Palestinian group participates in Jordan in activities of the Regional Forum for the Management of Natural Reserves

Palestinian group participates in Jordan in activities of the Regional Forum for the Management of Natural Reserves
8 September 2022

Jordan - A Palestinian group participated in the activities of the sixth session of the Regional Forum for the Management of Natural Reserves. This took place in the hall of the Royal Academy for Nature Conservation, in the Jordanian Ajloun Nature Reserve, and was organized by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.

The Palestinian group was led by the Manager of the Mahmiyat project at the Hanns Seidel Foundation, Ms. Ikram Quttaineh. Also present were the mayor of Tammoun, Mr. Muath Bani Odeh, and Mr.Ahmed Battah, head of Palestine Ecotourism Society, and from the Arab tourist Guide Union.

The activities of the forum will continue until the 22nd of this month. The forum  included a tour inside natural reserves, learning about the standards for managing reserves and protected sites, studying about conserving biodiversity outside of reserves, exchanging experiences with participants from various countries who attended the event, and benefiting from the Jordanian experience in managing nature reserves.

The Hanns Seidel Foundation's support for the Palestinian group comes within the framework of its belief in strengthening the technical and administrative teams for nature reserves. The additional hope is that the delegation will have scientific and practical contributions, and will transfer the Jordanian and Arab experience to Palestine within the Mahmiyat.ps project.

In turn, Bani Odeh, representing the group, presented a copy of the book “Palestine Trails Guide Book” to the Jordanian Deputy Minister of Environment, Mr. Raed Bani Hani.

Mr. Odeh reiterated the importance of the forum in enhancing knowledge of the management of nature reserves, especially for local authorities seeking to invest in natural areas and reserves. He went on to praise the role of the Royal Society in the continued management of natural sites.

Moreover, during his speech at the forum, Mr. Battah said he considered the training program one of the most critical and unique programs that contribute to improving the management of nature reserves.

On the sidelines of the forum, the group met with Othman Tawalbeh, General Director of Protected Areas in the Royal Society for the Nature Conservation. They also met with the Director of Training in the Society, Khaled Younes. The discussion focused on the topic of joint cooperation, future visits between the two countries, and ways to prepare plans and studies related to the Jabal Tammun Nature Reserve.