There are six nature reserves in Jordan. In 1966, the organization that would later start Jordan's nature reserves, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, was founded. RSCN's first efforts involved bringing back severely endangered species. In 1973, RSCN, was given the right to issue hunting licenses, giving RSCN an upper hand in preventing extinction. The first step was the founding of Jordan's first nature reserve, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, in 1975. The primary purpose was to create means to breed endangered species, specifically: the Arabian Oryx, gazelles, ostriches, and Persian Onagers in their natural environment.
In 1994, shortly after Dana Biosphere Reserve was established, RSCN began its Research and Survey section, made up of experienced researchers with the primary goal of collecting information at the reserves needed to create a sustainable living environment for wild animals through scientific research. Shortly thereafter, Wild Jordan was created as a business branch of RSCN dealing with socio-economic projects. In 1999, RSCN started a training program to build local and regional skill in conserving nature. RSCN raised more awareness in 2005 with a "Save Jordan's Trees" campaign. Jordan's sixth and latest nature reserve, Dibeen Forest Reserve, was created in 2004, cementing 1,200 square kilometres (463 sq mi) of protected natural landscape throughout Jordan.
In addition, there are nine proposed nature reserves in Jordan, and two more sites that are possible candidates for preservation.
Famous quotes containing the words nature, reserves and/or jordan:
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