunction with the International Clean Up the World campaign, which is a communi-ty-based environmental campaign that inspires and empowers commu-nities from every corner of the globe to clean up, fix up, and conserve their environment. Usually, the RSCN conducts this clean-up campaign in the Dibeen Forest Reserve, as littering is considered one of the re-serve’s main problems as the Dibeen Forest is a popular picnicking desti-nation. Around 300 to 500 people from different community segments participate yearly in this campaign to contribute to its success.

Clean Up the World Campaign (6,000 JOD)

Special rings are used for the bird ringing process. They come in dif-ferent sizes to accommodate the various existing bird groups, differ-ing based on the diameter of a bird’s tarsus. The tiny metal rings are marked with codes and serial numbers for identification and with the national address for the ringing scheme. Bird Ringing is one of the indicative conservation tools that contribute to the evaluation of the ecosystem status and the understating of bird’s migration globally.

The RSCN started a Bird Ringing Program in the Azraq Wetland Reserve several years ago; however, this program requires major development to reach international standards. This will include buying new rings and equipment and the use of specialized experts.

Bird Ringing at the Azraq Wetland Reserve (6,000 JOD)

In 2000, the RSCN opened the information hall in the Azraq Visi-tors Center to serve as a resource to teach visitors about the various cultural, societal and environmental landmarks in the Azraq region. In addition to displaying information about the history of the Azraq region and the various groups of animals that are indigenous to the area, the room also informs visitors about the problem of locals pumping and draining water from the oasis basin. The hall also keeps visitors up to date about the environmental rehabilitation project and the restoration of the basin that is home to the only type of vertebral fish in the oasis: the Sarhani fish.

The RSCN seeks to renovate the information hall and update the infor-mation found therein because the room has not been changed since its establishment.

Updating Information in the Azraq Reserve Visitors Center (6,000JOD)

The Dana Biosphere Reserve seeks to replace non-renewable energy sources in all of its tourism facilities, and so plans to use renewable energy sources to produce electricity in Al-Romana Camp. After a successful first trail in the camp, it was concluded that solar power is not quite enough to power all of the camp facilities. Therefore, solar power will play a role supporting the old power system, thus lighting the entire camp and raising environmental awareness on the impor-tance of renewable energy in the region.

Renovation of the Solar Power System at Al-Romana Camp (7,000 JOD)

The Mujib Biosphere Reserve is one of the most important areas in Jor-dan for bird populations due to its location on one of the world’s major annual bird migration routes. Site observers have recorded sightings of numerous rare bird species, some of which use the Mujib area for hatching and breeding. As is the case with all other components of the local ecosystem, we must follow and observe these species in order to get a clear picture of their distribution, the threats they face and envi-ronmentally appropriate ways to preserve their existence.

The research department of the RSCN seeks to update the primary 2001 study on Mujib’s bird population by bringing in international volunteers and training a team of field researchers on bird-studying and bird-categorizing techniques. A collection of field reports based on their research will be compiled and archived for later reference.

Birds Study in Mujib Biosphere Reserve (8,000 JD)

The RSCN began a study of the Ibex Mountain Goat in 1995, when increasing populations prompted the RSCN to conduct research on where this endangered species can be found in addition to studies of their habitats and appropriate breeding environments.

Because the Ibex is such an influential species in Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the RSCN seeks to begin a study on the Ibex population within the site. This study will be completed using satellite tracking systems, as it is meant to help researchers understand the movement patterns and behaviors of Ibex communities. This study will consider both biotic and abiotic indices in order to aid in the protection of the species and the reduction of threats against it.

Study of the Ibex in Mujib Biosphere Reserve (8,000 JOD)

Established in 2004, this workshop employs local women to produce all forms of packaging for nature products. In addition, the workshop also produces special orders of packaging for individual customers and companies.

The mechanical process of the workshop begins with manually cutting cardboard, followed by assembling and gluing the pieces together. The final step involves laminating the boxes with many different types, forms and colors of paper for a finished product that is distinct, high quality, and true to the environment.

With the use of an electronic cutting machine as part of the production mechanism, RSCN could increase the production power of this work-shop while reducing the costs of production. At the same time, this improvement would reduce retail prices and increase sales.

Improving Packaging Machinery in the Azraq Wetland Reserve Workshop (8,000 JOD)

The RSCN manages the Aqaba Bird Observatory which is an important part of the wetlands that are situated along flyways of birds migrating from Northern Europe and Asia to Africa through the Rift Valley. The Observatory attracts large numbers of migratory water birds, birds of prey and passerines, especially during spring and autumn.

The Aqaba Bird Observatory covers a wide area of about 500 dunums that encompasses critical habitats to attract birds, as well as forked tourist trails that link these habitats. In order to regulate the movement of visitors in these trails, we aim to provide directional signs on tourist trails and provide places for bird-watching in some areas that attract large numbers of birds. This will allow tourists to be able to roam inside the Observatory by following the signs for safe paths and enjoy the bird-watching services at key controlled spots.

Improving the Visitor’s Experience at the Aqaba Birds Observatory (8,000 JOD)

Ajloun and Dibeen represent forest reserves that are dominated by the Mediterranean type of forests. The rangeland of these two reserves are in decline each year due to natural causes and human practices - such as, livestock over grazing - as well as because of the area’s accessibil-ity by the local community and lacking levels of supervision. There is, however, no detailed assessment for the amount of grazing that occurs or its impact on these two reserves.

There is a need to conduct rangeland studies in both the Ajloun Forest Reserve and the Dibeen Forest Reserve, requiring fieldwork, consultant support, new equipment, and reporting. These rangeland studies will increase RSCN’s understanding of the main causes of the rangelands’ decline, thus ensuring a well-studied conservation plan to be drawn up accordingly. A comprehensive communication strategy can also be developed to influence the local communities’ use of both reserves.

Rangeland Survey of the Ajloun and Dibeen Forest Reserves (9,000 JOD)

The Dana Biosphere Reserve is the only reserve in Jordan that includes the three different bio-geographical zones of the kingdom: Mediterra-nean, Irano-Turanian and Sudanian penetration. As such, it is the most diverse nature reserve in the country in terms of habitats and species, hosting several vegetation types, including the Phoenician juniper, ever-green oak, sand dunes, acacia, and rocky sudanian, among others. This reserve is also home to the southernmost remaining forest community of Cypress Cupressus simpervirens.

The RSCN plans to update its map of ground and vegetation cover in Dana biosphere reserve by purchasing high definition satellite photos and analyzing them using remote sensing technology. This project aims to create up-to-date versions of the reserve’s ground cover and plant community maps, in addition to updating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index therein. For a comprehensive approach, the imaging results will be merged with the aforementioned plant life field study.

Developing the Vegetation Map of the Dana Biosphere Reserve (9,000 JOD)

Each year, Yarmouk Nature Reserve attracts large numbers of local and international visitors to enjoy and learn about the area’s environment and nature. The reserve is famous for its two vegetation types: Decid-uous oak forest and freshwater vegetation types. Rapid assessment surveys show that there are 59 plant species in the reserve, among them the Deciduous Oak, which is Jordan’s national tree.

The RSCN established an environmental tourist camp within the re-serve, as part of its plan to develop ecotourism in the nature reserves under its management. It implements its eco-tourism initiatives under the principles of responsible and sustainable tourism in natural areas that seek to preserve the environment while developing socio-economic benefits for the local community. The RSCN therefore plans to build a cafeteria to serve the visitors at the reserve, which will enhance tourist services provided by the reserve while providing jobs for the local com-munity.

Improve Visitor Facilities at Yarmouk Nature Reserve(10,000 JOD)

At 410 meters below sea level, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve is the lowest nature reserve on Earth. Its rugged and spectacular mountains border the Dead Sea coast and are dissected by several river-filled canyons; some are seasonal while others are permanent. Mujib is one of the key valleys flowing through a rose colored rock canyon (Siq) which extends to the Dead Sea coast at 410 meters below sea level, attracting adventure lovers for hiking, swimming, climbing and waterfall abseiling activities.

The unique diversity along the passage of Wadi Mujib makes it the most adventurous site in Jordan. Its popularity has had a major impact on in-troducing Jordanians to the nature reserves and raising awareness of the importance of conservation for the enjoyment of all.

To reach these water trails, one must cross the 150m long iron bridge from the visitor center at the reserve‘s tourism unit which leads to the Siq.

The RSCN is urgently seeking to finance the general maintenance and painting works of this bridge, as it is the key entry and exit point to and from other water trails

Improve Visitor Facilities at Mujib Reserve (10,000 JOD)

The Tourism Unit at Mujib Biosphere Reserve is one of the key units responsible for raising environmental awareness and the concept of ecotourism among the reserves’ visitors. The reserve is visited by a large number of visitors estimated at 20,000 annually.

The reserve receives individuals and organized groups of visitors looking for leisure and adventure through the reserve’s tourism programs, which include hikes to waterfalls and mountain climbing. Trained tour guides equipped with safety and climbing gear escort visitors along the tourist routes and provide information on the reserve and its water-ways.

The RSCN continues to implement general safety standards for visitors by providing them with life vests, ropes and first aid. The RSCN also seeks to provide visitors with helmets to enhance the general safety procedures through the water trails.

Enhancing Safety Procedures and Equipment in Mujib’s Water Trails (10,000 JOD)

Most of the RSCN’s reserves are located in remote areas, which still require effective mechanisms of communication. Specialists have defined the need for additional bands of Internet to cover the different operating units at each site. A new band is essential to provide the RSCN’s different locations with stable Internet connections for better communication.

Developing Internet Communication within Reserves (10,000 JOD)

The RSCN is a membership organization; the number of members and friends in 2012 exceeded 9,000. The RSCN is planning to organize a series of member’s events that include: receptions, quiz nights, and other gatherings. The objective of these events is to share the RSCN’s conservation strategies and achievements, and to develop new ways for members to become engaged in the RSCN’s activities.

The RSCN’s Member’s Events (10,000 JOD)

Dana Biosphere Reserve is among the richest areas in the world when it comes plant diversity. At this time, there is a clear need to update the archive of information on the Dana plant community, as all continuing field research on plant life in Dana Reserve is currently based on the results of a general study that was conducted twenty years ago. The new study will be a comprehensive analysis taking into accounts all of the changes that have occurred in the past twenty years. As part of the RSCN’s long-term conservation strategy, this study will focus on building the skills and abilities of Dana field researchers by bringing in local and international experts to lead the project.

Vegetation Study in Dana Biosphere Reserve (10,000 JOD)

As an addition to its research department, the RSCN established a center for the observation of ecological diversity in the Hashemite King-dom. One of this center’s major responsibilities is issuing a scientific journal dealing with ecological diversity in Jordan and the neighboring Arab countries. This project will help to enrich the body of ecological information in the region and publish it in a manner that is at once scientifically accurate and high in quality.

To this end, a scientific journal is currently being prepared for the press under the title of Jordan Journal of Natural History. To acknowledge and celebrate the launch of this publication, the RSCN will organize a formal ceremony and invite the nine magazine contributors. The cere-mony, resembling a scientific conference, will entertain attendees who specialize in relevant fields and will include paper presentations and talks by conservation experts.

Launching the Jordan Journal of Natural History (10,000 JOD)

The Yarmouk Nature Reserve is located in the northwestern region of the Hashemite Kingdom on the border of the Golan Heights. The reserve spans over 20 square kilometers of land and is made up of two topographical components: mountains and valleys. The mountains are covered with deciduous oak forests and reach elevations of up to 500 meters above sea level, and the valleys that fall between them descend toward the Yarmouk River. These small to medium valleys, with the exception of the Shag Al-Bared valley, all contain seasonal runoff.

In recent years, this reserve has been threatened by a number of dan-gers, especially fire. In order to mitigate such threats, the RSCN plans to build three observation towers in the reserve, allowing the safety team to identify dangerous places in the reserve and make announce-ments about fires as quickly as possible. As most areas of the reserve are mountainous and difficult to access, these towers will serve as sta-ble points from which 80% of the reserve’s area can be observed. The tower locations will be selected from established safety sites.

Conservation Program Development in Yarmouk Nature Reserve (10,000 JOD)

Updating the Information Hall in Dana Biosphere Reserve Visitors Center (10,000 JOD)Since its establishment, the RSCN has been aware of the importance of including educational and environmental aware-ness programs in its nature reserves. For this reason, the RSCN has designed a number of environmental education programs that aim to raise general awareness about environmental issues and their impor-tance. The RSCN has also launched several specialized awareness programs that target the local populations living around each nature reserve.

The RSCN established the information hall in Dana Biosphere Reserve in 1995. This room serves as an illustrative source of information about the important cultural, social and environmental landmarks inside the reserve.

Updating the Information Hall in Dana Biosphere Reserve Visitors Center (10,000 JOD)

The Yarmouk Nature Reserve holds a special importance for both endemic and migrating bird species, containing approximately 23% of the birds recorded in Jordan. The reserve constitutes an important stop on the intercontinental bird migration route between Europe, Asia and Africa. Furthermore, the Yarmouk Reserve was listed in a 2005 declara-tion by the International Council for Bird Preservation as an important region for bird conservation. Because of its status as an important hab-itat for birds of prey and other rare species, the RSCN plans to construct a bird observatory in the Shag Al-Bared area of Yarmouk region.

Birds Observatory in Yarmouk Nature Reserve (10,000 JOD)

The RSCN is planning to develop eco-games to be used in all of their nature reserves, as games are an effective tool for raising visitor’s awareness of biodiversity conservation. The eco-games target school students (6 to 16 years) who visit the RSCN’s reserves. These games offer students the chance to learn through playing, exploring, and en-tertainment. When visiting the nature reserves, students will learn basic environmental concepts, acquire conservation skills, and adopt environ-mentally-friendly attitudes. Since the Nature Reserves’ Educational Pro-gram established in 2004, many eco-games have been produced to add value to this program. Currently, however, the program needs to be updated and new eco-games must be developed and/or reproduced, as some games require maintenance.

Nature Reserve’s Eco-Games (11,000 JOD)

Fifa Nature Reserve is located in the southwestern part of the Hashe-mite Kingdom of Jordan. It is 140 km south of Amman and its western border is the international border between Jordan and the West Bank. Fifa was declared a nature reserve in the year 2011. The protected area extends 26 square kilometers from Al-Summar area in the north to Wadi Khanzeera in the south, and is under the administration of the Jordan Valley in the southern Karak Governorate. The lowest point of the reserve is 420 m below sea level. Fifa Nature Reserve is home to two important species of salt and tropical plants.

The RSCN is looking to raise awareness of the environmental impor-tance of the reserve and reduce threats and negative impact to its biodiversity by installing boundaries marks on the ground to define the borders of the reserve, and to install concrete signs measuring a meter high, half a meter wide for a distance of 12 km in length.

Boundaries Demarcation to define the borders of Fifa Nature Reserve (12,000 JOD)

Since its start in the 1970s, the RSCN has been active in defining the species designated on local hunting lists. However, for a long time these hunting lists have remained unchanged with no updates, despite the declining number of species and disappearance of others.

Accordingly, and taking the RSCN’s staff observations in the field into consideration and groups of hunters who have been in communication with the RSCN, a field study became a must to re-evaluate all listed species in various regions of the Kingdom, and recommendations will be made to sustain the practice of hunting by proposing species that are not under threat and which may not be currently listed, re-mapping the hunting areas according to the distribution and intensity of species, or making suggestions for breeding of some hunter-targeted species.

Evaluate the status of game species in Jordan (13,000 JOD)

The Mujib Biosphere Reserve is known for its adventurous water trails and activities that attract tourist from all over the world. Visitors enter the canyon trails via a small reception complex, which contains a wait-ing area, bathrooms, a small office, and a store. This complex was built in 2003 as a pioneering venture to develop tourism in Mujib and as a conservation and socio-economic tool.

In the light of the increased number of visitors to the Mujib canyon, and in order to maintain a high level of visitor’s enjoyment, as well as maintain an acceptable level of safety, the RSCN seeks the support to better equip the Mujib Biosphere Reserve with essential equipment, such as life jackets, ropes, helmets, stretchers, and the like.

Enhancing the Adventure Tourism at the Mujib Biosphere Reserve (14,000 JOD)

Visiting the reserves was made easier by Wild Jordan’s Wild Weekly Weekends. This program enables Jordanians and tourists to visit the RSCN’s reserves on regular basis. The idea behind the organized trips is to open new channels for Jordanians to visit the nature reserves and learn more about their biodiversity, while encouraging domestic tourism as all income generated from these trips go to support the local communities that live in and around the reserves. These excursions also help protect Jordan’s environment for future generations.

The current program is simple and requires development; the RSCN hopes to secure funding to develop the Weekly Weekends program through intensive marketing using effective new methods.

Wild Weekly Weekends (15,000 JOD)

The Fifa Nature Reserve lies at an elevation of 420 meters below sea level and thus contains two important plant categories: local and trop-ical.

One of the major conservation issues in Fifa Nature Reserve is local planting of Acacia trees, which contribute heavily to the deterioration of endemic vegetation for a number of reasons. Acacias have roots up to 60 meters long, which absorb large quantities of groundwater and starve surrounding plants. These trees are extremely hardy and can endure difficult climactic conditions, outlasting endemic plant species by starving them of water and sunlight. Acacias force the surrounding plant life to spread to other areas, and their presence has a very nega-tive impact on the local community of Arak trees.

As part of its conservation efforts, RSCN seeks to remove the Acacia trees from Fifa Nature Reserve and replace them with the indigenous Arak trees. This process will result in a number of environmental and economic benefits for the area.

Conservation program of the Fifa Nature Habitats (15,000 JOD)

The Wild Jordan administration has established a number of economic and social enterprises aimed at supporting local societies by granting them sources of income that do not depend on the exploitation of local natural resources. There are 18 such projects in motion at this time, of which handicraft production is an excellent example: local women work to create a number of unique products inspired by the environment around them. These pioneering and dynamic enterprises include the production of silver crafts and other jewelry, soaps, olive oil, jams, leather products, embroi-dery, ceramics, candles and hand-painted ostrich eggs.

One of these important programs, the Pottery Project, is in need of a complete renewal and redevelopment. This undertaking will require the purchase of new equipment such as pottery wheels, a kiln, and glazes. This new equipment will allow the RCSN to hire a larger number of local women as well as to hold professional training courses to improve both the artistic abilities and productive output of its workshop employees, allowing them to keep up with a growing demand for their products.

Equipping the Pottery Workshop in Dibeen Forest Reserve (15,000 JD)

The RSCN seeks to revisit and complete plans to revive the reserve’s nat-ural habitats and reclaim bodies of water for conservation. This applies especially in the Ain Bin Thaker region, due to its historical and environ-mental importance as well as its ecological diversity. This work includes a study on the local fish to determine which species are indigenous and which are invading, as well as to determine the primary threats to this fish community. A major objective of this project is to preserve the water system with as few losses as possible. There may arise a need for water redistribution, cleaning, purification of water sources and removal of fire debris and rotted plant life.

Managing the Water System at Fifa Nature Reserve (15,000 JOD)

Strengthening Jordan’s Fund for Nature (15,000JOD - 5,100 JOD)

Recognizing the need to push ahead as quickly as possible with further designations in response to the enormous development pressure evident throughout the Kingdom, the RSCN is poised to establish an additional 3 protected areas over the next 3 years.

With the establishment of these 3 new protected areas, the land area under the RSCN's management will more than double — growing from 1,000 kilometers-squared to 2,160 kilometers-squared. Consequently, recurrent management costs will escalate. The estimated increase in the annual financial burden for the RSCN is approximately 1,400,000 JOD. While the organization will strive to offset these costs through an expansion of eco-tourism and private sector concessions, there will remain a significant shortfall that must be met by the RSCN’s own resources.

For this reason, the RSCN wishes to strengthen its existing Endowment Fund to enable it to cope with its expanding protected area portfolio and maintain its dynamic socio-economic development program.

Iris is a genus of 260 to 300 species of flowering plants that boast ornate flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for “rainbow” referring to the wide variety of colors found among the specie’s flowers. The Black Iris is Jordan’s national flower and can be found all across the country, particu-larly in the Karak Governorate. This category was so named as its projects symbolize and represent the RSCN like the iris symbolizes and represents the Hashemite Kingdom.

Iris C

ateg

ory

(15,

100

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– 50

,000

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Iris

Iris Category’s Sponsor Benefits:

As a sponsor of one of the RSCN’s programs and projects listed in the Iris Category, the sponsoring party will not only be publicly demonstrating their support for nature conservation, but will also be receiving the following benefits:

• Tax deduction for the whole amount of fund.

• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on all project-related publications (invita-tions, posters, t-shirts, etc.)

• Media coverage through press releases in local press, radio and TV sta-tions, the RSCN’s Website, newsletters, and social media channels.

• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on the RSCN’s and Wild Jordan’s Websites under “Friends and Sponsors” section.

• Sponsor recognition at the RSCN’s annual general assembly meeting and planned annual members’ events.

• Special 15% discount on the RSCN/Wild Jordan Nature Shop’s high quality handicrafts produced by local women residing in and around our nature reserves, including customized products for the sponsor’s givea-way needs for one year.

• Special 15% discount on the RSCN’s eco-tourism services provided at the nature reserves for the sponsor’s corporate trips for one year.

• Honorary memberships.

• The sponsor’s business name or logo prominently displayed in advertise-ments, including “Thank You” ads through our members and friends database, which includes more than 10,000 subscribers.

• Access to a training room once a year free of charge in one of the RSCN’s sites.

• Recognition and awarding at the RSCN’s Donors Awarding Event.

• Volunteering opportunities for the sponsor’s staff in executing the spon-sored project.

The Raddas Rangers Station is Mujib’s biggest and most important ranger’s station and is used for surveillance and protection of the reserve’s natural habitats. It is also used to prevent and reduce the amount of hunting pressure on the endangered Ibex, which lives in the Mujib Biosphere Reserve. Additionally, the Raddas Rangers Station is used as a field base for ecological research in the western part of the reserve.

The station is located in a very remote area, far from any kind of servic-es, thus lack of electricity power is its biggest problem. The RSCN seeks to install a solar power system to provide the station with energy for basic requirements.

Solar Powered System for the Mujib Biosphere Reserve/Raddas Rangers Station (20,000 JOD)

Based on its authority under the Hunting and Forestry Conservation Law to implement a number of security services, the RSCN has been granted a law enforcement capacity concerned with the control and application of all laws relating to agriculture and biodiversity.

The RSCN seeks to finance the purchase of uniforms for members of its rangers, to enable citizens or partners to identify them by their uniform when in the field. The uniform shall be selected carefully to suit the nature of the field work involved, such as long distance walking in hot or cold conditions, and in terms of color, quality and design.

Uniforms for Law Enforcement Rangers (20,000 JOD)

The Azraq Wetland Reserve, one of RSCN’s oldest reserves, was estab-lished in 1978 to preserve the precious Azraq Oasis. The oasis has been a habitat for migrating birds and many different types of animals for several centuries. In 1994 the RSCN initiated efforts to save the oasis, and with international support, the Society was able to restore several bodies of water and construct a network of observation paths for visi-tors. Renovations have led to the return of many birds and other wild-life to Azraq and made the oasis a prime destination for eco-tourism.The fence enclosure surrounding the Azraq reserve was built in 1980.

Considering the age of the fence, corrosion and the ease with which the reserve can be broken into, the RSCN seeks to repair corroded parts of the fence as well as conduct general maintenance on the whole structure. This process will include the installation of new iron corners in order to improve security and stability.

Security Improvements at Azraq Wetland Reserve (20,000 JD)

The Shumari Wildlife Reserve is quite unique as it is home to numerous communities of rare wild animals. Shumari protects and breeds many endangered species including the Ibex, the Arabian Oryx and the Ara-bian Gazelle. The reserve also protects a number of predatory species such as wolves, foxes, hyenas and jackals, in addition to various rare and endangered species of reptiles and amphibians that are extremely important to the local eco-system. Last but not least, the reserve is home to a number of desert rodents that are the primary food source for a number of bird and reptile species in the region.

The RSCN seeks to renovate the pastures of the Shumari Wildlife Reserve by encouraging the growth of vegetation cover and improving on existing water-harvesting projects. Because the region receives only enough seasonal rainfall to nourish the pastures’ most basic needs, temperature increases and the subsequent drying up of streams have led to a search for new methods of water-harvesting and water distri-bution in Shumari.

Pasture Renovation in Shumari Wildlife Reserve (20,000 JOD)

Every year, the Yarmouk Nature Reserve attracts a large number of local and international visitors who come to enjoy the reserve and familiarize themselves with the environment and nature of the area. Yarmouk is famous for its deciduous oak forests and fresh water undergrowth. Preliminary surveys found that 59 species of plants grow in the area, the most important of which may be the deciduous oak, one of Jor-dan’s national trees.

While the Yarmouk Nature Reserve administrative building was con-structed on reserve land, the building and the surrounding trees are often damaged by encroaching herds of domestic livestock. In addition to the threat posed by errant grazers, the area is also contaminated by weekend and holiday trespassers who leave waste on the building site.

Renovation of the Area Surrounding the Yarmouk Nature Reserve (20,000 JOD)

The RSCN seeks to replace existing power sources in its affiliated re-serves with renewable energy sources. As part of this energy initiative, the Society plans to use solar power in the Shumari Wildlife Reserve. Because this area receives constant sunlight for more than 300 days out of the year, it has enormous potential to benefit from the use of solar power.

Under this plan, solar power systems will be installed in every admin-istrative building and observatory station in the reserve. This project will be the first in the region to help reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Solar Powered Generators for the Shumari Wildlife Reserve (22,000 JD)

Since 1996, the RSCN has adopted a program to develop eco-tourism in nature reserves under its management, as means to financially and socially sustain nature conservation programs, following international principles and criteria of eco-tourism. In cooperation with the Wild Jor-dan center, the RSCN developed Jordan tourism facilities in four nature reserves: Dana, Mujib, Ajloun and Azraq.

The RSCN is active in managing and developing the tourism services provided in eco-tourism facilities at nature reserves; such as food and beverage, accommodation and booking services as well as tourism site management and environmental conservation, providing hundreds of jobs for the local communities.

The RSCN hopes to secure funding for the purchase of professional uniforms for the operational tourism staff in the reserves in order to maintain an image that reflects the level of service provided. Close attention will be paid to selecting the appropriate attire in terms of quality, design and color inspired by the nature reserves themselves.

Uniforms for Nature Reserves Tourism Staff (25,000 JOD)

Founded by the RSCN in 1978, the Azraq Wetland Reserve aims to pro-tect the precious oasis which for centuries has served as a rest area for migratory birds and many animal species. Unfortunately, the oasis was subjected to an environmental catastrophe over the past few decades due to over-pumping of water which led to lower water levels, erosion and drainage of vast areas of the priceless wetlands.

Aiming to preserve the oasis historical legacy and environmental impor-tance for passerine birds and other present species, the RSCN endeav-ors to complete its preservation plan to revive Azraq’s habitats, particu-larly in the northern region, by restoring a 20 dunums area of wetlands in the reserve, representing up to 10% of the original oasis area.

Rehabilitation of the original wetland habitat at the Azraq Wetland Reserve (30,000 JOD)

The Yarmouk Nature Reserve faces a number of problems, the most im-portant of which being attacks by local livestock herders and loggers on the trees of the Yarmouk’s forests, not to mention the high volume of regular visitors to the reserve. Because of high traffic in the spring and summer, it has become necessary to draw borders around the reserve in order to clarify its lands and limits from all sides. This will help to limit the constant questions and allegations by aggressors toward the reserve’s natural resources. Furthermore, placing signs to increase visi-tors’ awareness will help protect the privacy of the reserve and prevent damage to its facilities.

Drawing Borders for the Yarmouk Nature Reserve (30,000 JOD)

The Aqaba Birds Observatory, managed by the RSCN, includes a forest that covers an area of around 100,000 square meters and which is an important habitat used by migratory birds when flying over the region during migration seasons.

The native ecosystem plays a protective role to these migratory birds, and to enable this role the RSCN aims to replace some harmful non-native invasive trees with authentic plant types found in the native ecosystem to preserve the natural pattern and reduce the spread of invasive species. This aims to preserve the future of the ecosystem and to serve the overall objective of the Observatory which is to attract migrating birds. The project aims to install irrigation systems to support the new plants as well as to develop green spaces to invest in as parks and picnic areas for use by the local community. This project will be implemented over three years in order to maintain the site’s vegetation and ensure the sustainability of the forest.

Management of Aqaba Birds Observatory Forest (40,000 JOD)

Recognizing the need to push ahead as quickly as possible with further designations in response to the enormous development pressure evident throughout the Kingdom, the RSCN is poised to establish an additional 3 protected areas over the next 3 years.

With the establishment of these 3 new protected areas, the land area under the RSCN's management will more than double — growing from 1,000 kilometers-squared to 2,160 kilometers-squared. Consequently, recurrent management costs will escalate. The estimated increase in the annual financial burden for the RSCN is approximately 1,400,000 JOD. While the organization will strive to offset these costs through an expansion of eco-tourism and private sector concessions, there will remain a significant shortfall that must be met by the RSCN’s own resources.

For this reason, the RSCN wishes to strengthen its existing Endowment Fund to enable it to cope with its expanding protected area portfolio and maintain its dynamic socio-economic development program.

Strengthening Jordan’s Fund for Nature (15,100JD - 50,000JOD)

The oryx is considered one of the most remarkable and extraordinary ungulate species in the Arabian culture. In the 1950's this creature was extinct from the wilderness in Jordan, however, an extraordinary long-term initiative commenced by the RSCN was established to re-introduce this species to the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve. The Arabian Oryx is the national animal of Jordan, thus this category’s name was chosen as such because of the importance of the projects it includes.

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Oryx

Oryx Category’s Sponsor Benefits:As a sponsor of one of the RSCN’s programs and projects listed in the Oryx Category, the sponsoring party will not only be publicly demonstrating their support for nature conservation, but will also be receiving the following benefits:

• Tax deduction for the whole amount of fund.

• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on all project-related publications (invita-tions, posters, t-shirts, etc.)

• Media coverage through press releases in local press, radio and TV sta-tions, the RSCN’s Website, newsletters, and social media channels.

• Sponsor’s logo to be placed on the RSCN’s and Wild Jordan’s Websites under “Friends and Sponsors” section.

• Sponsor recognition at the RSCN’s annual general assembly meeting and planned annual members’ events.

• The sponsor’s name will be added to the donors’ panel under the title, “RSCN Supporter,” at the entrance of the RSCN or the reserve for which the sponsored project belong.

• Special 20% discount on the RSCN/Wild Jordan Nature Shop’s high quality handicrafts produced by local women residing in and around our nature reserves, including customized products for the sponsor’s givea-way needs for one year.

• Special 20% discount on the RSCN’s eco-tourism services provided at the nature reserves for the sponsor’s corporate trips for one year.

• Honorary memberships.

• The sponsor’s business name or logo prominently displayed in advertise-ments, including “Thank You” ads through our members and friends database, which includes more than 10,000 subscribers.

• Access to a training room once a year free of charge in one of the RSCN’s sites.

• Recognition and awarding at the RSCN’s Donors Awarding Event.

• Volunteering opportunities for the sponsor’s staff in executing the spon-sored project.

The Aqaba Birds Observatory uses available open water surfaces at the Aqaba Water Treatment Station as rest areas for migratory birds on the main migration route between Africa and Northern Europe and East Asia. These pools of treated open water are used by various kinds of birds landing at the Station for nourishment and as a rest area.

The Observatory is looking to assign a unit specialized in wetland water treatment systems to improve the quality of the water bodies in the Observatory for several purposes: to improve habitat quality, rehabil-itation of the forest, and create places for educational programs and local community activities which require better treated water than the existing quality.

Wetlands Water Treatment System at Aqaba Birds Observatory (100,000 JOD)

With its spectacular gorge and waterfalls, the Mujib River Canyon has become one of the most well-known eco and adventure tourism sites in Jordan. In 2010, it attracted over 25,000 visitors - both international and Jordanian - and generated 80,000 JOD in revenue for the Mujib Nature Reserve, as well as 35 jobs for local people. In total, tourism contributed approximately 70% of the running costs of the whole Mujib Reserve, an area of some 220 kilometers-squared.

As a result of Mujib’s popularity, the Visitor Reception Complex no longer has the capacity to cope with either the existing volume of tourists, or likely future demands. The RSCN is looking to modify and expand this complex at the base of the Mujib Canyon to enable it to accommodate current and future tourist use and provide a better and safer visitor experience. This will involve the construction of new bath-rooms, changing rooms, a cafeteria, a safety equipment storage room, and a visitor’s information area. By revitalising the complex in this way, it will enable the RSCN to generate more conservation and community benefits from tourism at Mujib.

Development of the Mujib River Eco-tourism Facilities (200,000 JOD)

The Dibeen Forest Reserve receives thousands of visitors during the weekends of the spring and summer seasons as it is one of the few natural forests in north Jordan that has the basic facilities and infra-structure. The large number of visitors to the park is threatening the natural Aleppo pine forest, which represents the furthest boundaries of such forest in the southern hemisphere.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an alternative picnicking site outside of the Dibeen Reserve, which would minimize the impact on the natural eco-system within the protected area. The new pic-nicking site would be developed in partnership with local community representatives in order to create viable financial and marketing oppor-tunities for their products, activities, and awareness programs.

Development of Eco-tourism in the Dibeen Forest Reserve (250,000 JOD)

Recognizing the need to push ahead as quickly as possible with further designations in response to the enormous development pressure evident throughout the Kingdom, the RSCN is poised to establish an additional 3 protected areas over the next 3 years.

With the establishment of these 3 new protected areas, the land area under the RSCN's management will more than double — growing from 1,000 kilometers-squared to 2,160 kilometers-squared. Consequently, recurrent management costs will escalate. The estimated increase in the annual financial burden for the RSCN is approximately 1,400,000 JOD. While the organization will strive to offset these costs through an expansion of eco-tourism and private sector concessions, there will remain a significant shortfall that must be met by the RSCN’s own resources.

For this reason, the RSCN wishes to strengthen its existing Endowment Fund to enable it to cope with its expanding protected area portfolio and maintain its dynamic socio-economic development program.

Strengthening Jordan’s Fund for Nature (more than 50,000 JOD)

The RSCN Sponsorship Commitment FormPlease indicate the project(s) you wish to lend support for.Thank you for your commitment to support our natural environment. Orchid Category Wild Recon Film Screening ………..………….....................………..….........(2,000 JOD)Development Nature Shop Equipments……….….....................…….……... (2,000 JOD)World Wetlands Day…………………………….….......................…….………(2,000 JOD)Improving Silk Printing Equipment in the Azraq Wetland Reserve…................. (2,000 JOD)Conservation Program of the Azraq Wetland Habitats Through Control of Reeds..(3,000 JOD)Implement firefighting plan at Azraq Wetland Reserve..……………..…………..(3,000 JOD)Earth Hour.……………………………………..………………………..…………..(3,000 JOD)Study of Predators in the Shumari Wildlife Reserve….……..……….................(3,000 JOD)Developing the Management of Water Buffalo at the Azraq Wetland Reserve......(3,500 JOD)Creation of Environmental Police Station in Mujib Reserve ….…………………..(4,000 JOD)Development of Seheila Rangers Station in Mujib Reserve…….………………… (4,000 JOD)Nature Conservation Research & Survey Activities.…………………..……………(4,000 JOD)Develop Visitor Facilities at Azraq Eco-Lodge …………..………………………...(5,000 JOD)Enhancing Forest Protection of Ajloun Forest Reserve ……………….………….. (5,000 JOD)Conservation Program of the Azraq Wetland Habitats.…………..…….….........(5,000 JOD)Developing the Enforcement at the Azraq Wetland Reserve.…………...…........(5,000 JOD)Eco-tourism Development in the Eastern Desert….……………………...……....(5,000 JOD)Education Activities in the Azraq Wetland Reserve.…………….………………...(5,000 JOD)Eco-tourism Development in the Azraq Wetland Reserve.…………………..……(5,000 JOD)Developing the Azraq Wetland Reserve’s Interpretation and Signage Systems....(5,000 JOD)Study of the Dieback of the Juniper Tree at the Dana Biosphere Reserve.…….…(5,000 JOD)Development of the Jordan Biodiversity Database..…………………..……………(5,000 JOD)Completion of the Observation Tower in Ajloun Forest Reserve………….……… (5,000 JOD)Renovation of Al-Romana Tower Area of Dana Biosphere Reserve ………..……(5,000 JOD)Purchasing Research Equipment for Yarmouk Nature Reserve.……….………….(5,000 JOD)Strengthening Jordan’s Fund For Nature ….………………………(2,000 JOD – 5,000 JOD)

Kestrel CategoryClean Up the World Campaign.…………………………….……………….........(6,000 JOD)Bird Ringing at the Azraq Wetland Reserve …………………………………........(6,000 JOD) Updating Information in the Azraq Reserve Visitors Center………………....….. (6,000 JOD)Renovation of the Solar Power System at Al-Romana Camp……………………. (7,000 JOD)Birds Study in Mujib Biosphere Reserve ……………………………………….…. (8,000 JOD)Improving Packaging Machinery in the Azraq Wetland Reserve Workshop....… (8,000 JOD)Study of the Ibex in Mujib Biosphere Reserve………..……………………….…. (8,000 JOD)Improving the Visitors’ Experience at the Aqaba Birds Observatory …………..…(8,000 JOD)Developing the Vegetation Map of the Dana Biosphere Reserve ……….……..(9,000 JOD)Rangeland Survey of Ajloun and Dibeen Forest Reserves …………….…………..(9,000 JOD)Improve Visitor Facilities at Yarmouk Nature Reserve……………………….......(10,000 JOD)Developing Internet Communication Within the Reserves …………….……….(10,000 JOD)RSCN Member’s Events ……………….………………………...………………..(10,000 JOD)Improve Visitor Facilities at Mujib Reserve ………………………………………..(10,000 JOD)Vegetation Study in Dana Biosphere Reserve …………………………………….(10,000 JOD)Launching the Jordan Journal of Natural History……………………………….. (10,000 JOD)Updating the Information Hall in Dana Biosphere Reserve Visitors Center .......(10,000 JOD)Birds Observatory in Yarmouk Nature Reserve ….……………………………....(10,000 JOD)Enhancing Safety Procedures and Equipment in Mujib’s Water Trails.……....…(10,000 JOD)Conservation Program Development in Yarmouk Nature Reserve...…………… (10,000JOD) Nature Reserves Eco-Games..……………….…………………..………….……..(11,000 JOD)Boundaries Demarcation to define the borders of Fifa Nature Reserve...………(12,000 JOD)Evaluate the status of game species in Jordan ………….……………………….(13,000 JOD)Enhancing the Adventure Tourism at the Mujib Biosphere Reserve.……..….....(14,000 JOD)Wild Weekly Weekends.……………….……………...…………………....…….(15,000 JOD) Equipping the Pottery Workshop in Dibeen Forest Reserve…...………....….....(15,000 JOD)Conservation program of the Fifa Nature Habitats…………………….….….... (15,000 JOD)Managing the Water System at Fifa Nature Reserve……………..…….….…... (15,000 JOD)Strengthening Jordan’s Fund For Nature.………………..…………(5,100 JOD – 15,000 JOD)

Iris CategorySolar Powered Generators for the Mujib Biosphere Reserve/Raddas Rangers Station...(20,000 JOD)Uniforms for Law Enforcement Rangers.……………….…………………………(20,000 JOD)Pasture Renovation in Shumari Wildlife Reserve...……………………………... (20,000 JOD)Renovation of the Area Surrounding the Azraq Wetland Reserve..……...…... (20,000 JOD)Security Improvements at Azraq Wetland Reserve........................................(20,000 JOD)Solar Powered Generators for the Shumari Wildlife Reserve.….................... (22,000 JOD)Uniforms for Nature Reserves Tourism Staff...………..………………………….(25,000 JOD)Drawing Borders for the Yarmouk Nature Reserve………........................... (30,000 JOD)

Rehabilitation of the original wetland habitat at the Azraq Wetland Rese….... (30,000 JOD)Management of Aqaba Birds Observatory Forest ………………………………(40,000 JOD) Strengthening Jordan’s Fund For……….………….…..…………(15,100 JOD – 50,000 JOD)

Oryx CategoryWetlands Water Treatment System at Aqaba Birds Observatory..……………..(100,000 JOD)Development of the Mujib River Eco-tourism Facilities.………..………………(200,000 JOD)Development of Eco-tourism in the Dibeen Forest Reserve..………….……… (250,000 JOD)Strengthening Jordan’s Fund for Nat………………………..………..(more than 50,000 JOD)

For questions and additional information, please contact:Qamar Al-MimiPhone +962 6 533 7931/2 +962 79 737 3352 E-mail: support@rscn.org.jo

Tel: +962 6 5337 931/2Fax: +962 6 5357 618P. O. Box 1215 Amman 11941 Jordanwww.rscn.org.jo

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