Sustainable Jordan - The Sources of the Jordan River, Humans and Nature

The overall objective of the project was to create a framework for sustainable development that would encourage the sustainable use of resources, balancing the needs of development with the environment. The project aimed to prepare a master plan for land use designation, environmental management, flood prevention and proper drainage.

The project has: 1. Prepared a master plan and management plan for the Jordan river sources and the open spaces along them.

2. Created various mechanisms to encourage the participation of local stakeholders in planning and decision making mechanisms.

3. Began working with tourist sites and services operators to promote the concept of eco-tourism in the area.

4. Promoted the concept of nature conservation through three main channels: (i) Direct contact with visitors/local residents: family-friendly material distributed at the entrance to the rivers, at information stands, and by the supervisors and volunteers. (ii) Work with local children and teenagers: The River Protectors?Organisation was established involving 30 groups of pupils, senior citizens and young people from the area. A total of some 1 000 pupils from 20 different schools in the region, including authorities which are not partners of the project were involved. An action plan was also implemented in local kindergartens. (iii) Media exposure.

5. Began working with a preliminary group of farmers to promote the application of more environmentally friendly agri-management practices. subject was presented to 100 farmers and tourist sites operators.