For Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley

Home , Arabian babbler, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Districts of Jordan, Pyramidulidae, Seidlitzia rosmarinus

E1477 Public Disclosure Authorized

The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature

Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) and Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley

Public Disclosure Authorized

Final ESA and ESMP Report

October 2nd, 2006

Public Disclosure Authorized

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Table of Contents i List of Tables iv List of Figures vi Annexes vii Abbreviations viii

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Project Background 1 1.2 Project and Environmental Assessment Objectives 2 1.3 Public Consultation 3 1.4 Supporting Maps 5

2 PROPOSED PROJECT 7

2.1 Project Location 8 2.2 Project Components 10 2.3 Sector Issues Addressed 20 2.4 Project Zones of Effect 21 2.5 Project Duration and Phases 23 2.6 Project Implementing Organization: Royal Society for Conservation of Nature 23 2.7 Project Benefits and Stakeholders 24 2.8 Project Sustainability 25

3 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 26

3.1 Introduction 26 3.2 Institutional Framework 27 3.2.1 Overview of Governmental Organizations 27 3.2.2 Universities and Research Institutes 37 3.2.3 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) 39 3.3 National Agenda 41 3.4 Applicable National Environmental Legislations 42 3.4.1 Sources of Environmental Law in Jordan 42 3.4.2 Laws 51 3.4.3 Regulations (By-laws) 58 3.4.4 Strategies 62 3.4.5 Related Environmental International and Regional Conventions and Treaties 68 3.5 Applicable World Bank Policies 73 3.5.1 Environment Assessment (OP/BP4.01) 74 3.5.2 Forestry (OP/BO 4.36) 74 3.5.3 Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP4.12) 75 3.5.4 Indigenous Peoples (OD4.20) 75 3.5.5 Safety of Dams (OP 4.09) 76 3.5.6 Pest Management (OP 4.09) 77 3.5.7 Cultural Property (OPN 11.03-draft OP/BP4.11) 77 3.5.8 Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04) 77 3.5.9 Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60) 78

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3.5.10 Projects on international Waterways (OP 7.5) 78 3.6 Legal and Institutional Issues 79 3.7 Recommendations 81

4 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE CONDITIONS 83

4.1 Physical Environment 83 4.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology 83 4.1.2 Climate 84 4.1.3 Geological Setting 86 4.1.4 Water Resources 95 4.1.5 Fluid and Solid Wastes Management System 106 4.1.6 Air Quality and Noise Level Status 106 4.1.7 Existing Challenges to the Physical Environment 107 4.2 Biological Environment 111 4.2.1 Biogeography 111 4.2.2 Biological Habitat 113 4.2.3 Naturality 116 4.2.4 Fragility 116 4.2.5 Rarity 116 4.2.6 Species Diversity 116 4.2.7 Hotspots 127 4.2.8 Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Jordan 152 4.2.9 Challenges Facing Nature Conservation in the Jordan Valley 161 4.2.10 Agro-Ecological Conditions 167 4.3 Socio-Economic Conditions 178 4.3.1 Population 179 4.3.2 Social and Cultural Characteristics of the Local Community 182 4.3.3 Socio-Economic Characteristics 185 4.3.4 Education 190 4.3.5 Public Health 191 4.3.6 Gender Issues and Women Status 193 4.3.7 Development Needs 193 4.3.8 Stakeholders Awareness 195 4.4 Archaeological Baseline Conditions 196

5 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT SPECIFIC ALTERNATIVES 201

5.1 No Action/Without Project 202 5.2 With Project 203

6 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS 204

6.1 Impacts on the Physical Environment 204 6.1.1 Overview of Impacts 204 6.1.2 Expected Environmental Impacts of Establishing Natural Reserves 204 6.1.3 Environmental Impacts of Implementing the Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) Concept 209 6.2 Impacts on Biological Conditions 210 6.2.1 Enhancing Ecosystems Balance and Integrity 211 6.2.2 Preserving Biological Habitat 212 6.2.3 Enhancing Biodiversity 214 6.2.4 Strengthening and Enhancing the Protected Areas Network 216

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6.2.5 Promoting Sustainable Use of Biological Resources (Products and Attributes) 216 6.2.6 Conservation of Threatened Species 219 6.3 Impacts on Socio-Economic Settings 220 6.3.1 Positive Impacts 220 6.3.2 Negative Impacts 224 6.4 Impacts on Archaeological Resources 224

7 EVALUATION OF CUMULATIVE PROJECT SPECIFIC IMPACTS 226

7.1 Cumulative Impacts on the Physical Environment 226 7.1.1 Establishing Natural Reserves 226 7.1.2 Implementation and Adaptation of the IEM Concept 226 7.2 Cumulative Impacts on Biological Conditions 226 7.3 Cumulative Impacts on Socio-Economic Conditions 227 7.4 Cumulative Impacts on Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Resources 227

8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 228

8.1 Rationale and Justification 229 8.2 Planning and Framework of the ESMP 230 8.3 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) 232 8.3.1 Environmental Policy and Commitment 232 8.3.2 Policy, Legal and Administrative Requirements 233 8.3.3 Structure and Responsibility 233 8.4 Integrated Ecosystems Management Areas 238 8.4.1 Environmental and Social Objectives 239 8.4.2 Environmental and Social Aspects 240 8.4.3 Sub-Project Screening Checklists and Safeguard Review Procedures 240 8.4.4 Environmental Sub-Project Screening Checklists 244 8.4.5 Sub-Project Safeguard Review Procedures 246 8.5 Management Programs for Mitigation of Impacts 248 8.5.1 Proposed Mitigation Measures for Establishing the Natural Reserves 248 8.5.2 Recommended Mitigations for Implementing Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) Concept Activities 253 8.5.3 Environmental Monitoring 256 8.5.4 Preparation Stage 256 8.5.5 Monitoring Plan for Establishing the Nature Reserves 257 8.5.6 Monitoring Plan for Implementing the Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) Concept 259 8.6 ESMP Control 260 8.7 Implementation and Operation 260 8.7.1 Training, Awareness and Competence 261 8.7.2 Communication 262 8.7.3 Emergency Preparedness and Response 263 8.8 Checking and Corrective Action 263 8.9 Management Review 263 8.10 ESMP Cost Implications 264

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LIST OF TABLES

Table Page Table 1: Significant issues identified in the public consultation session 5 Table 2: List of GIS shapefiles and image maps from RSCN 6 Table 3: Project components, anticipated outputs, and activities 11 Table 4: Overview of proposed PA activities and IEM sub-projects and their respective locations 15 Table 5: Benefits to be obtained from IEM project implementation 24 Table 6: Environmental activities and concerned organization 40 Table 7: Fees (paid to WAJ) 59 Table 8: Selected international environment agreements 68 Table 9: Mean Minimum, Absolute Yearly Maximum and Mean Yearly Temperature for Selected Climatological Stations Along the JRV 85 Table 10: Total Rainfall (mm/year) for Selected Stations Along The Jordan Valley 85 Table 11: Geo-Lithological Succession of Jordan 86 Table 12: Main features of agricultural zones in the Jordan Valley, 1998 95 Table 13: Annual Flow Volumes in MCM/year for Main Basins 100 Table 14: Existing storage Dams Located Within JRV area and/or Supplying the JRV Surface Water System 101 Table 15: Water Consumption Status for the Ground Water Basins located, “and/or” extending Within the Jordan Valley Area-Year 2001 103 Table 16: Water Consumption in the Jordan Valley Area 104 Table 17: Major thermal springs within JRV area 105 Table 18: Major solid waste dumping sites in the Jordan Valley 106 Table 19: Changes in the surface area of the Dead Sea and Evaporation Ponds as observed from Satellite Images 108 Table 20: Different plant communities and their occurrence in different zones of the Valley 117 Table 21: Criteria for selecting IBAs in the Middle East 130 Table 22: Globally threatened species 150 Table 23: Regionally threatened species 150 Table 24: Species restricted wholly or largely to Middle East 150 Table 25: Proposed protected areas 159 Table 26: List of existing parks in Jordan 160 Table 27: List of forest and rangeland reserves 160 Table 28: Classified categories according to annual precipitation 168 Table 29: Water supply and requirements Balance (Mm3/year) 169 Table 30: Areas and percentages allocated for crops planted under irrigated or non-irrigated lands of the Jordan Rift Valley in 2003 170 Table 31: Average crop water requirements and cultivated areas during 1994-1998 for various plant production categories within the sub-areas of RJV 171 Table 32: Rural and Urban Population in Jordan during 1988-2004 179 Table 33: Population densities in the study area 180 Table 34: Population projections for Jordan 2010-2020 (Summary) 181 Table 35: Population projections of all the population settlements in the study area 181 Table 36: Tribes of Ghore 184 Table 37: Main economic indicators 1998-2004 185 Table 38: Distribution of employed labour by type of labour, sex, nationality and age category in Jordan Valley in 2001-2003 186 Table 39: Annual Income Levels in the JRV in 2004(JD) 187 Table 40: Level of income according to the sex of the head of the family in 2004(JD) 188

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Table Page Table 41: Number of students, teachers and schools at different study stages in Jordan Valley 190 Table 42: Number of students, teachers and schools at different study stages in Jordan 190 Table 43: Incidence rate per 100,000 population of diarrhoea during 1993 192 Table 44: Diseases and their places of prevalence in Jordan Valley 192 Table 45: Desired economic activities 194 Table 46: Projects needs 194 Table 47: Training needed 194 Table 48: Sites identified as salient archaeological and cultural heritage sites 196 Table 49: Analysis of project alternatives 202 Table 50: Quantification of fluid waste produced during the operation phase at each tourism site 208 Table 51: Quantification of solid waste produced during the operation phase at each tourism site 209 Table 52: The detailed duties of the proposed ESMP Management Committee 237 Table 53: Agencies represented in the licensing and EIA technical review committees 241 Table 54: Sub-projects screening checklist 245 Table 55: The Jordanian Regulations for Ambient Noise Levels 250

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page Figure 1: Study area of Jordan Rift Valley 9 Figure 2: Envisaged project organization structure 20 Figure 3: Impact intensity in the zones of effect 22 Figure 4: “Triassic – Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous” sandstone outcrops within Jabal Mas'uda area 88 Figure 5: “Triassic – Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous” sandstone outcrops within Jabal Mas'uda area 88 Figure 6: “Upper cretaceous – Lower Tertiary” carbonate rocks outcrops within Al-Yarmouk proposed natural reserve 89 Figure 7: “Upper cretaceous – Lower Tertiary” carbonate rocks outcrops within Ibn Hammad IEM site 89 Figure 8: Fifa proposed reserve 90 Figure 9: Qatar proposed reserve 91 Figure 10: Geological Map for the Northern Parts of the JRV including Al-Yarmouk proposed natural reserve 92 Figure 11: Geological Map for the JRV central parts including Fifa Proposed Reserve and Wadi Ibn Hammad IEM site 93 Figure 12: Geological Map for the JRV southern parts including Qatar and Jabal Mas’uda proposed natural reserves 94 Figure 13: Major water basins in Jordan and groundwater safe yield values for each basin 96 Figure 14: King Abdullah Canal water distribution system 102 Figure 15: Soil and rock quarries on the hills of the eastern escarpment 108 Figure 16: Inappropriate fluid disposal by a quarry located opposite to Dead Sea shore 110 Figure 17: Solid waste dumped at the upstream part of Wadi Ibn Hammad 111 Figure 18: Bio-geographic zones of the Jordan Valley 113 Figure 19: Wetland habitat at wadi Ibn Hammad 114 Figure 20: Wetlands in the Jordan Valley (Source: RSCN) 115 Figure 21: Important Bird Areas in the Jordan Valley (Source: RSCN) 124 Figure 22: Deciduous Oak stands at Al Yarmouk 127 Figure 23: Yarmouk protected area (Source: RSCN) 131 Figure 24: Al-Yarmouk 132 Figure 25: Birket Al Araies 133 Figure 26: North Ghore IBA (Source: RSCN) 135 Figure 27: Maghtas IBA (Source: RSCN) 137 Figure 28: Mujib IBA (Source: RSCN) 139 Figure 29: Wadi Mujib 140 Figure 30: Wadi Ibn Hammad- Al Haditha IBA (Source: RSCN) 142 Figure 31: Wadi Ibn Hammad 143 Figure 32: Safi-Fifa IBA (Source: RSCN) 144 Figure 33: Mudflat habitat at Fifa 145 Figure 34: Wadi Araba IBA (Source: RSCN) 147 Figure 35: Sand dunes at Qatar 148 Figure 36: Ghore Safi highway (crossing Qatar area) 148 Figure 37: Mudflat habitat at Qatar 149 Figure 38: Jabal Mas'uda 152 Figure 39: Irrigated agriculture at Fifa (see black plastic covers) 163 Figure 40: Wood cutting at Mas'uda 164 Figure 41: Grazing near Birket Al Araies 164

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Figure Page Figure 42: Grazing in Wadi Araba 165 Figure 43: Calotropis procera 215 Figure 44: Threatened “CITES” Species Cyclamen persicum 215 Figure 45: ESMP planning process 231 Figure 46: ESMP management structure 235 Figure 47: Flow diagram of EIA procedure at MOE 243 Figure 48: Flow diagram of environmental clearance procedure for the IEM sub-projects 247

ANNEXES

Annex 1: ESA and ESMP Study Team Members Annex 2: Record of Field Investigations and References Obtained from RSCN Annex 3: Record of Public Consultation Annex 4: Suggested Distribution List for Disclosure of the ESA and ESMP Study Annex 5: Implementation Chart Annex 6: Resettlement Process Framework Annex 7: Archaeological sites within the Jordan Rift Valley Annex 8: Environmental Aspects Register Annex 9: Mitigation Measures Annex 10: Monitoring Measures Annex 11: References

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ABBREVIATIONS

ASEZA Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority BSL Below Sea Level CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CMS Convention of Migratory Species CRM Cultural Resources Management CTT Core Technical Team DOA Department of Antiquities EA Environmental Assessment ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESA Environmental and Social Assessment FOE Friends of the Environment GCEP General Corporation of Environment Protection GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF Global Environment Facility GRU Genetic Resources Unit GTZ German Technical Cooperation IBA Important Bird Area IEM Integrated Ecosystem Management IPM Integrated Pest Management IUCN World Conservation Union (International Union for Conservation of Nature) JAF Jordan Armed Forces JES Jordan Environment Society JISM Jordan Institute for Standards and Metrology JREDS Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan JSSD Jordan Society for Sustainable Development JPAS Jordan Protected Areas JVA Jordan Valley Authority JRV Jordan Rift Valley LUMP Land Use Master Plan LUP Land Use Planning MEMR Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources MMA Ministry of Municipal Affairs MOA Ministry of Agriculture MOE Ministry of Environment MOH Ministry of Health MOP Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation MOTA Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

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MPWH Ministry of Public Works and Housing MWI Ministry of Water and Irrigation NCARTT National Centre for Agricultural Re-search and Technology Transfer NEAP National Environmental Action Plan NES National Environment Strategy NGO Non-Governmental Organization NRA Natural Resources Authority PA Protected Area PAS Protected Area Staff PERSGA Programme for the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden PFT Project Field Teams POPs Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants PMU Project Management Unit RSCN Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature SACER Sustainable Agriculture Centre for Education and Research SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats TFR Total Fertility Rate UNCBD United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP United Nations Environment Program UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change USAID United Stated Agency for International Development WAJ Water Authority of Jordan WWF World Wide Fund WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant

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1 INTRODUCTION

The proposed Integrated Ecosystem Management Project in the Jordan Rift Valley is being undertaken by the Jordanian Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). The development and implementation of this project is in general associated with enhancement of environmental and social conditions since it will implement environmentally sound management activities and deal with socio-economic initiatives in collaboration with local communities. This environmental impact study allows decision makers and stakeholders to develop a clearer picture of the associated (positive and negative) potential impacts.

1.1 Project Background

An important aspect of the project description is the provision of a clear background on the project area, which is the Jordan Rift Valley. The description below is based on the project's document "Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley".

The Jordan Rift Valley is situated along the northern edge of the Great Rift Valley and extends from Yarmouk in the north, to the Gulf of Aqaba in the south, over a length of 370 km. It constitutes a bridge connecting three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe.

The Jordan Valley in Jordan consists of the Northern Ghore (115.86 km2), Middle Ghore (78.75 km2) and the Southern Jordan Valley (115.0 km2). It is about 10 km wide in its northern part, narrowing to 4 km in its middle section, and widening again to about 20 km in its southern part.

The Jordan River has a basin of 18,194 km2 and flows southwards for a total length of 230 km through Syria, Israel, West Bank and Jordan and finally into the Dead Sea. The elevation of the Jordan River drops from 212 m below sea level at Lake Tiberius, to more than 400 m below sea level at the Dead Sea.

South of the Dead Sea, the Jordan Rift Valley is drained by the Wadi Araba, which flows in a northerly direction when in spate. This southern section is about 160 km long, and up to 25 km wide (it is at its widest between Jabal Fidan and Umm Muthla). The valley bottom is bordered by highland ranges, in fact escarpment zones, that run parallel to the Jordan Valley. In local geomorphologic terms, these are known as the Mountain Ridges and Northern Highlands East of the Rift. These highlands are more than 50 km wide in the north, but narrow to about 10 km near Aqaba. For the purpose of the Project, the Jordan Rift Valley will be considered in its broadest sense, and includes both the valley floor (i.e. the Jordan River Valley, Wadi Araba, and its extension up to Aqaba) and the adjacent escarpment zones parallel to the valley bottom.

The Great Rift Valley is a globally important ecological corridor and the Jordanian section represents a strategically crucial component, since it is a major fly way between Africa and northern Europe used by millions of migrating birds each year. The sharp physical boundaries of the Jordan Rift Valley, clearly visible from the air, provide a navigational guiding system for these birds and the habitats it contains provide vital resting and refuelling stations, without which they are unable to complete their long journeys. Not surprisingly, Birdlife International’s document on Important Bird Areas in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (2000), suggests 27 sites for Jordan of which 17 are located in the Jordan Rift Valley.

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Apart from its significance for birds, the Jordan Rift Valley also holds many large and internationally important ecosystems, including desert, mountains, wetlands, sea and forest; e.g. the Dead Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Jordan and Yarmouk river systems, as well as numerous specialized or unique habitats of regional importance such as the Quercus aegilops oak forests of Yarmouk. To date only one wetland of international importance has been designated, in Jordan, namely the Azraq marshes in the central eastern part of the country, well outside the Rift Valley. The Directory of Wetlands of the Middle East however, recognizes at least six notable wetland sites in the Jordan Rift Valley. Furthermore, the Dead Sea itself is the lowest and most saline water body on Earth and is noted as one of the World’s “biodiversity hot spots” because its extremely harsh environment has engendered a high level of endemism.

In addition to its natural and ecological importance, the Jordan Rift Valley is of historical, religious and political importance for many people around the world. It contains many ancient human history and archaeological sites. There are also small, medium, and large scale farms in the Valley as well as a number of other industries, primarily in free zones or for mineral extraction and processing. Local picnicking, health based tourism, hiking, and cultural heritage (including religious) tourism are also present.

However, all these significant aspects of the JRV are being severely impacted by the agricultural (water intensive cropping patterns, use of chemical fertilizers, lack of water conservation) and industrial (over developed Dead Sea shoreline and water intensive operations) development, tourism, retraction of the Dead Sea, population growth and inadequate wastewater treatment.

Habitat degradation and species loss in the JRV is serious and accelerating, largely as a result of increasing development pressure, deforestation, overgrazing, inappropriate agricultural practices, urbanization and population growth. The growth in mass tourism has also been cited as a ‘new’ threat to environmental quality in the JRV. Particularly impacted are migrating and local birds, moving along the Great Rift from Africa to Europe through Jordan. Also, there are several hotspots of significant/threatened biodiversity within the Valley that need to receive conservation priority due to their importance and sensitivity.

1.2 Project and Environmental Assessment Objectives

Being of this high ecological importance, there is a need to conserve the Jordan Rift Valley (JRV) biological diversity and ecological integrity. Thus, the overall project development objective of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project “Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley” is to introduce integrated ecosystem management in the Jordan Rift Valley. The global environmental objective is the conservation of globally significant biodiversity through integrated ecosystem management in the Jordan Rift Valley.

The primary vehicle to achieve this objective will be financial and technical support for community driven, integrated ecosystem management plans and subprojects that can simultaneously address local development needs and local environmental challenges. The project will also contribute to the financial sustainability of IEM initiatives and to building capacity to plan and implement IEM activities.

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This Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) is needed to allow decision makers at all levels, and national and local stakeholders to understand and appreciate the potential impacts to the environment and to the social elements within the study area. It will be:

• Consistent with the World Bank Guidelines and Operational Policies and Procedures. According to World Bank Safeguard Policies, this project is classified as Category B project which means that the potential adverse environmental impacts of the project and its sub-projects on human populations or environmentally important areas are less adverse that those of Category A projects. These impacts are site-specific; few of them are irreversible; and in most cases litigator measures can be designed more readily that for Category A projects. • Consistent with the environmental and social policies and procedures of the Government of Jordan including the Jordanian EIA Regulation No. (37) for the year 2005. According to the Ministry of Environmental, the project was screened to require a preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment study as it is considered to be an environmental friendly project. • Based upon information and data from previous studies, surveys, and investigations as appropriate.

The specific objectives of this ESA are to:

• Evaluate the project's potential environmental risks and impacts on their areas of influence: • Identify and recommend actions to avoid and/or prevent, minimize, mitigate or compensate potential adverse environmental and social impacts that will improve environmental performance and be integrated in the project overall management plan; • Prepare "Environmental Sub-Project Screening Checklists" for the community development and local initiatives sub-projects; • Prepare an Environmental Management Plan and, if needed, a Resettlement Policy Framework, in order to ensure that any potential adverse social impacts will be mitigated as appropriate; and • Help the Government of Jordan and RSCN in conducting a process of public consultation, including public information meetings.

A multidisciplinary team of experienced practitioners has been assembled to prepare a high quality Environmental Assessment and Management Plan for the Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley (see Annex 1).

1.3 Public Consultation

Public consultation is a powerful tool to ensure the involvement of potentially affected groups and national capacities in the decision-making process with regard to the environmental and social aspects of their concern. Such consultation will positively limit accidental or on purpose ignorance of environmental and social concerns relevant to the effect of the proposed development. Also it is considered as an important tool for informing and educating the public in order to enhance their understanding and appreciation to the following:

• The need and nature of the proposed development; • The need to protect and properly manage our environment;

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• The potential impacts of the project on the environmental, socio-economical and archaeological settings; and • The public role in protecting their local environment.

Among the objectives of the ESA study under preparation is complying with relevant World Bank policies and national Jordanian regulations. According to World Bank, Category B projects to be appraised by the World Bank require consultation with project-affected groups and local NGOs about the project's environmental aspects and take their views into account.

As for Jordanian Regulations, the results of screening meetings with the Ministry of Environment (MOE) has classified the environmental assessment for this project as a preliminary environmental impact assessment and accordingly a consultation session is not obligatory, but would be of added value if conducted.

Given that a consultation session is required for World Bank Category B projects and is of added value for preliminary ESA carried according to Jordanian Regulations, the consultation session was organized. The objective of this consultation was to ensure that the stakeholders’ views, issues of concern, foreseen impacts and worries are taken into consideration while assessing the project related impacts. Such consultation is expected to limit accidental or on purpose ignorance of environmental and social concerns relevant to the proposed project.

Hence, under the auspices of the RSCN and the Ministry of Environment (MOE), a public consultation session was held on February 1st, 2006 in Amman. The session was attended by a wide spectrum of government, national, NGO's and municipalities representatives during which background presentation on the project have been distributed and discussed by all parties concerned. The session identified substantive issues of specific concern and feedback comments and views were collected and classified. The outcome of the session indicated unanimous support to the project.

In addition to the public consultation, the Consultant conducted a two day field investigation with the RSCN. The field visit provided a clearer insight on the characteristics of the selected locations and their surrounding areas. For a record of the field visit and stopping locations, refer to Annex 2: Record of Field Investigations.

In addition, Arabic and English Executive Summaries and the Main Report in English will be made available at a number of locations in Jordan. These locations will be proposed to the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN). A notice would also be placed in a number of newspapers noting the availability of these reports. A copy of the ESA and ESMP will also be provided to the World Bank under a cover letter that authorizes the Bank to disclose these documents to its Board of Executive Directors and at the InfoShop. For this purpose, the World Bank will be provided with copies of the document.

Of the 149 invitees to Amman scoping session, 73 attended the consultation. Those attendees represented various stakeholders including ministries and governmental authorities, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities, community representatives and private sector.

The environmental and social issues that need to be assessed were identified from the results of the consultation activities. This was mainly through the focus group discussions, scoping session questionnaire results and the issues raised during the questions and comments. The issues identified as significant and to be addressed in the Environmental Assessment Study are presented

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in Table 1. For a complete record of the public consultation session, refer to Annex 3: Record of Public Consultation.

Table 1: Significant issues identified in the public consultation session Assessed Component Significant Issues Water Resources • Ground and surface water resources • Water quality A-biotic Environment • Geology and geomorphology • Waste generation and management • Air quality • Noise levels • Sinkholes • Pollution Biotic Environment • Ecosystems balance and integrity • Biological habitats & hotspots (neutrality, fragility, and rarity) • Species diversity • Protected areas and nature conservation programs Agricultural Resources • Impacts on water resources (quantity and quality) • Overgrazing and woodcutting • Fish farming • Poultry production • Impacts on biodiversity • Sustainable agriculture programs Social Component • Socio-cultural characteristics of local community • Socio-economic characteristics • Public environmental awareness • Public acceptance of the project and relevant perceptions Archaeological and • Salient archaeological and cultural heritage sites located within the study area Cultural Heritage • Cultural Resources Management in the Jordan Rift Valley

As for the the disclosure of the ESA and ESMP study as per World Bank requirements, a suggested distribution list for the disclosure of the study copies is presented in Annex 4.

1.4 Supporting Maps

The ESA and ESMP study for this project is supported with GIS maps which assist in clarifying the project-specific sensitive environmental, social and archaeological settings identified within the project direct and indirect zone of effect. A list of the available GIS shapefiles is presented in Table 2.

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Table 2: List of GIS shapefiles and image maps from RSCN Folder Name Shapefile Name Comments General project teams Provides rough boundaries of the project area Bio-zones-cnrv Provides biological zones for existing and proposed reserves within the Jordan Valley cities Provides major cities for Jordan Jordan-district Provides districts of Jordan majorroads Provides major roads in Jordan proposed protected areas Provides locations of proposed reserves reserves in rv Provides boundaries for existing reserve in Jordan Rift Valley, namely Dana and Mujib reserves vegetation in rv Provides vegetation type for proposed reserves within the Jordan Valley villages-rv Provides villages within the Jordan Valley water in rv Provides location of Fidan and Birket Al Araies which are water bodies within reserves Dana Folder dancont Provides the contour of Dana reserve geology Provides the type of geology within Dana reserve wadi Contains the length of the wadi Fifa Proposed fifacon Provides contours for Fifa proposed reserve fifroad Depicts the road inside Fifa proposed reserve fifwad Provides the wadis within Fifa proposed reserve track Depicts the track inside Fifa proposed reserve Jabal Mas'uda JMWADI Folder Provides wadis within Jabal Mas'uda proposed reserve Mujib contour-lines Provides contour lines for Mujib Reserve geology Provides geology of Mujib reserve ranger Provides location of RSCN's existing ranger stations within Mujib vegetation types of mujib Provides vegetation types within Mujib reserve Wadi Provides wadis within Mujib reserve Qatar QATwadi Provides wadis within Qatar proposed reserve mainroad Depicts the main road mud flat Provides area of the mud flat within Qatar proposed reserve Yarmouk Proposed secondary roads Provides the secondary roads within and near Yarmouk Protected Area proposed protected area res-bdt Provides the are of Yarmouk proposed protected area wadi Provides wadis within Yarmouk proposed protected area IBA's iba's wadis Provides the wadis within Important Bird Areas (IBA) in Jordan Valley iba's Provides areas designated as IBAs in Jordan Valley iba-raods Provides the roads passing through IBAs in Jordan Valley iba-villages Provides the locations of villages situated within IBAs in Jordan Valley iba-water Provides the locations of springs, fish farms or other water bodies situated through IBAs in Jordan Valley Jpeg maps dana nature reserve Image files for the Dana and Mujib reserves and for Fifa, Qatar, Fifa Yarmouk and Jabal Mas'uda proposed reserves Jabalmasuda Mujib nature reserve Qatar Yarmouk

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2 PROPOSED PROJECT

The project of "Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley Project" will achieve its objectives through:

• Mainstreaming biological diversity conservation into land use planning • Stakeholder involvement • Capacity Building

A project document1 has been prepared by RSCN, which is the executing agency for the IEM project, in collaboration with the project steering committee. This document mainly describes the following aspects of the project:

• Project background and objectives. • Project strategic context that arrives at the sector issues to be addressed by the project and its strategic choices. • Description of project components, key policy and institutional reforms to be sought, benefits and target population, and institutional and implementation arrangements. • Project rationale especially the project alternatives considered and reasons for rejection. • Summary of project economic, financial, technical, institutional, environmental, and social analysis. • Project's sustainability and risks.

The project also has a series of specialist reports that are listed in Table A2.1 of Annex 2.

The project's steering committee consists of representatives of the following authorities:

• Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) • Ministry of Environment (MOE) • Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) • Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOP) • Ministry of Tourism and Archaeology (MOTA) • Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) • Natural Resources Authority (NRA) • Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

1 Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, "Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley", Project Document, Draft Final Report, 4 October 2005.

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2.1 Project Location

As described in the "Conservation-Oriented Land Use Planning" Report2, for the purpose of the Integrated Ecosystem Management project, the Jordan Rift Valley is the full Rift Valley as a main physiographic unit. It includes both the valley floor (i.e. the Jordan River Valley, Wadi Araba, and its extension up to Aqaba), being confined by the northern, western and southern national border, and the adjacent escarpment zone.

This implies that the project area includes the mandate area of ASEZA and the Jordan Valley Authority and extends much further uphill. The JVA area only extends to the 300 m (north of the Jordan Valley) and up to 500 m (south of the Jordan Valley) contour line, while the project area extends up to the edge of the “plateau areas”.

Figure 1 represents the study area for this project.

2 Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, "Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley", Specialist Report No. 1: "Integrated Conservation-Oriented Land Use Planning ", Draft Report, August 2005.

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Figure 1: Study area of Jordan Rift Valley

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2.2 Project Components

According to the Project Document, the project consists of the following five components:

1- Component 1: Establishing sustainable Integrated Ecosystem Management throughout the Rift Valley. The component output is expected to improve the conservation of biodiversity through integrated ecosystem planning activities in the Jordan Rift Valley. 2- Component 2: Providing alternative livelihoods for the rural poor, combined in a community development program. The component output is expected to improve community economic development through alternative livelihoods and poverty alleviation projects in a biodiversity-friendly manner. 3- Component 3: Reinforcing the protected areas network along the Valley. The component output is expected to expand and improve the existing Protected Area system in the Jordan Rift Valley. Four new protected areas will be designated and gazetted. 4- Component 4: Sustainable Financing. The component output is expected to implement a program of sustainable financing for ecosystem planning, community development and nature conservation activities. 5- Component 5: Capacity Development. The component output is expected to implement a comprehensive program of capacity development and training for RSCN, government agencies, civil society organizations and community-based organizations.

These five components and their anticipated outputs are discussed in Table 3.

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Table 3: Project components, anticipated outputs, and activities Component Description Outputs Activities to Achieve Outputs Component 1: Integrated The project will support the mainstreaming of Output 1.1 Strategic Environmental Assessment for In order to achieve this output, the various agencies responsible and involved in the LUP for the Jordan Rift Valley will Ecosystem Management biodiversity into land use planning activities in the the Jordan Rift Valley completed give their contribution to future development activities. All these inputs will be collected and reviewed in light of their Jordan Rift Valley. environmental impact. The aggregated result will be used as a strategic, conservation oriented, planning tool for future master planning in the Jordan Rift Valley. Suggestions and recommendations in this regard will be made for future land use The strategic approach to integrated ecosystem planning. management and land use planning is based on two Output 1.2 Planning process reform to implement Policy and institutional reforms based on an extensive institutional analysis study will streamline the planning process. The main elements: SEA project will strive to appoint a SEA team in respective government key agencies (especially, MOA and JVA) involved in 1. Capacity and experience in comprehensive LUP. The coordination between the various agencies will improve through the institutionalization of review meetings, in integrated ecosystem management and land which the various agencies are represented. Furthermore, guidelines will be prepared for SEA and conservation based land use planning (IEM/LUP) are limited at use planning. Different reform alternatives to streamline the inter agency planning will be developed. Capacity building in almost all levels. A blanket approach of IEM and LUP to organizations with a mandate in the project intervention areas will support these activities. IEM/LUP capacity building would be required to create adequate capacity but this Output 1.3 Legislative change empowering local A comprehensive review of the legislation and regulatory and policy framework relating to IEM and LUP has to be carried would imply a task going beyond the project communities to participate in LUP out. Bottlenecks for the inclusion of local stakeholders in the planning process have to be identified and options to tackle mandate and capacity. these proposed. 2. The project will operate beyond the limits of RSCN’s direct mandate area, i.e. the Output 1.4 Field level land management practices Improved or alternative agricultural practices such as integrated pest management, the introduction of organic farming and protected areas, and joint responsibility will and extension services reformed the use of crops that have lower water requirements are important aspects of IEM as they contribute to sustainability and have to be sought for these operations with biodiversity conservation. The project will contribute to the adoption of these practices by the local farmers in the pilot those agencies responsible. project areas through strengthening of the extension agencies and imparting training and capacity building activities. The latter includes drafting of a participatory extension program, training extension staff in participatory extension methods and Given these facts, a multi-level strategy is guiding the implementation of the program in pilot areas. Furthermore, mechanisms will be formulated by the project such proposed, with different interventions at the local, as improved marketing to increase the motivation for farmers to adopt IPM and organic farming. regional or national level. The strategy is designed Output 1.5 Seven demonstration projects apply the The introduction and successful application of IEM/LUP in the seven pilot areas involves several steps and different to address anticipated land use issues in relation to IEM approach activities. Some of these are: awareness raising at community level, community organization for IEM activities, problem Protected Areas (PAs) and Important Bird Areas and needs assessment through PRA, identification of constraints in the sustainable resource use, develop alternatives or (IBAs), to address regional IEM issues potentially mediating measures in cooperation with community members, develop and implement an agreed LUP, monitor results affecting PAs and IBAs, and to cater for involving stakeholders and discuss options for change or amendments in the LUP if required. mainstreaming activities at the national level. Output 1.6 IEM Monitoring and Evaluation system Special attention will be paid to the development and introduction of an M&E system for IEM, being a new activity in The starting point should be at the local and implemented and reviewed Jordan. This system will become part and parcel of the overall project M&E system but will be designed as to be used also regional level. Activities at the national level by other parties after project completion. Specific elements in this system are the multitude of different kinds of parameters (notably capacity building and support to and indicators (e.g. monitoring the natural resource status but also the degree of participation of communities, the level of legislative, regulatory and policy reforms) should ability of government institutions to handle LUP, the impact of IEM activities on biodiversity) as well as biodiversity be deployed as logical implications of activities at indices. A well-designed M&E system forces the project and its stakeholders to make equitable stakeholder involvement lower levels but also within the framework of more explicit. mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into land use planning activities.

Component 2: Community Implementation of IEM activities in the seven pilot Output 2.1 Community action plan for alternative The community members or groups are organized and, in consultation with representatives, an action plan for the execution Development and Alternative areas, including the establishment of the proposed livelihoods adopted of alternative livelihood interventions is drafted. Livelihoods protected areas may lead to a reduction in access of Output 2.2 Alternative livelihood projects are The project will develop a program of alternative/ sustainable livelihoods abiding by a simple set of regulations established local community members to certain resources, operational and viable in all seven IEM areas by RSCN to ensure that these do not adversely affect the IEM. Key activities include public awareness, identifying local such as grazing and browsing, hunting and farming needs, as part of a comprehensive socio-economic assessment. The project will support a number of pilot schemes, which opportunities. This will need to be compensated for could include the following: promotion of a local honey industry/beekeeping (including bottling and marketing of produce by means of a program for the provision of such as honey, wax, royal jelly); agroforestry and intercropping, and production of herbs and medicinal plants. The project supplementary or alternative livelihoods. This will will liaise with, and build on experiences gathered in, the Medicinal and Herbal Plants Project, also funded by GEF with be based on the Dana NR model, where possible, RSCN as a main implementing partner. The effect and impact of the alternative livelihood activities on the environment as although it is recognized that this model has its well as their contribution to enhanced income generation will be monitored. limitations, especially in areas with a limited tourism potential, such as Fifa and Qatar. First and Output 2.3 Lessons learned from alternative The outcome of the participatory review and monitoring and evaluation, in environmental and financial terms, of the foremost, of course, is that this livelihood program livelihood demonstration projects documented and alternative livelihoods will be analyzed and documented. If required the alternative livelihood interventions will be is sustainable, and does not impinge upon the promoted changed or adapted. Lessons learned from success and failure will be communicated and used in extension and transfer of conservation value of the reserve, nor has other technology to other areas. environmental impacts.

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Component Description Outputs Activities to Achieve Outputs Component 3: Strengthening the This will be achieved by providing RSCN with Output 3.1: Ecological, natural resource and socio- In order to be able to optimally target management interventions in the proposed PAs, and to assess if the project is Protected Area System information, infrastructure and capacity building economic baseline surveys completed for the achieving its conservation objectives, a comprehensive baseline of ecological, natural resource and socio-economic status support so that this organization is equipped to proposed PAs must be established as early as possible in the project. This will involve carrying out of ecological and natural resource implement effective PA management in new and/or surveys, and conducting PRAs in villages around the PAs. It will also include surveying cultural and archeological remains, expanded Protected Areas. which are known to occur in at least several of the proposed PAs and have special management requirements

Four new Protected Areas to be targeted by the Output 3.2: Four new protected areas officially Boundaries proposed in the past, and the conducted PRAs will serve as a point of departure for discussions with all major project have been identified on the basis of designated (Yarmouk, Fifa, Qatar, and Jabal stakeholders regarding PA establishment. Proposed PAs are already incorporated into existing land use planning maps (e.g. biodiversity criteria. From north-to-south along the Mas'uda) used by the JVA), which simplifies the designation process, as they are exempted from any other development initiatives. JRV, these sites are Yarmouk, Fifa, Mas’uda and The PA designation may result in reduced access to natural resources (such as range and fuel wood) but it is RSCN policy Qatar. Each of these four sites harbor more than 20 not to engage in resettlement. Component 2 serves to offset any loss of livelihood, along with involvement of local globally significant species, including threatened communities in PA management (see output 3.4). Once agreed upon, detailed maps are to be produced and used as a basis migratory birds, rare plants and fish, and threatened for official gazettal, to be processed by RSCN and MOE. mammals, and serve to add as yet unprotected Output 3.3: PA management plans in place and Management plans are to be formulated for all four proposed PAs, based on a participatory approach and involving major habitat types to Jordan’s Protected Area network. operational stakeholders. Active roles for local communities are to be identified and incorporated, and a management structure developed that takes account of this. Monitoring programs based on biodiversity indices developed under output 3.6 are to The JRV is widely regarded as one of the most be included. Management plans are to be adaptive, and subject to regular adjustment to address new challenges or changes. important flyways for migratory birds in the world, and a network of suitable – and preferably Output 3.4: PA staff teams recruited, trained and in The establishment and management of four new PAs will require a significant expansion of RSCN’s field-based staff: these protected – areas along the valley is deemed place will need to be recruited and trained, as a pool of appropriately trained specialists in the field does not exist in Jordan essential for the survival of many of these species. outside the existing PA network. Preserving a network of appropriate sites at a Output 3.5: Management infrastructure at the four The four new PAs will require basic facilities such as offices, meeting rooms, visitor centers and staff housing, and be distance from each other, serves to provide a series new PA and at Mujib Natural Reserve developed equipped with reliable electricity and water supplies. In addition, they will require office equipment, communication of safe havens as “stepping stones” along the systems (telephone, hh-radio, internet) and transportation (vehicles, trails). In addition to the four new PAs, infrastructural migration route. Together with the already gazetted support is also to be provided to Mujib NR, which was established in 1987, but unlike the three other reserves already PAs (Dibbeen, Ajlun, Dana & Mujib), the four established in the JRV (Ajlun, Dibbeen, Dana), upgrading/expansion of existing facilities is urgently required. selected sites serve to provide the stepping-stones required. Output 3.6: Biodiversity indices identified and Biodiversity sample plots and transects are to be established at strategically selected sites in the four proposed PAs – these monitoring systems operational will be established early in the project for use as a baseline, and for future monitoring reference. The possibility of using remote sensing for multi-temporal analysis of habitat distribution and health (baseline in year 1 and comparative survey in year 5) will also be considered. Data and trend analyses are to be carried out and disseminated. Component 4: Sustainable This component will address a long-term program Output 4.1 Jordan Fund for Nature capital base In order to sustain and guarantee future finances for the establishment and maintenance of Protected Areas, the capital base Financing for Conservation Finance focusing on the expanded and enhanced to sustain new PAs of the Jordan Fund for Nature, i.e. RSCN’s Trust Fund will be enhanced as it is expected to receive additional finances sustainability of the new Nature Reserves and through government and non-government sources. The mechanisms for enhancing this fund will be worked-out and sources related nature-based business developments in the from which additional capital can be extracted will be identified. Jordan Rift Valley. The GEF core budget will Output 4.2 Sustainable financing mechanisms for The project will develop proposals for the creation of sustainable financing mechanisms that can support and sustain provide for a modest Community Development community based initiatives established community based initiatives in the area of alternative livelihood development and biodiversity conservation. Small Fund and a modest Enterprise Development Fund. businesses or enterprises can submit proposals for activities which promote investments, but at the same time sustain environmental pressures. The same mechanism will be followed to provide funds to community organization if they develop proposals for activities and interventions in their area focused on alternative livelihoods or introduction of improved agricultural practices. Several ways are available to promote such initiatives, for example through the MOP managed IRADA program or through the GEF Small Grants program. Output 4.3 A Community Development and A Biodiversity Enterprise Grant Program (BEGP) will be created as part of the Community Development and Enterprise Enterprise Program operational Program (CDEP) to offer grants to assist the start-up of biodiversity friendly exercises. The CDEP will provide technical support in order to lower entry costs, transaction costs and lower the risks for pro-biodiversity businesses. It will be designed neither to distort markets nor favor individual enterprises. Furthermore, the CDEP will support the community organizations which will be established at each reserve, and benefiting villages around it. The CDEP will be under the responsibility of the Component 4 Coordinator. Villages are to submit development plans for approval through the Field Team to the Coordinator. Sustainable biodiversity friendly proposals will be readily accepted and are open to grant funding. Part (50%) of the grant is to be used during the life of the full project for community projects, while the remainder is to be used as a revolving fund that provides soft loans to individual village members. Output 4.4 PA revenue generating mechanisms in Mechanisms will be developed to generate and reinvest revenue from the Protected Areas, for example, through place and operational development of ecotourism and visitor entry fees. These mechanisms could be strengthened and institutionalized by subcontracting or leasing the management of (eco)tourism facilities and activities to the private sector.

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Component Description Outputs Activities to Achieve Outputs Component 5: Capacity The project envisages the implementation of a Output 5.1 Institutional Strengthening and enhanced Various capacity building, training and awareness raising activities will be implemented in order to support the Development large-scale capacity building and training program capacity for conservation of biodiversity achievement of the project objectives. These training and awareness raising activities will be implemented at various levels to support the activities related to Integrated namely the national level, where topics relating to biodiversity policy development, enforcement and monitoring as well as Ecosystem Management and Land Use planning, land use planning mechanisms will be addressed; at local level where training in LUP will be given for reserve staff and alternative livelihood and income generation and government officials and support provided to extension services in the promotion of more sustainable agricultural practices, the establishment and enlargement of the Protected and finally at community level, where activities will focus on community development and organization, business Areas. In order to support the capacity building, development and training in alternative livelihoods. Institutional strengthening will not be limited to training but will also training will be provided at several levels: the address the staffing and human resources management and development functions within RSCN and related institutions. national, local and community level, involving various stakeholders. Output 5.2 Institutional needs identified and A staff requirement and training needs assessment will be carried out targeting the government officials at the national and capacity development program for targeted local level, in support of IEM and LUP. Based on the assessment a training and staff development plan will be established government agencies designed and operational and implemented. The results of the training program will be regularly monitored and adjusted if and when required. Output 5.3 Institutional needs identified and Apart from government officials there is a need to enhance the knowledge and skills regarding biodiversity conservation, capacity development program for NGO and integrated ecosystem management and related activities of representatives from NGOs and community organizations. The community organizations designed and operational needs will be assessed and based on this, training and awareness raising programs developed. Output5.4 Regional Centre of Excellence for Most training will be provided by RSCN, building on the strategy to gradually develop RSCN into a Regional Centre of biodiversity conservation and environmental Excellence (CoE) for biodiversity conservation and IEM. In addition to the current activities of RSCN’s Outreach management created and operational Department, which include an internal and regional training program and an environmental education and awareness program for schools, RSCN would also function as a development and learning centre where NGOs, government officials and private sector can receive training as well. Its role will be to link state-of-the-art knowledge that is available (inter)nationally, and to foster collaboration on innovative, multi-disciplinary practices. It should be a flagship for learning and development in the field of nature conservation / biodiversity. The focus will be pragmatic, providing people with knowledge and skills they can directly apply in their working or personal environment. Source: Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), Project Document - Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley (Draft Final Report), 4 October 2005.

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Seven sites were selected as IEM demonstration sites (see Table 4). These are:

1- Yarmouk River IEM Area (specifically Yarmouk River Protected Area and its buffer zone) 2- Jordan River IEM Area (particularly Damia, Deir Alla, Baptism Site and Sweimah) 3- Mujib North IEM Area (with Dead Sea Panoramic Complex) 4- Mujib South IEM Area (with Wadi Ibn Hammad) 5- Fifa IEM Area (particularly Fifa Protected Area and its buffer zone) 6- Qatar IEM Area (particularly Qatar Protected Area and its buffer zone) 7- Mas'uda IEM Area (particularly Mas'uda Protected Area and its buffer zone)

These seven areas were selected in partnership with counterpart organizations (ministries, agencies as well as the steering committee), while giving consideration to the following points:

• Coverage and diversification of the major ecological zones in the JRV • Coverage of the four selected Protected Areas and Important Bird Areas and their adjacent land areas • Ecosystem connectivity (i.e. ensuring that a conservation corridor is ensured along the JRV) • Presence of globally significant biodiversity assets and vulnerability of local ecosystems • Coverage of areas with observed unsustainable development (specifically in the area of agriculture or tourism) putting the biodiversity conservation in the adjacent proposed protected areas at stake.

The exact area boundaries have not been determined at this stage, preliminary boundaries have however been identified. Demarcation of these areas will be the result of detailed problem analysis. It will be based on the land tenure and land use and/or the willingness of the various stakeholders to participate in IEM activities. Particularly the participation of local communities cannot be predicted in advance, as becomes evident from an intensive process of awareness raising and confidence building. Area demarcation is also related to the new concept of buffer zones around protected areas to be developed during the project.

Table 4 is a matrix that matches the activities and sub-projects to be implemented with the proposed PAs and IEM sites. Generally, the activities presented in Table 4and matched with each proposed PAs and IEM sites provides only log frame for possible activities suggested to the best of the RSCN and the consultant knowledge and experience, and corresponds to existing environmental challenges.

Protected areas management activities are intended at the four proposed protected areas for establishment. While IEM/LUP sub-projects will be developed within the seven identified IEM sites which include the proposed protected areas. These IEM/LUP sub-projects are expected to recognize site-specific existing and reasonably foreseen challenges at each site.

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Table 4: Overview of proposed PA activities and IEM sub-projects and their respective locations Jordan River - North North Middle Ghore Mujib Ghore Mujib Wadi Ibn Jabal Yarmouk (with Nature Fifa Qatar Baptism Hammad Mas'uda Damia Deir Alla Sweimeh Panoramic Reserve Site Complex) Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Existing Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed PA IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site PA IEM Site PA PA PA Protected Areas Activities 1 Site delineation, designation and zoning X X X X 2 Land acquisition According to the RSCN, no land acquisition is needed since local communities will be partners in the establishment and management of 3 Resettlement of local communities the protected areas Infrastructure and other Constructions 4 (Management facilities such as offices, X X X X X research centre, reception, etc.) 5 Research and Monitoring X X X X 6 Conservation of biological habitat 7 Conservation of threatened species X X X X 8 Grazing management X X X X X X X X X X 9 Grazing reserves X Enforcement of Environmental Laws 10 and Legislations in coordination with X X X X X X X X X X legal authorities

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Wise use of water resources (Improve water networks, promote the use of 1.3 water saving devices, public awareness, X X X X promote water wise use in irrigation, etc.)

Reuse of treated wastewater (grey and 1.4 black water)

1.5 Reduce off-farm agricultural input X X X X

Recycling agricultural by-products and 1.6 X X supplied materials (especially plastic)

Sustainable Agriculture Educational Centre for Research, Capacity Development and Extension Programs 1.7 X X X X (in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, University of Jordan, JUST, and farmers civic societies)

1.8 Organic farming X X X X X X X X X X

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Training locals as tourist guides and 2.3 X X X X X X service providers

3 Improve Waste Management Systems

Wastewater Sewer Systems and 3.1 Treatment Plants 3.2 Solid Waste Management 3.2.1 Municipal waste 3.2.2 Agricultural waste X X X X 3.2.3 Industrial waste 3.2.4 Construction waste 3.2.5 Medical waste Sustainable management of water 4 catchments Areas Enhance Sustainable Management of 5 Groundwater Aquifers

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Jordan River - North North Middle Ghore Ghore Mujib Mujib Wadi Ibn Jabal Yarmouk (with Nature Fifa Qatar Baptism Hammad Mas'uda Damia Deir Alla Sweimeh Panoramic Reserve Site Complex) Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Existing Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed PA IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site PA IEM Site PA PA PA Develop and enforce sustainable hunting 6 X X X X X X X X X X regulations and guidelines 7 Research, Baseline and Monitoring X X X X X X X 8 Outreach 8.1 Public awareness X X X X X X X X X X 8.2 Environmental education X X X Empowerment of relevant civil society 8.3 X X X X X X X X X X organizations 8.4 Site Support Groups (SSG) X X X X X X X Encourage self-sustaining systems using 9 local and renewable resources (solar X X X X X energy and wind energy)

Alternative livelihoods socio-economic 10 initiatives in support of biodiversity X X X X X X X X X X conservation [1] According to UNEP, sustainable tourism should: 1) Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity. 2) Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance. 3) Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income- earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.

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Sub-project and activity details are to be developed later during the project implementation phase’s since these activities are expected to vary according to the sites-specific baseline conditions and challenges (i.e. under the same sub-project theme, specific activities can be developed to be acquainted with site specific conditions and identified site management objectives). For example, the establishment of site management facilities at Fifa Protected Area will be limited to the minimum, which can be limited to site management and reception office. While these management facilities and infrastructures are expected to be more comprehensive at Yarmouk River Protected Area as these facilities will include full equipped management and rangers offices, research and education centre or facilities.

Also, it worth mentioning that the construction of eco-tourism facilities at Wadi Ibn Hammad site will be limited to improvement of existing facilities already established by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

To achieve the community-based IEM, the work operation will be carried at two levels:

1- Community level; and 2- Project staff and partner organization staff (both governmental and NGO).

The project's implementation strategy is to keep a range of IEM technology at hand (such as agriculture, foresting, range improvement, water resources development, soil and water conservation, and water harvesting) and follow a pragmatic and step-wise introduction of measures so as to gradually reach the IEM; that is, IEM would not be the starting point of community-based activities but the ultimate goal. The replicability of the measures is of utmost importance and forms an integrated part of the implementation strategy, which is based on a process of learning by doing, which focuses on the dissemination and expansion of positive experiences in the area of IEM, and alternative livelihoods. Models for introducing IEM, creation of alternative livelihoods and promotion of improved agricultural practices will be established in one area and replicated in other areas.

Also, preference in contracting partners for these activities would be given to NGOs already working with the community and any actual field work should, as much as possible, be carried out by the concerned community.

The envisaged organizational arrangement for the project is structured around RSCN, local NGOs, and government or private sector specialists for assistance on specialised subjects.

The RSCN's project staff will include Project Management Unit (PMU), the Core Technical Team (CTT) and its advisors, and regional Project Field Teams (PFT) (see Figure 2). Once PAs are established, a team of Protected Area Staff (PAS) will be nominated being in charge of the day-today work with the community, in cooperation with operational partners.

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Project Steering Committee

RSCN

Project Management Unit (PMU)

Technical Core Technical Team (CTT) Advisors

Project Field Team Project Field Team (PFT) Central Project Field Team (PFT) North (PFT) South

Figure 2: Envisaged project organization structure2

2.3 Sector Issues Addressed

According to the Project Document, the main sector issues addressed are:

1- Fragile ecosystem and loss of biodiversity. 2- Need for a coherent conservation-oriented integrated ecosystem management and land use strategies. 3- Lack of participatory integrated resource management approaches and activities that provide for economic development and sustainable resource use to local communities. 4- Weak institutional and legal framework for integrated ecosystem management with limited capacity and knowledge.

Three key strategic choices have been made during project preparation and design. These are:

1- To mainstream biodiversity conservation into land-use planning and thus introduce and adopt the concept of integrated ecosystem management in the Rift Valley. 2- To give sufficient attention to stakeholder involvement, thus diverging from a top-down to a more bottom up approach with regard to interventions. 3- To put substantial effort into capacity building, given the limited capability in integrated resource management, participatory approaches and conservation-based LUP at all levels

The first choice of a system approach to ecosystem management improves the probability of substantial progress in conservation. It also promotes a truly integrated approach by linking conservation with other human activities and endeavors. Protected areas are a key part of in situ conservation under the Convention on Biological Diversity, but no protected area will succeed if managed in isolation. There are biological, social and economic connections between different places and different system components; moreover, the processes of interaction are complex and dynamic.

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By switching the focus from individual protected areas to considering the relationships among them, and putting the whole protected area network into its broader context, system planning provides the means for ensuring that the total significance and effectiveness of a national protected areas system is much more than the sum of the parts.

The second choice of involving the local communities and allowing them to participate in the establishment and management of protected areas has become explicit policy. Local and regional land use plans will be formulated in consultation with community members and accompanying capacity building and awareness raising activities will be the project’s primary vehicle to implementing interventions and approaches relating to ecosystem management. Through participation in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the local ecosystems the communities will have input in the final LUP and in the potential legal and regulatory reforms undertaken at more top down levels. In addition to this it will be ensured that communities will be fully involved in the identification and implementation of eligible alternative livelihood projects in the target areas.

The third choice of capacity building responds to local communities need to be trained and empowered to take responsibility in community-based resource management and to become equitable partners in participatory planning. Government agencies and NGOs need to be trained to guide this process.

2.4 Project Zones of Effect

Three zones of effect have been considered by the study team while assessing the project anticipated impacts, namely; the project direct zone of effect herein titled “Footprint”, the project indirect zone of effect herein title "Buffer Zone of Effect", and the extended zone of effect herein titled “Extended Zone of Effect”. These zones of effect are variable according to the implemented project activity and correspond to the impact type, magnitude, and dispersion pattern (see Figure 3).

The impact footprint can be defined as the area where the impact is occurring, directly caused by the activities and significantly intense in magnitude. Environmental and socio-economic settings of the footprint area have vital role in determining the impact characteristics side by side with the nature of the underlining causes of the impact itself and the other intervening causes.

Buffer zones of effect are where the impact underlying causes can extend to occasionally/less frequently and cause significant changes, and/or where the footprint impact is extended indirectly however with smaller magnitude consequent to the direct significant impact generated at the footprint. As the buffer zone approach the footprint area, the impact intensity increases, and as the buffer zone extends to the extended zone of effect the impact intensity approaches zero impact.

The extended zones of effect are the areas where the generated impact is unexpectedly extended over the end of the buffer zone of effect due to increased impact intensity or due to the replication of the same impact underlying cause outside the impact footprint.

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Impact Footprint

Buffer Zone of Effect

Extended Zone of Effect No Effect Zone

The impact intensity decreases as we move from the footprint zone to the no effect zone.

Figure 3: Impact intensity in the zones of effect

It should be noticed that these zones of effect are irregular in pattern, size and shape, and these characteristics are determined by the complex and interwoven impact-zones of effect relationship. Also, impacts footprint may extend at one stage of the impact cycle to a cretin area and as will its buffer zone of effect is also defined to certain area; nevertheless, the buffer zone of effect can be altered into footprint as the impact intensity increases in the following stages. Other examples where the relationship is most complex are the case of cumulative impacts zones of effect and the common case of having more than one activity causing inter and interrelated impacts.

Whenever impacts underlying causes are replicated, then the impact will be dispersed more intensively within the project extended zones of effect. On the other hand, proper implementation of well-designed mitigation measures certainly affects the impact dispersion pattern within the three levels of zones of effect.

In conclusion, the footprint area in this project would be the established protected areas and the construction/implementation zones of the IEM/LUP sub-projects. The buffer zones of effect include the protected areas buffer zones, and the closest neighbouring areas surrounding the IEM/LUP sub-projects implementation sites. While the extended zones of effect surrounds the buffer zones of effect and include the areas where the sub-projects are to be replicated.

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2.5 Project Duration and Phases

The project will have a duration of 6 years. Annex 5 presents the implementation chart for the five project components.

However, this project involves implementation of activities and their operation. Construction activities are associated only with the infrastructure that will be required for the proposed reserves. Hence, the project phases would be:

• Initiation and mobilization • Construction of required PAs infrastructure • Implementation of IEM sub-projects: Planning and development of sub-project Operation of sub-project

2.6 Project Implementing Organization: Royal Society for Conservation of Nature

As mentioned before, the project implementing agency is the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature.

The RSCN3 is an independent voluntary organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan's natural resources. Its mission is to conserve wildlife and natural habitats. Thus, it integrates conservation with economic development, while promoting wider public support for the protection of natural environment.

Under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Noor, RSCN was established in 1966 with His Majesty the late King Hussein as Honorary President. RSCN has the mission of protecting and managing the natural resources of Jordan, for it is responsible for protecting wildlife and wild places. Thus, it is one of the few voluntary organizations in the Middle East with such a public service mandate.

As a result of its pioneering conservation work, the RSCN has achieved international recognition and acclaim. Managing the nature resources of Jordan is done by setting up protected areas to safeguard the best wildlife and scenic areas as well as breeding endangered species to save them from extinction. In addition to enforcing governmental laws to protect wildlife, control illegal hunting and raise awareness in environmental issues through educational programs, ultimately promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.

In its short but rich history, RSCN has established many achievements. The foremost of which is establishing seven protected areas covering over 1,200 km2. These areas comprise of wild plants, animals and other natural resources, while including some of the finest natural landscapes in the country.

The successful captive breeding of the magnificent endangered Arabian Oryx, gazelle and ibex and their re-introduction into the wilderness is considered a pioneering step of conservational activity in the region, hence, controlling illegal hunting throughout the Kingdom to preserve these wondrous creatures.

3 Source: RSCN website: http://www.rscn.org.jo (as accessed on February 2006)

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Setting up over 1,000 Nature Conservation Clubs in schools raises children's awareness regarding environmental issues by making them practically involved in conservation activities and projects.

The development of large-scale conservation programs designed to integrate environmental protection with the socio-economic development of local people is another task for RSCN's team.

With the increased recognition that environmental protection has been gaining all over the world, the RSCN is achieving much greater and influential role in Jordan and is working on the following projects:

• Five major new protected areas. • Restoration of an internationally recognized important wetland at Azraq. • Establishment of a nature centre in Amman which will exhibit all RSCN's activities and products, while providing a venue for training, information and other nature based services. • The creation of a database on the status and distribution of the plants and animals throughout Jordan to identify species at risk. • Extending public awareness to all the sectors of the Jordanian society and influencing the national school curriculum to reflect modern environmental concerns and teaching methods. • Further development of the membership program to encourage Jordanian citizens to join the Society and contribute to the protection of their environment. • Participation in international programmes to protect habitats of birds and encourage the development of voluntary organizations in other Middle Eastern countries. • Development of a regional training unit to promote and provide vocational training in the field of environmental management. • Extension of the pioneering Dana model to other protected areas in order to integrate the needs of nature conservation with the needs of people.

2.7 Project Benefits and Stakeholders

The anticipated benefits to be achieved at the global, national and local levels by the implementation of this project are presented in Table 5.

Table 5: Benefits to be obtained from IEM project implementation Level Benefits Anticipated At global level 1. Introduction of integrated ecosystem management in the JRV. 2. Enlargement of the protected areas, each having a management plan, geared towards habitat conservation and sustainable use. 3. Preservation of cultural and archaeological remains in the project pilot areas 4. Improvement of agricultural practices, through the promotion of Integrated Pest Management, organic farming and the introduction of crops with reduced water requirements. Benefits to the JRV Contribution to the ecological integrity and socio-economic development in the Dead Sea Basin at a regional level. At the national level 1. Enhancement of capacity in IEM of government agencies, NGOs and communities. 2. Income generation and alternative livelihoods especially geared towards disadvantaged community members and women. Source: RSCN, "Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley", Draft Project Document, 4 October 2005

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The primary beneficiaries of the project would be the communities living in and around the IEM pilot areas. Marginalized groups, including women, herders and other underprivileged groups will be actively targeted to ensure that they receive their share of benefits from project activities and are able to effectively participate in decisions regarding LUP in general and the development of their community in particular. Project staff - in partnership with government and NGO staff - will support communities in theses IEM areas, in participatory assessments and in the IEM/LUP preparation and implementation. Government and NGO staff will benefit from the capacity building activities and will therefore be indirect beneficiaries.

The government institutions, NGOs, and local communities identified as stakeholders for this project were discussed in Section 3 and are presented in Annex 3: Record of Public Consultation.

2.8 Project Sustainability

The Project Document analysed the project for technical, institutional, social and financial sustainability. The main outcomes of these analyses are presented below.

Technical sustainability of the project will be ensured by enhanced integrated ecosystem management through appropriate land use planning which combine habitat protection and biodiversity conservation with sustainable development through the introduction of improved agricultural practices and alternative livelihoods. Furthermore baseline surveys will be carried out which describe the ecological and socio-economic conditions in and around the Protected Areas. These data will be entered into a developed management information system which can be used to monitor progress and impact.

The institutional sustainability of the project will be guaranteed through capacity building in relevant areas of all stakeholders (government agencies, NGO’s and community organizations) at national, regional and local level; the adaptation of legislation and the regulatory and policy framework, in order to support IEM and community involvement in LUP; the streamlining of institutional responsibilities in the areas of IEM and LUP; the introduction of a planning process based on a Strategic Environmental Assessment.

In order to warrant the social sustainability, local communities will be organized and awareness will be created with regard to the importance of integrated ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation. The local community members will be actively involved in the planning and implementation of ecosystem management plans. Alternative livelihoods and income generating activities will be introduced based on the experience gained in the Dana Reserve Conservation Project. Part of the Dana experience is the explicit policy to employ local people as staff in protected areas.

The financial sustainability will be created by the expansion of the Jordan Fund for Nature, which is used to operate and maintain protected areas. A Biodiversity Enterprise grant program will be established to stimulate and support private sector entrepreneurial initiatives that generate profit and contribute to biodiversity conservation. A mechanism for revenue collection and reinvestment of income in PA and IEM sub-projects will be developed.

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3 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

3.1 Introduction

This section of the study focuses mainly on the policy, legal and administrative framework governing environmental management within which the ESA is carried which includes:

• Review of the institutions involved in the management, conservation and monitoring of the environment in Jordan, the institutions concerned with legislation and regulation of the sector, and the institutions tasked with enforcing these, with a view to determine the status of the legal and institutional context and to assess the environmental management and conservation capacity of the Kingdom, in particular those of relevance to the project. • Highlight salient features of Jordan’s environmental management capacity, in particular factors that affect the implementation of the project.

Regarding the ecosystem management, Jordan faces challenges in institutional aspects and financial constraints when it comes to implementation of integrated ecosystem management. Some of the issues related to institutional and management aspects of the water sector are summarized hereunder:

• Capacity of the institutions to implement the "National Strategies” and environmental policies. • The basic conflict of interest in the structure of the public sector, which does not provide a clear-cut between regulatory and service provision functions. • The limitations of the Civil Service Law and regulations that do not enable the recruitment of highly qualified staff to work. • High costs of applying integrated ecosystems management.

This section provides a general background on environmental conditions in Jordan of relevance to the project. The main findings of this section are:

• Two of the World Bank Operational Policies are triggered, the Environmental Assessment and Natural Habitats. Other Ops are applicable as illustrated below. However, it is worth mentioning that the project's objective and outcomes supports and enhances the socio- economic development of the Jordan Rift Valley, which will positively impact the area. • The proposed project will present a successful example of integrated ecosystem management, which can be replicated on regional level, thus enhancing cooperation and collaboration among the countries in the region. • The proposed project responds to Jordan's obligation to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Main Recommendations:

1- Continue, and enhance the coordination with the concerned parties, in particular the MOE to ensure adherence to environmental requirements and conditions during project execution and operation. 2- Enhance coordination between ministries and in particular with the MOE. Where laws and by-laws do not adequately describe coordination responsibilities, separate agreements

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should be made to clearly assign responsibilities, including the need for reporting to coordinating agencies. 3- Train staff of concerned authorities in a number of areas related to environmental management including environmental monitoring and control. 4- Resources management policies should be revisited to integrate environmental aspects into resources planning by ensuring participation of all sectors including government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector in environmental protection. A comprehensive integrated resource management plan is rather essential to arrive at this. 5- Enhance the means to implement the environmental international and regional conventions. 6- Continue and expand the implementation of the public awareness program about ecosystems and environmental protection, and to optimise the use of water, especially at household level, to avoid the misuse and waste of water, and in areas of threats mentioned above. 7- Enhance regional cooperation and coordination with regional countries. 8- The need for coherent resource management and land use strategies. 9- There is a need to enhance the capacity of Government institutions in land use planning, and in the deployment of integrated pest management, irrigation water efficiency, and reduction of agricultural chemicals, promotion of less water demanding crops and promotion of organic farming. Currently, these efforts are taking place in a scattered and ineffective manner.

3.2 Institutional Framework

3.2.1 Overview of Governmental Organizations

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy headed by His Majesty, King Abdullah bin al-Hussein. Jordan became an independent state named “Trans Jordan Emirate” in 1923 and later in 1946 the Kingdom was formed. The constitution was promulgated in 1952 and since then has been amended several times. It outlines the King is the head of state and vested with independent powers: legislative, executive and judicial authorities. There are two houses of National Assemblies: The Senate and the Deputies. The King appoints the members to the Senate on the basis of meritorious service or special qualification, while the members of the Deputies House are freely elected by national suffrage, with men and women over 18 allowed to vote. The King appoints the Prime Ministers and the Ministers upon recommendation of the Prime Minister. The country is divided into 12 governorates that are each subdivided into administrative regions.

The Legislative Power resides in the King and the National Assembly. A draft law is normally presented by the government or by at least 10 deputies is initiated the House of Deputies debated and voted upon which after approved in its final reading by both Houses becomes a law if submitted to the King who has the power to grant consent through a Royal Decree.

The Executive Power is in the hand of the cabinet which consists of the Prime Minister and the Ministers. The King appoints the Prime Minister who in turn recommends to the King the appointment of Ministers. The Cabinet, after being granted the confidence from the House of Deputies being the supreme executive body, presides over and controls the government.

The Juridical Power is independent from other powers –neither the King nor the government has the right to interface in its duties. Its essential function is to apply justice by deciding on any

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The role of environmental protection is divided between various governmental institutions, such as the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources/the Natural Resources Authority, Ministry of Planning, and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. Each of these institutions has articles in their respective laws granting them the responsibility to maintain and monitor some aspects of environmental quality.

As for the water sector in Jordan, there are three organizations directly related to it. These are Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI), Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) and Jordan Valley Authority (JVA). The Ministry of Water and Irrigation was established some years after the foundation of the Water Authority of Jordan and the Jordan Valley Authority. The Minister of MWI is the head of the Board of Directors of both organizations. Each of these organizations has its own organizational structure, responsibility area and missions.

The following is the description and main characteristics for each of MWI, WAJ and JVA separately. The ministries and institutions most directly relevant to environmental issues are presented afterwards.

3.2.1.1 Ministry of Environment (MOE)

The Ministry of Environment (MOE) was established pursuant to the Environmental Protection Law (EPL) No. (1) of 2003. Under the provision of article 3, the MOE is the considered the concerned authority in Jordan for environment protection on national, regional and international level. In addition, all sectors, whether governmental, non-governmental organizations or the public, have to implement the procedures, instruction, etc. issued by the MOE. Also, they have to coordinate with the MOE in relation to environmental issues when dealing with the donors.

Before January 2003, the General Corporation of Environment Protection (GCEP) in the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Environment represented this ministry. Since 1996 and according to the EPL No. (12) of 1995, the Ministry of Environment was formed as the major governmental agency responsible for environmental conservation and protection. This corporation included four major technical divisions. These are: Land Use, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Water Quality and Air Quality Monitoring.

The environmental duties and authorities of the new Ministry include but are not limited to:

• Establishing the general policy for protection of the environment, and putting forward, as required, essential plans and programs to implement them. • Developing plans, projects, and programs to ensure sustainable development within the Kingdom. • Establishing the specifications and standards for elements of the environment. • Monitoring and verifying environmental elements in coordination with scientific research centres and in accordance to the specifications set by the MOE. • Proposing draft laws and regulation related to the Environment. • Inspecting and auditing private and public institutions to ensure compliance with environmental requirements (parameters and specifications).

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• Conducting and sponsoring research and studies on environment related issues. • Coordinating activities to develop national strategies on environmental awareness and information. • Enhancing coordination between Jordan, and the Arab, regional and international organizations regarding environmental issues. • Issuing instructions and resolutions for the execution of articles of the Law and the regulations issued in accordance with the Law. • Issuing conditions and instructions, as required, for agricultural, development, commercial, industrial and housing projects. • Setting basis (essentials) for handling dangerous substances, which is harmful to the environment, including its categorizing, storage, disposal and transport. • Setting basis for and conditions for the establishment and management of natural reserves and public parks. • Preparing plans for environmental emergencies.

Throughout the Environment Protection Law, there are references to working in “co-ordination and co-operation of the relevant authorities.” A significant component of environmental management capacity in Jordan is dependant on the success the MOE has in working in cooperation with other ministries and the private sector that have technical capacity and experience to monitor and verify environmental performance in particular sectors. For example, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and the Ministry of Health monitor water quality, with some of the data collected by private industry.

3.2.1.2 Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI)

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI), created in 1988, is the only public sector agency at present in the region that integrates the management of different user sectors, thus allowing for a cross-sectoral perspective in water allocation and management. This integration provides MWI the chance to coordinate water resources allocation and management, taking a cross-sectoral perspective that accounts for irrigation, municipal and industrial needs (Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Water Sector Review Update, World Bank, 2001).

In order to establish water resources management and integrate various policies under one entity, MWI main objective is to centralize the national management of substantially insufficient water resources to one ministry in order to improve it. The MWI acquired the comprehensive function to distribute and regulate the water resources in Jordan and the responsible authority to settle any disputes rose between agriculturists and water supply authorities.

The establishment of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation was in response to Jordan’s recognition for the need of a more integrated approach to water management. Since its establishment, MWI has been supported by several donor organization projects that have assisted in the development of water policy and water master planning as well as restructuring the water sector.

The role of the Ministry includes the provision of policy setting and formulating water sector master plans, centralized data collection, a geographic information system, monitoring and national water planning for the water sector of Jordan and water protection related environmental issues and decision-making.

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A comprehensive national water data bank has been established and kept at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and will be aided by a decision support unit. Additionally, this data bank will be supported by a program of monitoring and a system of data collection, entry, updating, processing and dissemination of information, and will be designed to become a terminal in a regional data bank set up.

The main responsibilities and tasks of MWI are (primary source is the MWI website: http://www.mwi.gov.jo):

• To design and enforce a national water strategy • To monitor all groundwater resources in the kingdom • To establish and keep a data base for water resources • To coordinate the funding from the international donor agencies • To develop water strategies and policies with the JVA and WAJ

The government has carried some substantial reforms in the water sector. These reforms were mainly focused on resource management, financial management, and institutional and legislative aspects.

3.2.1.3 The Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ)

WAJ is responsible for the construction, operation and maintenance of water supply and sewage facilities and the national water resources management under the Ministry of Water and Irrigation in accordance with the law No. 18/1988. It was established as an autonomous corporate body with financial and administrative independence. It formulates water supply and sewage policies and prepares water resources management plans. This organization also has the responsibility of supervising the water supply and sewage services being implemented and water protection related environmental issues. In recent years, WAJ is moving from policy setting and formulating water sector master plans into services’ provision.

The main responsibilities and tasks of the Authority are (primary source is the WAJ website http://www.mwi.gov.jo):

• Survey the different water resources, conserve them, and determine ways, means and priorities for their implementation and use. • Develop the potential water resources in the Kingdom, increase their capacity and improve their quality, protect them from pollution, supervise them and administer their affairs and put forth programs and plans to meet future water needs by providing additional water resources from inside or outside the Kingdom and through the use of water treatment and desalination. • Regulate, and advise on, the construction of public and private wells, investigate groundwater resources, drill exploratory, reconnaissance, and production wells, and license well drilling rigs and drillers. • Study, design, construct, operate, maintain, and administer water and public sewerage projects including collecting, purifying, treating, disposing and the use of any other method dealing with water.

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• Draw terms, specifications and special requirements in relation to the preservation of water and water basins, protecting them from pollution, and ascertain the safety of water and sewerage structures, public and private distribution and disposal networks, and take the necessary action to ensure technical control and supervision, including all necessary tests. • Carry out theoretical and applied research and studies regarding water and public sewerage to achieve the Authority’s objectives including the preparation of approved water quality standards for different uses and technical specifications concerning materials and construction in order to apply the findings to the Authority’s projects in coordination with other concerned departments; and publish the final findings and standards so as to generalize their application by all means available to the Authority. • Issue permits to engineers and licensed professionals to perform public water and sewerage works, and participates in organizing special training courses to qualify them in order to improve the standard of such works and to reduce water losses and pollution. All those involved in water and sewerage works are requested to adjust their practice in accordance with the provisions of this Article and to obtain the specified permit accordingly. • Regulate the uses of water, prevent its waste, and conserve its consumption.

There are many Directorates and Sections within the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) that undertake the implementation to WAJ objectives and roles. Perhaps two of the most important sections that work on the implementation of water policies are the Wells Directorate and the Laboratories Directorate. The Wells Directorate is in charge of licensing of private wells in addition to groundwater development and utilization. Administratively, it is directly under the supervision of the Secretary General of Water Authority. The Directorate consists of two sections: the License of Wells Section and the Operations and Field Follow up Section.

Although WAJ has a wide mandate that encompass regulatory function in addition to its main mandate of providing water and wastewater services of high quality, WAJ has been able to provide high quality services and achieve good coverage of water in Jordan; hence water and wastewater services in Jordan has to be acknowledged as outstanding in the region. Water supply covers more than 98 percent of the population and the target of full coverage is underway. Wastewater services have been improving in the recent years and WAJ has managed to increase coverage to about 75 percent in urban areas in Jordan.

3.2.1.4 The Jordan Valley Authority (JVA)

JVA was founded in 1977 under the Law No. 18/1977, under which this agency acquired the prime authority to plan and implement water supply services in the Jordan Valley. Subsequently, JVA strengthened the management for the infrastructure development in the valley.

The territory mandated to the Jordan Valley Authority by its governing law, the Jordan Valley Development Law No. 30 of 2001, is extensive covering approximately 5,000 km2, and is home to some 300,000 people. The main activity in the Jordan Valley is agriculture with about 360,000 dunums being cultivated. Tourism and industry are two other sectors with a significant presence in the Valley. The Valley, by virtue of the water resources it has, is a major source of domestic water for the Kingdom supplying the Water Authority with 45 MCM of potable water per year. This task is being made increasingly difficult by the drought conditions that have prevailed for the past 10 years as well as the rapidly increasing demand for water. The government has given priority to supplying domestic water over irrigation water, causing problems for the agricultural sector in terms of water quantity and quality.

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A comprehensive master plan based on environmental considerations is necessary to give a holistic vision of the Valley, and shall result in a better use of land for various purposes. It will also bring into close proximity compatible uses that affect each other positively. In addition, the lack of environmental assessments for land use would result in environmental degradation and its further deterioration.

Laws and mechanisms have to be modified to protect the environment; however they are inadequate both on the regulatory side and operational side.

There are two articles in the Jordan Valley Development Law, as it was amended in 2001 that address the issue of the environment. Article 3-b of the above-mentioned law reads:

“The development, protection and improvement of the Environment in the Valley and to perform necessary works to achieve this objective, to implement the preparation of plans both Master and Detailed Plans for the lands outside the planning boundaries of the municipalities.”

Specifically, the Jordan Valley Authority is in the forefront in protecting the Valley’s environment. The other institutions also mandated to do the same include the Water Authority of Jordan, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.

Examining the environmental protection status quo, it can be observed that there is no concrete system or mechanism for performing this function in the Jordan Valley. Several institutions, including JVA, are mandated to protect the environment in the Valley, but ambiguity does exist as to who does what. The result is a failure to adequately safeguard the environment from abuse and deterioration.

3.2.1.5 Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA)

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA) is the umbrella for the municipalities and local councils in the country. It is responsible for urban planning, associating the municipalities in planning, budgeting, verification of financial reports, and for monitoring the activities and performance of municipality councils. Also, the Ministry is responsible for developing the capacities of the municipalities at the institutional and individual levels.

The municipalities are responsible for solid and liquid waste management, land use planning within their jurisdiction, licensing of economical and urban activities, construction and maintenance of roads and other infrastructures.

3.2.1.6 Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) / The Natural Resources Authority

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) is responsible for:

• Monitoring all mining activities, and planning and managing the energy sector. • Regulating and managing the use of nuclear energy in all fields. • Cooperating and coordinating with all concerned parties on the issue of prevention and protection against radiation.

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• Putting forward national plans, conduct studies, and draft laws in order to protect water and public health against dangerous nuclear waste. • Issuing licenses for the production, storage, use and trade of radioactive materials in accordance to the relevant legislation, and have the right to revoke these licenses if the license holder contravenes the licensing conditions or the provisions of any relevant legislation. • Monitoring and inspecting the licensed corporation to ensure that they have effective preventive and protective systems against radiation. • Monitoring and inspecting corporations that work in the field of petroleum field. Monitoring and inspection includes their transportation, storage and safety systems.

3.2.1.7 Ministry of Health (MOH)

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is responsible for the following:

• All health affairs in the Kingdom, including the supply of medication, medical services, vaccination programs against epidemics, public awareness campaigns with regards to health issues and health insurance to government personnel. • Monitor the sewerage systems. • Issue instructions, as required, to define rules for the purpose of the entry of food or medications into the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and to ensure that they comply with national health standards and specifications. • Issue licenses for the construction of hospitals, medical centres and all medical related practices in accordance to the Doctors’ Association rules and regulations. • Set the Ministry’s policy, plans and future projects. • Monitor and control drinking water to ensure its suitability for human use.

3.2.1.8 Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)

The responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) include:

• Setting of agricultural policy and future plans and projects in the Kingdom. • Management of public rangelands and forests. • Protection of soil, pastureland and flora. • Pesticide and fertilizers permitting. • Protection and management of wildlife [delegated to Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN)]. • Issuance of fishing and hunting licenses and regulations, regulate fishing and hunting, determine capacity and set take limits (delegated to RSCN).

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3.2.1.9 Ministry of Planning (MOP)

The Ministry of Planning (MOP) is responsible for:

• Over-viewing all development projects, from proposals to execution to ensure that environmental impact has been considered in the design and the implementation. • Coordinating with donor agencies and facilitate grants for environmental projects.

The Environment Department within the MOP, that is not a technical department, coordinates general planning for environment related matters.

3.2.1.10 Jordan Institute for Standards and Metrology (JISM)

Jordan Institute for Standards and Metrology (JISM) is the keeper of standards and specifications. It is linked to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

3.2.1.11 Ministry of Tourism / Department of Antiquities

The responsibilities of Ministry of Tourism / Department of Antiquities are to:

• Develop and implement the archaeological policy of the country with regards to identification, supervision, protection, maintenance, register and restoration of archaeological sites. • Promote archaeological sites on national and international levels. • Conduct public awareness about archaeological sites in accordance to prevalent laws and regulations.

3.2.1.12 Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA)

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) was established in January 2001 to create a regional hub for investment and tourism around the southern port city of Aqaba. ASEZA is the legal successor of Aqaba regional Authority which was at the level of other governorates where all ministries had departments.

A Master Plan was developed which envisages an estimated US$6 billion of investment over the next 20 years in the areas of industry, port development, tourism, infrastructure, utilities and services.

The natural environment of the ASEZ is one of its most significant resources, and is of global importance. The waters of the Gulf of Aqaba are home to a variety of fish and other faunal species. Aqaba’s coral reef represents a valuable national tourist resource, and is of international significance, representing the northern latitudinal limit for reef corals in the Western-Indo-Pacific region, and being one of the most diverse in the northern hemisphere. Also, the natural physical and topographical context of the Aqaba area - the Gulf waters set against the sand dunes of the Wadi Araba, and bordered on both sides by mountains running parallel to the coastline and constituting a uniquely beautiful aesthetic resource.

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It is imperative that all development of the ASEZ remains environmentally sustainable in the long term, not least because the environmental resources of the area are themselves an integral part of its attraction to investment in tourism, which is expected to account for 50% of the economic growth in the ASEZ over the next 20 years, according to the ASEZ Master Plan.

A board of six commissioners governs ASEZA. One of these Commissioners has the title ‘Commissioner for Regulation and Enforcement’ and his Department is commonly known as the ‘Department of Environment and Health Control’ (DEHC). DEHC is responsible for the environmental management of the Zone.

This Department has responsibility for environmental and health control issues in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, including the long term environmental management and planning for the Zone in conjunction with the ASEZ Master Plan. DEHC also has responsibility for the regular monitoring and auditing of industrial activities and other activities that may affect the environment of the zone, and ensuring the development of, and compliance with current standards. In addition, following agreement with the Ministry of Health and other bodies, DEHC will have responsibility for the supervision and monitoring of public and occupational health, including health inspection, landfill sites, pest control, and for the supervision of all food and food production related activities.

The DEHC is organized into three Directorates. Each Directorate consists of a number of divisions, each with a division head and a small number of staff. These three directorates are as follows:

1- Directorate of Environmental Planning within which there are four divisions. a. Environmental Inspection and Audit Division b. Standards and Codes Division c. Environmental Permitting and EIA Division d. Environmental Studies and Monitoring Division 2- Directorate of Environmental Compliance within which there are five divisions: a. Education and Public Awareness Division b. Consumer Protection Division c. Legal Protection d. Maritime Operation Division e. Natural Reserves Division (Parks) is responsible for the management of the two reserve zones within the responsibility of ASEZA – Wadi Rum and the Aqaba Marine Park. The management of Wadi Rum is currently contracted out to the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), with a responsible officer/manager based at ASEZA. 3- Directorate of Health Control which includes: a. Food Control Division b. Public Health

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3.2.1.13 Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MPWH)

The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (MPWH) was created in 1954. The MPWH is responsible for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure in Jordan including the major transportation infrastructure (highways, road, etc) that connect the main cities, towns, residential areas, industrial zones, tourist sites, etc. together. In addition, it is responsible for connecting Jordan to its neighbouring countries by major highways.

Furthermore, the MPWH is responsible for constructing and maintaining government buildings and the capacity development of the building sector in Jordan.

Specifically, MPWH responsibilities include:

• Setting transportation plans (construction and maintenance) for cities, towns, villages and rural areas. • Designing and supervising the construction of government buildings. • Conducting testing on construction material to ensure adherence to standards and specification. • Conducting research and studies on roads and buildings. • Drafting legislation and standards related to buildings and roads. • Upgrading criteria and methods for construction design and maintenance. • Coordinating with concerned parties on road and buildings related issues.

3.2.1.14 Jordan Investment Board

The Jordan Investment Board (JIB) is responsible for marketing Jordan internationally, creating linkages between national and foreign companies through joint ventures, assisting investors at all stages of the investment cycle, and acting as a contact or liaison between investors and other government bodies whose services are needed by the investor.

Specifically, JIB provides the following services:

• Identifies investment opportunities. • Facilitates the registration and licensing of investment projects. • Gathers investment data and technical information and shares them with interested investors. • Assists the investor in finding a location for business operations • Arranges meetings between potential private sector partners and government officials. • Provides ongoing support and problem solving for the project once it is established. • Facilitates arrival and departure of the investor in transit through the Queen Alia International Airport.

The website address is as follows: “http://www.jordaninvestment.com”

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3.2.1.15 Executive Privatisation Commission

The Executive Privatisation Commission (EPC) is currently the government's arm in implementing the privatisation program of Jordan. The Privatisation Law No. (25) of 2000 mandates the creation of the "Privatisation Proceeds Fund" where all privatisation proceeds shall be deposited and utilized, in virtue of the law, to settle the government debts, finance feasible socio-economic projects, and to settle issues related to employees and workers of privatised enterprises in terms of rehabilitation, training and compensation.

Attracting new investors to engage in major production projects and utilities and creating more job opportunities while safeguarding the rights of employees are goals of the privatisation program in Jordan. The expansion of the scope of certain enterprises and the entry of new firms to the privatised sectors created new job opportunities and consequently contributed to alleviating part of the unemployment problem. In this context, the government has taken serious measures to minimize the impact of privatisation on labour.

In implementing the privatisation program, a multi-track approach is usually adopted in order to achieve the goals. The main types of privatisation followed in Jordan encompass Partial and/or total sale; Divestiture of government shares; Concession agreements; Leases and investment contracts; Management contracts; BOT and its derivatives, and others. According to the nature of the enterprise, the best privatisation method is adopted.

To enhance the privatisation process and warrant its success without defeating the purpose of its initiation, the way was paved for the creation of a number of Regulatory Commissions, such as TRC (Telecommunication Regulatory Commission) and ERC (Electricity Regulatory Commission) entrusted with monitoring the performance of the enterprises in the post privatisation era while safeguarding the rights of both investors and consumers.

3.2.1.16 Armed forces/Police

Jordan’s military shield consists of three branches–the Jordan Arab Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Coast Guard. Throughout the armed services, high training standards are the rule. Jordan has emphasized quality rather than quantity, and does not expand its forces more rapidly than its training and organizational capabilities permit. Jordan also has a highly efficient police force, border police and desert patrols that form the Public Security Force. They can assist in the management of the reserve.

3.2.2 Universities and Research Institutes

There are several universities and research centres in Jordan that work in the environmental field. In this section we will outline few of them.

The Water and Environment Research and Study Centre (WERSC) at the University of Jordan was established in 1982 to help in developing and implementing the national plans for Jordan’s scarce water resources management. The centre has been and is still involved in several activities related to water and environment through projects funded by international and national agencies such as long term studies for water conservation and management in the Azraq Oasis; low cost wastewater treatment and reuse; effect of wastewater treatment plants on water resources; decision support system for drought management; and capacity building in different aspects of water and environment.

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The centre has held more than 30 workshops for strengthening the capabilities of personnel working in the area of water and environment. All aspects related to water were covered in an integrated approach. The centre has helped in establishing and strengthening “Environmental Science and Management” graduate program through the different projects that the centre undertakes.

Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) has an environmental engineering program since 1986, and in 1999 began curriculum in environmental sciences. The faculty and students do testing and modelling of environmental processes on a project basis, and occasionally participate in EIAs. They have identified inconsistent labelling of chemicals as a significant problem in monitoring potentially hazardous material.

Mu'tah University was founded in 1981 by a Royal Decree as a national institution for civil and military higher education. The University started functioning in its military wing in the year 1984 on its permanent site at Mu'tah in the Karak governerate, 135 km. South of Amman. In 1986, the Council of Higher Education decided that a civilian wing be established at Mu'tah University to respond to the needs of the local community in particular and the country's needs in general.

In August 2002, Mu’tah University established an independent Water and Environment Centre. The centre was funded by the World Bank and it is expected to start operation by August 2003. The main goal of the centre is to conduct water and environment related research and studies leading to the improvement of environmental aspects in Jordan.

The Marine Science Station (MSS) is a joint program between the University of Jordan and the University of Yarmouk created in 1974, the MSS is primarily supported by research grants and contracts for services from government, including ASEZA, private sector, and international donors, including USAID. The focus of MSS is research on ocean sciences, including biological and physical parameters (e.g., waves, currents, water chemistry, etc.). The MSS monitors various parameters for ASEZA and provides it with monthly and annual reports.

The Royal Scientific Society (RSS) was started in 1970 to provide the private sector and public agencies with information and technology support. RSS is a semi-governmental research institution with financial and administrative independence, largely funded by contracts for services to government and private sector and occasional international funding. JICA recently funded substantial information technology (IT) infrastructure in RSS. They have scientific centres in engineering, IT, chemistry, environment, and renewable energy among others. The latter is now an independent national program. The environment centre started with projects related to water pollution and later added air and water quality and environmental management. In 1989 the Environment Research Centre was created. Program areas expanded into EIA, solid waste management and noise pollution. In the water sector they test and evaluate water treatment plants, funded by an annual contract with the Ministry of Environment. The water data is continuous since 1986. For air quality they most test in industrial areas with fixed stations and two mobile labs. Air quality testing is sporadic, but should be continuous. They also do vehicle emissions testing. They have ISO 9000 and 14000 compliance programs.

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3.2.3 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) provide an important part of the environmental management infrastructure in Jordan. Their programs often compliment the work of government, adding to the existing infrastructure or filling gaps in areas where the government is less active. NGOs sometimes advocate conservation of resources and protection of the environment in cases where the government focus on providing services fails to protect the resource base. The NGOs discussed below provide significant programs in environmental education and public awareness, complimenting government services in areas such as solid waste collection and water conservation. Furthermore, the NGOs have been instrumental in drawing public attention to issues of air pollution and negative consequences of proposed development projects, and in some cases their efforts have forced changes resulting in improved environmental conditions. In this section we will outline the most active ones in Jordan.

The Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN) is an NGO with about 200 employees, 40 in Amman and the rest in the field. 10 percent of their funding comes from the government to assist with protected areas management, 25 percent from tourism, and the remainder from projects, including funding from USAID, GEF and others. RSCN manages six nature reserves that are government land (they are Shaumari, Azraq, Mujib, Dana, Ajloun, and Wadi Rum in cooperation with ASEZA) and has the mandate for enforcing hunting laws and issuing hunting licenses in Jordan. The RSCN promotes conservation of protected areas and helps local communities benefit from the protected areas through the sustainable use of nature materials. Moreover, they have successfully used the EIA process to challenge government projects that would negatively impact the nature reserves. RSCN has identified additional areas that are high priority for being added to the protected areas system in Jordan.

The Jordan Society for Sustainable Development (JSSD) is an environmental NGO established in Amman, Jordan in 1997. Under the guidance of HRH Prince Firas ben Raad, founder and president of JSSD, the organisation is dedicated to promoting the principles and policies of sustainable development in Jordan. Through on going research, public awareness campaigns, international and public policy recommendations, JSSD aims to foster a thoughtful approach to ensuring Jordan's socio-economic development with a framework of protecting its rich natural, cultural, and economic resources for future generations.

The Jordan Aqua Conservation Association (JACA) is an independent, private association based in Amman. It was established to assist the Government of Jordan in facing current water challenges by conducting research by its members, who are highly specialized in the following areas of the water sector:

• Re-evaluating water resources and depicting their harsh reality, present and future, and finding and developing new resources. • Finding efficient means in water use in order to reduce per capita consumption. • Inter-basin water transfers. • Tapping deep aquifers. • Preparing and implementing water awareness programs. • Training professional cadre of volunteers on water awareness and rationing programs. • Participating actively in drafting and reviewing of water related legislation. • Putting forward water management strategies and policies that will lead to the efficient use of water in Jordan.

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Friends of the Environment (FOE) is an NGO that begun in 1995 and is now with four fulltime staff and a network of volunteers. Their program is funded by member companies and international donors (METAP, GEF Small Grants, and British Government). They have extensive programs in environmental education. They support the Jordan Network of Environmentally Friendly Industries with more than 80 members, who are encouraged to apply environmental management systems in their businesses. FOE promotes low cost or no cost environmental options that can be attained by thrifty, small businesses.

Jordan Environment Society (JES) was founded in 1988 as a non-profit, voluntary organization. They currently have 24 branch offices and 6,000 members in Jordan. The branch offices normally have a secretary and occasional volunteer assistance. The Amman office has a staff of 15. Funding is primarily from international donors, including Germany, USAID, and the Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development among others. Their extensive network of regional offices is a powerful tool for outreach and public awareness. JES outreach to farmers includes a program for integrated pest management. They are developing an eco-label program (“Lady Bird”). They promote public awareness about water issues and promote the use of water saving devices. Another program promotes public awareness regarding solid waste management, education and tools for recycling. Yet another program addresses medical waste management. There also have a program for environmental education directed to schoolchildren. JES also hosts the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Program for Jordan.

Friends of the Earth – Middle East is a regional NGO with programs in Jordan, Palestine, Israel and Egypt. Fund comes from international donors, including USAID, European Union (EU), and Germany. Their international water programs are unique for NGOs in the region. They work in the Gulf of Aqaba to reduce the use of plastic, which is a particularly harmful form of litter in coral systems. Also, on a regional scale, they have water projects with paired communities across borders. Friends of the Earth - Middle East is advocating that the Dead Sea be declared a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. They are also active in evaluating the environmental impacts of the Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Zone.

The Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan (JREDS) was established in 1994 as an NGO with the mission to conserve, rehabilitate and enhance the marine eco-system in the Gulf of Aqaba through grass roots participation, lobbying, awareness generation, and the development of technical capabilities. Programs of JREDS include public awareness, beach and marine cleanup, and crown-of-thorns control. They also have a socio-economic program to improve the lives of fishermen, as an approach to providing alternatives to fishing on the reefs.

Table 6 summarizes the environmental activities and concerned organizations.

Table 6: Environmental activities and concerned organization Activity Concerned Organization 1. Management of environmental -Ministry of Environment resources -Ministry of Agriculture -Ministry of Health -Civil Defence -Ministry of Trade and Industry -Standards and Specification Corporation -Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities -Ministry of Labour -Ministry of Water and Irrigation -Royal Scientific Society -Royal Society For Conservation of Nature -Jordan Valley Authority -Aqaba Regional Authority

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Activity Concerned Organization 2. Environmental Impact Assessment -Ministry of Environment -Water Authority -Royal Scientific Society -Aqaba Regional Authority -Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources -Royal Society For Conservation of Nature 3. Environmental Standards -Ministry of Environment -Standards and Specification Corporation -Ministry of Health -Water Authority 4. Monitoring and Control -Ministry of Environment -Greater Amman Municipality -Ministry of Health -Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Environment -Ministry of Labour -Civil Defence -Water Authority -Ports Corporation -Ministry of Agriculture -Royal Scientific Society 5. Laboratory Services -Royal scientific Society -Ministry of Health -Ministry of Agriculture -Jordan University for Science and Technology -Jordan University

3.3 National Agenda

The Government of Jordan (GOJ) has always recognized the importance of good governorance and has taken affirmative and effective actions towards achieving this goal. This in turn will enhance the quality of the citizens and contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation

The GOJ is proud to be the first country in the Middle East to issue a Government Strategy for public reform (2004-2009). The main objective of this strategy is to ensure safe and stable environment for the citizens, and sustained economic growth for the nation.

One major output of the PSR is the draft of a national agenda that sets national objectives. The Agenda defines the socio, economic and political development strategy for the nation for the next ten years (2006-2015). The government is committed to the strategy regardless of the change in Cabinet.

National Agenda's viability is linked to four conditions: Comprehensiveness, incorporation in the national budget, measurable performance and transparency. Key performance indicators are set for the next ten years. For the environmental protection and sustainability sector the agenda asks for:

1- Strengthening and enhancing the legal framework, enforcement of legislation and the institutional capacity building. 2- Adequate waste management. 3- Pollution prevention and combat.

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4- Natural resources and land use, which includes requesting improvement on natural reserves management and putting forward a comprehensive land use plan and calls for the adherence to the plan. 5- Draft long term policy to combat desertification and incorporating the policy in the national policy on sustainable development. 6- Apply best practices in water use, specifically in the Dead Sea area and its surroundings. 7- Incorporate policies on Red Sea environment in national development policies, including the enhancement of the water and coral monitoring system.

3.4 Applicable National Environmental Legislations

The legal framework for the environment in Jordan is primarily described in laws, by-laws (or regulations), instructions, standards and specifications. Laws and by-laws are the most general, describing, for example, the overall authorities of a ministry or perhaps one sector within a ministry. They are also the most difficult to pass or later change. Instructions, standards and specifications describe the details regarding how a law is implemented and enforced and the specific standards that must be met. Standards include for example, details such as permissible limits of specific chemicals that can be discharged into sewers or rivers.

A ministry or one of their subordinate agencies usually develops laws, by-laws, regulations, specifications and standards. For laws, by-laws and standards the ministry presents their case to the Legislative Bureau, which reviews the language and researches potential conflicts with existing laws. Negotiations between the ministry and the Legislative Bureau may take several months to resolve issues and agree on the exact language. The Council of Ministers next considers the bill. Laws approved by the Council of Ministers are sent to the Parliament, where both houses before going to the King for ratification must approve them. By-laws and regulations approved by the Council of Ministers go directly to the King for ratification. Instructions, standards and specifications are written and enforced by the ministry or individual departments according to the authority described in the laws and regulations. The approval process for new laws or modifications to laws are often time consuming. Therefore, in order to expedite this process, “Interim Laws” are occasionally passed from the Legislative Bureau directly to the King for ratification, skipping the Council of Ministers and both houses of Parliament. The practice of passing Interim Laws has increased in recent years.

To date, Jordan has issued a number of laws, regulations, instructions, and standards regarding environmental management, control, monitoring, and protection against pollution. The government has emphasized the importance of quality assurance, control and monitoring of environmental aspects. This activity is currently conducted in a well-coordinated manner by several bodies including public, private and NGO sector. The Jordan Institute of Standards and Metrology (JISM), which has administrative and financial independence, is the issuer and depositary of all standards of Jordan. The concerned ministry will draft the standard in coordination with JISM.

3.4.1 Sources of Environmental Law in Jordan

Environmental Legislation of relevance to Water (Surface and Ground water)

Laws:

1- Environment Law no 1 of 2003

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2- Water Authority Law no 18 of 1988 3- Jordan Valley Authority Law no. 19 of 1988 4- Punishment Law no. 16 of 1960 5- Law of organisation of cities, villages and buildings no 70 of 1966 and its amendments 6- Interim Agricultural Law no 44 of 2002 and its amendments 7- Industrial zones corporation Law no.59 of 1985

Regulations (Bylaws):

1- Monitoring of ground water bylaw no. 26 of 1977 2- Prevention of repulsive scents and fees for solid waste collection within municipality’s boundaries no 1 of 1978 3- Mining bylaw no 131 of 1966

Instructions:

• Drinking water instructions

Standards and Specifications:

1- Jordanian specification no 286/97 for Drinking Water 2- Jordanian specification no 287/97 for Sample Collection of Drinking Water 3- Jordanian specification no 200 for Mineral Water

Environmental Legislation of relevance to Wastewater and Sewerage

Laws:

1. Water Authority Law no 18 of 1988 2. Law of organisation of cities, villages and buildings no 70 of 1966 and its amendments 3. Public Health Law no 21 of 1971

Regulations (Bylaws):

1. Prevention of repulsive scents and fees for solid waste collection within municipality’s boundaries no 1 of 1978 2. Sewerage bylaw no 66 of 1994

Instructions:

1. Industrial and commercial waste water disposal into the public sewerage of 1998 2. Removal of manholes in the streets

Standards and Specifications:

1. Jordanian specification no 202/1991 Water- Industrial waste water 2. Jordanian specification no 893/1995 Water- Treated domestic waste water 3. Jordanian specification no 200 for Mineral Water

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Environmental Legislation of relevance to Maritime Environment

Laws:

1- Environment Law no 1 of 2003 2- Agriculture Law no 20 of 1973

Regulations (Bylaws):

1- Ship bylaw no 1 of 1961 and its amendments 2- Quarantine in Aqaba Port bylaw no 32 of 1973

Instructions:

1- Instructions for estimating environmental damage caused by ships 2- Instructions for storage and handling dangerous goods into and from the port

Environmental legislation of relevance to Air

Laws:

1- Environment Law no 1 of 2003 2- Amended Traffic Law no. 26 of 1999 3- Public Health Law no. 21 of 1971 4- Industrial zones corporation Law no.59 of 1985

Regulations (Bylaws):

1- Mining bylaw no 131 of 1966 2- Prevention of repulsive scents and fees for solid waste collection within municipality’s boundaries no 1 of 1978

Standards and Specifications:

1- Jordanian Specification JS 1140/1996 Pollutants- Ambient Air Quality Standards 2- Jordanian Specification JS 703/1990 Pollutants- Allowable limits for gaseous pollutants emitted to the atmosphere from gasoline engine vehicles. 3- Jordanian Specification JS 1189/1998 Pollutants- Upper permissible limits for pollutants emitted from stationary sources.

Environmental legislation of relevance to Fire

Laws:

1- Agriculture Law no 30 of 1973 2- Municipalities Law no. 29of 1955 and its amendments

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3- Civil Defence Law no. 12 of 1959 and its amendments 4- Punishment Law no.16 of 1960

Regulations (Bylaws):

• Organisation and Management of Ministry of Energy no 26 of 1985

Orders (Decisions):

• Civil Defence order no 1/94 Storage of gas cylinders

Environmental legislation of relevance to nuclear (radioactive) radiation

Laws:

1- Environment Law no 1 of 2003 2- Nuclear Energy & Prevention Against Radiation Law no. 14of 1987

Regulations (Bylaws):

• Organisation and Management of Ministry of Energy no 26 of 1985

Orders (Decisions):

1- Instructions for defining radioactive activities no 20 of 1990 2- Instructions for removal of radioactive pollution in laboratory radioactive accidents 3- Instructions for disposal of radioactive material 4- Instructions for radioactive prevention officers 5- Instructions for safe management and disposal of radioactive waste no 1 of 1997

Environmental legislation of relevance to Noise

Laws:

1- Environment Law no 1 of 2003 2- Law of organisation of cities, villages and buildings no 70 of 1966 and its amendments 3- Municipalities Law no. 29 of 1955 4- Public Health Law no. 21 of 1971

Regulations (Bylaws):

1- Prevention of repulsive scents and fees for solid waste collection within municipality’s boundaries no 1 of 1978 2- Monitoring and organisation of public markets bylaw no. 33 of 1961

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Instructions:

• Instructions for the Limitation and Prevention of Noise

Standards and Specifications:

• International Standard ISO 2204-1979 Acoustics - Guide to international standards on the measurement of airborne acoustical noise and evaluation of its effects on human beings.

Environmental legislation of relevance to land

Laws:

1- Environment Law no 1 of 2003 2- Management of Natural Resources Law no. 12 of 1968 3- Interim Agricultural Law no 44 of 2002 and its amendments 4- Management and Administration of Government Properties Law no. 17 of 1984 5- Jordan Valley Authority Law no. 19 of 1988 6- Law of organisation of cities, villages and buildings no 70 of 1966 and its amendments

Regulations (Bylaws):

• Mining bylaw no 131 of 1966

Standards and Specifications:

• Jordanian specification JS 1145/1996 Sludge: Uses of sludge in agriculture

Orders (Decisions):

• Civil Defence Order no. 1 of 1993; The protection of forestry in Jordan

Environmental legislation of relevance to flora and fauna

Laws:

1- Environment Law no 1 of 2003 2- Interim Agricultural Law no 44 of 2002 and its amendments 3- Law of organisation of cities, villages and buildings no 70 of 1966 and its amendments 4- Aqaba Special Economic Zone Law no. 32 of 2000

Regulations (Bylaws):

1- Protection of Birds and Wild Life bylaw no. 113 0f 1973 2- By-Law of the Environmental Protection of Aqaba Special Economic Region no. 21 of 2001.

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Orders (Decisions):

1- Decision no.1/5 of 1990 for cattle farms 2- Decision no.2/5 of 1990 for sheep farms 3- Decision no.3/5 of 1990 for rabbit farms 4- Decision no.4/5 of 1990 for fish farms 5- Decision no.5/9of 1990 for chicken farms 6- Decision no.1/T of 1996 for registration of animal feed centres 7- Civil Defence Order (Decision) no.1/5 of 1993 for the protection of forestry

Environmental Legislation of relevance to Desertification

Laws:

1- Environment Law no 1 of 2003 2- Interim Agricultural Law no 44 of 2002 and its amendments

Environmental Legislation of relevance to Pesticides and Fertilizers

Laws:

• Interim Agricultural Law no 44 of 2002 and its amendments

Standards and Specification:

1- Jordanian Specification JS 917/1992; Pesticides-Sulphur dusting powder 2- Jordanian Specification JS 962/1993; Fertilizers - Organic fertilizer 3- Jordanian Specification JS 778/1991; Fertilizer - Solid compound chemical fertilizer 4- Jordanian Specification JS 769/1991; Pesticides - Winter agriculture spraying oils 5- Jordanian Specification JS 767/1991; Pesticides - Summer agriculture spraying oils 6- Jordanian Specification JS 527/1987; Aerosol 7- Jordanian Specification JS 336/1984; Fertilizers - Potassium nitrate fertilizer 8- Jordanian Specification JS 334/1983; Fertilizers - Basic slag (iron Slag) fertilizer 9- Jordanian Specification JS 332/1983; Fertilizers - Calcium nitrate fertilizer 10- Jordanian Specification JS 249/1982; Ammonium Sulphate Fertilizer 11- Jordanian Specification JS 290/1982; Diamonium Phosphate Fertilizer 12- Jordanian Specification JS 39/1977; Fertilizers- Normal super phosphate fertilizer 13- Jordanian Specification JS 344/1984; Triple super phosphate fertilizer 14- Jordanian Specification JS 339/1984; Fertilizers - Determination of the water soluble magnesium content 15- Jordanian Specification JS 337/1983; Fertilizers - Determination of the water soluble potassium content in the potassium fertilizers 16- Jordanian Specification JS 338/1983; Fertilizers - Determination of chlorides in the absence of organic material 17- Jordanian Specification JS 330/1983; Calcium Ammonium nitrate fertilizer 18- Jordanian Specification JS 484/1986; Labelling information on pesticides’ containers

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19- Jordanian Specification JS 432/1985; Methods of sampling for fresh fruits and vegetables intended for analysis of pesticide residue 20- Jordanian Specification JS 328/1983; Ammonium nitrate fertilizer

Environmental Legislation of relevance to Human Settlement and Habitat

Laws:

1- Public Housing and Urban Development Law no.28 of 1992 2- Management and Administration of Government Properties Law no. 17 of 1984

Environmental Legislation of relevance to Land Use

Laws:

1- Law of organisation of cities, villages and buildings no 70 of 1966 and its amendments 2- Public Housing & Urban Development Law no.28 of 1992 3- Jordan Valley Law no.19 of 1988 4- Management and Administration of Government Properties Law no. 17 of 1984

Regulations (Bylaws):

1- Building, cities and villages organisation bylaw no. 79 of 1966 2- Building and organisation of the city Amman no. 79 of 1966.

Environmental Legislation of relevance to Public Health

Laws:

1- Public Health Law no.21 of 1971 2- Handicraft & Industries Law no. 16 of 1953 3- Doctors’ (Medical Physicians) Association Law no. 13 of 1972 and its amendments 4- Dentists’ Association no 17 of 1972 5- Pharmacists’ Association Law no. 51 of 1972 6- Pharmacy Practice Law no. 43 of 1972 7- Drugs and hallucinogens Law no. 11 of 1988.

Regulations (Bylaws):

• Protection of public health against the dangers of smoking bylaw no.64 of 1977

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Environmental Legislation of relevance to Monuments and Archaeological Sites

Laws:

1- Law of Antiquities no. 31 of 1988 2- Law of organisation of cities, villages and buildings no 70 of 1966 and its amendments 3- Management of Natural Resources Law no. 12 of 1968

Regulations (Bylaws):

• Quarries bylaw no.8 of 1971 and its amendments

Environmental Legislation of relevance to Energy and Natural Resources

Laws:

1- Law of nuclear energy no. 14 of 1987 2- Management of Natural Resources Law no. 12 of 1968 3- Public Electricity Law no.19 of 1988

Regulations (Bylaws):

• Organisation of the Department of Environment bylaw no.26 of 1985

Environmental Legislation of relevance to Solid Waste

Laws:

1- Environment Law no. 1 of 2003 2- Public Health Law no. 21 of 1971 3- Law of organisation of cities, villages and buildings no 70 of 1966 and its amendments

Regulations (Bylaws):

• Prevention of repulsive scents and fees for solid waste collection within municipality’s boundaries no 1 of 1978

Standards and Specifications:

• Jordanian specification no 431/1985; Storage - General precautionary requirements for storage of hazardous materials

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Environmental Legislation of relevance to Chemicals

Laws:

1- Environment Law no. 12of 1995 2- Interim Agricultural Law no 44 of 2002 3- Public Health Law no. 21 of 1971 4- Pharmacy Practice Law no. 43 of 1972

Orders (Decisions):

• Civil Defence order no. 2/94; Transport of chemicals

Environmental Licenses and Permits

1- Industrial establishment unified licensing form 2- Health requirements for drinking and mineral water treatment and filling industries 3- General requirements for licensing food industries 4- Instructions and requirements for storage of food stuff 5- Health requirements for dairy product industries 6- General requirements for licensing and operation of olive oil mills 7- General requirements for establishing industries in the exception of pharmaceutical industries 8- Requirements for establishing chemical fertilizers industries 9- Requirements for licensing pesticides industries 10- Requirements for establishing pharmaceutical industries 11- Requirements for cosmetics and pharmaceutical products industries 12- Instructions for handling, import and disposal of asbestos 13- Decision: Registration of animal feed centres 14- Requirements and procedures for licensing the import of agricultural aphids pesticides 15- Requirements and procedures for registration of agricultural aphids pesticides 16- Requirements for the import of agricultural aphids pesticides 17- Requirements for trade, selling and handling agricultural aphids pesticides 18- Decision: Licensing spraying pesticides activities 19- Requirements and procedures for licensing the import, trade and manufacture of agricultural fertilizers 20- Procedures for registration of agricultural fertilizers 21- Decision: Sampling and analysis of agricultural fertilizers 22- Decision: Selection and specifying types of agricultural fertilizers allowable for trade and setting their specifications. 23- Industrial well license request form 24- General information about the industry requesting the digging of a well form 25- License for digging a well form 26- Judicial commitment for digging a well form 27- Form to report water pumping operation 28- Well license transfer form

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29- Procedures for licensing in radioactive activities 30- Requirements and technical specifications for pharmacies and drug warehouses.

3.4.2 Laws

This section will discuss specific laws that are of high relevance to the proposed project.

(a) Water Authority Law No. (18) of 1988 and its Amendments

The WAJ Law was firstly issued and enacted as a Interim Law in 1983. In 1988, the Water Authority Law No. (18) of 1983 status was made permanent. This law was recently amended in 2001, and enacted on November 1st, 2001. This law sets the institutional framework for the creation of the WAJ within the MWI. It also defines the Authority’s duties and responsibilities as outlined above.

The WAJ reports directly to the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. However, the Cabinet of Ministers can designate responsibilities related to water to any authority other than WAJ within the public or private sector, through proper legal contracting. Board of Directors comprised of high government officials manages the WAJ. The WAJ is financially and administratively independent.

All water resources in the Kingdom belong to the GOJ. The use of these resources must be in compliance with this law. The law defines possible violations and associated fines and penalties.

However, Article 28 of this law gives the Council of Ministers, and in accordance to the recommendation set by the Minister of MWI, the authority to designate any of the responsibilities of WAJ, including the implementation of a project, wholly or partially, to any other organization from the public or private sector, public shareholding company, and/or limited liability company that is partially or wholly owned by WAJ.

This may include the management, leasing, and transfer of ownership of projects to these organizations, in accordance to the conditions and duration specified in the contracts signed between the two parties for this purpose. All legal provisions related to leasing or transfer of ownership must be taken into consideration.

In the case of conclusion of contracts to transfer the management of the projects or the lease thereof, the decision of the Council of Ministers may include the authorization to the officials of the bodies’ contracted therewith, to exercise the same powers bestowed on the authorities’ officials in pursuance of legislations enforced relevant to the execution of the contracts.

(b) Jordan Valley Development Law

Pursuant to Law No. (19) of 1988 and its Amendments in 2001, the JVA was created to develop and improve on the economic and social status of the Jordan Valley. The law gives JVA full authority over the valley area including control and protection of water resources, making decisions on the use and distribution of water for irrigation, household usage, etc. In addition, the JVA is expected to conduct and implement projects to improve on the quality of water and to combat and prevent water pollution.

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Similarly to the WAJ, the JVA is managed by a Board of Directors comprised of high government officials and is financially and administratively independent. Also, the Cabinet of Ministers can contract out or lease the management and operation of specific projects to the private sector. But the ownership of irrigation and development of water resources projects cannot be transferred to the private sector.

There are two articles in the Jordan Valley Development Law, as it was amended in 2001 that address the issue of the environment. Article 3-b of the above-mentioned law reads:

This should be read in the right context that the first paragraph in Article 3 sets, i.e. carrying out the above environmental function is in support of the “social and economic development of the Valley” and in “cooperation with any concerned entity”.

In its broadness it allows JVA to do the necessary to protect the environment, which presumably includes setting standards and enforcing them. The word ‘environment’ as it appears above is not defined, but it can be inferred that it refers to land, air, water and biodiversity at the very least. This point is highlighted because the law and the articles that follow make no explicit mention of land, and air or biodiversity in an environmental context. In fact, the environment is not mentioned again in the law. The only reference to environmental issues arises in Article 38 of the law, which is concerned with the water pollution and the entry of polluting substances (as defined by the Secretary General) into the Valley, and only in the context of those pollutants contaminating water.

In speaking of environmental protection from a legal standpoint, three functions are considered: standards setting, monitoring and enforcement. Article 38 of the Jordan Valley Development law grants JVA the right to do both. Sub-paragraph a-1 of Article 38 authorizes the Secretary General to ban any substance from entry into the Valley if it is deemed polluting (standard setting). Sub- paragraph a-2 of the same article, mandates the JVA to conduct laboratory testing of water to ensure that it is not being polluted (monitoring); paragraphs b and c describe the punitive measures to be taken against polluters and actions they must take to rectify the situation (enforcement).

The lack of specific reference to land, air pollution and biodiversity, while explicitly mentioning that of water, may be a detractor to the significance of the former three and so are afforded less attention.

The Public Health Interim Law No. (54) of 2002 contains a number of articles related to drinking water, sewerage and repugnant sites. It gives the Ministry of Health (MOH) the responsibility for:

• Testing drinking water provided by WAJ or private sector to ensure its compliance with the national standard JS No. 286/2002 for drinking water. In the case of failure to comply with the standard, the MOH has the authority to stop the distribution or sale of water. The MOH has the right to delegate the testing responsibility to other Governmental bodies, but the MOH will still be responsible for the final output of these tests.

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Furthermore, Article 49 of this law considers the release of dust and the dumping or throwing of wastes, whether solid, liquid, and other on the streets or public land as a nuisance and must be controlled and removed in the case of waste.

(d) Environment Protection Law

Under the provisions of the Environment Protection Law No. (1) of 2003, the MOE is entrusted with the responsibility of the protection and monitoring of all environmental elements, including water, in coordination with concerned government bodies, national, regional and international organizations. In addition, the law mandates the MOE to draft necessary by-laws, instructions, standards, etc. for environmental elements, which includes water, air, land, noise control, etc. This is where it creates confusion and overlap in responsibilities with other ministries and authorities.

Article 4 of this law stipulates that the MOE has to approve the establishment and management of natural reserves and parks and is embarked with the task of monitoring their management.

Article 13 of this law stipulates that any organization, company, establishment or authority has to prepare an environmental impact assessment, as per the EIA Regulation No.37 of 2005, and to be approved by the MOE prior to establishing any project.

Article 23 mandates MOE to issue a number of bylaws which includes the natural reserves and national parks. To date the following bylaws have been issued:

1- Natural Reserves and national parks bylaw no.29 of 2005 2- Management, handling and transport of dangerous and hazardous material bylaw no 24 of 2005. 3- Soil protection bylaw no.25 of 2005. 4- Environment protection during emergencies bylaw no.26 of 2005. 5- Solid waste management bylaw no.27 of 2005. 6- Air quality bylaw no.28 of 2005. 7- Environmental impact assessment bylaw no.37 of 2005. 8- Management, transport, storage, manufacture, use and trading in organic fertilizer of 2003. 9- Noise prevention and control of 2003. 10- Handling and discharge of used oil of 2003. 11- Management of ozone depleting substances of 2003. 12- Management and handling hazardous waste of 2003.

(e) ASEZ Law

The Law establishing the ASEZ - Law No. (32) of the year 2000, commonly referred to as the ASEZ Law - also establishes an Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) to administer the Zone. This Law confers on ASEZA a number of environment-related responsibilities as presented below:

• Article 9, F: ASEZA shall protect the environment in the zone. • Article 10, B, 3: ASEZA shall assume authority for protecting the environment, water resources, natural resources and biological diversity.

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• Article 43, B: ASEZA shall administer the coastal areas. • Article 52: ASEZA shall be responsible for protecting and maintaining the environment in the Zone and for ensuring sustainable development according to a basis and standards, which are not below the adopted levels in the kingdom. • Article 53: ASEZA is permitted powers of search and confiscation related to environmental protection. • Article 54, B: ASEZA is authorized to extract fines and compensation from polluters of the sea or the environment within the Zone. • Article 56, E: ASEZA is responsible for the regulation and administration of the Aqaba Marine Park.

Article 6 of the Law says that all legislation in force in the Kingdom shall apply to the Zone unless superseded by contradiction by the provisions of ASEZ legislation.

Article 52 says that AEZA shall assume the powers of the General Corporation of Environment, which is now the Ministry of Environment (the MOE). It is commonly held therefore that this Law confers on ASEZA the general authority and powers which the General Cooperation for Environmental Protection (now the MOE) has in the rest of Jordan to regulate environmental matters, and that GCEP’s authority within the ASEZ has effectively been transferred to ASEZA.

(f) Habitat Protection Laws

Interim Agricultural Law No. (44) of 2002 gives the Ministry of Agriculture the mandate to protect, conserve and manage the wildlife in Jordan from manmade hazards. Articles 27 to 42 if this Law outlines the conditions regarding forestry and grazing land. Articles28 states that it is prohibited to designate or sell or exchange of forests or grazing land to any person or authority regardless of the reasoning behind it, and even of other legislations allow it.

In addition, the Environment Protection Law No. (1) of 2003, gives the MOE the mandate to protect all environmental elements including wildlife (flora and fauna), to issue by-laws, etc. as seen necessary in coordination with concerned parties.

Two national strategies on biodiversity have been already prepared in Jordan (1998 and 2002). However, a legal framework for wildlife protection from development projects does not exist.

(g) Antiquities Protection Law: Antiquities Law

Jordan has an all-encompassing law that sets and regulates policies and imposes penalties for dealing with archaeological sites, monuments and artefacts; this is the Antiquities Law No. (21) of 1988. The Department of Antiquities (DOA) is created at the Ministry of Tourism pursuant to this law. The DOA is responsible for administering, supervising, protecting and maintaining archaeological sites, monuments and artefacts in Jordan.

However, specific provisions are needed to enforce the intent of the law and the application of its penalties.

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(h) Land Acquisition Law

The Land Acquisition Law No. (12) of 1987 provides the Government of Jordan the right to acquire any piece of land or property to develop a project for public benefit. However, the government has to compensate the owner(s) fairly. In case the owner(s) are not satisfied with the compensation, they can take it to court. Such matters are considered of high urgency and will be handled by the court system as quickly as possible. The law outlines all the related specifics.

(i) Management of Government Property Law / Leasing and Authorization of Government Property By-law

Under the provisions of the Management of Government Law No. (17) of 1974 and the Leasing and Authorisation of Government by-law No. (53) of 1977, the Cabinet of Ministers have the right to lease or authorize government property in return of rent equivalent to market prices, and in accordance to the recommendations set by the concerned ministry and higher commission of government property. The Higher Commission is comprised of the following members: Minister of Finance (Chairman), Department of Land and Survey (Vice Chairman), Agriculture Credit Corporation, Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Secretary General of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, and the Director General of Forestry and Grazing Land.

The Cabinet has to approve the lease or authorization even if it is going to be used by a government body.

(j) Traffic Interim Law

Under the provisions of Law No. (47) of 2001, vehicles should control their emissions to ensure that they are within the acceptable limits as specified by the equipping Vehicles Instruction of 2002. In addition, vehicles owners should not dump or release rocks, stones, solid waste, wastewater, and other into public land or streets. Violators will be fined.

(k) Investment Promotion Interim Law

Under the Investment Promotion Interim Law No. (68) of 2003, the proposed project can benefit from tax exemptions, similarly to the As-Samara Wastewater Treatment Plant BOT project. Pursuant to article 5, the Council of Ministers may decide, upon the joint recommendation of the Minister and the Minister of Finance which is based on the recommendation of the Investment Incentives Committee, to grant any Project, whether or not the Project falls within the Exempted Sectors, any benefits or exemptions from Fees and Taxes prescribed in accordance with the provisions of this Law or any additional benefits or exemptions for the period and conditions it deems appropriate, provided that the Council of Ministers’ resolution is published in the Official Gazette. The Council of Ministers shall take into consideration when making its decision the considerations of economic development and the Project's geographical location and the extent of its contribution to research, development, increasing exports, transfer of technology and creating jobs for the Jordanian manpower.

Subject to the provisions of this Law, the Sectoral Licenses shall be granted according to the conditions and requirements stipulated in the pertinent legislation thereof, provided that the following principals are met:

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1- The issuance of the Sectoral License for a certain Project shall not be contingent upon any other approval or License from any body other than the Official Body designated for each Project in the legislation that grants that Body the power to issue such, in addition to the bodies and conditions specified by the Council of Minister in preservation of the national interest. 2- The Official Body shall specify the procedures, requirements and conditions necessary to acquire the License and the supporting documents and the time limits within which a License must be granted, provided that they are in writing and accessible to the public without fees.

The period for issuing the Sectoral License shall not exceed one month from the date of submitting the application to receive such, provided that all the required documents are attached to the application and that it has fulfilled all the required conditions and legal requirements. If the Official Body does not issue its decision to accept or reject within the time specified (max. of one month), the applicant may, while reserving his/her right to litigate, ask the Minister to refer the matter of its issuance to the Council of Ministers to take their decision thereon, based on the recommendation of the Minister which is based on the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer of the Jordan Investment Board. Banks, financial corporations, insurance companies, customs clearance companies and special free zones shall be excluded from the one month period restriction.

The following is the website address: “http://www.jordaninvestment.com/”

Please note that in compliance with Article 94 of the Constitution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, this Interim Law, along with other interim laws are currently placed before the National Assembly, where the Assembly may approve or amend the laws. In the event of the rejection of such provisional laws, the Council of Ministers shall, with the approval of the King, immediately declare their nullity, and from the date of such declaration these interim (provisional) laws shall cease to have force provided that such nullity shall not affect any contracts or acquired rights. Provisional laws have the same force and effect as laws enacted in accordance with paragraph (ii) of Article (93) of this Constitution.

In the event of the rejection, the Investment Promotion Law No. (16) For 1995 and its amendments of 2000 shall apply.

Under the Investment Promotion Law No. (16) For 1995 and its amendments of 2000, the proposed project shall benefit from tax exemptions, similarly to the As samara Waste Treatment Plant BOT project. Pursuant to article 3(b), the Council of Ministers may, upon recommendation of both the Minister of Industry and Trade and the Investment Promotion Committee, offer any project established within the Sectors mentioned in this Law incentives or guarantees or other privileges for the number of years the Council of Ministers sees fit according to the nature of the project’s activity, its geographic location, its contribution to increasing exports, creating jobs, exploiting national natural resources and accelerating economic development, in special cases and due to considerations determined by the Council of Ministers, and to be of national interest.

(l) Privatisation Law

The Privatisation Law No. (25) of 2000 provides opportunities for the private sector participation in the water sector through different investment schemes such as BOT, BOO, BOOT, etc. Significant gains can be realized by bringing private sector and/or own a utility.

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(m) Labour Law

The Labour Law No. (8) of 1996 and its amendments mandates all the rights of the with respect to employment in Jordan from the employer and employees side. It has twelve chapters which are:

• Chapter 1: Definitions • Chapter 2: Inspection at work premises • Chapter 3: Employment and vocational guidance • Chapter 4: Employment contract • Chapter 5: Vocational training contract • Chapter 6: Employment group contract • Chapter 7: Protection of wages • Chapter 8: Leaves and work organization • Chapter 9: Safety and vocational health • Chapter 10: Work related injuries and sickness • Chapter 11: Labour unions • Chapter 12: Conflict resolution regarding employment

There are several articles in this law regarding job terminations: articles 21, 23, 31 and 32. An employment contract will be considered terminated in the following three cases:

1- The two parties have agreed to terminate the contract 2- The work has been completed and/or the contract has expired (ended) 3- In case of death or injury that led to disability

If one party wishes to terminate the contract ahead of the end date, the party must inform the second party in writing a month before the expiry date of the contract. If the party wants to withdraw the notification, it must be accepted by both parties. In the case that the employer wants to terminate the contract, he/she must pay the employee his fees till the end date of the contract. However, the employee may be released seven days before his/her end date. Once a contract is terminated, by either party, the employee will receive all his/her benefits provided by the employer and one month salary for every year he/she has worked for calculated on the basis of the last salary.

The employer may down size, suspend or terminate contracts, given that there is some economic problems that the firm faces or change in the scope of work (type of production or service). The Ministry of Labour must be immediately informed in writing with the appropriate justifications for these measures. The Minister of Labour will form a committee to study the situation, and will decide in accordance with the recommendations of this committee. In some cases, when justifications are not valid, the employer will have to rehire all released employees.

In Chapter 9 of this Law, the owner of a project, plant, etc. must take the appropriate preventative actions and provide his/her workers with the necessary protective equipment to ensure their safety and avoid work related accidents. At the same time, it is the responsibility of the worker to take good care of the protective equipment and to maintain them. If, they are spoiled, it is the responsibility of the owner to replace them.

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In addition, he/she should have written instructions and procedures on the use of equipment and the associated risks with them and the job they are undertaking. All workers should be properly informed of these instructions and procedures.

Furthermore, the owner must provide first aid facilities and adequate medical services at the premises and/or sites of operation.

3.4.3 Regulations (By-laws)

3.4.3.1 Bylaws

(a) Natural Reserves and national parks Bylaw no.29 of 2005

This bylaw defines the natural reserve as an area of land or sea that contains an ecosystem and natural habitat.

Pursuant to article 3 of this bylaw, an authority can submit an application to the MOE to establish or manage a natural reserve or national park. The application request must include the following:

1- Purpose of establishing the natural reserve or national park. 2- Define area and boundaries of the natural reserve or national park. 3- Rights of the inhabitants in the natural reserve or national park, and its surroundings. 4- Map of the area of the natural reserve or national park, and its surrounding and define the land use within this area and the ownership status of the proposed land. 5- Initial study on the ecosystem and biodiversity of the natural reserve or national park. 6- Initial geological and hydrology study of the for archaeological sites in the natural reserve or national park. 7- Geological and hydrology study of the site. 8- Define the impact of the establishment of the natural reserve or national park on surrounding land. 9- Socio-economic study for the area to be used as natural reserve or national park. 10- Procedures for protection and methods of application of these procedures. 11- Any other studies or information requested by the Minister as seen necessary.

Once a natural reserve or national park is approved, the concerned party must submit to the MOE a detailed management plan within a maximum of one year and a half after the approval date. The management plan must include the following:

1- Detailed description of the site of the natural reserve or national park. 2- Assessment of the composition of the natural reserve or national park. 3- Define objectives of the management of the site and procedures for implementation. 4- Prepare an estimated budget for the management plan and sources of funding. 5- Land use of the area within the boundaries of the natural reserve or national park and its surroundings. 6- Grazing management. 7- Ecotourism management. 8- Define provisions and conditions for the use of the natural reserve or national park and set criteria for local community participation.

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(b) Environmental impact assessment By-law no.37 of 2005

Pursuant to article 4 of this bylaw, it is prohibited for any industrial, agricultural, commercial, housing, tourist or construction that are included in annex 2 or 3 of this by-law to start operation prior to obtaining an environmental license. And even if it is not included in the afore-mentioned annexes, the Minister of MOE may request an EIA.

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) was established in 1988 pursuant to the By-law No. (54) of 1992: organizational structure of MWI of 1988. This law was amended in 1992. Under this law, the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) and Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) will report to the MWI. As such, the Ministry is responsible for all related matters with respect to water, water treatment, public sewers, water policy; the economic and social development of the Jordan Valley.

(d) Underground Water Control By-Law

Underground Water Control By-law No. (85) of 2002 and its amendments was issued pursuant to the WAJ Law No. (18) of 1988. Under this law, all ground water is owned and controlled by the government, even if the land is privately owned.

Any exploration or exploitation must be authorized and a permit obtained, in accordance with the provisions of this by-law, which specifies end use, quantity and other requirements. The first trial of pumping should be under the supervision of the WAJ, otherwise the WAJ has the right to annul the permit and close down the well.

Table 7 presents the water fees paid to WAJ.

Table 7: Fees (paid to WAJ) Description JD Drilling license 1,000 Renewal of drilling license 500 Water extraction license 100 Renewal of extraction license 50 Substitute drilling license 750 Well deepening license 500 Well maintenance or cleaning license 300 Possession or use of a drilling rig license 500 Renewal of Possession or use of a drilling rig license 100 Drilling license 50 Renewal of driller license 10

The WAJ requires that a person applying for a license or permit must submit cash deposit or bank guarantee in accordance to the principles set by the Cabinet, and in accordance to the recommendation of the Board of the WAJ.

The MWI is the authority responsible for conducting research and technical studies, identifying ground water, and for monitoring the quality and quantity of water to be pumped annually, in coordination with concerned parties.

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The Cabinet of Ministers can specify regions where it is disallowed to dig wells. These regions have to be announced in the daily official newspapers. There will be exceptions, but they need to be approved by the Board of WAJ.

(e) Subscribers to Drinking Water Network

By-law No. (67) of 1994 gives the mandate and responsibility to WAJ to provide drinking water, including related activities. However, this right can be transferred to the private sector through an agreement as in the case of LEMA, where it operates mainly in Greater Amman under a management contract starting in 1999.

(f) ASEZA Subordinate Legislation (By-Laws)

A number of subsequent pieces of legislation have since been enacted. These include:

The Environmental Protection Regulations (No. 21 of the year 2001) provide a basis for environmental management in the Zone. They list a number of prohibited acts regarding waste management, use of seawater, and emission of harmful substances to the environment. These regulations address the legal framework for environmental management and monitoring in the Zone including environmental clearance and post-clearance phases of economic activities. The regulations also detail appropriate measures to prevent environmental pollution and protect the marine resources, and set out a legal framework for the imposition of penalties for pollution incidents.

The Regulation for the Development of Wadi Rum Area (No. 24 of the year 2001) relates to the improvement and development of the economic and social aspects of the Wadi Rum Area – which falls within ASEZA’s jurisdiction - and the conservation and preservation of its natural environment and cultural heritage.

The Aqaba Marine Park Regulation (No. 22 of the year 2001) sets out the perimeters of the Marine Park – a portion of the Aqaba coastline approximately 7 km in length - and its aims. The regulation also stipulates a number of prohibited actions and activities in the Park area that may result in the destruction, damage or deterioration of the natural environment, damage the wildlife or affect the aesthetics of the area.

The Development and Improvement of the Investment Climate Regulation (No. 11 of the year 2001) stipulates that the initiation of any economic activity in the Zone requires an operational permit from ASEZA relating to public health, health and safety and the environment. The regulation sets out the requirements that must be met before a permit can be issued, and outlines the inspection procedures for the ongoing operation of a development or facility.

In addition to these laws and regulations issued by ASEZA, there are also a number of Jordanian standards and regulations that apply in the ASEZ. With regard to the environment, it is explicit in the ASEZ Law that that all current existing environmental legislation in Jordan is applicable to the ASEZ until ASEZA issues its own superseding legislation. Also, Jordan is signatory to a number of International Conventions and Agreements which relate to environmental issues, many of which relate directly to issues in the ASEZ, although there is no specific requirement or mechanism outlined in the ASEZ Law which requires ASEZA to report or coordinate with MOE regarding national issue or International Conventions and Agreements.

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(g) Mining By-Law

Article 39 of law No. (131) of 1966 stipulates that any dynamite used for mining purposes or digging wells must be manufactured for this purpose and free of toxic gas or vapours.

3.4.3.2 Instructions and Orders

The instructions and orders that are relevant to the proposed project are those that relate to water, air and noise as described below.

(a) Water

Drinking water instruction regarding connecting to drinking water and its amendments No. (1) of 2002.

Instruction No. 18 of 1998 and its amendments for industrial and commercial wastewater disposal into, and connecting to the public sewers.

There are several orders issued under the provision of the WAJ law, which specifies water prices, meter cost, etc.

(b) Air: Vehicle Equipping of 2002

This instruction specifies the permissible pollutant levels emitted by gasoline engine vehicles as follows: CO (5 percent), HC (≤ 600/billion), O2 (≤ 6 percent) and CO2 (≥ 10 percent). In addition, it has provisions related to the design of the vehicles such as, tires’ dimensions, horn requirements, allowed loads, fire extinguishers requirements, etc.

Noise is considered as an environmental pollutant. Owners of plants and vehicles must take appropriate measures to ensure compliance with national laws, regulations and standards with regard to noise.

In 1995, and pursuant to Article 27 (a) of the Environment Law No. (12) of 1995, the GOJ issued instructions for the permissible sound levels and prevention of noise. These instructions define specific sources of noise and associated permissible upper limits in dB, in addition to setting fines and penalties for violating these instructions.

3.4.3.3 Standards and Specifications

The standards and specifications that are relevant to the proposed project are as follows:

1- Jordanian specification No. 286/2001 for Drinking Water. 2- Jordanian specification No. 893:2002 for Waste Water.

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3- World Health Organisation (WHO) Guideline for sample collection of drinking water 4- Pollutants-Ambient Air Quality Standards (JS: 1140/1996). 5- Pollutants-Allowable limits for gaseous pollutants emitted to the atmosphere from gasoline engine vehicles 6- Acoustics-Guide to international standards on the measurement of airborne acoustical noise and evaluation of its effects on human beings.

3.4.3.4 Licenses, Permits, etc.

The licenses and permits that are relevant to the proposed project are as follows:

1- Drilling rig License 2- Driller License 3- License for drilling a well 4- License for drilling a substitute well 5- License for deepening, cleaning or maintaining a well 6- License for extracting water

3.4.4 Strategies

3.4.4.1 Strategic Direction for the Ministry of Environment 2006-2007

This document encapsulates the efforts put forward by the entire Ministry of Environment (MOE) Staff to build its institutional capacities. This undertaking was brought about as a result of MOE's commitment to build the internal institutional capacities and assimilate the guiding principle calling for building a sense of ownership, responsibility and accountability at all levels of the decision making process. Moreover, the preformed activities were instigated as a prelude to the commencement of the second phase of the Institutional Strengthening of the Jordanian Ministry of Environment Project funded by the Commission of the European Community which will continue until May 2007. Major output of the strategy are:

• MOE's Vision To be a model Ministry on the national and regional levels, capable of protecting and sustaining Jordan’s environmental resources and contributing to a better quality of life.

• MOE's Mission The Ministry seeks to maintain and improve the quality of Jordan's environment, conserve natural resources and contribute to sustainable development through effective policies, legislation, strategies, monitoring and enforcement and by mainstreaming environmental concepts into all national development plans.

• Strategic Objectives 1- To contribute to the achievement of sustainable development To develop and implement appropriate policies, tools and mechanisms that not only emphasizes the linkages between environmental protection and economic prosperity, but also enhances the integration of environmental concepts into national development plans.

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2- To develop and implement policies and legislations To develop and implement effective policies, strategies and legislations for the conservation and protection of the environment.

3- To enhance monitoring, inspection, and enforcement of legislations To strengthen the role of the Ministry in the area of monitoring, inspection, and enforcement in an effort to preserve a clean and unpolluted environment.

4- To develop and implement information management programs To develop comprehensive information programs for evidence-based decision-making through collecting, disseminating and analyzing environmental data.

5- To raise public awareness and education To raise public awareness on environment protection and integrate environmental concepts into various educational materials.

6- To promote national, regional and international cooperation To promote cooperation with relevant national, regional and international parties and maintain clear and effective channels of communication in order to assist the Ministry in achieving its vision and mission.

7- To strengthen and develop the capacity of the Ministry To strengthen and develop the Ministry’s capacity to achieve its vision, mission and strategic objectives.

• Ministry Priorities (2006- 2007) The Ministry seeks to conclude the following priorities in the coming two years in coordination with all concerned stakeholders: Contribute to the achievement of sustainable development: Develop and implement policies and legislations Enhance monitoring, inspection, and enforcement of legislations Develop and implement information management programs Raise public awareness and education Promote national, regional and international cooperation Strengthen and develop the capacity of the Ministry

For detailed action items under each priority, please refer to the Strategy Document.

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3.4.4.2 National Environment Strategy

The first National Environment Strategy (NES) was prepared in 1989, and was officially approved by the GOJ in 1991. Jordan was the first country in the Middle East to draft a NES. The NES contains over 400 recommendations and suggested actions in the field of environment protection and conservation. Because it was formulated by 180 Jordanian specialists with substantial hand- on experience in the country, it is practical, realistic, comprehensive, integrated and forward looking.

The NES covered the following sectors: 1) surface and groundwater, 2) land and agriculture, 3) fauna and flora, 4) coastal zones and marine resources, 5) human population and settlement, 6) atmosphere and air quality, 7) energy and mineral resources, 8) archaeology, 9) cultural resources, and 10) legal issues.

The NES formed the backbone of structuring environmental protection in Jordan. As a result, the first Environment Protection Law was drafted and enforced, the General Corporation of Environment Protection created, and many other recommendations in the various sectors were implemented.

3.4.4.3 National Biodiversity Strategy 2002

One of the key obligations for parties that have ratified the Convention of Biodiversity is to prepare a national strategy. The Jordanian Biodiversity Strategy is a response to this obligation and has been developed as a guide to the implementation of the Biodiversity Convention in Jordan. All of the strategic directions contained in the Strategy are relevant from a national perspective, but some elements of the Strategy may not be relevant in some areas of the country or for some sectoral agencies. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan recognizes existing constitutional and legislative responsibilities for biodiversity in Jordan. It also emphasizes the importance of interministerial co-operation to create the policy, management and research conditions necessary to advance ecological management. Regional and sectoral agencies, in cooperation with stakeholders and members of the public, will pursue implementation of the directions contained in the Strategy according to their policies, plans, priorities and fiscal capabilities.

A National Vision for Biodiversity

The Strategy presents the following vision of biodiversity for Jordan:

Jordan has an important role to play in conservation and sustainable use of biological resources to improve quality of life and economic prosperity locally and globally, that agree with the teachings and beliefs of Islam on the obligation for man to maintain balanced relations with the other elements of creation.

In support of this vision, the Strategy also presents a series of guiding principles that provide a foundation for implementing its strategic directions.

The Strategy provides a framework for actions at all levels that will enhance our ability to ensure the productivity, diversity and integrity of our natural systems and, as a result, our ability to develop sustainability. It promotes the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of our biological resources, and describes how we will contribute to international efforts to implement the convention.

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B. Main Strategic Goals

1- Conserve biodiversity and use biological resources in a sustainable manner by protecting the various species of animals, plants and micro-organisms in their different agricultural environments; and productivity of environmental systems, especially forests, grazing land and agricultural land within a balanced environmental order.

2- Improve our understanding of ecosystems, increase our resource management capability; and promote an understanding of the need to conserve biodiversity by using biological resources in a sustainable manner;

3- Managing natural resources and distribute roles among institutions in a way that conserves the basic natural resources which are necessary for human growth and survival, such as soil, water, plant cover and climate, developing these elements and using them appropriately in a sustainable manner.

4- Maintain or develop incentives and legislation that support the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources; and

5- Work with other countries to conserve biodiversity, use biological resources in a sustainable manner and share equitably the benefits that arise from the utilization of genetic resources.

The Strategy recognizes that the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources are fundamental to Jordan’s local communities. It describes mechanisms through which these communities will be able to develop their own understanding of, and response to, the Convention.

Successful implementation of the Strategy will be determined, in large measure, by the degree to which all parts of society adopt its vision and principles and contribute to achieving its goals. Ultimately, the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources will require the support and participation of individual citizens, local communities, urban and regional administrations, conservation groups, business and industry, and educational and research institutions. The implementation of the actions listed in the Action Plan will be decentralized and under the responsibility of each participating ministry, agency or non-governmental organization.

3.4.4.4 Land Use Master Plan

The Land Use Master Plan for the Jordan Valley has been carried out in 2004 with support from USAID. The results have been approved by the Prime Minister, but are not public yet.

The LUMP is said to provide the near-future land designation pattern, by land use category, for the Strategic Plan 2003-2008 period.

The study included a GIS-supported mapping component. JVA has its own GIS section for water resources management applications. This section is said to manage the digital LUMP data now. The Land Use Master Plan provides the main source of comprehensive land use data for the

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The LUMP maps are used as a reference document for land designation, with a legal status in the sense that it has been approved by the Prime Minister. Reportedly, some development proposals have already been approved or disapproved on the basis of their proposed location in the map. In this way, JVA has a powerful tool for land development control at hand. For any investment or development proposal, even on private land, a license is required from JVA who checks whether the proposal is in compliance with the designated land use for this particular parcel registered in the LUMP maps. If necessary, JVA forwards the request to the Ministry concerned: MOTA for tourism development zones (JVA for tourism infrastructure, MOTA for tourism services), MMRA for urban development zones, MOA for agricultural land, etcetera. JVA and each Ministry concerned, reportedly, are monitoring violations of appropriate development in its zones of interest, but it is difficult to estimate whether all have sufficient capacity to conduct this adequately. Similarly, RSCN has the mandate to control protected areas and, since very recently, was given full enforcement power (until recently, this applied only for hunting).

3.4.4.5 Water Strategy and Policies

Jordan’s Water Strategy (MWI, 1997b) provided the foundation and initiative to formally develop policies addressing specific issues facing Jordan’s water sector. To date, four policies have been developed and accepted by the Council of Ministers. These policies are:

1- Groundwater Management; 2- Irrigation Water; 3- Water Utility; and 4- Wastewater Management.

Ground Water Management policy: The Ground Water Management Policy (MWI, 1998a) was approved by the Council of Ministers in 1998. The Policy addresses the management of groundwater resources including development, protection, management, and reducing abstractions for each renewable aquifer to the sustainable rate (i.e., safe yield). Specific policy statements address:

1- Resource Exploration 2- Monitoring 3- Resource Protection and Sustainability 4- Resource Development 5- Priority of Allocation 6- Regulation and Control 7- Private Sector Participation

Irrigation Water policy: The Irrigation Water Policy (MWI, 1998b) was approved by the Council of Ministers in 1998. The policy addresses irrigation water including agricultural use, resource management, technology transfer, water quality, and efficiency, but does not address or extend to irrigated agriculture. Many provisions of this policy already are in practice. Specific policy statements address:

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1- Sustainability of Irrigated Agriculture 2- Resource Development and Use 3- Technology Transfer 4- Farm Water Management 5- Irrigation Water Quality 6- Management and Administration 7- Water Pricing 8- Regulation and Controls

Water Utility policy: The Utility Water Policy (MWI, 1997b) was approved by the Council of Ministers in 1997. The Policy addresses issues related to water utilities. The policy, the first prepared after adopting Jordan’s Water Strategy, attempts to address 10 major issues relating to both water utility services as well as the basic authorities, and direction of Jordan’s Water agencies. Specific sections of the utility water policy are listed below and a brief discussion of key provisions follows.

Major topics of the Water Utility Policy are as follows:

1- Institutional Development 2- Private Sector Participation 3- Water Pricing and Cost Recovery 4- Human Resources 5- Water Resources Management 6- Water Quality and the Environment 7- Service Levels 8- Public Awareness 9- Conservation and Efficiency Measures 10- Investment

Wastewater Management policy: The Wastewater Management Policy (MWI, 1998c) was approved by the Council of Ministers in 1998. The policy addresses the management of wastewaters as a water resource including development, management, collection and treatment, reuse, and standards and regulations. Specific policy statements address:

1- Resource Development 2- Resource Management 3- Wastewater Collection and Treatment 4- Reuse of Treated Effluent and Sludge 5- Pricing

Other aspects of the policy address: Legislation and Institutional Arrangements, Standards, Regulations and Quality Assurance, Research and Development, Financing and Investment; Public Sector Participation, Human Resources Development, and Public Awareness.

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3.4.5 Related Environmental International and Regional Conventions and Treaties

Jordan is a party to many international environment agreements. Most of these agreements require Jordan to comply with specified parameters for environmental protection. The MOE, is the main focal point for most of the international environmental conventions.

Table 8 lists the environmental international and regional conventions relevant to the project.

Table 8: Selected international environment agreements Title of Agreement Ratified by Jordan Convention on the Protection of World Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage 1972 Convention on Biological Diversity 1993 Cartagena Protocol 2004 Convention to Combat Desertification 1996 Convention on Protection of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 2001 Regional Convention of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden Environment 1988

3.4.5.1 Convention on the Protection of World Cultural Heritage and Natural Heritage

Under the Convention Jordan has to:

• Identify and delineate the different properties situated in its territory that are considered as “cultural heritage” and “natural heritage, as defined in articles 1 and 2 of this convention, respectively. • Recognize the duty of ensuring the identification, protection, conservation, presentation and transmission to nurture generations of the cultural and natural heritage. It can acquire, where appropriate, international assistance and co-operation, in particular financial, artistic, scientific and technical. • Ensure that effective and active measures are taken to protect and conserve the cultural and natural heritage, by: Adopting a general policy that aims to give cultural and natural heritage a function in the life of the community and to integrate the protection of that heritage into comprehensive planning programs. Setting up, where such services do not exist, one or more services for the protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage with an appropriate staff and possessing the means to discharge their functions. Developing scientific and technical studies and research work and operating methods that will make the Kingdom capable of counteracting the dangers that threaten its cultural and natural heritage. Taking appropriate legal, scientific, technical, administrative and financial measures necessary for the identification, protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage. Fostering the establishment or development of national centres for training in the protection, conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage, and to encourage scientific research in this field.

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3.4.5.2 Convention on Biological Diversity

Signed by 150 government leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the Convention on Biological Diversity is dedicated to promoting sustainable development. Conceived as a practical tool for translating the principles of Agenda 21 into reality, the Convention recognizes that biological diversity is about more than plants, animals and micro organisms and their ecosystems – it is about people and our need for food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean and healthy environment in which to live

Under the Convention on Biological Diversity, governments abide to conservation and sustainable use biodiversity. They are required to develop national biodiversity and action plans, and to integrate these broader national plans for environment and development. This is particularly important for such sectors as forestry, agriculture, fisheries, energy, transportation, construction work, and urban planning.

Other treaty commitments include:

• Identifying and monitoring the important components of biological diversity those need to be conserved and used in a sustainable manner. • Establishing protected areas to conserve biological diversity while promoting environmentally sound development around these areas. • Rehabilitating and restoring degraded ecosystems and promoting the recovery of threatened species in collaboration with local residents. • Respecting, preserving and maintaining traditional knowledge of the sustainable use of biological diversity with the involvement of local communities. • Preventing the introduction of, controlling, and eradicating alien species that could threaten ecosystems, habitats or species. • Controlling the risks posed by organisms modified by biotechnology. • Promoting public participation, particularly when it comes to assessing the environmental impacts of development projects that threaten biological diversity. • Educating people and raising awareness about the importance of biological diversity and the need to conserve it. • Reporting on how each country is meeting its biodiversity goals.

Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety

On 29 January 2000, pursuant to article 19 of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention adopted a supplementary agreement to the Convention known as the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety. The Protocol seeks to protect biological diversity from the potential risks posed by living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology. It establishes an advance informed agreement (AIA) procedure for ensuring that countries are provided with the information necessary to make informed decisions before agreeing to the import of such organisms into their territory. The Protocol contains reference to a precautionary approach and reaffirms the precaution language in Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. The Protocol also establishes a Biosfatey Clearing- House to facilitate the exchange of information on living modified organisms and to assist countries in the implementation of the Protocol.

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3.4.5.3 Convention to Combat Desertification

The objective of the Convention to Combat Desertification is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa, through effective action at all levels, supported by international cooperation and partnership arrangements, in the framework of an integrated approach which is consistent with Agenda 21, with a view to contributing to the achievement of sustainable development in affected areas.

Achieving this objective will involve long-term integrated strategies that focus simultaneously, in affected areas, on improved productivity of land, and the rehabilitation, conservation and sustainable management of land and water resources, leading to improved living conditions, in particular at the community level.

Under the provisions of this convention, Jordan has the General obligations to:

• Implement its obligations under this Convention, individually or jointly; either through existing or prospective bilateral and multilateral arrangements or a combination thereof, as appropriate, emphasizing the need to coordinate efforts and develop a coherent long-term strategy at all levels. • Pursue the objective of this Convention. To pursue the objectives, it shall: Adopt an integrated approach addressing the physical, biological and socio- economic aspects of the processes of desertification and drought; Give due attention, within the relevant international and regional bodies, to the situation of affected developing country Parties with regard to international trade, marketing arrangements and debt with a view to establishing an enabling international economic environment conducive to the promotion of sustainable development; Integrate strategies for poverty eradication into efforts to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought; Promote cooperation among affected country Parties in the fields of environmental protection and the conservation of land and water resources, as they relate to desertification and drought; Strengthen sub-regional, regional and international cooperation; Cooperate within relevant intergovernmental organizations; Determine institutional mechanisms, if appropriate, keeping in mind the need to avoid duplication; and Promote the use of existing bilateral and multilateral financial mechanisms and arrangements that mobilize and channel substantial financial resources to affected developing country Parties in combating desertification and mitigating the effects of drought.

3.4.5.4 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or the Bonn Convention) aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. It is one of a small number of intergovernmental treaties concerned with the conservation of wildlife and wildlife habitats on a global scale.

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Parties to CMS work together to conserve migratory species and their habitats by providing strict protection for the endangered migratory species listed in Appendix I4 of the Convention; by concluding multilateral Agreements for the conservation and management of migratory species listed in Appendix II; and by undertaking co-operative research activities.

CMS has a unique role to play in focusing attention on and addressing the conservation needs of the 107 endangered species presently listed in Appendix I. The Parties acknowledge the need to take action to avoid any migratory species becoming endangered, and in particular, the parties:

• Should promote, co-operate in and support research relating to migratory species; • Shall endeavour to provide immediate protection for migratory species included in Appendix I; and • Shall endeavour to conclude agreements covering the conservation and management of migratory species included in Appendix II.

3.4.5.5 Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between Governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Because the trade in wild animals and plants crosses borders between countries, the effort to regulate it requires international cooperation to safeguard certain species from over-exploitation. CITES was conceived in the spirit of such cooperation. Today, it accords varying degrees of protection to more than 30,000 species of animals and plants (listed in the three CITES Appendices), whether they are traded as live specimens, fur coats or dried herbs. In other words, it covers trade in plants and animals that are alive or dead, and even products that derive from them.

CITES is an international agreement to which States (countries) adhere voluntarily. States that have agreed to be bound by the Convention ('joined' CITES) are known as Parties. Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties - in other words they have to implement the Convention - it does not take the place of national laws. Rather it provides a framework to be respected by each Party, which has to adopt its own domestic legislation to make sure, that CITES is implemented at the national level.

3.4.5.6 Regional Convention of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden Environment

The Jeddah Convention of 1982, formally titled "Regional Convention for the Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment," provides an important basis for environmental cooperation in the Region.

The Regional Intergovernmental Conference also adopted a "Programme for the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA)," and established a Secretariat for the Programme in Jeddah. In addition, the Conference produced two important instruments: (a) an "Action Plan for the Conservation of the Marine Environment and Coastal Areas in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden"; and (b) a "Protocol Concerning Regional Cooperation in Combating Pollution by Oil and Other Harmful Substances in Cases of Emergency."

4 For a complete list, check www.wcmc.org.uk

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Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen are Parties to the Jeddah Convention.

The present Convention shall apply to the entire sea area, taking into account integrated ecosystems of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Suez, Suez Canal to its end on the Mediterranean, and the Gulf of Aden.

Under the Convention, the Contracting Parties are obliged to:

• Individually or jointly, take all appropriate measures, in accordance with the present Convention and those protocols in force to which they are party, for the conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden environment including the prevention, abatement and combating of marine pollution. • In addition to the Protocol concerning Regional Co-operation in Combating Pollution by Oil and other Harmful Substances in Cases of Emergency, the Contracting Parties shall co-operate in the formulation and adoption of other protocols prescribing agreed measures, procedures and standards for the implementation of this Convention. • Establish national standards, laws and regulations as required for the effective discharge of the obligation prescribed in paragraph 1 of this article, and shall endeavour to harmonize their national policies in this regard and for this purpose appoint the National Authority. • Co-operate with the competent international, regional and sub-regional organizations to establish and adopt regional standards, recommended practices and procedures for the conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden environment, including the prevention, abatement and combating of pollution from all sources in conformity with the objectives of the present Convention, and to assist each other in fulfilling their obligations under the present Convention. • Use their best endeavours to ensure that the implementation of the present Convention shall not cause transformation of one type or form of pollution to another which could be more detrimental to the environment.

In addition, the Convention includes articles which oblige Contracting Parties to take all appropriate measures to prevent, abate and combat pollution: from ships, caused by dumping from ships and aircraft, land-based resources, resulting from exploration and exploitation of the bed territorial sea, the continental shelf and the subsoil, and any other human activities.

The Convention calls for co-operation in dealing with pollution emergencies and for scientific and technological cooperation. Article XI of the Convention calls for the assessment and management of the environment where:

1- Each Contracting Party shall give due consideration to marine environmental effects when planning or executing projects, including an assessment of potential environmental effects, particularly in the coastal areas. 2- The Contracting Parties may, in consultation with the General Secretariat, develop procedures for dissemination of information on the assessment of the activities referred to in paragraph 1 of this article. 3- The Contracting Parties undertake to develop, individually or jointly environmental standards technical and other guidelines in accordance with standard scientific practice to assist the planning and execution of their projects in such a way as to minimize their

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harmful impact on the marine environment. In this regard international standards may be used where appropriate.

3.4.5.7 Treaty of Peace between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the State of Israel of 1994

Pursuant to Article 18 of the Peace Treaty, Jordan and Israel signed a treaty on the Protection of Environment in 1995, which was issued in the official Gazette on April 16th, 1996.

Jordan and Israel had recognized the necessity to find practical, just and agreed solution to their environmental including water problems and with the view that the subject of water can form the basis for the advancement of co-operation between them, jointly undertake actions to ensure that the management and development of their natural resources, and in specific, water within sustainable development principles and do not, in anyway, harm the resources of the other Party, in addition to combating pollution and the adoption of an emergency early warning systems. Both countries will exchange information regarding the subject matter as seen necessary.

In accordance to treaty (Article 3), cooperation in the following environmental areas between the two countries is encouraged:

1- Habitat Protection including the protection of biodiversity, natural resources and cooperating on the planning and management of neighbouring protected areas. 2- Protection of endangered species and wild, immigrating birds along the common border line 3- Air quality control and protection, and in specific against emissions. 4- Maritime 5- Management of Wastes including harmful wastes 6- Pest Management and control 7- Malaria and Leishmaniasis 8- Desertification: combat and exchange of information and research work. 9- Noise 10- Control and elimination of any pollutants caused by man.

In addition, both countries will cooperate on the implementation of socio-economic projects along the border line, and ensuring sustainable development. Furthermore, both countries will collaborate in attracting funds to implement development projects as seen necessary.

3.5 Applicable World Bank Policies

All Bank-supported investments are required to conform to the provisions and safeguards in Bank operational policies, including the safeguard policies on environmental assessment, indigenous people, natural habitats, cultural property and involuntary resettlement, and others. Furthermore OP 8.60 on development policy lending requires due diligence with regards to impacts on environment, forests and other natural resources for all development policy lending activities. Together, these operational policies ensure that operations meet the high standards demanded by many stakeholders in the sector, as well as prevent and mitigate undue harm to people and their environment in the development process.

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These policies provide guidelines for bank and borrower staffs in the identification, preparation, and implementation of programs and projects. The following are the World Bank Operational and Safeguard policies:

1- Environment Assessment (OP/BP4.01) 2- Forestry (OP/BO 4.36) 3- Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP4.12) 4- Indigenous Peoples (OD4.20) 5- Safety of Dams (OP 4.09) 6- Pest Management (OP 4.09) 7- Cultural Property (OPN 11.03-draft OP/BP4.11) 8- Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04) 9- Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60) 10- Projects on international Waterways (OP 7.5)

3.5.1 Environment Assessment (OP/BP4.01)

Environmental Assessment is one of the 10 environmental, social, and legal Safeguard Policies of the World Bank. Environmental Assessment is used in the World Bank to identify, avoid, and mitigate the potential negative environmental impacts associated with Bank lending operations.

The World Bank requires environmental and social assessment (ESA) of projects proposed for Bank financing. The purpose of Environmental and Social Assessment is to improve decision making, to ensure that project options under consideration are sound and sustainable, and that potentially affected people have been properly consulted.

The Operational policy outlays the content of the ESA report in accordance to project category classification. This OP is triggered as the project was classified as category B project that is likely to have ptotential environmental and social impacts in its area of infleunce.

3.5.2 Forestry (OP/BO 4.36)

The Operational Policy on Forests (OP 4.36) emphasizes the management, conservation and sustainable development of forest ecosystems as essential to lasting poverty reduction and sustainable development. OP 4.36 sets out the terms for Bank projects in the forest sector, including requirements for project design, prohibition of projects that would involve significant conversion or degradation of critical forest areas or related critical natural habitats, and requirements for forest certification for any project involving industrial forests.

The World Bank has issued a Forests Strategy that charts a path for the Bank's engagement in the forest sector toward the goal of poverty reduction without jeopardizing the environmental values that are intrinsic to sustainability. The strategy embodies a proactive approach to identifying and protecting critical forest conservation areas while supporting improved forest management in production forests outside these areas.

Based on the analysis of project components and activities, this policy is found not to be triggred by this project.

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3.5.3 Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP4.12)

The Bank's Involuntary Resettlement (OP/BP4.12) is triggered in situations involving involuntary taking of land and involuntary restrictions of access to legally designated parks and protected areas. The policy aims to avoid involuntary resettlement to the extent feasible, or to minimize and mitigate its adverse social and economic impacts.

It promotes participation of displaced people in resettlement planning and implementation, and its key economic objective is to assist displaced persons in their efforts to improve or at least restore their incomes and standards of living after displacement.

The policy prescribes compensation and other resettlement measures to achieve its objectives and requires that borrowers prepare adequate resettlement planning instruments prior to Bank appraisal of proposed projects.

Involuntary resettlement may cause severe long-term hardship, impoverishment, and environmental damage unless appropriate measures are carefully planned and carried out. For these reasons, the overall objectives of the Bank’s policy on involuntary resettlement are the following:

1- Involuntary resettlement should be avoided where feasible, or minimized, exploring all viable alternative project designs. 2- Where it is not feasible to avoid resettlement, resettlement activities should be conceived and executed as sustainable development programs, providing sufficient investment resources to enable the persons displaced by the project to share in project benefits. Displaced person should be meaningfully consulted and should have opportunities to participate in planning and implementing resettlement programs. 3- Displaced persons should be assisted in their efforts to improve their livelihoods and standards of living or at least to restore them, in real terms, to pre-displacement levels or to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever is higher.

This policy is likely to be triggered by this project since there is a concern about the locals accessibility to some of the project areas and the potential impacts on their livelihoods. Therefore, a Resettlement Process Framework has been prepared (see Annex 6).

3.5.4 Indigenous Peoples (OD4.20)

The World Bank policy on indigenous peoples, underscores the need for Borrowers and Bank staff to identify indigenous peoples, consult with them, ensure that they participate in, and benefit from Bank-funded operations in a culturally appropriate way- and that adverse impacts on them are avoided, or where not feasible, minimized or mitigated.

For all projects that are proposed for Bank financing and affect Indigenous Peoples, the Bank requires the borrower to engage in a process of free, prior, and informed consultation. The Bank provides project financing only where free, prior, and informed consultation results in broad community support to the project by the affected Indigenous Peoples. Such Bank-financed projects include measures to (a) avoid potentially adverse effects on the Indigenous Peoples’ communities; or (b) when avoidance is not feasible, minimize, mitigate, or compensate for such effects. Bank-financed projects are also designed to ensure that the Indigenous Peoples receive social and economic benefits that are culturally appropriate and gender and intergenerational inclusive.

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For purposes of this policy, the term “Indigenous Peoples” is used in a generic sense to refer to a distinct, vulnerable, social and cultural group possessing the following characteristics in varying degrees:

1- self-identification as members of a distinct indigenous cultural group and recognition of this identity by others; 2- collective attachment to geographically distinct habitats or ancestral territories in the project area and to the natural resources in these habitats and territories; 3- customary cultural, economic, social, or political institutions that are separate from those of the dominant society and culture; and 4- an indigenous language, often different from the official language of the country or region.

A group that has lost “collective attachment to geographically distinct habitats or ancestral territories in the project area” (bullet (2)) because of forced severance remains eligible for coverage under this policy. Ascertaining whether a particular group is considered as “Indigenous Peoples” for the purpose of this policy may require a technical judgment.

This policy is not riggered since there are no distinct social or cultural groups that posses the above-mentioned characteristiscs.

3.5.5 Safety of Dams (OP 4.09)5

When the World Bank finances new dams, Operational Policy (OP) 4.37: Safety on Dams requires that experienced and competent professionals design and supervise construction, and that the borrower adopts and implements dam safety measures through the project cycle. The policy also applies to existing dams where they influence the performance of a project. In this case, a dam safety assessment should be carried out and necessary additional dam safety measures implemented.

The Operational Policy (OP) 4.37: Safety on Dams also applies when the borrower requests the Bank finance (which it may finance) for the following types of projects that do not include a new dam but will rely on the performance of an existing dam or a dam under construction (DUC): power stations or water supply systems that draw directly from a reservoir controlled by an existing dam or a DUC; diversion dams or hydraulic structures downstream from an existing dam or a DUC, where failure of the upstream dam could cause extensive damage to or failure of the new Bank-funded structure; and irrigation or water supply projects that will depend on the storage and operation of an existing dam or a DUC for their supply of water and could not function if the dam failed. Projects in this category also include operations that require increases in the capacity of an existing dam, or changes in the characteristics of the impounded materials, where failure of the existing dam could cause extensive damage to or failure of the Bank-funded facilities.

Although this OP is currently no triggered by the intended project, it can become applicable in case maintenance of an existing dam or the construction of new dam(s) are to be carried out as part of the IEM/LUP sub-projects.

Since this project does not involve construction of any dams or activites upon an existing dam, this policy is not triggered.

5 Applicable in case the project will include maintenance of an existing dam or the construction of new dam(s).

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3.5.6 Pest Management (OP 4.09)

Rural development and health sector projects have to avoid using harmful pesticides. A preferred solution is to use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and encourage their use in the whole of the sectors concerned.

If pesticides have to be used in crop protection or in the fight against vector-borne disease, the Bank-funded project should include a Pest Management Plan (PMP), prepared by the borrower, either as a stand-alone document or as part of an Environmental Assessment.

Reference to the project components and activities, this project involves no procurement, increased use, or expansion of present use of pesticides. Therefore, this policy is not triggered.

3.5.7 Cultural Property (OPN 11.03-draft OP/BP4.11)

Cultural resources are important as sources of valuable historical and scientific information, as assets for economic and social development, and as integral parts of a people's cultural identity and practices. The loss of such resources is irreversible, but fortunately, it is often avoidable.

The objective of Cultural Property Operational Note is to avoid, or mitigate, adverse impacts on cultural resources from development projects that the World Bank finances.

The Bank is presently in the process of converting this Operational Policy Note to an Operational Policy providing more detailed guidance, and requiring implementation through the Environmental Assessment process.

The United Nations term, used by the Note, "cultural property" includes sites having archaeological (prehistoric), paleontological, historical, religious, and unique natural values. Cultural property, therefore, encompasses both remains left by previous human inhabitants (for example, middens, shrines, and battlegrounds) and unique natural environmental features such as canyons and waterfalls. The rapid loss of cultural property in many countries is irreversible and often unnecessary.

This policy is triggered as this is a Category B ESA.

3.5.8 Natural Habitats (OP/BP 4.04)

The Natural Habitats Operational Policy seeks to ensure that World Bank-supported infrastructure and other development projects take into account the conservation of biodiversity, as well as the numerous environmental services and products which natural habitats provide to human society. The policy strictly limits the circumstances under which any Bank-supported project can damage natural habitats (land and water areas where most of the native plant and animal species are still present).

Specifically, the policy prohibits Bank support for projects which would lead to the significant loss or degradation of any Critical Natural Habitats, whose definition includes those natural habitats which are either:

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• Legally protected, • Officially proposed for protection, or • Unprotected but of known high conservation value.

In other (non-critical) natural habitats, Bank supported projects can cause significant loss or degradation only when:

• there are no feasible alternatives to achieve the project's substantial overall net benefits; and • acceptable mitigation measures, such as compensatory protected areas, are included within the project

The Bank supports, and expects borrowers to apply, a precautionary approach to natural resource management to ensure opportunities for environmentally sustainable development.

As the project activities will be implmeneted within natural habitats in the Jordan Valley and involves the establishment of protected areas, this policy is triggered.

3.5.9 Projects in Disputed Areas (OP/BP 7.60)

Projects in disputed areas may raise a number of delicate problems affecting relations not only between the Bank and its member countries, but also between the country in which the project is carried out and one or more neighbouring countries. In order not to prejudice the position of either the Bank or the countries concerned, any dispute over an area in which a proposed project is located is dealt with at the earliest possible stage.

The Bank may support a project in a disputed area if the governments concerned agree that, pending the settlement of the dispute, the project proposed for country A should go forward without prejudice to the claims of country B.

Subject to analysis of project activities and locations, this policy is not triggered.

3.5.10 Projects on International Waterways (OP 7.5)

Projects on International Waterways may affect the relations between the World Bank and its borrowers, and between riparian states. Therefore, the Bank attaches great importance to the riparians making appropriate agreements or arrangements for the entire waterway, or parts thereof, and stands ready to assist in this regard.

In the absence of such agreements or arrangements, the Bank requires, as a general rule, that the prospective borrower notifies the other riparians of the project. The Policy lays down detailed procedures for the notification requirement, including the role of the Bank in affecting the notification, period of reply and the procedures in case there is an objection by one of the riparians to the project.

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This policy applies to the following types of international waterways:

1- any river, canal, lake, or similar body of water that forms a boundary between, or any river or body of surface water that flows through, two or more states, whether Bank members or not; 2- any tributary or other body of surface water that is a component of any waterway described in (1) above; and 3- any bay, gulf, strait, or channel bounded by two or more states or, if within one state, recognized as a necessary channel of communication between the open sea and other states-and any river flowing into such waters.

This policy applies to the following types of projects:

1- hydroelectric, irrigation, flood control, navigation, drainage, water and sewerage, industrial, and similar projects that involve the use or potential pollution of international waterways as described in (1-3) above; and 2- detailed design and engineering studies of projects under (1) of this paragraph, including those to be carried out by the Bank as executing agency or in any other capacity.

The analysis of the project components and areas reveals that this project does not interfere with international water as defined by the World Bank OP 7.5. Therefore, this OP is not triggered.

3.6 Legal and Institutional Issues

The capacity of Jordanian Institutions to protect and enhance environmental resources has witnessed good progress on several fronts, yet there is still work that has to be done given the environmental strains resulting from population increase and economic growth. Jordan is confronted now with different types of environmental issues. In the 1970s and 1980s, reform was focused on managing water resources. In the last decade, the economy has witnessed increased development in the industrial, agriculture, and service sectors. This development has led to a variety of damage to environmental resources. The Government has taken a number of initiatives to effectively address these new challenges. The Government should continue its efforts to raise environmental awareness among the public and industry, and strengthen its partnership with the private sector to conserve environmental resources.

Furthermore, the government has been emphasizing the importance of quality assurance, quality control and monitoring of environmental elements, and in particular water in Jordan.

This goal has been well translated into the activities of the public, private and NGO sector in Jordan.

This section highlights the key findings of the assessments, focusing in particular on those that relate to the project.

1- The Privatisation Law No. (25) of 2000 provides opportunities for private sector participation in the water sector through different investment schemes such as BOT, BOO, BOOT, etc. Significant gains can be realized by bringing private sector to manage and/or own a utility. 2- The Investment Promotion Interim Law No. (68) Of 2003, the proposed project provides benefit from tax exemptions to investors. Pursuant to article 5, the Council of Ministers

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may decide, upon the joint recommendation of the Minister and the Minister of Finance which is based on the recommendation of the Investment Incentives Committee, to grant any Project, whether or not the Project falls within the Exempted Sectors, any benefits or exemptions from Fees and Taxes prescribed in accordance with the provisions of this Law or any additional benefits or exemptions for the period and conditions it deems appropriate, provided that the Council of Ministers’ resolution is published in the Official Gazette. The Council of Ministers shall take into consideration when making its decision the considerations of economic development and the Project's geographical location and the extent of its contribution to research, development, increasing exports, transfer of technology and creating jobs for the Jordanian manpower. The As-Samara Wastewater Treatment Plant BOT project was granted benefits, under the Investment Promotion law no. (16) For 1995 and its amendments of 2000 for 10 years, as it was considered water investment. The proposed project can pursue similar benefits. 3- Article 28 of the Water Authority law gives the Council of Ministers, and in accordance to the recommendation set by the Minister of MWI, the authority to designate any of the responsibilities of WAJ, including the implementation of a project, wholly or partially, to any other organization from the public or private sector, public shareholding company, and/or limited liability company that is partially or wholly owned by WAJ. This may include the management, leasing, and transfer of ownership of projects to these organizations, in accordance to the conditions and duration specified in the contracts signed between the two parties for this purpose. All legal provisions related to leasing or transfer of ownership must be taken into consideration. In the case of conclusion of contracts to transfer the management of the projects or the lease thereof, the decision of the Council of Ministers may include the authorization to the officials of the bodies’ contracted therewith, to exercise the same powers bestowed on the authorities’ officials in pursuance of legislations enforced relevant to the execution of the contracts. 4- The Ministry of Environment (MOE), and according to its law and regulations, is supposed to take a leading role in coordinating the efforts of environmental protection with various related line ministries. 5- The Government of Jordan has taken the initiative to contract highly qualified personnel not through the civil service system for key positions. This should be adopted throughout the organization since the civil service system makes it difficult to attract and retain highly trained staff. 6- Water sector has been progressively improving including legislative and administrative reform that ensured the involvement of the private sector in the implementation and/or management of water projects. 7- The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority is doing an admirable job in building an environment program, and integrating development and industrial permitting with environmental management and protection. 8- Jordan has signed most of the international agreements and conventions on environment. However, implementation responsibilities are still very vaguely defined. There is a clear necessity to clarify the responsibility of governmental institutions in implementing these agreements under the supervision of the MOE. 9- The NGO community provides an important component of Jordan’s capacity for environmental management, particularly through their programs promoting environmental awareness and resource conservation by industries and the public.

Regarding the water sector, Jordan faces challenges in institutional aspects relating to water resource management, and the huge financial requirements of the Capital Investment Program for Water, and the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the water and wastewater network. Donor agencies have an ongoing dialogue with Jordanian officials regarding appropriate water sector

Final ESA & ESMP Report 80 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT reforms to improve the efficiency of the water and wastewater network. Faced with these challenges, the Government of Jordan has implemented several groundbreaking policy reforms, with the assistance of donor agencies, and has a future agenda to carry out further reforms, which will make Jordan a pioneer in the Middle East Region (MNA) in managing its scarce water resources. The government of Jordan and the donor agencies have invested heavily in the water sector to secure water supplies to municipal, industrial and agricultural users. However, water prices do not cover operation and maintenance and capital costs. Some of the issues related to institutional and management aspects of the water sector are summarized hereunder:

• Capacity of the institutions to implement the “National Water Strategy” and the water policies. • The basic conflict of interest in the structure of the water sector, which does not provide a clear-cut between regulatory and service provision functions. • The limitations of the Civil Service Law and regulations that do not enable the recruitment of highly qualified staff to work in the sector. • High costs of water resources development.

3.7 Recommendations

The Jordan Rift Valley is strategically important for Jordan’s economic development (transport, minerals, tourism, water supply and agriculture) as well as for biodiversity conservation. With such a key economic role and many development pressures, there is a need to have clear land use and development strategies that acknowledge both its development potential and its ecological importance.

At present, there are many threats to the ecological integrity of the Rift Valley system that need to be addressed as part of one unified approach. Main threats are:

• agricultural expansion, • unsustainable water extraction, • pollution, • inappropriate agricultural practices, • excessive hunting, • poorly planned and incremental tourism development, • uncontrolled urban expansion, • overgrazing.

Among the many needs for improving environmental management in Jordan identified in this report, the Consultant have selected the most important to implement in support of building environmental management capacity relative to the project. These are:

• Continue, and enhance the coordination with the concerned parties, in particular the MOE to ensure adherence to environmental requirements and conditions during project execution and operation. • Enhance coordination between ministries and in particular with the MOE. Where laws and by-laws do not adequately describe coordination responsibilities, separate agreements should be made to clearly assign responsibilities, including the need for reporting to coordinating agencies.

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• Train staff of concerned authorities in a number of areas related to environmental management including environmental monitoring and control. • Resources management policies should be revisited to integrate environmental aspects into resources planning by ensuring participation of all sectors including government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector in environmental protection. A comprehensive integrated resource management plan is rather essential to arrive at this. • Enhance the means to implement the environmental international and regional conventions. • Continue and expand the implementation of the public awareness program about ecosystems and environmental protection, and to optimise the use of water, especially at household level, to avoid the misuse and waste of water, and in areas of threats mentioned above. • Apart from the risks to human health, the over consumption of water and use of chemicals is a threat to ecological systems and needs to be addressed. • Enhance regional cooperation and coordination with regional countries. • The need for coherent resource management and land use strategies. • There is a need to enhance the capacity of Government institutions in land use planning, and in the deployment of integrated pest management, irrigation water efficiency, and reduction of agricultural chemicals, promotion of less water demanding crops and promotion of organic farming. Currently, these efforts are taking place in a scattered and ineffective manner.

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4 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE CONDITIONS

4.1 Physical Environment

The Jordan Rift Valley (JRV) forms part of the Great Rift Valley of Africa that extends down from southern Turkey through Lebanon and Syria to the salty depression of the Dead Sea, where it continues south through Aqaba and the Red Sea to eastern Africa.

The JRV is a low-lying strip that extends along the western flank of Jordan representing its western borders, as it extends from Lake Tiberius in the north (at an altitude of -210 m a.m.s.l) to the Red Sea at Aqaba. About 120 km south of Lake Tiberius, and within the central parts of this valley the Dead Sea lies at an altitude of -418 m a.m.s.l. at present6. The Southern Ghores and Wadi Araba, south of the Dead Sea, form the southern part of the JRV.

Hence, regionally the JRV extends from Lake Tiberius in the north to the Red Sea at Aqaba. Nationally, the JRV extends from Baquria in the north to the Red Sea at Aqaba. However, for the purpose of this project, the JRV is considered to extend from Baquria in the north to the Red Sea at Aqaba and to include the Yarmouk Basin as well.

4.1.1 Topography and Geomorphology

4.1.1.1 Major Topographical Zones

The topographical elevations along the JRV floor varies from -212m south of Lake Tiberius to -408 m at the Dead Sea, and it rises to +250 m in central Wadi Araba near Gharandal, dropping again close to 0 on the shores of the Aqaba Gulf. The JRV area can be divided into three major "Topo-morphological" zones. These are:

I- The Northern Jordan Valley Area This zone of the Jordan Valley extends from Baquria in the north to the northern parts of the Dead Sea. It is characterized by the Jordan River that ends at Dead Sea northern parts. Several major wadis drain from the adjacent eastern highlands towards this zone of the JRV. These are from the north to the south: Wadi Arab, Wadi Waqqas, Wadi Ziqlab, Wadi Yabis, Wadi Kufranja, Wadi Rajib and Wadi Um Al-Dananir. The proposed Yarmouk (El-Eshah) natural reserve is located within the northeastern corner of this zone.

II- The Dead Sea Area (or the central Jordan valley) The major topographical feature of this zone is the Dead Sea. It is landlocked and fed by the Jordan River and run-off from side wadis. The Dead Sea is located about -418 meters below sea level as the lowest elevation and the lowest body of water on the surface of the Earth. The total surface area of the Dead Sea catchment is approximately 40,700 km2 7. Wadis in this area are Wadi Shueib, Wadi Kafrein, Wadi Hisban, Wadi Walla, Wadi El Malaqi, Wadi Mujib, and Wadi Ibn Hammad.

6 A Future for The Dead Sea: Options for a More Sustainable Water Management- European Commission Fifth RTD Framework Programme-2005 7 A Future for The Dead Sea: Options for a More Sustainable Water Management- European Commission Fifth RTD Framework Programme-2005

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III- The southern Jordan valley and Wadi Araba area The last zone of the Jordan Valley extends from the southern end of the Dead Sea and cleaving downward through hot, dry Wadi Araba with a total length of about 155 Km ended at the Aqaba city. Major wadis within this zone are Wadi Karak, Wadi Issal, Wadi Hasa, Wadi Fifa, Wadi Khnizera and Wadi Fidan.

4.1.2 Climate

Jordan is located within the eastern margins of the Mediterranean climatic zone of the eastern Mediterranean. Much of Jordan can be classified as semi-desert, with only the western high lands enjoying a Mediterranean climate. Climatologically, Jordan can be divided into four major zones8. These are:

1- The Mediterranean Zone: This region is restricted to the highlands of Jordan. 2- The Irano-Turanean Zone: this zone is transitional between the Mediterranean zone and the other zones and is represented by a narrow strip of variable width surrounding the entire Mediterranean zone except in the north of Jordan. 3- The Eastern Desert Zone or “Saharo-Arabian” zone: This zone forms most of the territory of Jordan. 4- Sudanian Zone or “Sub-tropical or Afro-tropical” zone: This zone extends from the Dead Sea area and continues to the south covering Wadi Araba area, the most southern parts of Jordan and end at the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba.

The Jordan Valley area is characterized by the presence of the four climatological zones.

4.1.2.1 Temperature

In the highlands, the climate is relatively temperate; cold and wet in winter with temperatures reaching a few degrees below zero during night, to hot and dry in summer with temperatures reaching 35 ºC at noon and dropping at night to less than 20 ºC. In the desert, temperatures reach more than 40 ºC during summer and drop in winter to a few degrees above zero.

The JRV have mainly a sub-tropical climate, mild winters and very hot summers. Annual average temperatures vary around mid twenties degree and can exceed the 48 ºC in summer, while during the winter night’s temperature might decrease below 15 ºC. Table 9 presents the mean minimum, absolute yearly maximum and the mean yearly temperature for selected climatological stations along the Jordan Valley.

8 UNDP, The General Corporation for The Environment protection, 1998: Jordan Country Study on Biological Diversity.

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Table 9: Mean Minimum, Absolute Yearly Maximum and Mean Yearly Temperature for Selected Climatological Stations Along the JRV9 Aqaba Baqura Deir Alla Wadi Walla Ghore Safi Airport Mean Minimum Yearly 15.7 17.4 11.5 19.4 17.7 Temperature (ºC) Absolute Yearly Maximum 47.0 48.5 43.5 48.6 47.6 Temperature (ºC) Mean Yearly Temperature 22.2 23.6 18.6 25.2 24.2 (ºC) Period (year) 1967-1999 1952-1999 1961-1993 1975-1999 1959-1999

4.1.2.2 Rainfall and Humidity

The rain season occurs between October and March in a discontinuing form. Over 95% of the land area in Jordan has an annual rainfall of less than 200 mm, while only about 2% has more than 350 mm/year rainfall. Snowfall occurs occasionally in all parts of Jordan with the exception of Wadi Araba – Jordan Valley rift, and most frequently occurs on the higher hills.

Rainfall within the Jordan valley area varies with a general decreasing trend from the north to the south. The long term average annual rain fall within the Dead Sea area varies between 230 mm and 280 mm (see Table 10).

Table 10: Total Rainfall (mm/year) for Selected Stations Along The Jordan Valley Station Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec Yearly Period Baqura 93.2 71.9 59.9 22.9 5.2 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.4 11.4 46.5 82.1 394 1967- 1999 Deir 61.5 53.9 46.1 15.1 3 0.1 0 0 0.3 8.1 36.5 53.7 281.9 1952- Alla 1999 Wadi 63.5 48.7 46.5 21.7 3.3 0 0 0 0 4.9 25.3 55.2 269.1 1961- Walla 1993 Ghore 13.3 18.6 14.3 6 1.4 0 0 0 0.1 1.4 6 15.5 76.6 1974- Safi 1999 Aqaba 4.9 5.3 4.6 3.5 1 0 0 0 0 1.9 3 7.6 31.8 1946- Airport 1999

4.1.2.3 Potential Evaporation and Humidity

Within the JRV, the potential evaporation rates range from about 1,600 mm/year in the extreme north-western edges of Jordan to more than 4,000 mm/year in the Aqaba area. The high evaporation potential all over the country makes precipitation especially in the eastern and southern parts of the country ineffective because the precipitated water readily evaporates, leaving soil deprived of their moisture content and hence, not allowing the development of plants.

Average potential evaporation over the Dead Sea is approximately 1,980 mm/yr whereas average potential evaporation over the salting lakes is approximately 2,260 mm/yr. Actual evaporation from the surface of the Dead Sea ranges between 1,300-1,600 mm/yr and depends on several climatic variables.

9 Jordan Meteorology Departmnet-2005

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The mean yearly relative humidity along the Jordan Valley varies between 65% in the Baqura area to 50% in Ghore Safi area and 47% in Aqaba area.

4.1.3 Geological Setting

4.1.3.1 Geological Overview

Due to the tectonic activities that formulated the JRV and continued to occur over millions of years, in association with erosion activities especially during the recent geological period, all the geological strata that dominate the geology of Jordan are outcropping and can be identified along the Jordan Valley area (see Table 11).

Table 11: Geo-Lithological Succession of Jordan10 Period Epoch Group Formation Symbol Lithology Thickness Quaternary Holocene Fan, talus, Qal Sand, clay, gravel (recent) terrace, river Pleistocene Jordan Lisan J3 Marl, clay, gypsum, sand, gravel and >300m valley evaporates tertiary Pliocene Samra & JV1-2 100-350 Miocene Neogen Oligocene BASALT Eocene Balqa Shallala B5 Chalky and marly limestone 0-555 Rijam B4 Chert limestone 0-311 Paleocene Upper Maestrichtion Muwaqqar B3 Chalk marl 80-320 cretaceous Companion Amman B2 Silicified limestone, chert 20-140 Santonian Wadi B1 Chalk, chalky marl 20-90 Ghudran Turonian Ajlun Wadi Sir A7 Limestone 60-340 Cenomanian Shuaib A5-6 Marly limestone 40-120 Hummar A4 Limestone 30-100 Fuheis A3 Marl 30-90 Naur A1-2 Marl, limestone 90-220 Lower Kurnub Subehi K1 120-350 cretaceous Arada K2 Jusrassic Zarqa Azab Z2 Limestone, marl, dolomite, sandstone, 0->600 shale Traissic Main Z1 Sandstone, calcareous sandstone, Silurian limestone, shale, gypsum Silurian Khreim Aina Siltstone, sandstone, shale 0->1000 Batra Mudstone, siltstone 0->1600 Trebeel sandstone 0-130 Umm Tarif Sandstone, siltstone, shale 0->1200 Ordovician Sahl as-sawan Mudstone, siltstone, sandstone 0-200 Ram Amud Sandstone 0->1500 Cambrian Ajram Sandstone 0-500 Burj Siltstone, dolomite, limestone, sandstone 120 salib Arkosic sandstone, conglomerate 750 Precambrian Ingenious and Metamorphic Rocks

Cambrian, Triassic and Cretaceous System are outcrops mainly distributed through the foothills, the escarpment along the Valley, while the Tertiary and Quaternary deposits cover most of the Jordan Valley floor and Wadi Araba areas. Igneous rocks are of limited occurrence and concentrated in the southern parts of the valley within Wadi Araba and Aqaba areas.

10 Contribution to the Hydrogeology of Northern and Central Jordan,A.Margane, 2002.

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Furthermore, the geology and structure in Jordan in general indicates that most of Jordan is subject to earthquake risk, with Dead Sea – Jordan rift, the most likely principle sources of feature events. Historical records show earthquakes with magnitude range of 4-5 have occurred in Amman area and earthquakes with magnitude 5-6.5 have occurred within the JRV area.

4.1.3.2 Lithological Setting

The following sub-sections present the lithological description of the major geological units within the JRV area, with a special focus on the proposed four natural reserves.

(a) The Precambrian Basement Rocks

These oldest igneous and metamorphic rocks of the Nubian-Arabian shield are exposed in the southern and southeastern parts of the country, occupy about 1,400 km2, and extend northwards as far as the southeastern shore of the Dead Sea.

(b) The Triassic – Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous Sedimentary Rocks

This zone is known also by the term “Sandstone of South Jordan” zone. It starts from the southern Araba basin in the southwestern corner of Jordan occupying an area of about 8,000 km2 of thick sequence of sandstone, and overlies unconformable the Pre-Cambrian basement complex. This area is characterized by the extensive outcropping of the Sandstone geological groups, starting with the oldest, these groups are: Rum, Kherim, Zarqa and Kurnub. It is represented by thick, bedded, massive and friable sandstone varying in colour, with some with intercalated beds of carbonate rocks.

The oldest Rum Group underlies the entire area of the country and crops out only in the southern part of Jordan and along Wadi Araba – Dead Sea Rift Valley. It consists mainly of sandstone with few intercalations of siltstone, mudstone, limestone and dolomite.

The Kherim group overlies the Ram Group, and consists of sandstone with intercalations of mudstone, shale and siltstone.

The Zarqa Group is exposed at very limited areas mainly in the eastern Jordan Valley escarpment as a narrow belt and its locally out crops in the study area near Ghore Kabid. It is mainly composed of alternating calcareous sandstones, oolitic marls, blue-gray shales, gray and yellow limestones, crystalline limestones, marly limestones and partly dolomitic limestones with sandy limestone and sandy marls beds.

The youngest Kurnub Group consists mainly of white, multi-coloured and grey sandstone, mostly medium- to coarse-grained, with thin beds of grey and brownish siltstone. In northern Jordan, very fine- to coarse-grained, partly carbonaceous sandstone with intercalations of sandy dolomite, dolomitic limestone, siltstone and shale are common.

The “Triassic – Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous” sandstones are outcropping widely within Jabal Mas'uda area in form of hills (Figure 4) and mountains (Figure 5), and reflect its different formations as friable sandstone and massive sandstone were identified. Furthermore, the different colours of the sandstone such as white, pink in addition to dark Gray, yellowish and brown, reflects the different oxides deposited within the particles of these rocks.

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Figure 4: “Triassic – Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous” sandstone outcrops within Jabal Mas'uda area

Figure 5: “Triassic – Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous” sandstone outcrops within Jabal Mas'uda area

This system consists of a thick sequence of carbonate rocks and represented by two geological groups: the Balqa and Ajloun Groups. The Balqa Group includes five formations (B 1-5) that overly with conformity the Ajloun group that include seven formations (A1-7). The formations of this system are the dominant outcrops within the areas of Al-Yarmouk proposed natural reserve (Figure 6) and Ibn Hammad IEM site (Figure 7) in the northern parts and southern parts of the JRV area, respectively.

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Figure 6: “Upper cretaceous – Lower Tertiary” carbonate rocks outcrops within Al-Yarmouk proposed natural reserve

Figure 7: “Upper cretaceous – Lower Tertiary” carbonate rocks outcrops within Ibn Hammad IEM site

The Lower Ajloun Group

This system is present in most of the country excluding the southern Desert, south of Ras en Naqb escarpment and the southern part of Wadi Sirhan. The Lower Ajloun Group overlies dis- conformably the Kurnub Group. It comprises a Late Cretaceous sequence of carbonate rocks dominated by marl, limestone, dolomite, and shale. The system is characterized by large variations in lithology and thickness. It is mainly outcrops on the slopes of the rift escarpment and the side wadis. The lower Ajloun group include the following formations: the Na'ur Formation (A1/2); the Fuhaies Formation (A3); the Hummar Formation (A4); the Shuayb Formation (A5/6) and the Wadi Sir Formation (A7).

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The Balqa Group

This group consists of a thick sequence of carbonate rocks that consist mainly of limestone and dolomitic limestone, and were divided into the following formations: Wadi Umm Ghudran Formation (B1), Amman Silicified Formation (B2); Muwaqqar Chalk - Marl Formation (B3); Umm Rijam Chert-Limestone Formation (B4) and Wadi Shallala (B5) formation.

(d) Quaternary and Recent Deposits

Jordan Valley Alluvium System

This system comprises Lisan formation and Holocene/recent deposits (gravel and boulders, fan deposits, talus deposits, terrace deposits and river deposits).

Its eastern part lies between the Jordan River in the west and the eastern escarpment of the rift in the east. Furthermore, it extends from the northern shore of the Dead Sea in the south to the downstream part of the Yarmouk River in the north. The total length from north to south is about 100 km. The width ranges from a minimum of 4.5 km in the area of Karamah to a maximum of 13 km in Wadi Hisban area. The average width is about 8 km. The western and southern boundaries of the system are the recharge zone of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.

The thickness of the alluvium in the Jordan Valley varies from zero along the eastern boundary to about 750 m in the deepest part of the basin near the Jordan River. An average thickness of 400 m may be reasonable for the purpose of geo-hydrological considerations. The proposed Fifa natural reserve (Figure 8) is located within this system.

Figure 8: Fifa proposed reserve

(e) Wadi Araba Alluvial System (Upper Tertiary - Quaternary)

This system extends from the southern parts of the Dead Sea area and extends along wadi Araba area to the Gulf of Aqaba. The materials of this system are very heterogeneous, with conglomerates, gravels, sands, silts and clays in some places mixed together, interbedded and/or intercalated.

Qatar proposed reserve is located within this system where the aerial extension of this reserve includes mudflats and sand dunes (Figure 9).

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Figure 9: Qatar proposed reserve

Sand dunes are a major geomorphologic feature that occur frequently in Wadi Araba area. Several types of dunes can be identified such as the star dunes and the sief dunes in addition to the micro scale dunes. Furthermore, sand dunes are a major geomorphologic feature that characterizes Qatar proposed reserve.

Geological maps for the JRV area including the proposed natural reserves are presented in Figure 10 for the northern parts of the JRV (Lake Tiberius in the North to the Dead Sea northern shores in the south) including Al-Yarmouk proposed natural reserve, and Figure 11 for the central parts of the JRV including Fifa proposed natural reserve and Ibn Hammad IEM site, and Figure 12 for the southern parts of the JRV including Qatar and Jabal Mas'uda proposed reserves.

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Figure 10: Geological Map for the Northern Parts of the JRV including Al-Yarmouk proposed natural reserve11

11 Note: Locations do not represent the aerial extension of the proposed reserve.

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Figure 11: Geological Map for the JRV central parts including Fifa Proposed Reserve and Wadi Ibn Hammad IEM site12

12 Note: Locations do not represent the aerial extension of the proposed sites.

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Figure 12: Geological Map for the JRV southern parts including Qatar and Jabal Mas’uda proposed natural reserves13

13 Note: Locations do not represent the aerial extension of the proposed sites.

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4.1.3.3 Soil

In general, the origin of the Jordan Valley soils are lacustrine sediments, in addition to fluviatile and colluvial sediments, originating from the bordering uplands. Detailed field survey conducted in 1993 in Jordan14 shows the following soil groups within the JRV area:

• Jordan Valley: CAMBORTHID • Jordan Valley Escarpment: XEROCHREPT; TORRIORTHENT and CAMBORTHID. • Wadi Araba: TORRIORTHENT; CALCIORTHENT; TORRIPSAMMENT • Wadi Araba Escarpment: XEROCHREPT, TORRIORTHENT ,CAMBORTHID

Furthermore, the soils of the Jordan Valley are classified for agricultural purposes into four major classes (Table 12)15. These are:

• Class-A soil is deep and level and has good permeability, low salinity, and no clay (Marl). This type of soil is suitable for all types of crop. • Class-B soil is similar to Class A but is shallower, less permeable, and slightly more saline. • Class-C and class-D soils are shallow and have high salinity and low permeability, as a result of the impediment offered by its clay layers

Table 12: Main features of agricultural zones in the Jordan Valley, 1998 Characteristics Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Administrative centre North Shuneh Deir Alla South Shuneh Safi Total degree of aridity Semi-arid Semi-arid-arid Arid-severely arid Severely arid Class-A soil area (%) 43 29 18 12 Class-B soil area (%) 41 27 17 13 Class-C soil area (%) 13 12 7 50 Class-D soil area (%) 3 32 58 25

4.1.4 Water Resources

This part of the report presents the current status of the water resources within the JRV area, and the current trends of water usage in the Valley. Water Resources in the JRV area are variable and include surface water and groundwater.

Surface water resources include: the Yarmouk River; the Jordan River, the originated base and flood flows from the eastern side wadis, dams and weirs on most wadis that capture all the base flows and most of the flood flow, and King Abdullah canal which is the spine of the Jordan Valley surface water distribution system, while groundwater sources include water wells and natural springs.

The JRV crosses 6 major water basins within the Jordanian territories. These are from the north to the south: (1) the Yarmouk (2), the Jordan valley rift side wadis (north and south), (3) the Jordan Valley; (4) the Dead Sea, (5) the Northern Wadi Araba; and (6) Southern Wadi Araba Basins (Figure 13).

14 National Soil Survey Project,1993: Ministry of agriculture& Hunting Group 15 Jordan Valley Authority,1998

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Figure 13: Major water basins in Jordan and groundwater safe yield values for each basin (Source: National Water Master Plan, 2003)

4.1.4.1 Major Aquifer Systems

Due to geological specialty of the JRV area, the three major aquifer systems that dominate the hydrogeology of Jordan can be identified along the valley. The following presentation for these aquifers will be related to the Jordan valley area:

• Ram-Zarqa-Kurnub Aquifer System (The Deep sandstone Hydraulic system): It includes the Ram aquifer, the Kherim aquitard, the Zarqa aquifer and the Kurnub aquifer. • Upper Cretaceous Carbonate Aquifer (Middle Aquifer System): It includes the A1/2 aquifer, the A3 aquitard, the A4 aquifer, the A5/6 aquitard and the B2/A7 aquifer.

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The most important unit within this the lower Ajloun group is the Hummer aquifer (A4) in central and north Jordan. However the whole A1/6 group is considered an aquitard on a regional scale, except in the south and southeast of the country where the group becomes lithologically an aquifer. The Junction between the Ajloun and the Balqa aquifer system is the well-known "Amman-Wadi Sir Aquifer”, or “B2/A7”. This aquifer crops out on the highland east of the Rift zone and in most areas dips gently eastwards. In the extreme north dip is directed to the north, towards the Yarmouk River. The overlying Muwaqqar Formation (B3) is an aquitard which confines the A7/B2 aquifer. • Tertiary–Quaternary (Shallow Aquifer) Systems: this system includes the B3 aquitard, the B4/5 aquifer, the Basalt aquifer and the alluvial deposits. The B4/5 aquifer is the most important aquifer within the Tertiary systems, where it considered the major aquifer system in the area northwest of Irbid (in addition to other areas in the eastern and north eastern parts of Jordan), and in the south-eastern parts of Jordan. While the Neogene and younger aquifer systems, include the important Basalt aquifer north of Azraq and in the western Hammad (out of the study area), the Wadi Araba alluvial aquifer, the Jordan Valley alluvial aquifer system, and alluvial deposits at the eastern shore of the Dead Sea.

4.1.4.2 Major Water Basins

I- The Northern Basins

A- Yarmouk River Basin

The western extensions of this basin are located within the Jordan Valley area, where the proposed El-Eshah natural reserve is located in the north within its north-western parts. The total catchment area of the Yarmouk river basin is about 7,250 km2. Major part of this catchment is in Syria whereas only 1,426 km2 lies within the Jordanian territory. Most of the wadis in the Yarmouk basin are ephemeral. Major wadis draining in the Jordanian side of this basin are Wadi Al-Shallalah and Wadi Al Mahasi. During the last decades, large number of reservoirs has been built on the Syrian part of the Yarmouk catchment. This resulted in a significant reduction of base flows and flood flows in the lower part of the river along the Jordanian/Syrian border. The total flow of the Yarmouk River along the Jordanian territories was 68.61 MCM for the year 2004.

Groundwater wise, recharge into this basin in Jordanian territories is primarily from the northern highlands of Jordan and from Jabal el Arab in south Syria.

The major aquifers within this basin are: (i) the alluvial deposits and the B4 of the shallow aquifer system, (ii) the A4 and the B2/A7 of the Middle aquifer system and (iii) the Kurnub of the Deep aquifer system. It receives direct groundwater recharge from infiltration of rainfall over the unconfined section of the aquifers occurring in the upland areas and as subsurface inflow from the adjacent aquifers, mainly from the eastern and northern boundaries. Other inflows originate from Kurnub aquifer in the western part of the basin. Groundwater discharge from the aquifer system takes place mainly through spring and base flow in the side wadis and as subsurface outflows towards Jordan Valley.

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The depth of the groundwater wells varies between 25-400 m while the depth to the groundwater surface varies between 100-280 m. Groundwater levels in this basin are dropping due to the over pumping from this basin wells. Water level records for this basin wells (year 2004) show that the maximum recorded drop in water level was 2.45 m.

B- Jordan Valley Rift Side Wadis Basins

The Jordan rift side wadis basin represents the area between the eastern highland basins and the Jordan Valley basin. The total catchment area of this basin is 1,682 Km2. Major wadis located within this basin from the north to the south are: Wadis El Arab, Ziglab, Jurum, Yabis, Koufranja, Rajib, Shu’eib, Hisban and Kafrein.

The average annual rainfall over the basin ranges from about 100 mm/year on the northern end of the Dead Sea to about 400 mm/year near the Lake Tiberius., with 600 mm/year around Ajloun and Salt. The Rift Side Valleys receive the highest amount of Rainfall in the whole country.

The major aquifers within this basin are: (i) the alluvial deposits of the shallow aquifer system, (ii) the A4 and the B2/A7 of the Middle aquifer system and (iii) the Kurnub of the Deep aquifer system. Most of it is developed. Carbonate aquifers of the Middle Aquifer System that belong to Balqa and Ajloun series are tapped in the area between Wadi Arab to Deir Alla. Kurnub Sandstone aquifer (K) becomes renewable and relatively fresh in this area.

Some wells were drilled in this basin to explore the groundwater potential in deep sandy aquifer (Zarqa Group aquifer of the Lower Aquifer System). In the area south of Deir Alla to Karamah, sandy Facies aquifers are tapped but of poor quality water (brackish groundwater, 3,000 mg/lit to 5,000 mg/lit in TDS). The brackish groundwater in this area has not been exploited yet.

C- The Jordan Valley Basin

The catchment area of the Jordan Valley basin is 775 Km2, representing the area between the Lake Tiberius in the north and the Dead Sea in the south. It stretches over 110 km in length and is about 8 km wide on average.

Groundwater in the Valley Floor is presently utilized for irrigation and domestic supplies. The resources are very well developed particularly in the area between Deir Alla to Sweimeh. Groundwater level in this basin is declining as a result of over abstraction for different purposes.

The major aquifers within this basin are: (i) the alluvial deposits of the shallow aquifer system, (ii) the A4 and the B2/A7 of the Middle aquifer system and (iii) the Kurnub and Rum of the Deep aquifer system. While, the depth of the groundwater wells varies between 100-300 m while the depth to the groundwater surface varies between 20-80 m.

II- Dead Sea Basin/s (Wadi Mujib, Wadi Hasa and Dead Sea Rift Side Wadis)

This basin consists of the catchment areas of several wadis that discharge directly into the Dead Sea. This group of basins comprises wadis Mujib and Hasa, and the Dead Sea Rift Side wadis.

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Mujib and Hasa are the two major wadis in the Dead Sea basin. The Wadi Mujib system comprises the Walla, Swaqa, Heidan and Mujib wadis, with a total catchment area of about 6,700 km2, while Wadi Hasa catchment area is about 2,600 km2.

The Dead Sea rift side wadis basin has a catchment area of 1525 Km2 including from the north to the south the following major wadis: Wadi Zarqa Ma’in, Wadi Ibn Hammad, Wadi Karak, Wadi Fifa, and Wadi Khueizira. The general trend of the drainage pattern is towards the Dead Sea. The upper reaches of the wadis lying in the eastern desert area are flat, while they tend to be narrow and incised in the western highlands flanking the Dead Sea.

With regard to the groundwater resources, Aquifers of this basin are being drained by deeply incised wadis in a westerly direction towards the Dead Sea. Over exploitation of the available groundwater resources during the last decade, has resulted in water level declines and ceasing off some of spring and base flows, particularly in Mujib basin.

The major aquifers within this basin are: (i) the alluvial deposits of the shallow aquifer system, (ii) the A4 and the B2/A7 of the Middle aquifer system and (iii) the Kurnub and Rum of the Deep aquifer system. The depth of the groundwater wells varies between 40-1,000 m while the depth to the groundwater surface varies between 20-300 m.

Groundwater levels in this basin are dropping due to the over pumping from this basin wells. Water level records for this basin wells (year 2004) show that the maximum drop of water level recorded was 8.31 m.

III- Wadi Araba North and Wadi Araba South Basins

This Basin is draining into the Dead Sea through Wadi Araba. It extends from the southern end of the Dead Sea to almost the middle region of Wadi Araba at the divide between the North and South Araba Basins with a total catchment area of 2,953 Km2. Major Wadis within this basin are Khnizera and Fidan.

Wadi Araba south basin drains towards the Red Sea, with a catchment area of 3,725 km2 within the Jordanian territories. It is extremely arid. The main sub-catchment is Wadi El Yutum which is draining towards Aqaba.

Groundwater resources in Wadi Araba North and Wadi Araba south basins are not well developed and occur mainly within the valley fill deposits and accordingly, the water level is highly affected by the rain events. Water level records for this basin wells (year 2004) show that the maximum drop of water level recorded was 5 m in some wells, while the maximum elevating water level was 0.38 m.

The major aquifers within these basins are: (i) the alluvial deposits of the shallow aquifer system,(ii) the B2/A7 of the Middle aquifer system (for north Wadi Araba basin) and (iii) the Kurnub and of the Deep aquifer system.

In average, the depth of the groundwater wells varies between 150-500 m while the depth to the groundwater surface varies between 25-120 m. Drilling in these areas indicates low to moderate well yields.

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4.1.4.3 Surface Water Resources Potential and Management

The preliminary surface water potentials within the JRV depend on the base flow and the flood flow. These resources are characterized by scarcity, variability, and uncertainty. This issue can be related to the high annual variations in precipitation between the dry and wet years. Table 13, which presents the annual flow volumes within the JRV surface water basins, supports the above statement.

Table 13: Annual Flow Volumes in MCM/year for Main Basins16 Base Rainfall Flood flow (MCM) Flow (MCM) Long Term Basin Code Average Rainfall Annual Dry Wet Average 61 Median Average Average Rainfall Year Year Years (mm) (MCM) Yarmouk AD 293 439 5.3 15.7 40.8 22.4 18.8 (Jordan) North Rift Valley AE,AF, 599 584 5.1 13.5 28.8 18 31.8 Side Wadis AG,AH South Rift Valley AM,AN, 404 293 7.7 17.5 40.6 25.1 29.4 Side Wadis AP Jordan Valley AB 300 233 1.6 4.4 12.1 8.3 -NA Dead Sea Rift C 178 290 6.6 15.1 34 21.7 22.6 Side Wadis W. Mujib CD 132 884 10.6 30.7 115.2 70.9 35 Hasa CF 128 334 2.1 5.4 15.3 13.1 28 W. Araba North D 135 403 7.6 16.2 53.6 34.2 11.7 Wadi Araba E 37 138 0 1.2 11.3 7.8 0 South Jordan 120.5 235.9 524.6 365.1 229.9 Source: Flood flow data from rainfall-runoff model, years 1937/38 – 2002/03. Dry Year = 20% Percentile, Wet Year = 80% Percentile. Yarmouk base flow from rainfall-runoff model

(a) Storage Dams

Several dams were established on the downstream portion of the major wadis draining towards and within the JRV area. The purpose of constructing these dams is one or more of the following:

• To control the flood flow that originates from the side wadis for protecting the different human establishments and the agricultural lands within the Jordan valley area. • To implement best management practices with the base and flood flows that run in the side wadis along the Jordan valley through using part of this water for irrigation purposes, and covering part of the domestic usage for the settlements in the Jordan Valley and the highlands. • To participate in recharging the groundwater aquifers and springs down stream of these dams.

16 Ministry of Water & Irrigation: The National Water Master Plan,2003

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Summary information about the dams within the Jordan Valley area, and the dams providing water to the surface water system in the JRV area are presented in Table 14.

Table 14: Existing storage Dams Located Within JRV area and/or Supplying the JRV Surface Water System17 Catchment Live Basin Name of Completion Area Storage Purposes Water Resource Code Dam Year & Type (km2) (MCM) A Wadi El- 1986- Earth 262 16.9 Irrigation of From KAC in winter and Arab fill 12,500 dunum in the floods of Wadi El- the northern JV, Arab domestic water supply, power generation A Wadi 1967- Earth 106 3.9 Irrigation of Flood and base flows of Ziglab fill 12,500 dunum in Wadi Ziglab the northern JV AL King Talal 1977 /1987- 3,700 75 Irrigation of Zarqa River and As- Earthfil 82,000 dunum in Samra TP wastewater the middle JV, power generation A Kafrein 1996- Erath 163 8.5 Irrigation of Flood and base flows of Fill 1,274 dunum Wadi Kafrein upstream of KAC A Wadi 1969- Earth 178 2.1 Irrigation of Base and flood flows of Shueib Fill 2,500 dunum and Wadi Shueib artificial recharge A Al 1997- Earth 61 55 Irrigation of Surplus water from KAC Karamah Fill 40,000 dunum in in winter the southern JV CD Wala 2003- 1770 9.3 Multi-purpose Flood and base flows RCC/Earth from Wadi Walla Fill (Heidan) CF Tannour 2003- RCC 2160 16.8 Multi-purpose Flood and base flows from Wadi Hasa

Further more, the MWI/JVA is planning to construct a storage dam on the down stream portion of Wadi Ibn Hammad to collect the base flow and flood flow of the wadi.

(b) King Abdullah Canal

The backbone of the water distribution system (mainly for irrigation) in the JRV is the King Abdullah Canal, which was built in several stages from 1959 to 1989, and considered as the main national carrier in Jordan. The canal now stretches over a total length of 110 km from Yarmouk River at Adasiyeh to almost the shores of the Dead Sea.

The King Abdullah Canal is a transport open canal, with a maximum width of 11.30 m, a maximum (water) depth of 2.80 m and a maximum conveyance capacity of approximately 20 m3/s. The water resources for the canal come from the Yarmouk River, the conveyer from Lake Tiberius, King Talal Dam, Mukheiba wells, the side wadis in the northern part of the Valley and the side wadis in the southern part of the Valley.

17 Ministry of Water & Irrigation: The National Water Master Plan, 2003.

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King Abdullah surface water delivering system (Figure 14) includes 6 retention reservoirs, with a total storage capacity of 165 million m3. Five of these reservoirs (with a storage capacity of 110 million m3) are normal retention reservoirs that hold the surplus discharge of their respective rivers. The sixth, Karamah Dam, is an intermediate reservoir that is filled with surplus water from other water sources, conveyed by the King Abdullah Canal in winter. The stored water is used in summer for irrigation.

Figure 14: King Abdullah Canal water distribution system

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4.1.4.4 Groundwater Usage

Groundwater resources in the JRV are used to cover: (i) the different water demands for the concentrated population in the valley area (domestic and agriculture), (ii), the water demands for the industrial establishments ,(iii) and the water demands touristic establishment located in the valley. Furthermore, major part of these resources are used to cover part of the increasing water demands for major cities located on the eastern highlands especially in the northern and central parts of Jordan where the majority of Jordan population (>65%) is concentrated.

Following is a statistical summary for the groundwater usage in the Jordan Valley based on the available data from the Jordan rift side wadis basin, the Jordan Valley basin, and the Dead Sea basin (details are presented in Table 15). These basins were selected since they are the dominant in the JRV area and where the major settlements, agricultural, and industrial and touristic activities are located/ practiced.

• Domestic demands: the wells used for this purpose were 166, with a total abstraction of 61.423 MCM/year. • Irrigation demands: the wells used for this purpose were 523, with a total abstraction rate of 58.34 MCM/year. • Industrial Demands: the wells used for this purpose were 55, with a total abstraction rate of 11.781 MCM/Year.

Table 15: Water Consumption Status for the Ground Water Basins located, “and/or” extending Within the Jordan Valley Area-Year 2001 Ground Water Jordan Rift Jordan Dead Northern Southern Yarmouk Basins side Wadis Valley Sea Wadi Araba Wadi Araba Safe Yield 40 15 21 57 3.5 5.5 MCM/year Private Number of 4 1 0 10 NA NA Drinking water wells Amount 1.17 0.076 0.021 2.835 NA NA MCM Public Drinking Number of 27 21 41 93 NA NA water wells Amount 8.978 17.036 7.427 34.028 NA 1.061 MCM Industrial Number of 3 0 2 53 NA NA wells Amount 0.291 0 0.035 11.431 2.784 0.157 MCM Irrigation Number of 114 52 213 258 NA wells Amount 36.535 4.644 27.388 26.31 0.563 3.695 MCM Livestock Number of 0 0 0 4 NA NA wells Amount 0 0 0 0.113 NA NA MCM Total Extraction Amount 46.974 21.756 34.871 74.717 3.541 5.016 MCM/2001 MCM Balance MCM/ -6.974 -6.756 -13.871 -17.717 -0.041 0.484 year Total number of 148 74 256 418 NA NA wells used

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On the other hand, according to the provided data from the Jordan Valley Authority18, the total water consumption within the JRV area (Table 16) increased from 208.024MCM in the year 2003 to 221.126 MCM in the year 2004. More than 75% of this quantity was used for irrigation purposes.

Table 16: Water Consumption in the Jordan Valley Area Water Usage Year 2003 Year 2004 Water Quantities used for irrigation purposes 169.525 170.525 Water Quantities used for drinking purposes 38.499 50.603 Total 208.024 221.126

It should be noted that major part of the used water for irrigation purposes is sourced from the surface water resources within the JRV area, while the used water for drinking purpose is sourced from the groundwater wells in the Valley.

(a) Natural Water Springs

Being an important source for water in the JRV area, the current status of the natural springs within the JRV area is discussed within this section of the report. JRV area characterize by the presence of large number of natural water springs, which is close to 400 springs19. The discharge rate of these springs varies between <1m3/hr to more than 100 m3/hr. These springs are emerging from the foothills surrounding the Jordan Valley area, or from the alluvial bed of the bottom Jordan valley. The JRV springs can be defined within three groups. These are:

1- Fresh water springs: Such springs with high discharge rate are used to cover part of the national domestic water demands in Jordan. A good example of such springs is the Mukheiba spring flow and Tabaqat Fahl “spring/wells” located in the northern parts of the JRV area. While fresh springs with low discharge rate such as Al-Hujeijeh, Abu Zaid and Al-Bida Springs are used by the locals to cover part of their daily water demands and for irrigation.

2- Brackish water springs: The best example for such springs are the Zara Ma’in springs which are going to be desalinized (through a project funded by the USAID) and the outcome water will be pumped to Amman to cover part of its increasing water demands. Furthermore, some of these springs, such as Sadiya Um Beirreh Spring in the northern JRV area, are used by the local farmers for irrigation purposes.

3- Thermal Springs: Thermal springs are generally restricted to the rift zone between the southern end of the Dead Sea and Lake Tiberius. These springs range in temperature between 31-60 °C. Table 17 presents a review for some of the major thermal springs in the Jordan valley area.

18 Ministry of Water and Irrigation- Statistical Yearly Book,2004 19 Personal communication-Ministry of water and irrigation,2005

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Table 17: Major thermal springs within JRV area20 Name of the Geothermal Temp. Flow Rate TDS Remarks field (°C) (m3/hr) (ppm) Himmeh springs 38-44 300-3000 650-885 Two major springs, high H2S concentration. Mukheibeh wells/springs 30-41 200-6000 600-800 Seven artesian wells, high H2S concentration. North Shuneh well 57 700 775 Artesian well, high H2S concentration. Zara Springs 34-55 1-255 950-1200 44 springs, high H2S & Radon concentration. Zarqa Ma’in Springs 30-63 1-350 1800- 60 springs, high H2S & Radon 2500 concentration. W. Ibn Hammad springs 35-41 1-25 600-900 Nine springs, high iron oxides concentration. Burbeitta spring 39 315 590 High CO2concentration. Afra Springs 45-47 376 570 Three springs, high iron oxides & Radon concentration.

A study carried out by Prof. E. Salameh, et. al 199121 shows that the thermal water resources in Jordan are very useful in treating several diseases with various degrees of success. For example, thermal water of Zara and Zarqa Ma’in springs is quite useful in treating Osteo Arthritis, Degenerative Disc and Post Traumatic. Thermal water of North Shuneh is good for cervical spondylosing, while the thermal water of Afra and Burbeitta is quite good in treating Degenerative Disc and Post Traumatic problems. In Zarqa Ma’in area, the thermal water is utilized for medical purposes through a modern spa constructed in the area.

4.1.4.5 Water Quality

The natural quality of the wadis flowing within JRV has been good. This is particularly valid for flood flows. Some of the wadi base flows have higher salinities as they are fed from saline springs. Of the international rivers, Yarmouk has excellent water quality, while Jordan River water is rather saline and hardly useable without treatment.

Today, basically three different sources of pollution of surface water bodies can be distinguished:

• Natural elevated salinity levels originating from saline springs. • Increased salinity levels due to drainage from agricultural areas. • General pollution (also organic and bacteriological) from the release of insufficiently treated wastewaters.

The overall quality of the groundwater resources in the JRV area can be considered good. Nevertheless, the ground water quality problems that can be distinguished within the Valley are:

• Increase in groundwater salinity of many shallow groundwater wells in the past years due to over pumping. • Chemical and biological contamination (specifically noticed in some shallow groundwater wells and springs) as a result of over usage of fertilizers and the unwise disposal of fluid wastes.

20 Modified after “Geothermal Energy Resources in Jordan, Country update Report-Ali Swarieh, 2000 Jordanian Geological Association. Natural Resources Authority,. Amman. Jordan. 21 Salameh E., Rimawi O. and Hamed KH., (1991). Curative thermal and mineral water in Jordan. Water Resources Center Issue. No.-15. Jordan University-Amman.

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4.1.5 Fluid and Solid Wastes Management System

Two fluid waste treatment stations are located in the Jordan Valley area. These are Wadi Al-Arab Station in the northern parts of the Jordan Valley and Tal-Al- Mantah station to the west of Deir Alla. Thus, the usage of permeable and impermeable cesspits is the dominant method for disposing the fluid wastes in the majority of the settlements within the whole Jordan Valley area.

Currently, a project funded by the USAID is aiming to establish a wastewater treatment station in the Northern parts of the JRV area to serve the scattered settlements located in that area. This project is in the final design stages.

A total number of six solid waste dumping sites (Table 18) are serving the JRV area. These stations are concentrated in the central and southern parts of the JRV area, while the northern parts of the Valley depend on Al-Ekaider site for solid waste disposal.

Table 18: Major solid waste dumping sites in the Jordan Valley22 Received Area Operation Name Governorate Quantities Notes (Dunum)* Year (tons/day) Dheban Madaba NA 1990 20 Closed in 2004 Deir Alla Balqa 300 1998 250 Receive about 80 tons from Koufranja area South Shuneh Balqa NA 1988 45 Ghore Al-Mazra Karak 205 1997 20 Not licensed Ghore Al-Safi Karak 153 1997 25 Al-Aqaba Aqaba 60 2000 115 Not suitable and needs a new location Note: 1 Dunum = 1,000 m2

The JRV area is suffering from a serious fluid and solid waste management problem. Details for this problem are presented in Section 4.1.7 .

4.1.6 Air Quality and Noise Level Status

Based on the geographic extension of the project area, the overall noise levels can be considered low. For more specific discussion, the noise level status within the Jordan Valley area is as follows:

• Within the northern parts of the Valley, there is no major source for noise or severe noise. The noise levels are regular and reflect the normal human activities. • Within the central parts of the Jordan Valley, especially within the northern and central parts of the Dead Sea area, the sources of noise are the touristic establishments. In general the noise in this zone can be considered higher than the northern parts. • Within the southern parts of the Dead Sea area, the major sources of noise are the ongoing industrial activities by the potash company and its associated companies. • Within the southern parts of the Jordan Valley including Wadi Araba area, the transportation of the potash company products by heavy trucks using the Dead Sea road to

22 Ministry of Enviornmnet, 2005.

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Aqaba port, contributes to elevation of the noise level along the scattered neighbourhoods located in this zone and close to the road. Nevertheless, the noise levels within this area can be considered low to moderate.

With the regard to air quality, the overall status of air can be considered good. Localized sources of air quality deterioration include:

• The quarries especially in the central and southern parts of the Jordan Valley area. • The ongoing industrial activities by the potash company in the southern parts of the Dead Sea area. • The movement of the heavy trucks (with diesel engines) transporting the potash company products to Aqaba area.

4.1.7 Existing Challenges to the Physical Environment

Following is a presentation for the major environmental issues of concern with relation to the JRV physical environment. Nevertheless, the government of Jordan and in association with the national funding agencies such as the World Bank, UNDP, USAID, GTZ and JICA is implementing serious efforts to solve, reduce the magnitude and control these issues.

4.1.7.1 Shrinkage of the Dead Sea Area

The Dead Sea and its Basin are suffering degradation processes induced mainly by anthropogenic unsustainable development actions. In the last 30 years, the level of the Dead Sea has dropped more than 20 meters and its surface area has shrunk by 30%. Presently the Dead Sea surface level is at -418 m BSL23. The level has fluctuated throughout the recorded time. During the last 50 years its decline has been rapid. The level has dropped 15 m since 1955, with 12 m coming since 1970, where the current rate is about 0.5 m24.

The deterioration of the Dead Sea area on the long run can lead to the following environmental problems:

• Decrease in the surface area of the Dead Sea and evaporation ponds (Table 19). • Increase in the quantity of fresh water lateral and horizontal seepage to the Dead Sea. • Acceleration of the occurrence of sinkholes and increase in the area of the present sinkholes. Details are presented in Section 4.1.7.3. • Increase in the aerial extension of the salty soil areas. • Increase in the quantity of salty particles within the local atmosphere. • Degradation of specific flora types related to the Dead Sea environment.

23 A Future for The Dead Sea: Options for a More Sustainable Water Management- European Commission Fifth RTD Framework Programme, 2005. 24 Jordan Rift valley Integrated Development study-Environmental Profile (Draft), 1996.

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Table 19: Changes in the surface area of the Dead Sea and Evaporation Ponds as observed from Satellite Images25 Surface Area Dead Sea Total Surface Evaporation Area Year (Km2) (Km2) 1947 1,031 1,031 1965 973 989 1973 925 951 1985 676 920 1987 665 895 1991 655 894 1997 651 906 2000 640 900 2004 634 888

4.1.7.2 Change in the Natural Morphology and Landscape

This issue is mainly focused in the central and southern parts of the Jordan Valley area and is represented by:

• The presence of the soil and rock quarries on the hills of the eastern escarpment (see Figure 15). • The ongoing industrial activities by the potash company and its associated companies have participated and continue to participate in changing the local geomorphology of the Dead Sea area through: Reducing the area of the Dead Sea. Increasing the area of salty mud flats. Increasing the number of evaporation ponds and dams. • Uncontrolled touristic development within the northern parts of the Dead Sea area, represented by the establishment of huge modern hotels.

Figure 15: Soil and rock quarries on the hills of the eastern escarpment

25 A Future for The Dead Sea: Options for a More Sustainable Water Management- European Commission Fifth RTD Framework Programme, 2005.

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4.1.7.3 The Sinkholes Phenomena

This phenomenon usually occurs in the middle parts of the Jordan Valley area close to the Dead Sea and also in Ghore Al-Safi and Ghore Hadietha areas. Also, it was reported in Wadi Ibn Hammad area.

Sinkholes are a circular shape holes with a diameter varying between less than 1 m to more than 10 m, while the internal area of these holes is unlimited and needs geophysical survey for identification. Sinkholes can be classified into three types according to the area of occurrence and include gravely sinkholes, clayey sinkholes and gravely/clayey sinkholes.

Sinkholes phenomena can be related most probably to the action of fresh water in dissolving subsurface salt layers, where it was accelerated by the drop in the Dead Sea water level. Another reason behind the sinkholes was attributed to tectonic movements (Potash company report, 1994).

4.1.7.4 Over abstraction and Pollution of Natural Water Resources

• Over abstraction of Water Resources: The Jordan Valley area, as well as the rest of Jordan, is suffering from a permanent shortage in water resources to cover continued increase in water demands. The available groundwater resources are not able to cover the continued increase in the water demand for domestic, agricultural, industrial and touristic needs. This issue can be related to the sharp increase in population, the ongoing development in national economy, in addition to the unwise usage of water in the agricultural sector.

• Water Quality Deterioration: Such issue is defined by (i) the salinity increase in many groundwater wells (especially the wells penetrating the shallow aquifer system)due to over pumping; and the over usage of fertilizers, (ii) increase in nitrate concentration in several shallow wells and springs due to the over usage of fertilizers, and (iii) the inappropriate waste disposal mechanism.

• Unwise usage of irrigation Water: As presented in Section 4.1.3.2-(c), more than 75% of the water resources in the JRV area are used for agricultural purposes. Major part of this water is used to irrigate low income crops mainly vegetables. Simple cost benefit analysis can show that the generated income from these crops is much less than the value of the used irrigation water.

4.1.7.5 Absence of Appropriate Fluid Wastes Management System

The current number of fluid waste treatment stations is not sufficient to cover the increasing quantities for wastewater resulting from the different human activities in the JRV area. Thus, the dominant method for wastewater disposal is the usage of permeable (in most cases) and impermeable cesspits.

In many cases, septage haulers serving in the JRV area pump out septage (cesspits effluent and sludge) from residential and commercial households to transport it to the nearest wastewater treatment stations. However, instead of that, the haulers dump it in the nearby wadis.

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Implemented methods of current fluid wastes disposal have a major negative impact on the surrounding environment represented by (i) polluting the surface and groundwater resources in the JRV area and (ii) affecting the public health.

Also, another reason behind this problem is the municipalities' disability for conducting continuous monitoring (each in its area) all over the JRV area. Figure 16 reflects this statement as it presents inappropriate fluid disposal by one of the quarries located opposite to the Dead Sea shore.

Figure 16: Inappropriate fluid disposal by a quarry located opposite to Dead Sea shore

4.1.7.6 Inappropriate Solid Waste Management System

JRV area lacks an appropriate solid waste management system, which was translated to a regional problem all over the Valley area. Causes for such a problem can be related to one or more of the following reasons:

• The weak financial status of the JRV municipalities, which causes the following: Municipality’s disability to get modern solid waste collection and compaction machines. Disability of conducting continuous and comprehensive maintenance to the used machinery. Disability for conducting continuous monitoring (each municipality in its area) all over the JRV area. • The non-comprehensive land use planning in the JRV area. • The implemented dumping methodology depends on shallow dumping without any lining. • The absence of training programs for the workers in this field. • The weak implementation of public awareness programmes for the JRV residents. Figure 17 shows solid wastes dumped in the upstream part of Wadi Ibn Hammad.

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Figure 17: Solid waste dumped at the upstream part of Wadi Ibn Hammad

4.1.7.7 Overuse of Fertilizers and Pesticides

The over usage of fertilizers and pesticides is a common practice in the JRV area. Such practices can be related to the following three factors:

• The farmers need to accelerate the growing of the crops. • The farmers need to maximize the crops production. • Limited educational level among major part of the farmers.

4.2 Biological Environment

4.2.1 Biogeography

Being a bridge connecting three continents, Asia, Africa, and Europe, it supports a wide variety of habitat types such as riparian, marsh, grassland, scrub and arid desert. A wide variety of habitats can be found along the Valley, due to its complex geology and great altitudinal range, ranging from Mediterranean, to non forest Mediterranean along the margins which are considered transitional zones, to Irano-Turanean to Afro tropical habitats.

The Valley is a very important unit for the ecology of Jordan due to the wide diversity of faunal species and its importance as a major migration route for birds in the Middle East and the presence of several bottlenecks for soaring birds that are in the Jordan Rift Valley.

The area under consideration encompasses a series of distinctive geographic sections: the Jordan River Valley, the Yarmouk river valley, the Dead Sea and its eastern escarpments, the southern Ghores south of Dead Sea and the arid Wadi Araba.

Therefore, the Jordan Valley with its great topographical and climatic variations has resulted in hosting a large variety of arid ecosystems in a relatively small area. Population distribution is directly related to the availability of water resources within the valley, being concentrated in the area north of Dead Sea where domestic and irrigation water are available.

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The Jordan Rift Valley itself, the northern extension of the Great Rift Valley of east Africa, consists of the subtropical Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Wadi Araba, each with its typical flora and fauna, showing manifest affinities to the Afro tropical region. Parallel to the rift valley run the rift margins and adjacent highlands, which can be subdivided in many faunal regions varying eminently along longitudinal and altitudinal gradients.

Habitats range here from deep rocky gorges to flat slopes and plateaux covered by steppe vegetation, dense hydrophytes vegetation along water streams, farmland and Mediterranean woodlands.

These areas are home of a variety of resident and breeding birds, in addition to lying on one of the main routes of birds migrating between Eurasia and Africa. These migrants include several globally endangered species, which depend on the natural habitats of the rift and adjacent mountains for resting and feeding.

In conclusion the Jordan Valley consists of the following Bio-geographic zones (Figure 18):

1- Mediterranean 2- Irano-Turanian 3- Saharo Arabian 4- Sudanian penetration zone or the Afro tropical zone

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Figure 18: Bio-geographic zones of the Jordan Valley

4.2.2 Biological Habitat

The Jordan Rift Valley holds many large and internationally important ecosystems, including desert, mountains, wetlands, sea and forest; e.g. the Dead Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Jordan and Yarmouk river systems, as well as numerous specialized habitats of regional importance ranging from deep rocky gorges to flat slopes and plateau covered by steppe vegetation, dense hydrophytic vegetation along water streams, farmland and Mediterranean woodlands.

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4.2.2.1 Terrestrial Habitats

Biological habitats in general can be classified according dominant vegetation communities, which in turn corresponds to the physical-geographical location, local altitude, climatic conditions, and dominant soil types.

Terrestrial habitats identified within the Jordan Rift Valley include 26 different types. Table 20 summarises to these habitats and the existence within the valley according to the dominant vegetation communities.

4.2.2.2 Wetland Habitats

Jordan lies on the major migrating route of North Pole arctic waterfowl. Although in the past few years the majority of migrating waterfowl has shifted from Azraq area to the Jordan Valley, due to the dryness of Azraq qaa caused by over extraction of underground water, migrating waterfowl nowadays disperse to different water bodies all over the Jordan Valley (see Figure 19) which gives it a vital importance.

Figure 19: Wetland habitat at wadi Ibn Hammad

There are smaller wetland areas that are important for the migrating or over wintering waterfowl. These occur in three main areas, which are: 1) North Jordan Valley 2) Middle Jordan Valley 3) South Jordan valley.

The hydrofaunal diversity of the above mentioned semi wetland areas are not thoroughly surveyed yet, certain floral and faunal key species are known up-to-date. Floral species such as Phragmites communis., Juncus maritimus. and Nerium oleandor, and faunal wetland species such as Rana Ridibunda, Hyla arborea, lutra lutra. Tilapia spp., Natrix tessellata, Barbus spp., Aphanius spp., Gara sp., Claris lazera.

Jordan's Valleys wetlands vary from salt marshes to hyper saline marine ecotypes to estuaries and permanent small water bodies to man-made water reservoirs and sewage treatment plants. Any water body in such semi arid areas is of significant importance for the survival of migrating waterfowl.

Nineteen wetlands exist in the Jordan Valley of which thirteen are considered as important ecological sites for their cleansing potential and their importance as stops on international bird

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The conservation of wetland habitats is marked as a high priority in the Jordan Rift Valley.

Figure 20: Wetlands in the Jordan Valley (Source: RSCN)

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4.2.3 Naturality

Much of the Northern Jordan Valley has lost its naturality due to many human impacts and developments. However, the Yarmouk basin still maintains such naturality. In the Dead Sea area both Fifa and Mujib still maintain certain level of naturality and only some pockets in Wadi Araba are still natural and relatively pristine areas such as Qatar. Jabal Mas'uda which occupies extensive area of land ranging between mountain and badia ecosystems also relatively maintain naturality.

4.2.4 Fragility

Theoretically, aridity is considered as a key natural underlying factor for ecosystems and habitat fragility. Man induced factors such as unsustainable use of natural and biological resources and the mismanagement of land use contribute to the natural fragility characteristic of these systems rather than being primary cause. Most of the ecosystems of the Jordan Valley and in particular wetlands are very fragile systems due in principle to the harsh environmental conditions in addition to the contribution of millennia of overuse and mismanagement. The most fragile areas are: Yarmouk basin. Sweimeh, Jordan River, Mujib, Fifa and Qatar. The Acacia woodlands of Wadi Araba are also very fragile systems that host and support many rare and restricted species of Jordan and the region.

4.2.5 Rarity

Rarity is the one aspect of biodiversity conservation that has generally received most attention and, as a consequence, managers are usually aware of the most rare and endangered habitats and species on their sites. These will feature prominently in any management plan.

Rarity has much to do with the bio-geographic characteristics of the study area, especially being a bridge between three elements of biological diversity: Ethiopian, European and Palearctic origins.

Untouched and remote areas such as Yarmouk basin, Jordan River, Sweimeh, Mujib, Fifa and other areas of Wadi Araba are rare ecosystems that need management and protection at the same time they maintain rare, endemic and threatened species to Jordan and the world.

Many floral and faunal species use these areas as their last refuge against the massive development of the Jordan Valley and the degradation of its habitats and species.

4.2.6 Species Diversity

4.2.6.1 Flora

(a) Vegetation Communities

There have been several efforts to map the vegetation communities of the Jordan Valley. Of these are Al-Eisawi 1985, Poore and Robertson, 1964, Albert et al. 2003. The later identified the following vegetation types that occur within the study area (according to elevation):

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1- Mediterranean that includes two distinctive vegetation types a. Quercus ithaburensis at Yarmouk, Um Qais and Pella b. Juniperus phoenicea at Dana, Petra and Mas'uda

2- Irano-Turanian with the following general vegetation types: a. Steppe bushes of Artemisia herba alba of the overlooking mountainous ridges which extends from Yarmouk south to Dead sea area at Mujib. b. Mixed steppe vegetation and Saharo Arabian vegetation which extends from Yarmouk in the North to Wadi Araba area in the south.

3- Saharo Arabian with one vegetation type represented by the desert scrub on limestone and marls which extends from Sweimeh at the tip of Dead Sea to Aqaba in the south.

4- Sudanian penetration zone or the Afro tropical zone which encompasses various vegetation types: a. Ziziphus spina-christi and Balanites aegyptia formations with two concentrations. One to the north of Dead Sea and the other extends between wadi Mujib to south of Safi. b. Salt vegetation in the areas surrounding the Dead Sea c. Mud flats: mainly in Wadi Araba region. d. Sand dunes which extends from south of Safi till Aqaba. e. Acacia scattered and wood lands extending in the area south of Safi till Aqaba.

Table 20 lists in more details the different plant communities and their occurrence in different zones of the Valley, Northern which extends from Yarmouk to Shuneh North, Middle: North Shuneh-Dead Sea Basin, and southern segment south of Dead Sea.

Table 20: Different plant communities and their occurrence in different zones of the Valley Localities Range Type Plant Associations Northern Middle Southern Artemisia brush (Steppe Centaurea damascena and Lactuca orientalis, x x vegetation) along Poa sinaica and Stipa lagascae escarpments Artemisia. sieberi and Anabasis aphylla Artemisia brush (Steppe Sarcopoterium spinosum and Artemisia. sieberi x x vegetation) along Ononis natrix and Anchusa strigosa (in parts) escarpments Centaurea damascena and Lactuca orientalis (in parts) A. sieberi, Poa sinaica and Stipa lagascae (in parts) A.herba alba and Anabasis aphylla (in parts) Retama raetam and Rhus tripartia (in parts) Salsola rigida and Anabasis articulata (in parts) Achillea frangritissima, A. aphylla and Artemisia sieberi (in parts) Sarcopoterium spinosum Sarcopoterium spinosum x scrub (non forest Mediteranean) Steep limestone scarps Ononis natrix, Anchusa strigosa, Salvia x x dominica and Ballota undulata Degraded Mediterranean O. natrix, A. strigosa, Salvia dominica and x x Ballota undulata Steppe communities Retama raetam and Rhus tripartia x x

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Localities Range Type Plant Associations Northern Middle Southern Salt bush Seidlitizia rosmarinus and Salsola vermiculata In part In part Vegetation complex of JV and Wadi Araba Reed swamps and Nitraria retusa and Salvadora persica

Nitraria retusa and Vegetation complex of JV and Wadi Araba In part Largely Salvadora persica Haloxylon persicum Hammada salicornicum, Artemisia judaica and x communities Haloxylon. persicum Alluvia fans on granite Anabasis articulata and Acacia tortilis x Zilla and annual grasses Zilla spinosa and A. articulata In part X Echiochilon fruticosum, Helianthemum sessiliforme and Rhantherium gracini Haloxylon on gradual fans Anabasis articulata and Acacia tortilis In part Largely and gradual slopes Brush on gravel plains ? X Sandy wadis with H. Hammada salicornicum, Artemisia judaica and x persicum H. persicum Boulder wadi bottoms Hammada. salicornicum, A. jaudaica and A. X tortilis Boulder wadi bottoms H. salicornicum, A. jaudaica and A. tortilis X with Leptadenia and Calloginum Desert scrub on limestone ? Largely Largely x and marls Flat silty wadi spreads A. sieberi and Achillea fragrantissima In part Weathered sandstones Juniperus phoenica In part Sandy wadis bordered by H. salicornicum and A. jaudaica Largely R. raetum Bare bed rock In part x Largely Scattered Acacia in wadis Anabasis articulata and Acacia tortilis x H. salicornicum, A. jaudaica and A. tortilis Open acacia woodland Anabasis articulata and Acacia tortilis x H. salicornicum, A. jaudaica and A. tortilis Wadis with Oleander x x In part Scattered trees of Sarcopoterium spinosum and A. sieberi In part Rhamnus, Pistacia and Ononis natrix and Anchusa strigosa Crataegus Coppiced Oak Quercus aegilops, Q. ithaburensis, Ceratonia, x Olea europea and Calycotome villosa Mud flats In part In part Largely Cultivation Largely Largely In parts

(b) Wetland Plant Communities in the Jordan Valley

In the Jordan Valley wetlands, plant communities vary according to the degree of salinity in water from different sources such as agricultural runoff (which is typically very saline) to water from wadis and springs, which are less saline. Al-Khader (2000) outlines the typical conversion to halophytic communities as follows:

• Very low salinity riparian habitats are characterised by willows (Salix spp.), poplars (Populus spp.) and oleander (Nerium oleander), while hydrophytic (water, or permanently wetted substrate) communities are typified by cattail (Typha angustifolia), reeds

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(Phragmites australis), nutsedge or flatsedge (Cyperus spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.) and Vitex antuscastus. • Moderately saline environments are indicated by Nitraria retusa and Alhagi maurorum. • High saline wetlands are converted to Arthrocnemum fruticosum, Suaeda vera, S. fruticosa, S. palaestina, S. vermiculata, S. aegyptiaca, certain rushes (Juncus acutus ssp., J. bufonius, J. maritimus), Aeluropus littoralis, Desmostachya bipinata, Polypogon spp., Tamarix (Tamarix passeerinoides), Lycium depressum and L. shawi, Nitrarium shoeberi, Prosopis farcta, Alhagi maurorum, lotus (Lotus halophilus), Inula crithmoides, Sonchus maritimus, Cressa cretica, Frankenia hirsuta and F. pulveralenta, Rhus tripartia, Limonium meyeri and L. pruinosum.

4.2.6.2 Fauna

(a) Faunal Ecozones of the Jordan Valley

Two ecozones in the valley are of global importance: The Dead Sea Basin and the Jordan River. Below is a description of the two zones.

Dead Sea Basin

The shores of the Dead Sea and the oasis in its vicinity preserve a rare blend of desert biota and biogeographic relicts, which have survived in isolation of the surrounding desert. Several species have been separated from their species gene pool long enough to evolve into subspecies, and even local endemic species. The presence of the latter is especially significant.

One species of endemic fish and dragon-fly Caloptryx syriaca are known to occur in the Dead Sea area. The Mujib basin, where in relation to the Dead Sea, has been identified as an important bird and wetlands area for the Middle East. Here, evidence of breeding activity for the globally threatened Lesser Kestrel and the Egyptian Vulture has recently been discovered.

Birds of restricted range to Middle East are Onychognathus tristrami, Passer moabiticus and Corvus rhipidurus. Many vertebrates such as the Leopard, Hyenas, Nubian Ibex, Rock Hyrax, the Jungle Cat, Blanford Fox, Egyptian mongoose, Caracal and other globally and regionally endangered species inhabit the basin.

It should be noted that the observed endemism and bio-geographic coexistence are biological rarities, confined to small biotopes that are easily disturbed. Nevertheless the Dead Sea basin has great potential economic revenue because of its cultural and biological diversity and resources if managed and conserved appropriately.

Jordan River Basin

The Jordan River and its tributaries flowing east-west on its east bank are considered biologically important. As in the case of the Dead Sea, many endemic forms have evolved over the millennium to create many special habitats and communities. In dry and arid areas, wetlands become important ecosystems for the survival of species thus creating the chance for diversity of species and habitats.

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The Jordan River is also an important wetland area in the Middle East because it maintains many globally valuable species such as the Brown Fish Owl, the Common Otter, Arabian Leopard, Rock Hyrax, Freshwater Turtle, several endemic fresh water fish, fresh water snake and many other endangered species.

(b) Invertebrates

Many studies have been conducted on the Invertebrates of the Jordan Valley however much information is in need to feed confirmed and well documented.

Molluscs

Class Gastropoda

17 freshwater snails belonging to three families and another 40 species of the land snails belonging to nine families were recorded in Jordan and the Jordan Valley as follows:

• List of freshwater snails: Theodoxus jordani Theodoxus macrii Bithynia philalensis Valvata saulcyi Semisalsa contempta Semisalsa longiscata Pseudamnicola solitaria Pseudamnicola gaillardotii Melanoides tuberculata Melanopsis praemorsa buccinoidea Melanopsis praemorsa costata Lymnaea (Radex) natalensis Lymnaea (Fossaria) trunculata Physella acuta Gyraulus piscinarum Planorbis planorbis Bulinus truncate

• List of the landsnails: Subclass Pulmonata, Order Styllommatophora: Family Pyramidulidae • Pyramidula hierosolymitana Family Vertiginidae • Truncatellina haasi Venmans Family Chondrinidae • Granopupa granum Family Pupillidae • Pupoides (Pupoides) coenopictus Family Enidae

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• Buliminus labrosus labrosus • Buliminus diminutus diminutus • Buliminus alepensis • Pene sidoniensis sidoniensis • Paramastus episomus • Euchondrus (Jaminia) chondriformus • Euchondrus (Jaminia) saulcyi • Euchondrus (Jaminia) borealis • Euchondrus (Jaminia) albulus Family Zonitidae • Vitrea contracta • Oxychilus (Hiramia) renanianus • Eopolita derbentina Family Ferussaciidae • Calaxis hierosolymarum • Calaxis rothi Family Sphincterochilidae • Sphincterochila cariosa • Sphincterochila fimbriata • Sphincterochila prophetarum • Sphincterochila zonata • Sphincterochila sp. Family Helicidae • Trochoidea (Xerocrassa) seetzenii • Trochoidea (Xerocrassa) simulata • Trochoidea (Xerocrassa) langloisiana langloisiana • Trochoidea (Xerocrassa) langloisi improbata • Trochoidea (Xerocrassa) tuberculosa • Xeropicta vestalis joppensis • Monacha obstructa • Monacha crispulata • Monacha syriaca • Eobanian vermiculata • Levantina spiriplana caesareana • Levantina spiriplana transjordanica • Levantina spiriplana hierosollyma • Helix (Pelasga) engaddensis • Helix (Pelasga) cavata • Helix (Pelasga) sp.

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An extensive study on the freshwater fishes of Jordan is of Krupp and Schneider (1989) describing the fishes of Jordan River drainage Basin and Azraq Oasis, and of Mir (1990) on the taxonomy and geographical distribution of the freshwater fishes of Jordan.

The material was collected from River Jordan, River Yarmouk, Zarqa River, King Talal dam, Ziglab dam, various water springs and different tributaries of freshwater present in Jordan Valley.

A comparative analysis of the studies reveals that Krupp & Schneider (1989) reported that the native fauna of freshwater include 24 species to the Jordan-Dead Sea catchment basin and 28 species form outside.

The Jordan Valley, Yarmouk River, Valleys wadis and Dams still host many indigenous species of fish and aquatic fauna, but due to the overuse of chemicals and shortage of water the densities of these species have declined sharply. Such fresh water Ictheofauna is: Tillapia galilae, Barbus canis, Barbus longiceps, Copoeta damascena, Aeanthobrama essneri, Gara rufa, Hemigrammacopoeta nana, Claris lazera, Aphanius cypris.

The status of many of the above mentioned fish species is not known and further studies should be initiated. Several exotic species of fish were introduced to the surface water bodies of the rivers and dams such as: Tilapia spp., Blennis fluviatilis, Mugil cephalus, Cyprinus carpio (Al-Abssi, 1987).

(d) Reptiles and Amphibians

The Reptilian and Amphibian species are confined to dense vegetation areas rich with water such as running wadis, river banks and some dams. Such species are discussed below.

Amphibians

Four amphibians were confirmed from the Jordan valley and mainly they inhabit riparian, semi wet areas and mudflats and artificial water bodies such as dams and reservoirs:

• Common Tritotius Triturus vittatus • Green Tree Frog Hyla savignyi • March Frog Rana ridibunda • Green Toad Bufo virdis

Reptiles

It is estimated that more than 60% of Jordan’s Herpetefauna exists in the Jordan Valley and the following is some of the recorded species in the Valley:

• Mediterranean Tortoise Testudo graeca • Fresh water Turtle Mauremys rivulata • Chameleon Chamaeleo chameleon recticrista • Pale Agama Trapelus pallidus pallidus

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• Horny-scaled Agama Trapelus ruderatus • Bridled Skink Mabuya vittatta • Spur-thighed Mediteranian Tortoise Testudo graeca terretris • Lobe Footed Gecko Ptyodactylus hasselquistii hasselquistii • Elegant Lizzard Ophisops elegans • Simon’s Worm Snake Rhinotyphlops simoni • Hookbilled Blind Snake Leptotyphlops macrohrynchus • Greek blind snake Typhlops vermicularis • Egyptian Sand Boa Eryx jaculus • Syrian Black Snake (Arbeed) Coluber jugularis asianus • The Most Beautiful Snake Coluber elegantissimus • Sinai Banded Snake Coluber sinai • Tessellated Water Snake Natrix tessellate tessellata • Palestine Mole Viper Atractaspis engaddensis • Sand Non-Horend Snake Cerastes gasperettii mendelssohnii • Snub-nosed viber Macrovipera lebetina • Palestine Viper Vipera palaestinae • Scaled Viper Echis coloratus

(e) Avifauna

Avifaunal diversity in the Jordan Rift Valley is considered outstanding. Recorded bird species include resident and migratory species, some of which are considered of global significance and were recorded in the defined Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Those are:

1- Globally threatened: Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata possibly winters in the area in low numbers, and significant numbers of the threatened Cornckrake Crex crex occurs in this area. 2- Globally significant number of migratory birds passes through the area including: White Stork Ciconia ciconia, Black Stork Ciconia nigra, and a wide variety of raptors. 3- Regionally threatened: Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus 4- Restricted range species: Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha, Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi, Arabian babbler Tudoides squamiceps, Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii, Sinai Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus.

The Important Bird Areas of the JRV are shown in Figure 21. Details on birds diversity are provided specifically for each IBA in the Section 4.2.7.2 .

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Figure 21: Important Bird Areas in the Jordan Valley (Source: RSCN)

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Migratory Birds

The Jordan Valley is a major migratory corridor and is considered the major route along the Palaearctic-African flyway, which represents the funnel for migratory birds travelling on rather narrow routes.

At the end of the breeding season in northern latitudes an estimated 5,000,000,000 birds (a large proportion of which are juvenile) face a journey south of up to seven or even eight thousand kilometres to reach their African wintering grounds. The overall pattern of movement is complex with birds streaming into Africa from the breadth of the northern landmasses with high altitude, broad-front and low altitude migrants moving in parallel.

The main eastern corridor between Europe/Asia and Africa has a series of passage sites starting from the north-eastern corner and south along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, into the Jordan valley, through Sinai and across to the Nile valley. Over a million birds regularly pass through this route each season. This is one of, if not the, most significant corridors for bird migration in the world.

It has been found that waterfowl, near-passerines and some passerines do congregate during their migration to reach globally significant numbers at key stopover sites. These are often wetlands but areas of grassland and woodland can be important for some species at key geographical locations.

Some birds are more vulnerable than others when on migration, depending upon their migratory traits.

Many bird species migrate on a “broad front” with, for instance, birds from across the breeding range heading south in a wave, which spans the continent from east to west.

Another set of bird species have much more restricted options when migrating, either because of very particular habitat requirements when on stopover or because their physiologies constrain them to fly at low elevations and rely upon local air currents in order to migrate.

Such species are very vulnerable during the migratory phase of their annual life cycle because they are concentrated in numbers at a time when they are physiologically stressed by the effort of migration.

Some birds migrate by an unusual method, which limits the migratory routes, resulting in patterns of movement in “flyways” rather akin to the routes used by long-haul airliners. A good example of this pattern of migration is soaring bird’s pattern. Soaring migrants use a system of ascent on thermals of hot air, which rise from level ground.

These birds normally move in flocks and form streams along flyways over level ground in spectacular low altitude migrations.

The main problem for soaring migrants is the lack of rising warm air currents over water, so they cannot cross and avoid seas and other large bodies of water and they often find mountain ranges difficult to negotiate too.

Therefore the geography of the Palearctic African flyway mean that the birds are forced through narrow migratory “bottlenecks” when the main flyways reach water crossings – usually at the narrowest point – or where the birds need to skirt around areas of very high ground.

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(f) Mammals

The Jordan Valley, Yarmouk and Jordan Rivers still hosts many mammals around the vicinities of the river banks. Many carnivores and other mammalian species managed to survive human impacts simply due to military restrictions.

Many mammalian species of the Jordan Valley are threatened or regionally threatened species such as the Syrian wolf, Blanford Fox, Nubian Ibex, Common otter, Dorcas Gazelle,, Persian squirrel and others. Also, species exists outside the designated protected areas such as Yarmouk river basin, Jordan River, Dead sea basin Fifa and Wadi Araba therefore such species should be protected through proper environmental management and proper legislations.

Any development would directly affect the last populations of such mammals. As for the rodents, reptiles and amphibians it does not seem to effect their populations much. The mammals of the Jordan Valley and according to (Amer, 1995) are as follows:

• European Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeaus • Lesser White-toothed Shrew Crocidura monacha • Egyptian Fruit Bat Rousettus aegypticus • Greeater Rat-tailed Bat Rhinopoma microphylum • Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolopus ferrumequinum • Common Mouse Mus musculus • Golden Spiny Mouse Acomys russatus • Common Rat Rattus rattus • Palestine Mole Rat Spalax leucodon • Indian Crested Porcupine Histryx indica • Egyptian Mangoose Herpestes ichneumon • Marbeld Pole-cat Vormela peregusna syriaca • European Badger Meles meles • Stone Marten Martes Foina • Honey Badger Millivora capensis • Red fox Vulpes vulpes • Branford’s Fox V. Cana • Jungle Cat Felis chaus • Caracal Caracala caracal • Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena • Grey wolf Canis Lupus • Wild Cat Felis silvestris • Common Otter Lutra lutra • Wild Boar Sus scrofa • Rock Hyrex Procavia capensis • Nubian Ibex Capra ibex nubiana • Persian Squirrel Scirusus anomalus • Eurasian Badger Meles meles • Sinai Spiny Mouse Acomys dimidiatus

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• Golden Spiny Mouse A. russatus lewisi • Wagner’s Gerbil Gerbillus dasyurus • Baluchistan Gerbil G. nanus arabium • Egyptian Gerbil G. gerbillus • Bushy-tailed Jird Sekeetamys calurus • Fat Sand Rat Psammomys obesus

4.2.7 Hotspots

Several hotspots of threatened biodiversity can be identified within the eco-zones, and these areas should receive conservation priority due to their importance and sensitivity. For the sake of this study, the identified hotspots are presented below in terms of their valued ecosystem components; specifically significant yet sensitive vegetation habitats, and Important Bird Areas (IBAs), in addition to Mas'uda Proposed Protected Area.

4.2.7.1 Plant areas of Conservational Significance

The outlined and described vegetation habitats above show the diversity of the plant habitats and thus the complexity of interaction between human activities in the region and wildlife conservation. However, below is an attempt to identify plant areas of conservational priority and value.

(a) Quercus aegilops Stands at Yarmouk, Um Qais and Pella

The site belongs to the Mediterranean bio-climate. The Yarmouk River, which is said to be the least polluted of Jordan's rivers, flows through a steep-sided valley running along the international border with Syria, and eventually enters the Jordan River a few kilometres south of Lake Tiberius. This type of oak though is protected by law but remains out of scope of comprehensive management and conservation programme. Vast areas of this deciduous oak have been lost in most of its areas of occurrence due to clearance for agriculture and cities development. The area of Yarmouk represents probably the only with appreciated population size of this species (see Figure 22).

Figure 22: Deciduous Oak stands at Al Yarmouk

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Furthermore, the river banks support lush stands of common reed Phragmites communis, bullrush Typha angustata oleander Nerium oleander, sea rush Juncus maritimus, willow Salix acmophylla and other wetland plants typical of the region, while the northern hill slopes support remnants of native Aleppo pine Pinus halepensis woodland. Other species include Amygdalus communis, Platanus oreientalis, Salix alba, Styrax officinalis and Ziziphus lotus.

(b) Juniperus phoenica at Dana and Petra and Mas'uda

Juniper of the Esh Sharrah mountains of Jordan represents the most northern distribution of this species in Arabia. Significant population of the species is already protected within Dana nature reserve boundaries. Other remnant populations remain out of scope of protection apart from few remnants within Petra Park. The Juniperus patches in Jebel Mas’uda are among the last remaining examples of this habitat in the region.

The area represents a blend of three biogeographical zones: Arid Mediterranean, Irano-Turanean and Saharo-Arabian. In the west towards Wadi Araba, the land is somewhat flat and tends to be sandy – in this area there is vegetation dominated by Acacia tortilis trees and Haloxylon persicum shrubs. Much of the entire area seems to be devoid of vegetation cover and most wadis usually dominated by oleander, tamarisk and Retama raetam.

Though they are of vast area, natural habitats occur only at few places which escaped threats of development. Such habitats have received minimum degree of research to document its wild elements. These areas are characterised by saline habitats, with halophytic and xerophytic species. The geology of the area consists of a dissected lacustrine plain formed from Lissan (limestone) marl. Weathering has caused the soils to become very saline, poorly drained, calcareous and gypsoferous silty and loamy textured.

At only one site, an effort was made to document natural flora and falls within the boundaries of the Baptism site. At the Baptism there are the biggest thickets of endemic Tamarix jordanis. The site is already under the management of Ministry of Tourism and enjoys acceptable level of management.

A total of 80 vascular plant species have been recorded at the Baptism site. The main tree elements include Ziziphus lotus, Ziziphus spina-cristi, Ziziphus nummularia, wild palm Phoenix dactylifera, tamarisk Tamarix spp. Others include reed Phragmites australis, Scirpus sp., Nitraria retusa, Seidlitzia rosmarinus Atriplex halimus, and many others.

(d) Ziziphus spina-christi and Balanites aegyptia formations

These have two concentrations. One to the north of Dead Sea and the other extends between wadi Mujib to south of Safi. Individual trees of these species can be viewed in the area due to degradation of the natural habitats. Balanites aegyptia (a locally threatened species) is only represented by few specimens. Therefore, the management of these remnant species along with several habitats of salt vegetation around the Dead Sea and Baptism area should be tackled by an integrated ecosystem management approach to maintain the remaining specimens.

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Sand dunes extend from south of Safi till Aqaba and Acacia woodlands and mudflats. This represents a vast area and little proportion is presented by Protected areas in Jordan. The only protected part is partial and falls as the western boundaries of Dana nature reserve. The selection of a suitable site for protection would take into consideration encompassing as possible mixes habitats though the dominating type is the sand dunes, but mud flats do occur in the area and Acacia stands.

The Qatar proposed Protected area consists of a very flat mudflat wetland, dune and Acacia- Rocky Sudanian habitat. The Acacia-Rocky Sudanian habitat is characterised by Acacia tortilis woodland. The lower area consists of sand dunes with Haloxylon persicum vegetation. The mudflat and is surrounded by Tamarix and Nitraria retusa shrubs/treelets. The Acacia woodland to the east of the highway is widely regarded as being the most representative example of this habitat in Jordan. The Nitraria shrubs are all heavily sculptured due to intensive browsing by sheep and goats. Human use of the area is mainly grazing (browsing) and wood cutting. The presentation of sand dunes remains low and thus it is recommended to further Expand to the north to encompass substantial sand dune habitat.

The mudflat vegetation dominated by Tamarix and Nitraria retusa shrubs is a unique feature of the Qatar site, along with a ground cover of diminutive Chenopodiaceae and patches of Juncus maritima. The site also has a significant palm community, which is representative for oasis habitat. Plant species recorded at Qatar further include Acacia raddiana, Acacia tortilis, Alhadji maurorum, Anabasis articulata, Asphodelus sp., Atriplex sp., Fagonia mollis, Haloxylon persicum, Hammada salicornica, Juncus maritimus, Neurada procumbens, Nitraria retusa, Phoenix dactylifera, Phragmites australis, Plantago sp., Retama raetam, Salsola vermiculata, Shismus arabicus, Tamarix sp., Ziziphus spina-cristi and Zygophyllum domosum and the threatened Lycium shawii.

(e) Fifa Area

The site is already declared a rangeland reserve under the name of "Fifa range land reserve". This area was under protection since 1948 by the presence of the Jordanian army. This allowed the plants to grow and reach advanced levels of succession. Species that are threatened or having a restricted range include Epipactis veratifolia, Salvadora persica, Maurea crassifolia, Cordia sinesis, Arundo donax, Acacia tortilis, Suaeda monoica, Phoenix dactylifera, Acacia raddiana and Crypsis schoenoides.

(f) Gharandal Area

Sand dunes habitats dominated by the biggest specimens of Haloxylon persicum and beautiful wild date trees.

(g) Aqaba Mountains

The vegetation is sparse but distinct, and characteristic species are Acacia tortilis, Acacia raddiana, Caralluma sinaica (threatened), Hyphaene thebaica and Micromeria sinaica (threatened) and Abutilon pannosum (threatened).

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4.2.7.2 Important Bird Areas (IBAs): Bottleneck Sites

Many sites are exceptionally important for the habitats and ecosystems that they encompass and for the survival of bird species dependent upon them. BirdLife International, using globally agreed criteria, rigorously applied to the bird species and numbers they hold, has carefully identified these sites. Sites, which qualify are termed Important Bird Areas (IBAs).

The main function of a programme aimed at the conservation of IBAs is to identify and protect a network of sites, which may be considered the absolute minimum required to ensure survival of the species concerned, if all other habitat outside these sites is lost or degraded.

BirdLife considers Jordan Valley corridor as an important focus and has classified it to be of priority for conservation action as part of the IBA programme in the 2000-2004 strategy and programme. (BirdLife 2000 - the strategy of BirdLife International 2000-2004).

Birdlife International’s criteria for selecting IBAs in the Middle East (Evans, M.I., 1995) are presented in Table 21.

Table 21: Criteria for selecting IBAs in the Middle East # Category Criteria 1 Sites supporting globally The site regularly holds the species. threatened species 2I Sites where birds concentrate in The site holds an average of 1% or more of a seabird or waterfowl important numbers, either when species' bio-geographical flyway or Middle Eastern population 2II breeding, in passage, or in winter The site holds an average of 20,000 or more waterfowl 2III The site is a migratory bottleneck where, on average, more than 5,000 storks, 3,000 raptors, or 2,000 cranes pass during spring and/or autumn migration 3 Sites for species which are The site is one of the five most important for the species in the threatened or declining throughout Middle Eastern country in question. all or large parts of their range in the Middle East 4 Sites for species which have The site is one of the five most important for the species in the relatively small total world ranges Middle Eastern country in question. with important populations in the Middle East 5I Sites for representative, rare, The site is a particularly good representative example of a natural threatened or unique habitats or near-natural habitat with a characteristic bird community, in the possessing characteristics appropriate bio geographical region 5II associated with bird communities The site is an example of a habitat (with a characteristic bird community in the appropriate bio geographical region) which is rare, and/or unusual, and/or vulnerable to detrimental change 6 Sites important for bird The site is a centre, or has the potential to become a centre, for conservation because of their value education/recreation/research/tourism which generates benefits for for education, research or tourism bird conservation

The term IBA only refers to the importance and significance of the identified sites as important habitats for bird species. However, these sites also hold considerable importance for other life forms including vegetation, invertebrates and other vertebrates. Also, IBAs do not necessarily indicate any land neither use activities nor the existing/required level of protection. However, protected areas and proposed protected areas might exist within the identified IBAs; for example, Yarmouk IBA encompasses a core area proposed for protection as Yarmouk Nature Reserve.

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The bulk of the birds form a mass flyway through Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan–the Jordan valley is particularly important part of the corridor. An additional smaller branch from central and eastern Asia joins the main flyway in Jordan.

The rift valley lies on a globally important migratory route for birds. A huge number of birds migrate annually through this narrow corridor, thus making the basin an important migration route of global avifauna, such as the Black and White Stork, Dalmatian and Common Pelican, Kingfisher, Herons, Shovlers, Sandpipers, Shanks, Francolin and other globally threatened water fowl.

Eight of the Jordanian IBAs are located within the Jordan Rift Valley. The sections below detail these sites in terms of their ecological features, avifaunal significance, and protection status.

It worth highlighting that Jordan River represents a high economic value in terms of its forestry, agriculture, fishing, and religious and recreational tourism. Within the Jordan valley, most of the freshwater marshes were drained to increase agriculture. However, the relationship between agriculture and wildlife is complex. While some types of agriculture can be detrimental to wildlife such as pesticide-laden crops, other types are beneficial such as fishponds and alfalfa fields. In addition, wildlife, particularly birds, can cause significant damage to agriculture. This conflict is especially problematic in the Jordan Valley, where most of the region is agricultural, and the numbers of birds, especially during migration, are the highest in the world.

(a) Wadi Yarmouk and Al Araies Pond

Importance: IBA (Criteria: 1, 2III, 3, 4, 5II), RSCN Proposed Protected Area, Biological Corridor Protection Status: Significant portion of the IBA is a Proposed Protected Area (see Figure 23) Sensitivity: High Rarity: High

Figure 23: Yarmouk protected area (Source: RSCN)

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A steep-sided valley with a small river surrounded by Nerium and Salix thickets. There are remnant stands of deciduous oak on the slopes which are generally covered by low shrubs and used as farmland. Located on the Syrian border, the Yarmouk River was one of the least disturbed valley systems in Jordan, but water pumping and agricultural expansion are increasingly threatening wildlife and habitats.

The proposed Yarmouk protected area represents the deciduous oak forest vegetation type (Quercus aegilops) of 30 square kilometres, forming almost the best pure stand and restricted to the eastern part of the Mediterranean geographical region. The Forest varies in altitude from 200 meters below sea level to 500 meters above sea level. The local climate is characterized by humid, cool winters with temperatures reaching a minimum of 6.9 degrees Celsius and hot dry summers with maximum temperatures of 44.8 degrees Celsius. The average rainfall in the area is around 400 millimetres per year.

The physical and age structure of the forest as a whole is remarkably varied with trees of widely different ages and sizes and a distinct under-canopy in many areas. This variety is aided by the presence of wadis, which provide different aspects, moisture levels and soil conditions throughout the forest (see Figure 24).

Figure 24: Al-Yarmouk

Yarmouk is considered of very high importance in the flyways of large numbers of migratory species, including waterfowl and raptors. The site also has a high diversity of habitats and species.

Resident and breeding birds include Marbeled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris (possible), Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (non-breeding resident), Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonenesis (possibly extinct), Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi (rare), Smyrna Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis and Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis, Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus, Hoopoe Upupa epops, Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea, Rufous Bush Robin Cercotrichas galactotes, Olivacuous Warbler Hippolais pallida and Sardinian Warblers Sylvia melanocephala, Little Swift Apus affinis and Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis.

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Migrating raptors include Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus and Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus and Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina. Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus, Finsch’s Wheatear Oenanthe finschii, Stonechat Saxicola torquata and European Serin Serinus serinus are winter visitors to the site.

Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis is known to have occurred in the area as recently as 1986 (Evans, 1994).

Globally threatened species in the site include Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmaeus, Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris, and Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina.

Yarmouk was proposed as a protected area by Clarke (1979) and again by RSCN (1999). Access to much of the area is restricted for security reasons (it lies opposite the occupied Golan Heights), and this provides some indirect protection.

Yarmouk has been identified as an IBA by BirdLife International (Evans, 1994; RSCN & BirdLife 2000). It has also been identified a wetland of particular importance in the Directory of Wetlands of the Middle East. BirdLife International s regional GEF-funded Soaring Birds Project will target Yarmouk as one of its key sites.

Birket Al Araies, shown in Figure 25, is a small pond located south-west to Yarmouk River and considered as endemic area for species that is a home to the only freshwater turtle of Jordan. This site attracts many water fowl and is under many impacts and pressure.

Figure 25: Birket Al Araies

Birket el Araies is not included in the proposed Yarmouk Reserve, thereto, it is suggested by the consultant to include this site to this reserve or at least to its buffer zone.

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(b) Northern Jordan Valley

Importance: IBA (Criteria: 1, 2I, 2III, 3, 4, 5II), the stretch close to Jordan River is a biological corridor Protection Status: Not Protected Sensitivity: Medium Rarity: Low

A flat, open agricultural plain that borders the Jordan River (see Figure 26). Tamarisk thickets and reed beds can be found along the river. Scattered poplar and eucalyptus trees attract several species of Herons. Other birds of this site include the breeding Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris, Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus, Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis and Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus and Indian Silver bill (introduced) are usually present in neighbouring farms.

Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus and Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus are non-breeding residents, while Corncrake Crex crex, Bittern Botaurus stellaris, White Stork Ciconia ciconia and Black Storks Ciconia nigra, Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes, Great Snipe Gallinago media and Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus have been recorded as migrants or winter visitors.

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Figure 26: North Ghore IBA (Source: RSCN)

Importance: IBA (Criteria: 1, 2I, 2III, 3, 4, 6), the stretch close to the Jordan River is a biological corridor Protection Status: Partially protected Sensitivity: High Rarity: High

The southern part of the Jordan River, including Wadi Al-Kharar (Baptism site) and the northern shores of the Dead Sea (c. 390 m below sea-level). Silt plains adjacent to the river are subject to occasional flooding.

The water level of the river has become very low in recent years due to over pumping for agriculture and the water itself has become rather saline. Tamarix thickets, reeds and other,

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Other non-breeding residents or visitors include Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus, Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus and Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, while the White Stork Ciconia ciconi and Corncrake Crex crex have been recorded as spring migrants.

The area is close to Jordan River with a very limited access, which is an advantage for such an important area in terms of biodiversity (see Figure 27). The Site is known as part of the afro tropical ecozones occurring in the rift valley and characterized by arid hot temperature, and salty soil type forming the marshes.

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Figure 27: Maghtas IBA (Source: RSCN)

The area’s location near the Dead Sea which recently has been noticed as an attraction point for medical tourism activities and as a Spa the site has a tremendous advantage to become part of the Dead Sea tourism. Any influx of tourist will impose negative impacts to the serenity and naturality of the site.

Although its natural values are not yet exploited and promoted the site could also become an eco- tourism base and bird-watching and monitoring centre which could attract additional tourists.

A limiting factor to tourism advantage is that the site is adjacent to the boarder and for security reasons visitors are restricted access to the Jordan river and enjoy recreation in the river, however it is expected that in the future such restrain could be lifted and access to the river will be easier and thus more tourist would contribute to the site economy and promotion.

It is of essential necessity that the expected burst in tourist activity be managed in a sustainable fashion and within the carrying capacity of the site.

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The site has tremendous potentials to be managed as an ecotourism destination. The amount and diversity of resident and migrant birds qualifies it to become an important bird watching area in the Jordan valley.

Unmanaged tourism causes many negative impacts on ecological systems such as, loss of natural resources of site such as birds, mammals and vegetation due to disturbance and direct killing by vehicles and hunting activities by local and other tourists.

The Serenity and naturality of site could fade due to pollution problems from the accumulation of solid and liquid wastes in different parts of site by tourists and others. Fires and direct destruction of vegetation by campers and vehicles adds up to the problem of uncontrolled tourism.

Grazing is seen as one of the major problems affecting the site. Irregular grazing and movement of animals have badly affected the status of the ecosystem in various aspects causing disturbance to wildlife.

Development of tourist infrastructure might cause introduction of exotic and invasive species and this could affect the naturality, rarity and species diversity in the site.

The natural primary vegetation should remain untouched, as this wood of tamarisk is an endemic plant of Jordan.

Huge amount of dust could be created from activities such as by local tourism and vehicles movements. Hence, limited vehicle movement should be allowed and preferably, a car park to be established on the main highway, and one or two buses (no more that two) should collect visitors to the area if developed for ecotourism activities.

To conserve, manage and sustainable promote ecotourism in site for local and international visitors and tourist, the site should be managed in a sustainable manner, and local conservation efforts should take place, immediately prior to any proposed development, where strengthen site's management and conservation capacity is crucial through training and allocating capable personnel in conservation, research and site management.

This in turn will guarantee to maintain the series of ecosystems, principally salty marches, tamarack woods and their ecozones which collectively contribute to making the site a unique scientific importance and interest, particularly with regard to the diversity of breeding and migratory birds and other wildlife.

It is also of huge importance to maintain the landscape and amenity features of the site in accordance with its status as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The unique habitat occurring at the site should be promoted and conserved through long term conservation action by the relative authorities, and should include the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities along with the JVA. This will improve and conserve the unique endogenous tamarisk woods and the associated avifauna of the site, especially the Dead Sea Sparrow.

Due to the global, regional and local importance of the site it is recommended to mange the site according to its natural and cultural resources, and to declare it as a protected area.

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If the site is excluded from proper protection, many of the near and endemic species occurring at the site will face a serious threat. None of the species associated to this habitat is listed as endangered, but the lack of site conservation and management upon development, will definitely introduce many of these species to the Red List.

(d) Wadi Mujib

Importance: IBA (Criteria: 1, 2III, 3, 4, 6), Al Mujib Nature Reserve managed by the RSCN, captive breeding and re-introduction of Ibex Protection Status: Partially Protected (IBA extends beyond reserve boundary) (see Figure 28) Sensitivity: High Rarity: High

Figure 28: Mujib IBA (Source: RSCN)

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Mountainous, rocky, sparsely vegetated desert, with cliffs, gorges and deep wadis cutting through plateaux (see Figure 29). Perennial, spring-fed streams flow down wadis to the shores of the hyper saline Dead Sea. The streams are lined with Oleander and Tamarisk thickets and reeds with some scattered wild palm trees. The main land use is tourism and mining in the lower areas and farming and grazing at higher altitudes. Water resources are threatened by water extraction and diversion.

Figure 29: Wadi Mujib

There is a programme for captive breeding and re-introduction of Ibex in the Mujib Nature Reserve. Breeding birds include Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, Sooty Falcon Falco concolor, Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides, Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus (possible), Egyptian Neophron percnopterus and Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus (probable), Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus, Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Chukar Alectoris chukar, Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi, Hume’s Tawny Owl Strix butleri (probable), Smyrna Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis, Little Swift Apus affinis, Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus, Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens, White-crowned Wheatear Onanthe leucopyga and Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha, Blackstart Cercomela melanura, Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena, Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii, House Bunting Emberiza striolata and Sinai Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus. Migration is a great event at Mujib with thousands of Levant Sparrow hawk, Steppe Buzzard and White Stork passing over yearly.

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(e) Wadi Ibn Hammad- Haditha

Importance: IBA (Criteria: 1, 2III, 3, 4, 6), Nature Reserve managed by the RSCN, Biological Corridor Protection Status: Not Protected Sensitivity: High Rarity: High

Rocky, mountainous slopes cut by a wadi running to the Dead Sea at Ghore Haditha (see Figure 30 and Figure 31). The altitude of this site, which lies north of Karak, ranges from 900 above Sea level to 400 m beneath Sea level. Ground water levels have sunk in recent years due to over-pumping and a long drought period, consequently the stream in the wadi dries out in summer. Remnants of natural vegetation mainly Acacia trees do occur in the area. The area is used mainly for agriculture, both at high altitudes and near the shores of the Dead Sea. Breeding and resident birds include Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni and Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus (probable), Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi, Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur, White-spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos, Alpine Swift Apus melba, Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica, Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena, Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii and Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus. Spring raptor migration involves significant numbers of Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus (may breed in the site), Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus and Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus and Levant Sparrow Hawk Accipiter brevipes.

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Figure 30: Wadi Ibn Hammad- Al Haditha IBA (Source: RSCN)

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Figure 31: Wadi Ibn Hammad

Ghore Hadithe and Wadi Hadithe: is one of the endemic areas for species in the Jordan Valley and it is a small water creek that flows to the Dead Sea generating from Wadi Ibn Hammad which host the endemic fresh water fish of Jordan Valley Gara Ghorinensis and also is under threat of extinction.

(f) Safi-Fifa

Importance: IBA (Criteria: 1, 2III, 3, 4, 5II), the stretch close the Dead Sea is a biological corridor, Proposed Protected Area Protection Status: Not Protected Sensitivity: Medium Rarity: High

Agricultural plains at an altitude of 350 m below sea level, with sand and silt dunes covered with halophytic and subtropical vegetation south of the Dead Sea between the villages of Safi and Fifa, and adjacent rocky hillsides.

The area is characterized by a Sudanian zone and is very arid, receiving only between 50-100 mm of rainfall each year, in an erratic distribution pattern., with a hot and dry summer and a cold and dry winter.

The site has a saline soil wadi system with a small perennial stream that crosses from the south to the north and has created two oasis ecosystems that are unique in the Jordan valley.

Fifa was proposed as a protected area by RSCN (1999), but facing major threat due to industrial developments, irrigated agricultural development, overgrazing, wood collection, road construction, animal poisoning by the illegal farmers, and hunting of wild boar in the border area.

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It is part of the larger IBA identified (see Figure 32) by BirdLife (Evans, 1994; RSCN & BirdLife, 2000). The site is already declared a rangeland reserve under the name of "Fifa range land reserve". This area was under protection since 1948 by the presence of the Jordanian army. This allowed the plants to grow and reach advanced levels of succession.

Figure 32: Safi-Fifa IBA (Source: RSCN)

The unique oasis ecosystem is a very important location for migratory birds (see Figure 33). Several Wadis run into the Dead Sea through this site and there are some water springs supporting locally dense Tamarisk scrub and reed stands. Other threatened trees include Salvadora persica and Mareua crassifolia. The area is threatened by industrial developments, but the dikes of the potash factories at Safi attract migrating waders, and Black-winged Stilts Himantopus himantopus have even bred at this artificial wetland site. Breeding birds include Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus and Sooty Falcon Falco concolor (in close hills), Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus, Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi, Namaqua Dove Oenas capensis, Turtle Dove

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Streptopelia turtur, Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto, Palm Dove Streptopelia senegalensis and Rock Dove Columba livia , Blue-cheecked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus, Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor, White-crowned Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga, Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha, Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii, Arabian Babbler Sylvia leucomelaena, Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus and Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus. The Indian Silverbill has been recently recorded as breeding resident while Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata and Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus were seen at Fifa in winter. Migrants include Levant Sparrow hawk Accipiter brevipes, Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, Black Kite Milvus migrans, White Stork Ciconia ciconia and Corncrake Crex crex.

Figure 33: Mudflat habitat at Fifa

Globally threatened species: Corncrake Crex crex, Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata. Regionally threatened species: Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes, Sooty Falcon, Falco concolor, Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus

Restricted range species: Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monarcha, Sand Partridge, Ammoperdix heyi, Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus, Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus, Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps.

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(g) Wadi Araba

Importance: IBA, Biological Corridor and significant portion (Qatar) area is a proposed protected area by the RSCN Protection Status: Not Protected Sensitivity: High Rarity: High

The site extends from Fifa south of Dead Sea to Aqaba and comprises of desert sand dunes, gravel outwash plains and mudflats (see Figure 34). There is some bush land and extensive stands of Acacia present on adjacent alluvial fans. Other Marsh species include Juncus sp. Wild palm and Nitraria retusa. The climate of the site is arid subtropical and thus differs from the more continental arid climate of the eastern deserts. Extensive sand dunes dominated by Haloxylon persicum are a major habitat type in the area. The avifauna includes Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata (resident or winter visitor), Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi, Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes, Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes cincturus, Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus, Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus, Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis, Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha, Blackstart Cercomela melanura, Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena, Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii. The Sinai Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus breeds in neighbouring mountains but visits the site in winter. Migrants include Lesser Kestrel Faclo naumanni, White Stork Ciconia ciconia and Black Stork Ciconia nigra , Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (non-breeding resident/visitor), Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis and Black Kite Milvus migrans.

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Figure 34: Wadi Araba IBA (Source: RSCN)

The wadi hosts several biodiversity hotspots including Qatar which is a proposed protected area.

Qatar

The area is proposed protected area which consists of a mudflat wetland, dune and Acacia-Rocky Sudanian habitat.

The lower area consists of sand dunes with Haloxylon persicum vegetation, which gives way to mudflats in the lowest part of the area. The mudflat (43% of area) is surrounded by Tamarix and Nitraria retusa shrubs/treelets, but the centre of the mudflat is devoid of woody vegetation.

The mudflat consists of dry to moist mud in the summer, and is wet or submerged in the rainy season. An oasis with date palms extends over less than 1% of the total area, and is characterised

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The dunes are up to about 10 metres in height and are sparsely covered with vegetation (see Figure 35). Further north outside of the proposed protected area the dunes gradually become lower and are almost devoid of vegetation. Land consisting of gravel and marl is found on both sides of the road, but is more evident on the eastern side of the highway (see Figure 36).

Figure 35: Sand dunes at Qatar

Figure 36: Ghore Safi highway (crossing Qatar area)

Main land use in the area is grazing and wood cutting. There are also some extensive, privately owned irrigated vegetable and fruit gardens located along the road.

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The mudflat vegetation dominated by Tamarix and Nitraria retusa shrubs is a unique feature of the Qatar site, along with a ground cover of diminutive Chenopodiaceae and patches of Juncus maritima (see Figure 37). The Acacia woodland to the east of the highway is widely regarded as being the most representative example of this habitat in Jordan. The site also has a significant palm community, which is representative for oasis habitat.

Figure 37: Mudflat habitat at Qatar

The proposed Qatar protected area lies within a very narrow corridor bounded by the international border to the west and the alluvial fans of several short steep wadis emerging directly form the southern Jordan valley escarpment. This is the narrowest portion of Wadi Araba and there is a direct ecological link between the alluvial fans and the Qatar mudflats plant communities due to the presence of underground water sources throughout much of the year in this very arid zone.

(h) Aqaba IBA

Aqaba is considered as the most Important Bird Area of the 27 IBAs identified in Jordan. This is due to its location at the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba and serving as a bridge between three continents, which makes it a bottleneck for migratory birds from Africa to Europe through the Middle East. Millions of birds of over 240 species pass through Aqaba bottleneck in autumn and spring. Three main sites in Aqaba were identified as important for conservation of bird populations and potentially important for promoting Birdwatching. These sites are the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), The Mountains of Aqaba, and Coastal zones for marine species.

The mountains of Aqaba are important for birds of prey for roosting and feeding. Some of these birds are globally threatened species and are protected on local and international levels (Table 22). The area supports many wintering “sea birds” such as the globally threatened White- eyed Gull Larus leucophthalmus and many other waders and wildfowl. Others are considered regionally threatened such as the Honey Buzzard and Saker Falcon (Table 23).

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Table 22: Globally threatened species Common Name Scientific Name Ferruginous Duck (1) Aythya nyroca White-eyed Gull (1) Larus leucophthalmus Corncrake Crex crex Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca Saker Falcon (1) Falco cherrug (1) species or population on Appendix 1 of the Bonn Convention

Table 23: Regionally threatened species Common Name Scientific Name Ferruginous Duck (1) Aythya nyroca Levant Sparrowhawk (1) Accipiter brevipes Honey Buzzard (1) Pernis apivorus Saker Falcon (1) Falco cherrug White Stork (1) Ciconia ciconia Bittern Botaurus stellaris (1) species or population on Appendix 1 of the Bonn Convention

Additionally, the ecology of Aqaba provides important habitats for a wide variety of desert bird species of restricted range to our region (Table 24), which attracts many International bird watchers.

Table 24: Species restricted wholly or largely to Middle East Common Name Scientific Name White cheeked Tern Sterna repressa Hume’s Tawny Owl Strix butleri Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)

To the North-West of Aqaba city, WWTP and its sedimentation pools and the surrounding vegetation, attract large numbers of waterfowls, both large and small, migrant and resident some are globally threatened and others are declining in numbers. A good example of this is the Levant Sparrowhawk which migrates in huge numbers during spring, where its passage is restricted to 10 days each spring. The whole world’s population pass through Aqaba in this period every year.

This site forms one of the most important inland sites to the north of the red sea and is considered a refuge to birds, and thus a trustworthy Birdwatching destination.

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Aqaba Mountains

The mountains of Aqaba form an important site for migratory as well as breeding bird species such as Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii. The new back road of Aqaba starting from the container port to wadi Al Yutum crossing some apparently barren gravel fans. Preliminary exploration of the acacia land wadis has revealed at least Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis, Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena, and Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha.

The area is under development in term of constructing trails and roads to serve various purposes (industrial and touristic). Birdwatching sites and observatories have earlier been indicated in Aqaba Master Plan and this area is considered important for such activity which implies immediate intervention.

Marine Habitats

Aqaba represents the only marine outlet in Jordan. The southern beach is good for several roosting gulls, terns, and waders. The site also supports the globally threatened White-eyed Gull Larus leucophthalmus, which is a regular summer visitor of the site.

The area is been used for various activities including industry, touristic and recreational. However, the marine Birdwatching activities and facilities remain lacking and require development. The marine reserve in addition to hotels accesses to coast can be, potentially, promoted to serve the purpose of up grading and enhancing Birdwatching activities along the coastal zones of Aqaba.

4.2.7.3 Jabal Mas'uda

The site is a proposed protected area at an altitude that ranges from 160 meters below sea level up to 1,500 meters above sea level to the eastern boundaries descending from Al Sharrah Mountains.

Due to this huge altitudinal variation in range the area hosts three biogeographical zones: non- forest Mediterranean, Irano-Turanean and Saharo-Arabian, as this unique area is the escarpments descending from the higher Al Sharrah mount ridges to the Araba valley.

To the eastern parts the escarpment forms alluvial fans followed by a solid terrain reaching the Araba. This solid terrain supports scattered dry savannah of Acacia trees.

Nomadic pastoralists inhabit the area and highly utilize its natural resources, especially grazing and wood collection which is used as a fuel source. The site was proposed protected area as early as 1979 by Clarke.

Remnant stands of oak, juniper trees are found in the eastern higher altitudes, and due to its east- west descending slope the area hold significant aesthetic value (see Figure 38).

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Figure 38: Jabal Mas'uda

Breeding birds include Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni (rare), Sooty Falcon Falco concolor, Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus (rare in surrounding mountains), Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi, Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens, Great Tit Parus major, Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta, Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea, Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii, Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus, House Bunting Emberiza striolata, Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis and Sinai Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus. Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus and Rock Bunting Emberiza cia can be seen in winter and there is a large raptor migration in spring mainly of Black Kite Milvus migrans, Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus and Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus and Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis, while Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca and Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus are less common. The area also supports a wide variety of desert dwellers mainly larks.

Globally threatened species: Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca. Regionally threatened species: Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus, Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, Sooty Falcon Falco concolor, and Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus.

Restricted range species: Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi, Tristram s Starling, Onychognathus tristramii, Sinai Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus, Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus (has become globally threatened).

4.2.8 Nature Conservation and Protected Areas in Jordan

Globally, both natural and man-caused environmental challenges resulted in deterioration of natural (biological) environment shaped out in loss of significant and yet sensitive habitat, extinction of plant and animal species, and changing the conservation status of many other species to become endangered. This situation triggered the need for huge nature conservation efforts in order to mitigate the impacts of these challenges not only for present generation, but also for future generations.

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During the last 120 years, many native Jordanian species have been lost becoming nationally extinct, including some species that were once widespread and common. Some species are now considered to be on the verge of national extinction. This is the result of many threats including destruction of natural habitats and ecosystems, introduction of invasive species, modernization of transportation and improved hunting techniques. About nine macro-mammals and at least five plants are extinct from the wild (Jordan Country Study On Biological Diversity, 1998). Further studies are likely to reveal more extinct organisms, especially invertebrates and plants.

Many wild species in Jordan are considered globally threatened and a total of 49 different species and subspecies are listed in the IUCN 2000 Red Data List. The proportion of threatened species to the total number of species is very high, especially in mammals, where 24 out of 77 mammals (31.16%) are considered globally threatened. In birds, 13 out of 419 total species (3.10%) are considered globally threatened.

The existence of some species in Jordan is uncertain. The species of most concern are those that are known to be declining in range and numbers or those that are confined to a few sites or to vulnerable habitats. Major declines might have occurred in animals that are usually considered well known such as mammals and birds but the status of most species is unknown at the national level because of the lack of systematic research and the lack of agreed methodology. The decline in Jordan’s wildlife is mainly affecting large mammal populations as well as other taxonomic groups. About 46 mammal, 11 bird, 4 reptile, 6 freshwater fish, 2 marine invertebrate and 4 marine vertebrate species are nationally threatened in Jordan.

Plant diversity in Jordan is facing a dramatic decline as a result of habitat loss and degradation. Such destruction has led to the isolation of many species, which, in turn has led to a loss of their genetic diversity, and to a high risk of extinction. Currently, between 200 and 250 plant species are nationally rare and 100 to 150 species are nationally threatened.

The main threats to species at risk are the loss and degradation of habitats, over-exploitation of plant and animal species, extensive agricultural and unplanned developmental activities, pollution, invasion of introduced species, overgrazing, water extraction, illegal hunting and trading of species and intensive use of agrochemicals.

In Jordan in particular and in the Middle East in general both cultural and religious perspectives also motivated governmental, non-governmental and civic society organizations and individuals to effectively participate in nature conservation programs and activities. Conserving biodiversity and sustainable use of biological resources are fundamental to achieving sustainable development as they are an echo to the teachings and beliefs of Islam on the obligation for man to maintain balanced relations with the other elements of creation.

4.2.8.1 History of Nature conservation in Jordan

Jordan realizes the fragile nature of ecosystems owing to the socio-economic, physio-geographic and climate conditions of the country. In 1922, the first conservation efforts started with an afforestation project where a network of 23 forests and rangeland have been declared and established. On 26 July 1965 Late king Hussein's' issued a proclamation of intent to declare the first national park. Subsequently, the different categories of protected areas, selected with the objective of protecting representative ecosystems with their characteristic fauna, flora and geomorphological features, were covered under Royal proclamation and include: national park, wildlife reserve, natural scenery area, game reserve, protected area and recreational area. In 1966 The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature was established (formerly the Royal Jordanian

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Shooting Club), it was mandated by the government to set up a network of Protected Areas (establish and manage), and to conserve Jordan's Wildlife.

The IUCN-WWF mission which started in 1974, aimed to promote further Wildlife conservation in the country, and with the help of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, their research and survey came up with a result to suggest to have 4% of Jordan's total area as Protected Areas that represent Jordan's geological, ecological and hydro biological characteristics. In 1977, IUCN-WWF defined 12 different areas of conservation importance, which encompasses the majority of Jordan’s biological diversity. These 12 areas make up the network of Jordan’s protected areas. In 1998, RSCN has carried a review of the protected areas network and has further proposed six more protected areas. So, the total number of areas that should become part of the protected areas network is eighteen. Up to date, seven protected areas (reserves) have been established.

In 1980, Jordan was among the original 30 countries to declare support for the World Conservation Strategy. Another milestone in this effort is the National Environment Strategy (NES), a resource book of information and guidelines for action, compiled by a team of 180 Jordanian specialists with the sup-port of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In October 1995, the new Jordanian Environmental Law was passed to achieve the principle objectives mentioned in NES, and the National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) was prepared emphasizing the need for a national biodiversity inventory. In September 1996, the national Agenda-21 project was launched to lay the ground for sustainable resource development and environmentally sound management in the country and adopted in the year 2000. The country study on biodiversity in Jordan being completed in 1998 by the National Unit for Biodiversity (NUB) under the guidance of the General Corporation for Environmental Protection (GCEP), with the financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nation Environment Program (UNEP). In 2003, the “Temporary Jordanian Environmental Protection Law” was adopted and in 2003, and the “Ministry of Environment” was created in the same year.

The conventions and legislation for environmental protection are playing a major role in protecting species at risk. Eighteen acts and eight regulations were issued in Jordan, including provisions for the protection of the environment. Most of these acts are being implemented through different government agencies. The institutions involved in the conservation of biodiversity include both governmental and civil society institutions, the most relevant governmental institutions are: the ministry of Environment; the Ministry of Agriculture; the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the ministry of Water and irrigation; and the National Center for Agriculture Research and Technology Transfer. While, the most relevant non- governmental institutional is the RSCN. Jordanian universities play a very important role in the field of research and studies, in addition to its prime role of capacity development at the national, regional and international levels.

The National Environment Strategy for Jordan was produced in August 1991, and was co- sponsored by the Government and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Technical assistance was provided by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The strategy provides a policy and planning framework for environmental protection in Jordan and incorporates over 400 recommendations and actions. It remains the principal strategic vehicle guiding government and NGO activities. Under the sectoral heading wildlife and habitat the strategy identifies the creation of new reserves as a national priority:

“Nature reserves…..are established and managed by the RSCN”.

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The National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) was produced in 1996 by the Ministry of Planning as a follow-up to the National Environment Strategy. It defines the priority actions required for dealing with the major environmental problems of Jordan, as determined through an intensive workshop involving representatives of all relevant institutions, both government and non-government. The process was coordinated by the Ministry of Planning (MOP) and the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Environment (MMRAE) with support and advice from the World Bank. The main recommendations concerning protected areas are:

1- It is essential to expand the protected areas network and allow RSCN to manage the planned 12 nature reserves in the next few years, covering 4% of the country’s area. It is also working in producing a network of protected areas. 2- Reserve management plans must be developed to support the conservation of habitats and wild-life involved. 3- Promote the involvement of local communities in development and management of archaeological and historic sites as well as nature reserves. Their active participation should yield significant in-come for local people. In addition to the on-site institutional development, training in tourist management must be provided. 4- Besides the involvement of local communities at the sites it is essential to undertake public awareness campaigns that aim at public participation in preserving the amenities. Also information and details regarding the sites has to be documented and made available to visitors. 5- Jordan does not, as yet, have an officially endorsed policy on protected areas. There is, however, a draft policy framework produced under the auspices of the Ministry of Planning in 1996. This framework was prepared with technical guidance and financial support from USAID. Its preparation involved a number of workshops with relevant Jordanian organizations, both government and non-government, in order to secure consensus on key policy issues and priorities. The suggested policy framework, together with the findings of the workshops, were published in July 1996 in a report entitled “Jordan Parks Policy Project”, but no action has since been taken to develop and ratify these draft polices

The policy section of the Policy Project Report covers six pages and is broken down into various categories such as “environmental benefits and awareness” and “community participation”. These are reproduced in full in Annex 1 of the National Environment Strategy for Jordan.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan constitute a major contribution to the country's development plan. This strategy was released in the year 2003. the strategy envisage that land, water, pasture, terrestrial and marine ecosystems as well as wildlife and aquatic resources in particular are central to agriculture, fisheries and tourism development. Also, it envisages habitat protection, natural resource conservation and sustainable use options offer significant opportunities for demonstrating that conservation of biodiversity represents a vital investment in future sustainability of Jordan's economic and social development.

Protection of wildlife is the responsibility of the Forestry and Range Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the recently established Ministry of Environment. The Ministry of Agriculture, lacking expertise, delegates protected area establishment and management responsibilities to a private body, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN).

The Ministry of Agriculture has also delegated the implementation of wildlife protection (1973 Agricultural Law No. 20) to the RSCN, recognizing it as one of the agencies aiding in the enforcement of hunting laws. Other agencies that share in this task include the Forestry Department rangers, the army and the police. Still, many seem to believe that enforcement is the

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The four years old Ministry of Environment is legally obliged for protecting the environment and for conserving natural resources. Within the last few years the Ministry succeeded in releasing and enforcing many regulations tackling in one way or another conservation of biological diversity and the management of protected areas, including the EIA Regulation No. 37. Recently, the Ministry of Environment signed Memorandum of Understanding with the RSCN concerning the establishment and management of protected areas.

The activities of the Department of National Parks of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities include restoration of antiquities and responsibility for the national parks and historic monuments system.

At the regional and international levels, the Government of Jordan has ratified the following conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) in 1993, the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 1996, the Ramsar Convention in 1977, the Cartagena Protocol in the 2000, the KYOTO protocol in the year 2000, the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) in the year 2000, the Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in 2002, the World Heritage Convention and the Regional Convention for the Conservation of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden Environment. The Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1993 is under process for review. Jordan is also party to IUCN and UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program through a national committee. In this year (2005), the Government of Jordan released the National Agenda document, this document describes to the national policy and targets relevant to the conservation of biodiversity.

Jordan still has some work to do in view of the ice shift that has forced certain species to settle in Jordan. The country has to take steps in the field of raising public awareness, formulating policies and strategies, enforce legislations, improve national, regional and international cooperation, and finally documenting the national biodiversity work both in research and nationally-organized meetings.

Several research programs and baseline surveys have been conducted inside protected areas and to lesser extent outside them. These research activities were mainly promoted by the RSCN to meet its principle objective, which is conserving representative sites, and its wild species through shaping and improving management plans for these sites. Other research activities have taken place by academic institutions and voluntary work. One of the major studies that is carried out outside protected areas is the National Water Bird Census, which the RSCN has been implementing, in coordination with Wetlands Inter-national, in all major wetlands and water bodies of the country since 2000.

Jordanian universities and academic institutions play a major role in nature conservation. This is mainly achieved through carrying out ecological research. Other than that, some universities such as Jordan University, Yarmouk University and Hashemite University have Herbaria that work as ex-situ conservation centres for plants of all the different habitats in the country. It should also be mentioned that several professors from all different universities work through their universities on supervising a lot of the ecological research that is being carried out in the country. Also, tissue

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While the importance of in-situ conservation cannot be overemphasized, ex-situ conservation (conserving biodiversity outside of the original habitats) in zoos, aquaria, botanic gardens and germplasm banks may contribute to species at risk conservation by maintaining viable populations of species threatened in the wild, providing educational and public awareness services, and serving as sites for basic and applied research.

Captive breeding programs were established by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature to breed and reintroduce some of the nationally extinct animals including Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx), Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus), Blue-necked Ostrich (Struthio camelus molybdophanes) -the closest subspecies to the globally extinct Syrian Ostrich (Struthio camelus syricus)-, Asiatic Wild Ass (Equus hemionus onager) -the closest subspecies to the globally extinct Syrian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus hemippus).

The Forestry Seed Centre was established in 1992 within the Department of Afforestation and Forests with assistance provided by the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ). The main objective of this centre is to secure high quality forest seeds through: selection, collection, processing, certification and handing these seeds

Jordan established a Genetic Resources Unit (GRU) in 1993 at the National Centre for Agricultural Re-search and Technology Transfer (NCARTT)/Ministry of Agriculture through a project proposal supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

It is worth mentioning that however the trend in biological diversity is declining due to several stress factors, higher attention is being given day after day by all involved national parties; thereto say, the trend in conserving biodiversity is thriving.

4.2.8.2 Protected Areas

Fundamental Jordan Protected Area policies are as follows:

1- Jordan Protected Areas (JPAs) will conserve the natural, cultural, archaeological, and scenic resources of the kingdom, while leaving them unimpaired for use and enjoyment by future generations. Visitor use, scientific study, education, and public enjoyment should be encouraged, but only in such a manner that will not adversely affect the resource. 2- JPAs will be designated through a process of evaluation using the “Selecting Areas for a JPA system Criteria.” An approved set of formal criteria will be applied during the designation process to assess significance. Additions to the JPA system will be strategic, and the system will expand in conjunction with the availability of the staff and financial resources to meet protection and operating requirements. 3- The system should represent a full spectrum of significant Jordan flora and fauna, ecosystems and natural habitats as well as sites of important archaeological and cultural interest, and artefacts from important events in history. Proper selection of areas designated as JPAs will produce a nation wide system of representative sites, with priority given to the finest example of the nation’s natural resources, outstanding archaeological artefacts and sites illustrating or commemorating the most significant events in Jordan’s history.

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4- If the resource will be adversely affected by certain extractive activities - water removal, mining, grazing and controlled hunting are examples - such uses should be controlled or prohibited. Where visitor use and outdoor recreation activities are allowed within the JPA system, special care must be taken that natural, archaeological or cultural features are not substantially disturbed or artificially introduced to the scene. Recreation and leisure are appropriate activities across most of the JPA categories but major resource modification or impact are not appropriate in a JPA. 5- JPAs will normally be established through an agreed-upon national strategy based on approved criteria, incorporating where possible existing protected areas, whether public or private. Where this is not the case, existing expropriation laws may apply. In cases in which public land ownership is not imperative, a variety of compensation tools are available. For new JPA areas, displacement of resident inhabitants is an option only in cases involving extreme resource degradation. 6- Since the successful protection of significant resources and the quality of visitor experience do not stop at JPA boundaries, decisions regarding JPAs should make maximum use of land-use management tools such as clearly defined buffer zones, to protect the resource integrity on site and in adjacent areas. 7- In the Agricultural strategy the following objective was identified under the objectives of policies and strategies for the development of rangelands and livestock sub sector, “Conserve plant biodiversity and use it for rangeland development and expand the establishment of natural and range-land reserves.

Currently, 10.9% of total land areas are established as protected areas including seven nature reserves being managed by the RSCN, forming about 1% of Jordan area, in addition to national parks, one marine reserve, and 28 grazing reserves. The national target has recently been planned to exceed the global target, where it is Jordan target to reach 12% of Jordan total area established as protected areas in the year 2012(including six nature reserves planned by the RSCN to be established in the near future), and to approach 15% in the year 2017.

To this date, the government of Jordan delegated the responsibility of establishing protected areas to the RSCN which managed to establish and manage seven different wildlife reserves, following are the current reserves:

1- Shaumari Wildlife Reserve: established in 1975 with an area of 22 km2, represents the Qa’a vegetation type, and is the centre for the Breeding programmes for extinct and endangered species of Jordan, it also represents the focal point for public awareness and environmental education. 2- Azraq Wetland reserve: established in 1978 with an area of 12 km2, it represents the remaining parts of the well known Azraq Oasis, It represents the Qa’a vegetation type and it is the most important Bird Area in Jordan because it lies on the migration route of Birds, and is a centre for the water studies and conservation. 3- Mujib Wildlife reserve: established in 1987 with an area of 212 km2, it represents the lowest reserve on earth, extends to about 24 km along the Dead sea shore, it represents several vegetation types: Steppe, Saline, Water and Tropical; has a breeding centre for the Wild Ibex and released more then 60 individuals to the Wild, it represents one of the most important sources for fresh water in Jordan plus mineral and hot water springs, and is a model for hunting laws enforcement in the region. 4- Ajloun Woodland reserve: established in 1988 with an area of 12 km2, it represents the Evergreen Oak forests vegetation type, and the remaining parts for the Oak trees in Jordan, has a centre for breeding Roe Deer which used to live in the region, and an example for Biodiversity conservation for forests.

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5- Dana Nature reserve: established in 1989 with an area of 308 km2, it extends from the Sharah mountains in the east to the Araba valley in the west, it represents several vegetation types: Juniper forest, Sand dune, Steppe, Acacia/sudanian rocky and Mediterranean non-forest. Rich in archaeological sites and human settlements, has some old copper mines, and is a model for Eco-tourism and Socio-economic projects in Jordan. 6- Wadi Rum reserve: established in 1998 with an area of 722 km2, it represents parts of the eastern desert, it represents several vegetation types: Sand dune, Acacia/sudanian rocky and Hammada. It is distinguished with its’ beautiful mountains, and considered as the second tourist attraction in Jordan after Petra. 7- Dibbin Nature Reserve: established in 2004 representing the last stands of the Aleppo Pine in Jordan and the most south distribution in the northern Hemisphere. The forest is an important refugee for the endangered Persian Squirrel.

Proposed protected areas described in the protected areas review are presented in Table 25.

Table 25: Proposed protected areas No. Name Status Area/km2 8 Burqu Proposed 744 9 Jabal Mas'uda Proposed 294 10 Wadi Rajil Proposed 906 11 Bayer Proposed 460 12 Abu Rukbah Proposed 190 13 Jarba Proposed 40 14 Aqaba Mountains Proposed 60 15 Jordan Valley Proposed 8 16 Yarmouk river Proposed 30 17 Ghor Fifa Proposed 33 18 Qatar Proposed 50

RSCN started the process of having proper management plans for its reserves starting 1994, with the big aid from UNDP/World bank-Global Environment Facility. From that date, RSCN managed to prepare management plans for Dana, Azraq, Mujib and currently preparations for Rum management plan is in the final stages and initial work for Ajloun plan has already started.

The management plans represent a reference for all staff working on-site and in the headquarters at RSCN, these plans consist of several sections which cover the following:

• Introduction about the site • Scientific and non-scientific data about the site: Species, Habitats, Geology, Hydrology, Climate, Human activities, Socio-economic background…etc. • Analysis for all data • Impacts and threats for the sites and their biodiversity • Suggestions for appropriate management. • Objectives and operational objectives for the plan • Activities in a time table • Monitoring and follow-up for the plan

National Parks aim to conserve and protect cultural values of the sites, promote sustainable tourism, and improve public awareness towards cultural and natural values. Currently, seven National Parks exist and are managed by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Local Authorities, Municipalities and Private sector, in addition to Dibbin National Park which was

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Table 26: List of existing parks in Jordan National & Recreational Parks Status Year Petra National Authority World Heritage Site 1995 Wadi Rum Area of Special Restriction 1996 Aqaba marine reserve & Parks Under establishment 1995 Wadi Al-Butum National Park World Heritage Site 1996 Gammadan Municipal Park Municipal and recreational 1994 Zai National Park Recreational 1970's Mount Nebe National Park Recreational and Archaeological 1996

Forest and Rangeland reserves aim to manage and conserve vegetation cover of the sites by minimizing wood collection and grazing, managing water sheds and improve livestock quality and animal husbandry. The number for these reserves reached to 23 and they are divided into three categories:

1- Steppe Reserves 2- Desert Reserves 3- Forest and Highland Reserves

Table 27 presents a list of the 23 reserves.

Table 27: List of forest and rangeland reserves No. Reserve Year of Establishment Area/Km2 1 Khnasry 1946 4.5 2 Sura 1946 4.0 3 Fugeig 1958 10.0 4 Duba’a 1968 3.0 5 Manshia 1968 3.0 6 Sabha 1979 10.5 7 Al-Lajun 1980 11.0 8 South Mujib 1980 10.0 9 Aishia 1981 10.0 10 Tuana 1981 20.0 11 Rajib 1983 6.0 12 Adassieh 1983 20.0 13 Ma’in 1983 83.0 14 Ras Al-Naqab 1986 12.0 15 Wadi Al-Butum 1986 15.0 16 Eira and Yarqa 1986 4.0 17 Desert Azraq 1987 300.0 18 Nakhel 1987 9.0 19 North Mujib 1989 10.0 20 Desertification 1989 5.0 21 Bilal 1991 17.0 22 Faisalieh 1992 20.0 23 Mudawara 1992 20.0

Marine reserves are still nourishing and developing, one reserve in Aqaba is established and being managed by the reserve management under the guidance and supervision by Commission of Environment of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). It lays in Aqaba cost for seven kilometres and divided to three zones in which each zone had its privacy; one is the marine re-search centre where no activity is are allowed except scientific researches. Legal diving and

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A review for the protected areas network has been done and it recommended that at least 4% of each vegetation type (13 different vegetation types all over Jordan) should be included in the network. As a result, 6 additional protected areas are to be added to the proposed sites and that make the total number to 18 (6 established and 12 proposed) the total area for the established protected area is 1.56% of the country’s total area. The national target has recently been planned to exceed the global target, were it is Jordan target to reach 12% of Jordan total area established as protected areas in the year 2012 (including six nature reserves planned by the RSCN to be established in the near future) and to approach 15% in the year 2017.

Special attention was directed to other zones outside protected areas. These zones have significant conservation importance due to their great diversity of species and habitats. They consist of important bird areas, important wetland areas, marginal areas at national borders (protected by the army) and wildlife corridors. In 1995, BirdLife International in cooperation with RSCN defined and globally declared 27 areas in Jordan as important bird areas covering a total area of 7600 km² about 8.5 % of the total area of Jordan. Seven of these sites are already protected areas and the other ten are proposed, on the other hand thirteen important wetland areas were identified to help protection of nationally and internationally important water birds and other threatened birds.

Jordan also possess other special habitats such as its forests. The juniper forests are the world’s most northerly distribution of this species, and the pine forests are considered the most southerly distribution of that kind of forests. Such habitats are of significant economic value to Jordanian society if properly conserved and managed as they could generate revenue from eco-tourism and forest management.

4.2.9 Challenges Facing Nature Conservation in the Jordan Valley

Over the Past Century, there has been a clear, unquestionable decline of flora and fauna in density and abundance that led to the extinction of many species of the Jordan Valley.

This ecological stress is correlated to high population growth, developmental activities and the mismanagement of natural resources. The situation thus needs a responsible reaction to maintain biological diversity which is of great national value for the development and mainstreaming of the national economy.

The Jordan Valley could be devised into three different areas according to impacts affecting it natural and physical environment:

• North Ghore: Extends from Yarmouk Basin in the north to Sweimeh, nearly on the eastern shores of the Dead Sea. • Middle Ghore: Extends from south Sweimeh to the northern tip of Wadi Araba. • Southern Ghore: Extends from the lowest point in the Middle Ghore, passing through Wadi Araba and reaches to the Red Sea. This area is characterized by extreme importance and fragility.

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4.2.9.1 Shortage in Available Information

Currently there is a big gap between available data of protected areas and areas outside the protection schemes. On the other hand there is a huge gap in info related to the status of invertebrates and vertebrates Taxa such as birds, reptiles, mammals are relatively well known and documented while there is almost very little information on data and status of invertebrates of the Jordan Valley.

However there is a need also to determine the status of the flora and fauna of the following areas: Jabal Mas'uda, Wadi Ibn Hammad, Fifa, Dead Sea area especially the Panoramic scenery areas.

4.2.9.2 Degradation of Terrestrial Habitats

Habitat loss and degradation have been widespread throughout the valley, especially from agriculture. By the 1950s, the marshes of the northern Jordan valley were totally drained, resulting in disappearance of more than 20 breeding species including: Great crested grebe, gray heron, ruddy shelduck, white headed duck, white tailed eagle, marsh harrier, spotted eagle and black tern, little grebe, little bittern, purple heron, marbled duck, ferruginous duck, black winged stilt, common tern, pied kingfisher, yellow wagtail, white wagtail, cetti’s warbler, savi’s warbler, moustached warbler, great and reed warblers.

The habitats in and around reservoirs and ponds are ever changing, water level may change rapidly, and the vegetation on the banks and near canals is often controlled. The rapid changes, especially when they occur during breeding seasons, greatly affect breeding success and the stability of populations. Irrigated cultivation on the other hand had little significance until the beginning of the 1960’s. The irrigated areas were scattered around the water sources and along the streams. Main expansion took place in the Jordan Valley where valuable water sources are available (river Jordan and Yarmouk river).

The expansion of irrigated farming has reduced the winter pastureland. Some of nomads have become farmers or farm workers. And this is clearly seen in all the Valley and precisely in the proposed protected areas and the IEM sites.

4.2.9.3 Degradation of Wetland Habitats

The lack of water and an ever-increasing demand for this resource is causing the most intricate environmental problems in Jordan. Over-pumping of water resources is leading locally to the drying out and loss of unique wetland habitats many birds depend on. Accessible water resources also attract and support wildlife of all surrounding areas as well as for migrating birds; the loss of water supplies thus affects all populations of wild animals in vast areas surrounding such resources.

4.2.9.4 Surface and Underground Water Extraction

The exploitation of Wadi Araba ground water and of Yarmouk, Zarqa Main, Mujib and other running water from springs is of crucial importance to the country's social and economic development. The aquifers have water of the best quality and its exploitation should be monitored in terms of water level and the subsequent salinity threats that would be associated with potential pumping.

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Great care has to be taken for keeping surface and ground water resources free from pollution and from irrigation return flow and domestic waste water that is expected in increase. Such pollution is devastating to biotic life and biodiversity at large. A Summing up of Biodiversity issues in Jordan: Despite its relatively small area, Jordan is a country that is characterized by well - documented and identified biodiversity, due to the diversity of its habitats and local bio- geographic regions and this is well expressed in the Jordan Valley.

However, all water bodies in Jordan are looked upon as a source of exploitation for urban, agricultural or industrial uses. Many water bodies are affected by increasing salinity, pollution and eutrephication.

In addition, the return-flow from irrigation activities is expected to have a negative impact. Such return-flows will pollute the ground water with fertilizers as well as pesticides and of course, increased salinity, making it unsuitable for biotic components in the Jordan Valley.

4.2.9.5 Wood Cutting and Removal of Vegetation

Degradation of forest resources such as the natural vegetation of Acacia radiana, A. tortilis, Ziziphus spp., Moringa peregrina,Tamarix spp, Salvadora persicum, Haloxylon persicum and others and this is seen all over the Jordan Valley (see Figure 39 and Figure 40).

Figure 39: Irrigated agriculture at Fifa (see black plastic covers)

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Figure 40: Wood cutting at Mas'uda

4.2.9.6 Overgrazing

For the past 8000 years the people of the Mediterranean areas and the Jordan Valley have owned goats and sheep that grazed the vegetation in their area. Many of the plant species of Mediterranean have co-evolved with grazing and grazing as an activity was allowed to be practice in this part of the world with a certain level of control.

Illegal grazing as well as overgrazing led to a significant destruction of the vegetation cover in all ecosystems in Jordan especially in the forested areas because of the high mortality that happen to tree seedlings as a result of this activity (see Figure 41).

Figure 41: Grazing near Birket Al Araies

Symptoms of overgrazing is the most ubiquitous problem, leading almost everywhere in the Valley to the degradation of natural vegetation, increased soil erosion and consequently to the loss of habitats and of precious natural recourses (see Figure 42).

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Figure 42: Grazing in Wadi Araba

Most of the animal grazers especially goats nibble on the growing buds of the many tree species, this can lead to death among the mature trees as well. It is estimated that more than 10,000 seedlings are lost to grazing annually. The majority areas at the Jordan Valley was overgrazed especially at foothills and in areas rich with vegetation such as wadis and around springs in such as Dead Sea Panoramic Area, Fifa, Yarmouk basin, Qatar, Damia, Ibn Hammad and Jabal Mas'uda.

4.2.9.7 Hunting, Collection and Persecution of Animals

Although hunting is well managed by RSCN in the Jordan Valley nevertheless many species are either hunted for their food value such as Birds, Gazelles and Ibex and or persecuted because they can cause harm to people and there livestock such as Hyenas, Wolfs , Foxes and other carnivores that could feed on sheep, goats and chicken. And this is well seen in areas such as Qatar, Wadi Ibn Hammad, and Jabal Mas'uda, Fifa, Dead Sea, Wadi Araba and other areas of the Jordan Valley.

4.2.9.8 Vandalism and Graffiti

Many sites visited have been subjected to vandalism and graffiti that is affecting the beauty and naturalness of the sites such as Wadi Ibn Hammad, Jabal Mas'uda Yarmouk Basin and Zarqa Main areas. And this impact is coming from irresponsible action by tourist and lack of management by local authority due to lack of capacity and vision to the importance of theses sites.

Land was cleared for agriculture and the wood was used as fuel. Today, rural and urban expansion and overgrazing are still threatening the remnant natural trees and woodlands especially at Wadi Araba.

Other mismanagement problems with local impacts are intensification of agriculture, and mining and industrial developments. The use of pesticides in agriculture and the residues of industrial projects could have a great impact on birds, especially on the populations of migrating species.

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4.2.9.9 Pollution

Thousands of tons of poisonous chemicals were used in agriculture in the early 1960s. The most prominent poisons are DDT (used mainly up to 1960s), thallium (used largely, until the 1970s), flioro-acetamids, azodrin and others.

The use of these chemicals causes both direct and indirect secondary poisoning. Many birds' species, especially raptors, have been badly affected, in fact all breeding populations of raptors in the northern Jordan valley, were nearly wiped in the 1950s, and other species declined, and their range reduced.

No less than habitat destruction, the continuing use of pesticides also plays a major part in upsetting the food chain, with the poisoning of predators at the top of the chain (raptors and mammalian predators), the invasion of rodents and others, or commoner birds which often become pests are actually wider and frequently on a greater scale at specific periods and at different places, thus increasing the need for use of pesticides and broadening the effects of these on raptors, thereby inducing a never ending destruction of the ecosystem in a continuously repeated cycle.

Other problems with local impacts are intensification of agriculture, and mining and industrial developments. The use of pesticides in agriculture and the residues of industrial projects could have a great impact on birds, especially on the populations of migrating species.

4.2.9.10 Introduction of Alien Species

(a) Vector breeding species

The biological pests and pathogens represent the natural enemies for all forest species. No epidemics have been recorded in the past 50 years in Jordan. The effect of pathogens and pests compared to that of other factors is insignificant. However lichminosis transferred through rodents and foxes and rapies by wolfs, foxes and other carnivores are common in some areas of the Jordan Valley.

(b) Introduction of “Exotic” Species

Introduction of new mammalian exotic species namely myocastor copuy and invasion of feral animals to natural habitats such as dogs, cats and others.

The naturalness and integrity of the Jordan Valley is facing a big challenge by the introduction of many exotic species such as the Nutria (Rodent) and many insects that are host to many agricultural plants used in farming which needs more documentation as for the Fresh water fish and regarding their introduced species, they are as follows:

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was brought from Europe (Hornell, 1935) and introduced into fishponds of the Azraq Oasis by Col. Gardiner of the Central Authority in Jordan (Nelson, 1970). The carp culture has proved very beneficial and is widely distributed in the inland waters of Jordan including the Valley. It is very common even in the highly polluted water of King Talal Dam. Although the fish is at home with the natural sources, but there are no reports of any inter- mixing of this exotic fish with the endemic one.

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The other species of cyprinids, Hypothalamicthys molitrix (silver carp), and Ctenopharyngodon idella (grass carp) which have been introduced into the inland waters in 1960's and brought from East Europe and Bulgaria, are reproducing in these waters and there is no report of spawning of the species in the natural waters.

Hybridization is the only possible threat to the native fauna. A number of such instances of hybridization have been reported from Jordan River system. The most dangerous exotic fish seems to be S. mossambica, though the fish is reared in fish farms well protected and kept away from going in to the natural waters but still some specimens of the so called 'Red tilapia' were collected during the period 1984-1986.

This fish is also a voracious feeder and chops what so ever comes in the way. A threat to the other fish population is for sure due to the feeding habits of the cichlids not only can this result in predation and competition but there are the possibilities of simultaneously introducing diseases and parasites.

Intensive agricultural farming, mono-culturing practices and urban expansion caused loss of biodiversity and habitat fragmentation.

4.2.9.11 Shortage of Well Trained Capacities

Lack of adequate wildlife conservation capacity and financial resources has affected severely the degradation of habitats and biodiversity of the Jordan Valley capacity is much needed in research, protected areas, wildlife management and sustainable development of natural resources such as agro biodiversity, ecotourism and others.

4.2.10 Agro-Ecological Conditions

The Jordanian section of the Great Rift Valley extends from Yarmouk in the north, to the Gulf of Aqaba in the south. Apart of its strategic importance, the Jordan Rift Valley (JRV) holds many important ecosystems. Habitat degradation and species loss in the JRV is serious and accelerating, which require extra attention. Among many other developmental pressures, agricultural activities contribute to the fragility of ecosystems present in the JRV.

The current Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) for agricultural activities is performed within the merit of implementing a project that would demonstrate how to mainstream biodiversity conservation into land use planning and development in the Jordan Rift Valley. The ESA is needed to allow decision makers at all levels, and national and local stakeholders to understand and appreciate the potential impacts to the environment and to the social elements within the study area.

The agricultural sector in Jordan contributes directly 4.5% to GDP, but it contributes 29% indirectly to the economy and employs 7% of the work power. In that regard, the JRV is very important to food production, particularly fruits and vegetables. Nevertheless, current contemporary challenges of agriculture have evolved from being merely technical to include social, cultural, economic and particularly environmental concerns. Agricultural production issues cannot be considered separately from environmental issues. Thus, a new technological and developmental approach is needed to provide agricultural needs of present and future generations without depleting our natural resource base. The agro-ecological approach is very suitable in that

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Effective agro-ecological practices require technological innovations, agriculture policy changes, and socio-economic changes. A deeper understanding of the complex long-term interactions among resources, people and their environment is very essential. Placing these principles into practices requires understanding that agriculture is an ecological system, as well as, a human dominated socio-economic system. The following Assessment is based upon this understanding.

For the purpose of this assignment, the project area covers the Jordan Rift Valley in Jordan. This study area is about 10 km wide in its northern part, narrowing to 4 km in its middle section, and widening again to about 20 km in its southern part. It can be divided into following sub-areas:

• Northern Jordan Valley Study Area (NJVSA): extends from Yarmouk River to the Baptism Site (including portions of the Governorates of Irbid, Ajloun, Jarash, and Al Balqa). The total inhabitants were approximated to be 154814 dwellers (Department of Statistics, 2002 estimates). • Middle Jordan Valley Study Area (MJVSA): includes the Dead Sea area (including portions of the Governorates of Madaba and Al Karak). The total inhabitants were approximated to be 5963 dwellers (Department of Statistics, 2002 estimates). • Southern Jordan Valley Study Area (SJVSA): covers the Southern Ghores and Wadi Araba (including portions of the Governorates of Al Tafileh, Ma’an, and Al Aqaba). The total inhabitants were approximated to be 30308 dwellers (Department of Statistics, 2002 estimates).

4.2.10.1 Characteristics of JRV Lands

Approximately, 94% of Jordanian land receives an annual precipitation of less than 200 mm. Lands receiving annual rainfalls above 200 mm, accounts for only 6% of total land areas (Table 28). Agricultural production in rain-fed areas of the country is unstable due to erratic and irregular distribution rainfalls. Most JRV lands falls within the Arid category, with minor northern parts receiving precipitations similar to marginal lands. Therefore, supplementary irrigation is necessary to maintain adequate agricultural production. In 2003, the total irrigated land in Jordan constituted about 29.3% of the total planted area26.

Table 28: Classified categories according to annual precipitation27 Area as a percentage of the Annual Rainfall Area Zone total area of Jordan (mm/year) (km2) (%) Desert < 100 64,350 71.5 Arid 100-200 20,050 22.3 Marginal 200-300 2,030 2.2 Semi-arid 300-500 2,950 3.3 Semi-humid 500-600 620 0.7 Total 90,000 100

26 Ministry of Agriculture. Annual Statistics. Amman, Jordan, 2004 27 Ministry of Water and Irrigation, 2003

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Agricultural activities within the JRV are concentrated in sub-areas 1 (NJVSA) and 3. (SJVSA). Recently, farming activities expanded also within sub-area 2 (MJVSA). The total geographical area for JRV is 394600 dunums28, with 84 % of the total land is irrigable29. The majority of JRV farms are of small or medium size, and owners customarily reside there. Many large scale farms are owned by non-resident farmers.

Lands are fertile in the majority of sub-area 1 locations, especially around Karamah, Deir Alla, and Mashara. Saline and thus less productive lands are found in the sub-area 2 around Sweimeh. The least fertile land is located south of Fifa near Wadi Araba in Sub-area 3, where the soil is sandy with land having limited water supply and infrastructure.

4.2.10.2 Agro-Ecological Challenges in the JRV

(a) Impact of Agriculture on Water Resources

Water availability is a serious constraint that challenges agricultural production worldwide, and particularly in Jordan. The country is one of the world’s 10 most water poor countries. Water shortages in Jordan are in general induced by human activities aggravated by quality deterioration and resource misallocation. Furthermore, irrigation projects and improving standards of living have led to increasing water use and overexploitation as well as to the deterioration of water quality. Irrigated agriculture is an important factor in the economy of Jordan. Jordanian agriculture consumed 64% of the country’s water resources in 20034. Crop production practices consume a hughe amount of water, while animal husbandry and fisheries consume negligible amounts in comparison. Although Jordanian farmers have developed a reasonable awareness of the importance of water by using the more-expensive drip irrigation system, nevertheless, water prices are low and do not reflect the scarcity of available water. Farmers receiving surface water pay only the cost of delivery, whereas they pay primarily for pumping costs in the permitted and metered wells4.

While irrigation is suitable to produce relatively good crops for local markets, insufficient and ineffective marketing combined with the inability to meet the standards of international export markets have created overproduction and lower profits, particularly for small to medium farmers. This unprofitable situation magnifies losses associated with using scarce water sources for agricultural purposes. The overall water deficit is not expected to vanish in the near future, as Municipal and Industrial needs are expected to increase in response to increased population (Table 29).

Table 29: Water supply and requirements Balance (Mm3/year) Year Water Supply Water Requirements Water M&I Agriculture Total M&I Agriculture Total Deficit 1998 275 623 898 342 863 1205 -307 2005 363 679 1042 463 858 1321 -279 2010 486 764 1250 533 904 1436 -186 2015 589 693 1283 639 897 1536 -254 2020 660 627 1287 757 890 1647 -360 Source: Water Sector Review Update (MOWI - World Bank)

28 A dunum is 1000 m2. 29 Ministry of Water and Irrigation, 2003

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Most of water supply in the JRV is quite brackish or salty. Salts exert both general and specific effects on plants, which directly influence crop yield. Additionally, salts affect certain soil physico-chemical properties which, in turn, may affect the suitability of the soil as a medium for plant growth. Excess salinity within the plant rootzone has a general deleterious effect on plant growth which is manifested as nearly equivalent reductions in the transpiration and growth rates (including cell enlargement and the synthesis of metabolites and structural compounds). This effect is primarily related to total electrolyte concentration and is largely independent of specific solute composition. The hypothesis that best seems to fit observations is that excessive salinity reduces plant growth primarily because it increases the energy that must be expended to acquire water from the soil of the rootzone and to make the biochemical adjustments necessary to survive under stress. This energy is diverted from the processes which lead to growth and yield.

Information on the effects of water salinity and/or soil salinity on crop quality is very scant although such effects are apparent and have been noticed under field conditions. In general, soil salinity, either caused by saline irrigation water or by a combination of water, soil and crop management factors, may result in reduction in size of the produce, change in colour and appearance, and change in the composition of the produce.

Agricultural impacts on water resources also include the deterioration of surface water and groundwater qualities due to irrigation return flows to river courses. This is expressed in salinity increases, high content of biocides, nitrates, phosphates and other examples. Another important impact is the over exploitation of aquifers as a result of increasing demand and scarcity of adequate resources.

Additional sources of water pollutants include the concentration and subsequent run-off of heavy metals from agricultural land, which may originate from the use of sewage sludge, manure, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides. Aquatic biota are usually harmed by much lower concentrations of heavy metals than would endanger drinking water quality. Cadmium is highly toxic in water, particularly associated with phosphate fertilizer use and copper can also be found in water in the form of compounds from pesticide use.

(b) Environmental Impacts of Plant Production in the JRV

Different plant cropping patterns characterize agricultural activities in JRV. Vegetable crops and fruit trees are the main crops, planted in 53.6 and 32.61% of the total area, respectively, whereas field crops are less frequently planted (Table 30).

Table 30: Areas and percentages allocated for crops planted under irrigated or non- irrigated lands of the Jordan Rift Valley in 200330 Total Area Irrigated Area Non-Irrigated Area Crops % of the total Area (Dunum) (Dunum) (Dunum) Fruit Tree 92,912 92,704 208 32.6% Crops Field Crops 22,667 19,269 9,118 8.0% Vegetables 169,364 169,364 0 59.4% Total 284,943 281,337 9,326 100%

A large amount of water is consumed in the Jordan Valley by irrigated agriculture. Table 31 shows the average annual water requirements by various plant crops for the period 1994-1998. Table 31 shows that crops grown in sub-area 1 consume 59% of water amounts used for irrigation

30 Department of Statistics (DOS). Statistical yearbook. Amman, Jordan. 2004.

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Table 31: Average crop water requirements and cultivated areas during 1994-1998 for various plant production categories within the sub-areas of RJV Average annual Cultivated Total water water Plant Production Categories areas consumption requirements (Dunum) (m3) (m3/Dunum) NJV Fruit Trees 1,742 58,482 101,875,644 NJV Vegetable crops 404 45,207 18,263,628 NJV Field crops 500 20,930 10,465,000 NJV Total 124,619 130,604,272 MJV Fruit Trees 1,875 9,671 18,133,125 MJV Vegetable crops 398 50,785 20,212,430 MJV Field crops 624 17,218 10,744,032 MJV Total 77,674 49,089,587 SJV Fruit Trees 1,830 14,641 26,793,030 SJV Vegetable crops 355 17,052 6,053,460 SJV Field crops 685 8,766 6,004,710 SJV Total 40,459 38,851,200 JRV Total for Fruit Trees 1,810 82,794 149,857,140 JRV Total for Vegetable Crops 386 113,044 43,634,984 JRV Total for Field crops 603 46,914 28,289,142 JRV Total 242,752 221,781,266 Source: MWI, 2003.

Impact of Vegetable Crop Production

Vegetable crops popular across JRV include tomatoes, cucumber, potatoes, squash, onions, eggplant, cabbage, okra, lettuce, melon, water melon, pepper, Jewsmallow, broad beans, spinach and beans. These crops are grown within three production systems.

Open Vegetable Cropping System

Most mentioned crops are planted in open fields. Plastic mulch and drip irrigation are essential for production. Although drip irrigation reduces water evaporation and total water use consumption, it is known to concentrate salts on soil surfaces and to reduce the productivity of soils.

Plastic covers supported by wire arcs are used as miniature tunnels during the cold weather days and nights. Plastic utilized in this system of vegetable production is a true hazard to the environment. Plastic residues after cropping seasons are shredded and mixed with soil through tillage operations, which magnify the hazards associated with this non-degradable element. Plastic residues act as a continuous source of contamination for the surrounding living organisms. It can cause death of grazing domesticated and wild animals, and can reduce the emergence ability of natural vegetation in non-crop lands. Such lands are the reservoir for genetic resources and biodiversity.

Pesticides, mainly fungicides are used frequently, while herbicides are less used. Chemical fertilizers are used but not in high quantities. Additionally, organic fertilizers from animal litters are frequently used; however most is not composted, thus creating environmental hazards and a habitat for flies and other insect regeneration. Pesticides and fertilizer usage by farmers is

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Another practice that has an impact on the physical and biological components of ecosystems, are fires initiated by burning old rubber tiers to rise temperatures of freezing winter nights. In addition to the hazard of fires expanding uncontrolled over surrounding natural vegetation, this action creates unpleasant atmosphere for human, animals, and wild life in general. Creating air turbulence is vital for increasing temperatures in combination with burning. This practice is ignored when burning is initiated, and thus the positive effects of burning are minimal.

This system of production requires hand-labour continuously. As the governmental regulations tightened and costs of labours increased, many owners ceased practicing vegetable production. The process became unprofitable, with major portion of expenses being paid for hand-labour. A majority of farm owners currently lease their farms, and people who rent it are either their employees or families of immigrants living a Gypsy -life style. These parties hire no extra labour force, and they live under conditions of very low standards. Such groups are able to tolerate the low prices created by overproduction of vegetable crops, and are able to make income regardless of selling price. Some vegetable crops are sold at prices that do not cover the real costs of irrigation water.

Protected Vegetable Cropping System

This system of vegetable production can truly be classified as high-input agriculture. Crops, particularly cucumber and tomato, and to less extend strawberry are intensively planted under large plastic houses, built to avoid any adverse effects from frost incidences. Due to high planting densities, considerable amounts of organic and chemical fertilizers are added. Pesticides, especially fungicides are added frequently to overcome pathogenic attacks encouraged by hot and humid microclimate inside the plastic tunnel.

Experienced well trained Ag Engineers operate these facilities. Many of the more organized enterprises operate on large scale and on many locations in sub-area 1 and 3. Despite that production is considered adequate, competition and overproduction reduces profitability of operations. Hand labour needed greatly in this system constitute a major portion of production expenses.

Production of Herbal and Medicinal Plants

Leaves and flowers of many traditional herbs such as (spinach, parsley, mint, camomile, and thyme), are grown in scattered locations across the JRV. Owners adopt these crops due to more competitive prices. This system is the least intensive among the three vegetable-production systems. Plants are regularly grown in basins that are irrigated by flooded water. Water consumption in surface irrigation is subjected to evaporation making this method the least- efficient irrigation method. Pesticides and fertilizers are less used than in other systems, with minimum use of plastic mulches and covers.

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Impact of Fruit Trees Production

Fruit tree in JRV production utilizes 67.5% of irrigation water. Many farmers converted to this farming system after stumbling upon several vegetable crop failures by frost, sudden heat intervals, or low selling prices. Several large scale farms are initiated that operate farms that exceed acreage of 200 dunums.

Citrus plantations account for 70% of total area planted fruit trees and for 50% of total fruit trees numbers. Bananas are the second in term of acreage (13%) but accounts for 35% of total trees planted. Olives, grapes, some stone fruits, apples and pears are also planted on limited areas. Date palm is becoming a relatively popular crop, especially in sub-area 1. Areas devoted to date palm production reached 5% in 2004 and is expect to expand further31.

Citrus production is concentrated in the northern parts of sub-area 1. These areas are characterized by relatively higher rainfall. Traditionally irrigation water was available for citrus plantations prior to the expansion of agriculture across the JRV. Production is of high quality and adequate quantities. Bananas are traditionally grown in the southern parts of sub-area one around Southern Shuneh. Plantations used to get irrigation water from wells, and currently from King Abdullah Canal.

In all fruit tree production plantations, pesticides are used in substantially less frequent manner compared to vegetable production. Nevertheless, fertilizers (synthetic and organic) are used in more quantities to fulfil the greater demands of the larger vegetation. Herbicides and other weed control measures (cultivation) are used extensively. In these plantations, regular well-trained labour force is utilized with occasional hiring of untrained seasonal workforce.

Impact of Field Crops Production

Field crops are the least planted crops in the JRV accounting for only 8% of total areas. Such crops are planted in the northern parts of sub-area 1, where rainfall is adequate, especially when combined with supplementary irrigation. Economically, these crops have a low selling price, which explain the lack of interest in growing field crops. Mechanization needed to grow crop is unavailable. This makes hand operations very expensive and unprofitable. Corn, particularly sweet corn, is frequently planted as a vegetable crop in open systems as described above. Intercropping between corn and eggplant can be observed very often in these systems.

Livestock

The main livestock production system in the past was the nomadic grazing where flocks moved through the range according to the availability of forages and water. In the late 1980s, the nomadic system shrank32 and most of the flocks changed to the semi-extensive (semi-settled) system because nomads are settled on few locations across the JRV, usually closer to the Jordan River bank.

31 Department of Statistics(DOS). 2004. 32 FAO. (1994) “Sheep production under extensive systems in the Near East, Jordan Pastoral System:” A case study. Near East Regional Office. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

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Nationally, sheep and goat are the major domesticated farm animals, accounting for 72 and 24% of total animal counts, respectively. Cows constitute only 3%33 of the total number. In the JRV, sheep and goats are the dominant farm animals. Cows are sometimes reared in very few numbers around the huts of shepherds. Few camels can be observed, particularly around tourist attractions.

The characteristics of animal production under in the JRV are as follows:

• The spread of vehicles has made it possible to transport animals feed and water, reducing the rhythmic movement from one pasture to another according to the grass and water availability. Therefore, flocks no longer move long distances, but rather move between few places around surrounding plant production farms. The grazing system became one of continuous grazing in the almost same place, which increases the severity of heavy grazing on the present vegetation. • Income generated from stocking activities is inadequate, making the prevailing living standards way below acceptable levels. Such conditions are forcing young livestock producers, to search for alternative incomes. Males join the labour force and migrate to large cities, whereas women customarily get extra income by working as untrained labour in surrounding farms. Illiteracy, malnutrition, and poor health care is prevailing among shepherds families. • Goats are becoming more common, due to highly-efficient and aggressive feeding habits. This creates more grazing pressure on current vegetation, especially shrubs. It is noticeable that goat rearing is more common in sub-area 3, as harsher environmental conditions prevail. Goats are known for having more aggressive grazing behaviour, a manner that might cause extinction to many native plants. This creates more grazing pressure on current vegetation, and especially on the low numbers of shrub species scattered across the JRV. • Milk products, mainly cheese, is processed under conditions that take minimal hygienically acceptable levels. • Because cereal stubble availability in the JRV is limited in relation to limited field crop production. Herds go across abandoned vegetable fields and forage on what is left, which reduce livestock feeding efficiency, especially when combined with the daily movement within a range of 2-3 km. • Confined dairy cattle create environmental disruptions, especially flies spread and regeneration, soil contamination within contained areas, and unpleasant odours to close and neighbouring farms.

Poultry Production

Poultry farms are very limited across the JRV, the few ones present are in the northern section of sub-area 1, where summer temperatures do not reach extremely high levels. Turkey and Ostrich farms are very low in numbers.

Fish Farming

Global fish stocks and catches have been declining since the 1980s. On the other hand, the world demand for fish doubled in the past 50 years. As sea fish stock preservation and governmental protection acts intensified world wide, the price became more expensive. Since ancient times,

33 Department of Statistics (DOS). Statistical yearbook. Amman, Jordan. 2004

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Similarly, as the fish catch declined in the Gulf of Aqaba in response to lower fish stocks, heavy sea transport, and tourisms and urbanization activities, the Jordanian fish farming industry experienced noticeable expansion. Nevertheless, consumers continue to purchase the less expensive frozen fish that is imported from many countries around the globe.

Fisheries in JRV range from small low-tech projects that utilize irrigation pools for fish production, to large high-capital that are designed and operated to comply with latest hygienic food processing standards. In the Jordan Valley, there are four large fisheries. Current fisheries, producing Tilapia fish that is appropriate for the saline waters of JRV, are not working under full potential. Within a controlled environment including steady warm temperatures and consistent water quality, Tilapia fish can be grown all year around.

Fisheries are affected by external factors such as:

• Quality and quantity of water available cross the JRV will affect such fisheries. Saline water utilization is possible but needs close monitoring and purifications in certain occasions when salinity levels exceeds the limits tolerated by fish. Thus, any increase in the salinity of irrigation water or water from wells in JRV will likely jeopardize the financial feasibility of fisheries. • External pollutions from air-drifted pesticides, as well as water-carried pollutant from chemical fertilizers and pesticides • Contagious Fish diseases distributed by fish living in disregarded and unhealthy ponds have an impact of these fisheries.

On the other hand, environmental impacts from fish farms include:

• Waste generated by fisheries’ activities have adverse effects on surrounding environmental boundaries • Fisheries might attract birds and subsequently allow for easy hunt that creates biological imbalances. • Introduction of alien species that might become invasive on the long run. • Unsuitability of certain fish grown in small irrigation ponds for human consumption due to the lack of strict hygienic regulations. Farmers might sell their product without authorized supervision.

(d) Environmental Impacts of Agrochemicals

Chemical Fertilizers

The total amount of chemical fertilizer used in Jordan reached 43,000 tons in 1995. It is estimated that 27% of these amounts are used in JRV with 77% of total fertilizers being Nitrogen-based fertilizers, and Phosphorus and Potassium comprised the remaining 23%.

Environmental impacts from Nitrogen-based fertilizers is considered the highest, due to the higher used quantities and its ability to spread in many forms, such as the gaseous Ammonia, and as Nitrogen oxides that harm the ozone layer. It is estimated that only 20% of nitrogen added to the

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Organic Fertilizers

Adding organic fertilizers is a common practice in irrigated crop production, especially in JRV. In 1995, the total amount of organic fertilizers reached 160,000 tons consisted mainly from poultry and cattle droppings. Although, some environmental impacts are also present as a sequence of utilizing organic fertilizers, these are nearly always considered less harmful. However, it is worth mentioning that these organic material are used, in general, without composting, which has created the ever-lasting problem of the wide spread of flies across the JRV throughout most of the year. Composting is a process that creates organic compounds unsuitable for flies to regenerate on, kills the seeds of weeds, and reduces environmental contaminations.

Pesticides

Different categories of pesticides are used across the JRV. The majority of pesticides used are insecticides and fungicides (accounting approximately for 45% each of total amounts used), with considerably lower percentage of herbicides (10%). These pesticides vary in its decomposition and degradation potentials. The most dangerous ones are chlorinated pesticides. Risks associated with pesticide use include possible incorporation within human food chain, development of resistant pests as a result of continuous use, creating biological imbalances and eliminating beneficial organisms such as honey bees. Air-borne contaminations, as well as direct human risks are also encountered due to improper use conditions and lack of the necessary precaution measures.

(e) Impact of Agriculture on Biodiversity

Biodiversity is very essential to humans and to the environment. Biodiversity contributes beneficially in organic waste disposal, soil formation, biological nitrogen fixation, crop and livestock genetics, biological pest control, plant pollination, and pharmaceuticals.

Agriculture, as a major human activity that occupy a large share of the total land use area, palys a key role with regard to biodiversity. The expansion of farm production and intensification of input use are considered a major cause of the loss of biodiversity, while at the same time, certain agro- ecosystems can serve to maintain biodiversity. Farming is also dependent on many biological services, such as the provision of genes to develop improved crop-varieties and livestock breeds, crop pollination, and soil fertility provided by micro-organisms. In some cases, non native species cause damage to crops from alien pests and competition for livestock forage.

The preservation and enhancement of biodiversity poses a major challenge for agricultural activities, as world population and demand for food increase. It is estimated that, with current population trends, food production will have to increase by 24% by the year 2020 just to maintain the exisiting levels of food consumption and without any significant expansion of agricultural area. Agricultural practitioners and policy makers need to find ways of minimising the conflicts between expanding production and biodiversity conservation, enhancing the many

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All ecosystems and human societies depend on a healthy and productive environment that contains diverse plant and animal species. The earth’s biota is composed of an estimated 10 million species of plants, animals, and microbes. Although approximately 60% of the world’s food supply comes from the three major crops; rice, wheat, and corn, approximately 20,000 other plant species have been used by humans as food. Some plants and animals provide humans with essential medicines and other diverse and useful products. For instance, some plants and microbes help to degrade chemical pollutants and organic wastes and recycle nutrients through out the ecosystem.

While the different forms in which agriculture impacts on biodiversity are widely recognized, these forms vary in their intensity and effects across ecosystems. Additionally, biodiversity is influenced by many other natural processes that include fires, non-indigenous species, and global climate change. At the same time, certain agricultural ecosystems can serve to maintain biodiversity, which may create conditions to favor species-rich communities. This can include the provision of genes for development of improved crop varieties and livestock breeds, crop pollination and soil fertility provided by micro-organisms.

The interactions between agriculture and biodiversity are complex and diverse. Farming systems based on multiple crops and livestock with natural pasture areas are richer in biodiversity than monoculture farms. However, regardless of the type of farming system, agriculture by seeking to maximize the yield of a limited number of plant and animal species, inevitably weakens and reduces competition from other unwanted species.

Species diversity and its relationship with agriculture is important in a number of different ways, which can be categorized as follows:

• Species supporting agricultural production systems, the so called “life-support-system”, that is cryptobiota, including soil micro-organisms, earth worms, pest controlling species and pollinators. Soil biodiversity (especially, soil micro-organisms) function effectively in processing part o the nitrogen and carbon cycle, and thereby, safeguarding soil fertility. For insect pest, the presence of natural predators is important to agriculture, but where pesticide use has been poorly managed, this has led to the reduction of predator populations, leading to more serious pest outbreaks. Pollinators, mainly insects, are also vital to the production of some agricultural crops. Thus losses in pollinators numbers can jeopardize production of certain agricultural crops. The loss of nectar from wild flowers is devastating for honey from honey bees. • Species related to agricultural activities, covering: wild species using agricultural land as habitat ranging from marginal use to complete dependence on agro-ecosystems. The degrees to which wild species use agricultural land as habitat range from marginal use, for example some migratory birds, to complete dependence on agro-ecosystems, such as certain insects and plants. wild species that use other habitats but are affected by farming activities. Agriculture may also affect wild species that live in close proximity to farming areas, such as adjacent forests and rangelands. • Non-native species that can threaten agriculture production and agro-ecosystems, such as invasion of weeds and pests that are alien to indigenous biodiversity. Non-native species cover alien, exotic or non-endemic species, including plants, vertebrates, invertebrates and pathogens.

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The rapidly growing world population and increased human activity threaten many of these species. The current extinction rate of species ranges from approximately 1,000 to 10,000 times higher than natural extinction rate. If this trend continues, as many as 2 million species of plants and animals will be exterminated worldwide by the middle of the next century. This forecast is alarming because biodiversity is essential for the sustainable functioning of the agricultural, forest, and natural ecosystems on which human depend. The loss of a key species (e.g. a pollinator) can cause the collapse of an ecosystem.

Many agricultural activities cause extinctions or pollute or deplete resources on which biological services are based. This jeopardized contribution from biodiversity. Extensive usage of pesticides, extensive tillage operations, water pollution, controlled and uncontrolled fires are among the most devastating factors that affect biodiversity in JRV and elsewhere.

Changes from a diverse natural system to a monoculture can affect the breeding capabilities of many natural organisms. Inappropriate use of pesticides, for example, can also have a negative effect on the conservation of biodiversity, not only in the place where they are applied but also in other ecosystems (i.e., pesticide run-off). In addition, the expansion of agricultural land can lead to fragmentation of “natural” ecosystems, and where agricultural land is adjacent to other ecosystems, this can adversely affect diversity through reducing wild species numbers.

4.3 Socio-Economic Conditions

In accordance with the Bank's Operational Policy OP/BP 4.01, both an Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) and a Resettlement Process Framework have been prepared. The objective of the ESA is to have an integrated social and environment assessment of the various project components making extensive use of existing data and reports, supplementing the required information as appropriate, and combining the findings and mitigating measures into one single report.

The IEM focuses on how biodiversity and conservation efforts can have positive impacts on the livelihoods of poor populations, and social issues will necessarily play a key role. Consequently, the ESA will provide a participatory framework for gathering, analyzing, prioritizing and incorporating socio-economic information in planning, implementing and monitoring the Project. This includes an analysis of context and social issues, a participatory process of stakeholder consultation and involvement in order to provide operational guidance on developing project design, implementation and M&E. The ESA will thus include (i) a participation and consultation strategy; (ii) baseline information and a monitoring strategy (iii) identification of potential adverse impacts and an action plan to mitigate such impacts. The ESA builds upon the findings of preliminary socio-economic baseline surveys and Participatory Rapid Appraisals (PRAs) carried out in the project area.

Since some of the Project's physical components may trigger OP 4.12 on involuntary resettlement, a Resettlement Process Framework has been prepared (see Annex 6). The principal objective of RPF is to ensure that all project affected people will be compensated for their losses at replacement cost and to assist them to improve, or at least maintain pre-project living standards and income earning capacity. This particular instrument (process framework) has been chosen because the IEM project may result in restriction of access to natural resources in legally designated parks and protected areas.

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4.3.1 Population

The Population of Jordan grew from an estimated figure of around 470,000 in the early fifties to 900,000 in 1961 (1961 census) to 2,150,000 in 1979 (1979 census) to 4.14 million in 1994 (1994 census) and to 5,350,000 in 2004 (2004 census). The population is increasing at a growth rate of 2.5% per annum. This rate of increase indicates that the population will double itself in a period of about 27 years. However, this growth rate is expected to slow gradually in the coming years.

The Total Fertility Rate (TFR), which is the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years, fell from 7.4 children/woman according to the 1976 World Fertility Survey to half (3.7) according to the 2002 Fertility and Family Health Survey conducted by the Department of Statistics (DOS), and it is expected that the TFR will continue to fall gradually in the coming years. This supports the earlier expectation that the growth rate will also drop gradually.

The average life expectancy at birth is 70.6 years for males and 72.4 years for females and the sex ratio is 106.3:100. The rise in life expectancy through a short period of time is a salient indicator to the socio-economic development in the country as well as to the efficient medical health care provided by the government, the armed forces and the private sector.

The population of Jordan is characterized by a young age structure. About 37.1% of the population is under age 15 and only 3.8% is above age 65. Average family size is 5.4 persons. Urbanization in Jordan has been growing very fast mainly in the last 30 years (see Table 32).

Table 32: Rural and Urban Population in Jordan during 1988-2004 Year Urban (%) Rural (%) 1988 69.9 30.1 1989 69.9 30.1 1990 63.0 27.1 1991 76.4 23.6 1992 78.2 21.8 1993 78.0 22.0 1994 78.5 21.5 1995 79.6 20.4 1996 78.3 21.7 1997 78.3 21.7 1998 78.3 21.7 1999 78.7 21.3 2000 78.7 21.3 2001 78.7 21.3 2002 78.7 21.3 2003 78.7 21.3 2004 82.3 17.7 Source: Ministry of Agriculture. Annual Report-2004. Amman, Jordan

About 82.3% are living in urban centres and total density rate is 60.3 persons/km1. The average population density in Jordan Valley areas is 153.6 persons/km, while the distribution of average population densities shows that the average density of persons living in one square kilometre is highly variable and descends as we move south toward wadi Araba. As noticed in Table 33, the lowest population density areas in Jordan Valley are the southern areas of the Jordan Valley and the sub-district Wadi Araba where it reaches about 1.9 persons/km. The population density increases towards the northern districts of the Ghore where it reaches around 349.2 people/km. As mentioned earlier, this is attributed to many reasons such as availability of water resources,

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Table 33: Population densities in the study area Area Population District or Governorate Density Sub-District Yarmouk River to the Baptism Site Almukheibeh Alfouqa 309.0 Dis. Bany Irbid Almukheibeh Altahta 309.0 Kenanah Irbid Aladaseiah 349.2 Irbid Al Baqura 349.2 Irbid North Shuneh 349.2 Irbid Al Manshiye 349.2 Irbid Waqqas and Qleat 349.2 Irbid Zimalia 349.2 Irbid Dis. Al-Agwar Mashara’ 349.2 Irbid Al-Shamalyah Wadi Rayyan (Al Maraza) 349.2 Irbid Abu Habeel 349.2 Irbid Katrn 349.2 Irbid Suleikhat 349.2 Irbid Abu Sido 349.2 Irbid Kraymeh 349.2 Irbid Balawna 196.6 Al-Balqa Khazma 196.6 Al-Balqa Dirar 196.6 Al-Balqa Al Rweha 196.6 Al-Balqa Deir Alla 196.6 Al-Balqa Abu Ezzeghan 196.6 Al-Balqa Dis. Dair Alla North Twal Al Rabeea 196.6 Al-Balqa West Twal 196.6 Al-Balqa Mu’addi 196.6 Al-Balqa Al Ardah 196.6 Al-Balqa Damia 196.6 Al-Balqa Daharat Al Ramle 196.6 Al-Balqa Karamah 129.2 Al-Balqa New Shuneh 129.2 Al-Balqa Dis. Al- South Shuneh 129.2 Al-Balqa Shonah Al- Al Jofeh Al Jawasreh 129.2 Al-Balqa Janobeyah Al Rawdhah 129.2 Al-Balqa Al Rama - Al Jalad (Al Nahda) 129.2 Al-Balqa The Dead Sea Area Suweimah 129.2 Dis. Al- Al-Balqa Shonah Al- Janobeyah Al Haditha 31.2 Sub Dis. Ghor Al-Karak Mazra’ah The Southern Ghors and Wadi Araba Mazraa 31.2 Sub Dis. Ghor Al-Karak Mazra’ah Safi-Ramleh 57.8 Al-Karak Fifa 57.8 Sub Dis. Ghor Al-Karak Al Mamurah 57.8 Al-Safi Al-Karak Alselemani 57.8 Al-Karak Rahmeh 1.9 Al-Aqaba Al Resheh 1.9 Al-Aqaba Sub Dis. Wadi Fenan 1.9 Al-Aqaba Araba Beermathkoor 1.9 Al-Aqaba Qatar 1.9 Al-Aqaba

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The population of the study area of Jordan Rift Valley is distributed across municipalities and villages that follow different Governorates. The area from Yarmouk to Baptism site has 34 settlements with a total population of 165,652 people, the Dead Sea area has a total of 7,522, and the area of Southern Ghores, Wadi Araba and Aqaba has a total population of 143,688. The total amounts to 316,862 which make up about 5.9% of the total population of Jordan.

4.3.1.1 Population Projections

According to 2004 census, the population of Jordan amounted to 5,350,000 persons. At a moderate growth rate of 2.5% per annum (other things being equal), the population of Jordan is expected to increase to 6.2 million in 2010, and to 7.9 million in 2020 according to medium projections. Taking into account the prevalence of 2.5% growth rate throughout this period, the population of Jordan is expected to rise to 6.0 million in 2010 and to 7.4 million in 2020 according to low projections (2.1% growth rate). A summary of population projections of Jordan is presented in Table 34.

Table 34: Population projections for Jordan 2010-2020 (Summary) Growth Projections 2004 Census 2010* 2020* Rate Low 2.1 5,350,000 6,060,497 7,460,461 Medium 2.5 5,350,000 6,204,360 7,942,105 Source: projections

The total population of the study area is a little over 316 thousand according to the 2004 census. The growth rate of the population of the study area is not possible to estimate because the whole area is part of several governorates. However, the TFR in the study area is higher than the national average, and if it is going to drop, it will be at a much smaller rate. The growth rate and the TFR are expected to drop gradually for the county as a whole, but in the study area they will continue as is. Therefore, and according to our projections, the total population of the study area will reach a little over 367 thousand in 2010 and 470 thousand in 2020.

Table 35 presents the population estimates of all the population settlements (villages, towns and cities) in the Jordan Valley and Wadi Araba (i.e., the study area).

Table 35: Population projections of all the population settlements in the study area Population areas (2004 Census) 2010* 2020* Yarmouk River to the Baptism Site Al-Eshehh 149 173 221 Almukheibeh Alfouqa 1,718 1,992 2,550 Almukheibeh Altahta 2,520 2,922 3,741 Aladaseiah 2,472 2,867 3,670 Al Baqura 567 658 842 North Shuneh 14,702 17,050 21,825 Al Manshiye 6,543 7,588 9,713 Waqqas and Qleat 5,373 6,231 7,976 Zimalia 894 1,036 1,327 Mashara’ 18,670 21,652 27,716 Wadi Rayyan (Al Maraza) 5,539 6,424 8,223 Abu Habeel 861 999 1,278 Karn 5,649 6,551 8,386 Suleikhat 749 869 1,112 Abu Sido 3,039 3,524 4,511

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Population areas (2004 Census) 2010* 2020* Kraymeh 16,127 18,702 23,941 Balawna 5,297 6,143 7,863 Khazma 2,682 3,110 3,981 Dirar 6,291 7,296 9,339 Al Rweha 3,168 3,674 4,703 Deir Alla 4,681 5,429 6,949 Abu Ezzeghan 552 640 820 North Twal Al Rabeea 3,882 4,502 5,763 West Twal 7,060 8,187 10,481 Mu’addi 3,049 3,536 4,526 Al Ardah 8,326 9,656 12,360 Damia 972 1,127 1,443 Daharat Al Ramle 1,682 1,951 2,497 Karamah 8,326 9,656 12,360 New Shuneh 3,876 4,495 5,754 South Shuneh 2,231 2,587 3,312 Al Jofeh Al Jawasreh 5,331 6,182 7,914 Al Rawdhah 8,326 9,656 12,360 Al Rama - Al Jalad (Al Nahda) 4,348 5,042 6,455 Sub-Total 165,652 192,106 245,911 The Dead Sea Area Suweimah 3,778 4,381 5,609 Al Haditha 3,744 4,342 5,558 Sub-Total 7,522 8,723 11,367 The Southern Ghores, Wadi Araba and Aqaba Governorate Mazraa 10,684 12,390 15,861 Safi-Ramleh 17,101 19,832 25,387 Fifa 1,756 2,036 2,607 Al Mamurah 769 892 1,142 Alselemani 18 21 27 Rahmeh 1,025 1,189 1,522 Al Resheh 1,338 1,552 1,986 Fenan 432 501 641 Beermathkoor 375 435 557 Qatar 190 220 282 Aqaba Governorate 110,000 127,566 163,296 Sub-Total 143,688 166,634 213,306 Total 316,862 367,463 470,383 Source: projections

4.3.2 Social and Cultural Characteristics of the Local Communities

4.3.2.1 Overview

By World Bank definitions the terms “indigenous peoples”, “indigenous ethnic minorities”, “tribal groups” and “scheduled tribes” describe social groups with a social and cultural identity distinct from the dominant society that makes them vulnerable to being disadvantaged in the development process.

Taking into consideration the World Bank criteria of indigenous people, the following points have been ascertained:

• The people of Jordan are not ethnically identified. They are Arabs and predominantly Moslems with no separate cultural and educational entity.

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• The Tribal Customary Law has been cancelled in 1985. The Civil Law provisions are applied equally to all citizens irrespective of religion or ethnic composition. However, some of the tribal norms and traditions closely related to the prevention of crime, offence or revenge, have been incorporated in the Penal Code. • Subsistence-oriented economy is practiced at a very limited scale in the semi-nomadic society. Camel and sheep grazing is still the main source of income to families in this sub- group. • Out of the 110 seats in Lower House of the Parliament in Jordan, Bedouins are represented by 6 seats divided equally among Bedouins in the north, centre and south of Jordan. Their representatives have been active in defending the Bedouins social, economic and political interests.

Although the Bedouin tribes of Jordan have been mapped and classified since the 1940s of the last century, information gathered from the Badia Forces in the area and mayors of major cities and governors indicated the following:

• Looking into the Bedouin settlement areas, most of them live to the south and along the Jordan Valley. • Some of the Bedouins, mainly the Sheikhs have settled down in some agricultural land where they have been licensed to dig groundwater wells and to practice agriculture. However, privileged Bedouins are ardent to keep their privileges. They have always been looking forward to government aid particularly in the years of drought or calamities. • The estimate of the Bedouin population in southern Jordan who are living a traditional lifestyle exceeds 35,000 persons. • More than 98% of all villages in Jordan are supplied with inside running water, electricity, schools, clinics, asphalted roads and communication systems including all Bedouin villages.

Hence, the World Bank definition of “indigenous peoples” does not apply to the people living within the project area.

4.3.2.2 Tribes in Study Area

Two major life styles were recognized in the study area; namely, the resident (town and village) life style, and the nomadic Bedouin life style. The town life style is dominant and extensively shaped out by the Bedouin traditions and customs.

Literature review showed that resident life style is recent and developed from nomadic style in response to the social and economical changes associated with the establishment and development of the Kingdom. Some theories discussed the origin of nomadic style as forced practice by population growth and the growth in the livestock population, altogether possessed additional demand on rangeland resources and resulted in the selective dispersal of human populations directed by tribal competition.

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The tribes inhabiting the Jordan Valley are presented in Table 36.

Table 36: Tribes of Ghore Yarmouk River to the Dead Sea Area The Southern Ghores, Wadi Araba and Baptism Site Aqaba Governorate Al-Shalabi Al-Wahadneh Al-Oushoosh Al-Akrad Al-Dagamsheh Al-Balawneh Al-Khutaba Al-Deisat Al-Sqoor Al-Rababa’a Al-Bawat Al-Hweimil Al-Ghzawi Beni Ata Al-Khleifat Al-Owneh Al-Malkawieh Al-Gawagneh Al-Zahran Al-Jaarat Al-Gharaibeh Al-Za’areer Al-Sha’ar Al-Maghasbah Al-Halbouni Dar Al-Khatib Al-Masha’aleh Al-Nawaysheh Al-Bakkar Abu Damis Al-Ma’akeleh Al-Nawasrah Al-Obeidat Al-Muradat Al-Dgheimat Al-Zainatieh Al-Oshebat Al-Algin Al-Mahafzah Al-Ajaleen Al-Shamalat Al-Khanazreh Al-Saediyeen Source: Peake, Pasha, A History of Jordan and its Tribes, University of Miami Press Coral Gables Florida, 1958

Generally, there are good relations based on patriotism, shared traditions and religion, respect, neibourhood ethics, and certainly blood relationships through marriage between these tribes. Conflicts between two different tribes are very rare, and whenever occur it is solved in no time through well established and respected tribal procedures, since wise elderly people get involved through what is known as “Jaha” and “Attowah” to solve the problem. The commitments and decisions made by those leaders of opinion are adhered to by the tribe members.

To prevent any tribal disputes over grazing land, the Government of Jordan delineated tribal grazing rights to each of the major tribes and has strictly implemented it over 60 years. In fact Bedouins in Jordan do not differ or distinguish from the rest of the population in religion or cultural heritage. They differ to some extent in their cultural habits, mode of life, and political aspirations. Tribal social structure, as described by tribal members, is based on the ramification of matrilineal ties among men. In reality, matrilineal ties also were significant in providing access to material and social resources.

Tribes in Jordan were groups of related families claiming descent from a supposed founding ancestor. Within this overall loyalty, however, descent from intermediate ancestor defined several levels of smaller groups within each tribe. Tribal settlement started in mid 1930s and expanded rapidly after mid 1950s. However, sedentarization was neither completely voluntary nor as a result of an official settlement policy. Rather, it appeared to be a natural response to changing political and economic circumstances, particularly the formation and consolidation of the state.

For a long time, the Bedouin population roaming the eastern desert between Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq and Syria, has taken the opportunity provided by military service to move beyond camel, sheep and goat grazing as the primary source of livelihood. Some of them became ministers, members of the parliament, high-ranking officers in the military as well as in the security forces. Supported by the government educational system, a great number of Bedouins became doctors, engineers and scholars. Subsequently a large segment of the Bedouins settled down in the cities of Amman and Zarqa. They are related to their tribes only by blood. Government policies encouraged settlement by providing schools, medical services, and the development of water resources. The proportion of people living the traditional Bedouin lifestyle dwindled from 3.5% in 1960 to less than 1% in 1995.

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Recently, some Asian workers and their families started to get together in small communities, rented agricultural lands and established their own farms. Even more, they started to bring their families from their homeland to Jordan in order to secure free labour. Their cultural practice’s, traditions and customs are different from Jordanian ones, and thus, this situation might impact the local social matrix and can generate conflicts in the future.

4.3.3 Socio-Economic Characteristics

4.3.3.1 The Economy of Jordan

Jordan is a middle-income country with very limited natural resources, deriving significant proportion of its income from the remittances of Jordanians working abroad and from foreign aid. Income is usually generated from agriculture, trade, transit transportation from Europe to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States. Foreign assistance to the Government of Jordan is of great importance in narrowing the budget deficit. However, in the last four years and upon the advice of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Jordan has exerted strenuous effort to follow-up economic and financial reform aimed at creating a dynamic economic base. Equal attention has been directed to agriculture, mining, manufacturing as well as education, health and social programs. More recently, the Governors have been delegated power to implement socio-economic development plans in their jurisdictions.

The economy of Jordan is a heavily service-oriented economy. Taking into account the global economic situation, the GDP in Jordan has been recently growing at a rate slightly above the population growth rate. Economic growth presented in GDP is explained in Table 37.

Table 37: Main economic indicators 1998-2004 Indicator 1998 1999 2000 2001 2004 GDP at Current Prices (million JD) 5609.8 5767.3 5992.1 6258.8 8164.1 GDP Growth Rate at Current Prices 9.2 2.8 3.9 4.5 12.6 GDP Growth Rate at Constant Prices* 3.0 3.1 4.0 4.2 7.5 GDP per capita (in JD) 1,179 1,177 1,189 1,208 1,515.6 Inflation Rates 3.1 0.6 0.7 1.8 3.4 Source: D.O.S Jordan in Figures, 2004

The GDP in Jordan grew fairly rapidly from 2,612 million JD in 1990 to 4,597.9 million JD in 1995 and further to 8164.1 million JD in 2004.

The most striking feature of the economy of Jordan is the rapid decline of agricultural contribution to the gross domestic product. Contribution of agriculture to the GDP declined from 14% in the early 1970s to 6.2% in 1992 and to only 2.4% in 2004 due to the collapse in the prices of agricultural products on one side, and to the competition of other producing countries in the traditional markets of Jordan, in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States on the other side. Other sectors, including manufacturing, energy, services and finance, are growing at acceptable rates with respect to the economic conditions in the region.

It is worth mentioning that the Jordan Valley contributes about 60% of total Kingdom's agricultural production.

It should be noted that the balance of trade in Jordan has always been suffering from chronic and ever increasing deficit. Deficit in the balance of trade increased from JD 1.349 billion in 1995 to JD 4.375 billion in 2004.

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The economy in the project area Governorates includes a variety of patterns including government employment in the civil service, municipalities and military; industrial employment in the phosphate industry; tourism in Dead Sea; small shops and crafts; transportation; commercial agriculture; and subsistence agriculture and livestock production spread particularly among the young generation. Unemployment and lack of income have brought about resentment and frustration among the population.

4.3.3.2 Labour Force

Since education has been given first priority in the socio-economic development programs in Jordan for the last forty or fifty years, the country was able to build highly educated professionals in almost all fields of science and engineering. Jordanians working abroad particularly in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States used to be and still are a major source of foreign currency income through transfers to their families and relatives, and their deposits in national banks. Their contribution to the development of the business, consulting and construction sectors has been prominent.

The major concern in the JRV is the shortage of technically qualified people. The high level, specialised educational and training facilities are generally provided outside the JRV. However, there is a Vocational Training Centre that provides craft level training and a Secondary Technical School in Aqaba. In the Jordan Valley, extension services and training are provided through the Ministry of Agriculture and private sector.

The Jordanian hired labour constituted about 13.7% of the total permanent labour in the JRV in 2003, while it constituted about 64.9% and 54.8% of the seasonal and casual labour respectively (see Table 38). As for female labour, it constituted only 17.4% of total labour in JRV in 2003. Most of those female labourers worked as casual labour.

Table 38: Distribution of employed labour by type of labour, sex, nationality and age category in Jordan Valley in 2001-2003 Year Type of Labour Citizenship 2001 2002 2003 Males Females Males Females Males Females Permanent Labour Jordanian 747 34 540 0 593 168 Non- Jordanian 1,700 0 3,786 0 4,780 0 Seasonal Labour Jordanian 15 0 0 0 363 33 Non- Jordanian 137 0 481 0 214 0 Casual Labour Jordanian 1,133 687 1,660 3637 1,770 2,046 Non- Jordanian 3,499 0 22,786 338 3,112 41 Source: Department of Statistics (DOS). Statistical Yearbook-2003. Amman, Jordan. 2004

4.3.3.3 Employment

Employment in Government and other community activities account for 33.3% of total employed persons 15 years of age and over in 2003. Similarly, employment in the manufacturing activities, electricity and construction account for 12.7% of total labour force.

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The number of Jordanians working in agriculture is very low. Total employment in agriculture accounts for 3.6% only. Since agriculture is becoming industrial-oriented, the majority of employment in agriculture is made up of foreign labour.

Unemployment in Jordan is 12.5% of total labour force 15 years of age and over, and underemployment is in the range of 25-30%. Approximately 29% of the total population of the JRV are unemployed or self-employed. This is a considerably higher proportion than for the country as a whole. One reason for this relatively high rate of unemployment is that virtually a large number of non-Jordanians live in the Valley.

The number of non-Jordanian workers holding legal permits amounted in 2000 to 110,580 persons of which 91,136 workers or 82.4% were Egyptians mostly working in the service sectors. The actual number of Egyptian workers in Jordan might be between 150,000 and 200,000 since a great number of them are working illegally in the country.

Livestock production sector in Jordan provides job opportunities for 15,000 worker in poultry production, about 2,500 worker in cows rearing sector, and about 18,000 worker in sheep rearing in addition to 40,000 on family employment. Livestock production forms a main source of income for 250,000 person. It also contributes to provision of job opportunities for 5,000 workers through other supporting sectors such as food processing industries, veterinary material, slaughter houses, export and imports companies, and animal products and dairy industries.

In the JRV, the major economic activities are linked to agriculture and tourism. The main employers in the public sector are the JVA, the municipalities and the Ministries of Education, Health, and Agriculture.

4.3.3.4 Income Levels at Jordan Rift Valley (JRV)

The per capita income levels in the JRV ranged between JD 441 to JD 984 in 2004; the lowest was in Wadi Araba and the highest was in Mazra'a Ghore (see Table 39).

Table 39: Annual Income Levels in the JRV in 2004(JD) Average Annual Income per Per Capita Average District Average Household Size Household (JD/year) Annual Income North Shuneh 4,880 7.3 670 Deir Alla 4,460 6.8 651 South Shuneh 4,230 7.5 567 Mazra'a Ghore 7,799 7.9 984 Safi Ghore 4,866 9.6 507 Wadi Araba 3,116 7.1 441 Average 4,892 7.7 637 Jordan 5,590 5.8 932 Source: Department of Statistics. General Census of Population and Houses – 2004. Amman, Jordan.

The annual income for families with male heads is higher than those with female heads in the JRV (Table 40). This fact is very clear in South Shuneh District where annual income is JD 8,178 for males and JD 2,861 for females.

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Table 40: Level of income according to the sex of the head of the family in 2004(JD) Sex District Total % Male % Female % North Shuneh 4,984 55.2 4,040 44.8 9,024 100 Deir Alla 4,556 59.0 3,162 41.0 7,718 100 South Shuneh 4,451 67.6 2,135 32.4 6,586 100 Mazra'a Ghore 8,178 74.1 2,861 25.9 11,039 100 Safi Ghore 4,906 51.1 4,689 48.9 9,595 100 Wadi Araba 3,353 63.0 1,967 37.0 5,320 100 Average 5,071 61.7 3,142 38.3 8,213 100 Source: Department of Statistics. General Census of Population and Houses – 2004. Amman, Jordan. Dec. 2005

4.3.3.5 Poverty

During the 1970s and 1980s, the Jordanian economy grew at a steady pace. As a result, health, educational and social indicators all registered significant progress and improvement. By the mid- 1980s, poverty was negligible. Unfortunately, this type of growth was accompanied by insufficient capital investment and was not sustainable.

In the mid-1980s, the Jordanian economy was subjected to a series of external and internal factors, which slowed, and in some cases reversed, progress made in the social sector. Poverty in Jordan increased between 1987 and 1993.

During this period, the number of Jordanian household living at, or below the absolute poverty line rose from 16% to 21%. Published in 1989, the 1987 Country Poverty Assessment estimated that the percentage of the population living in abject poverty stood at 2%. In comparison, the 1993 poverty assessment found hat 6.6% of Jordanian households lived under the abject poverty line.

In general, those individuals who receive less than 392 JD per year are considered poor and this is abject poverty line. This means that, despite their low income, most individuals and families in the Jordan Valley cannot be considered under abject poverty line and are not poor (see Table 39).

Coincidentally, while poverty correlates to unemployment, it seems to be a low-income phenomenon. While some of the unemployed are poor, most of the poor cannot actually afford to remain unemployed, they end up taking jobs, even if temporary or casual, in the informal sector. However, it is proposed that unemployment be retained as an indicator of poverty.

About three-fourths of Jordanians live in urban areas, including two-thirds of the poor. Consequently, while the incidence of poverty is higher in rural than in urban areas, only a third of the poor are in rural areas.

In addition, there are two aspects of concern related to poverty in Jordan. First is the issue of inequity. The income share of the poorest quintile increased only marginally from 6.5% to 6.9% (all things being equal, this share should be 20%). The second concern is the disparities in the indicators among governorates. The Second Human Development Report for Jordan (UNDP 2004) indicated that the Human Development Index (HDI) ranges from a high of 0.767 for Amman to 0.697 for Ma'an, while the average for the country is 0.750 in its HDI value (HDR 2004). In such a situation the economy needs a higher rate of economic growth to achieve the

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The issue of female poverty needs to be highlighted despite the fact that there is no evidence of the feminization of poverty in Jordan. Among the poor, females tend to be more marginalized and impoverished than other sectors of society. The employment opportunities available to poor women constitute a case in point.

Although unemployment rates among the poor are usually much higher than those among the non- poor, the situation is even worse when female unemployment rates are compared, which is very significant in terms of highlighting the issue of the feminization of poverty. This is especially true when the female is the effective head of household. Evidence indicates that in 1994 while 5.2% of females headed by a female fell under the abject poverty line, only 4.4% of male-headed families were in the same category. The bias against female-headed families disappears when the absolute poverty line is considered. Recent figures indicate that there is no significant difference in poverty measures between female and male-headed households (15.3% for female headed households compared to 14.1% for males headed households).

There are various measurements of poverty. Human poverty is a measurement that includes the deprivation in income, in addition to deprivations from other dimensions of human development. These include long and healthy life, knowledge and a decent standard of living. According to the 2004 UNDP Human Development Report, Jordan has low human poverty, ranking seventh out of 95 courtiers ranked. This, and subsequent reports, indicate that poverty in Jordan is shallow, meaning that targeting this group at large will result in reducing their poverty substantially.

In recent years, in particular in the 1990s, the Jordanian Government has openly acknowledged that the country suffers from a poverty problem and has increasingly sought to find ways to resolve it. It has carried out several surveys and studies to measure the extent of poverty and has made the results public. In addition, it has launched several initiatives to address some of the causes of rising poverty rates.

Current Government programs to tackle unemployment and poverty fall into four main categories:

1- Public assistance ( direct cash or in-kind transfers); 2- Physical and social infrastructure ( physical facilities and services in areas where the poor are concentrated); 3- Stimulation of income generation ( mainly credit for micro enterprises); and 4- Training.

These programs include the Social Safety Net Package, the National Aid Fund and the Development and Employment Fund.

The Government also encourages NGOs to implement special programs aimed at tackling poverty. In 2002, the Jordan Poverty Alleviation Strategy was adopted and the Government is currently implementing the productivity enhancement program, Governorate Development Program, and the Economic and Social Transformation Program.

Considerable progress has been achieved in Jordan in the past decade as far as poverty reduction is concerned. The percentage of the poor decreased from 21% in 1992 to 14.2% in 2002. Abject poverty declined from 6.6% in 1992 to 4% by 2002.

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The human Development Report 2003 published by UNDP indicates that the percentage of families living in abject poverty was less than 2% of the total population in 2002.

With respect to the level of poverty in the study area, the Ministry of Social Development was contacted but there are no studies on poverty available.

4.3.4 Education

The majority of the population in Jordan is educated. Illiteracy rate among population 15 years of age and over is 10.3% (5.6% for males and 15.1% for females). Education is compulsory for males and females up to the ninth grade. More than 27% of the population of Jordan is enrolled in kindergarten, basic and secondary education. About 70% of all students are in governmental schools.

Table 41 and Table 42 present the number of students, teachers and schools at different study stages for Jordan Valley and Jordan, respectively, and according to Ministry of Education statistics for 2003/2004.

Table 41: Number of students, teachers and schools at different study stages in Jordan Valley Students Teachers Stage Schools Male Female Male Female Primary 46,809 43,484 2,339 3,376 263

Secondary 4,316 5,025 280 371 97 (Academic) Secondary 1,775 1,076 261 160 7 (Vocational) Sub-Total 52,900 49,612 2,880 3,907 367 Total 102,512 6,787 Source: Ministry of Education, 2003-2004 Statistics.

Table 42: Number of students, teachers and schools at different study stages in Jordan Students Teachers Stage Schools Male Female Male Female Primary 635,067 607,230 23,340 40,684 2,825

Secondary 64,283 73,537 4,080 4,566 1,163 (Academic) Secondary 22,291 13,211 2,410 1,707 62 (Vocational) Sub-Total 721,641 69,3978 29830 46957 4,050 Total 1,415,619 76,787 Source: Ministry of Education, 2003-2004 Statistics.

Out of 177,511 students below university education, 50% are males and 50% are females. Academic and institutional education achieved steadfast progress during the last 15 years. There are 20 state and private universities. Students enrolled in post graduate studies at Jordanian universities amounted to 10,913.

It should be emphasized that due to Jordan's limited natural resources, education became the most important aspect of social and economic development. The participation of qualified and highly

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There are no statistical data available for the study area. However, previous land use studies show that the project area is facing the following problems regarding education:

• Shortage of well equipped and well kept schools for all basic learning. • Shortage of qualified teachers, secondary schools to train the locals in agriculture and tourism in certain areas, and occupational schools for girls in other areas. • Many school buildings are rented especially in North Gohre area (30-35%). • All these shortages cause many students to leave school in early stages of learning. • High turnover among teachers most of whom come from other areas, and do not like such inhospitable climatic conditions.

4.3.5 Public Health

More than 80% of the population of Jordan is medically ensured. Medical insurance is sponsored by the following three different institutions:

• The Ministry of Health - Medical Insurance Corporation: This type of medical insurance covers almost all Government employees. It includes medical treatment, hospitalisation, and medicine free of charge. Medical premiums paid by the ensured employee are 3% of gross salary. • The Armed Forces: All military personnel and security forces including retired persons are also medically ensured for treatment, hospitalisation and medicine. • Establishments employing 5 persons and more must be subscribed in the Social Security Program at the Social Security Corporation. Normally, this type of insurance is applied to all risks including labour accidents. Charges paid by employees are in proportion to their gross salary, where 5.5% is paid by the employee and 10.5% paid by the establishment. For medical treatment in the private insurance companies, the actuarial principles are applied.

More than 1,320 medical centres and clinics of the Ministry of Health are spread all over towns and villages in the Kingdom. Comprehensive health centres and some of the primary health centres include maternal clinics, child clinics and dental clinics. All towns and villages in project area are provided with either a comprehensive or a primary health clinic. Medical treatment in the area is free of charge.

The Jordan Valley areas has 7% of the total comprehensive health centres in Jordan, 14.7% of primary health centres, 12.6% of brand health centre, 14% of maternal and child clinics, and 13.1% of dental clinics. This percent seems acceptable especially when considering that the Jordan Valley population constitutes 5.9% of the total population in Jordan34. However, the problem is the large distances separating the people in the different areas which results in the need to increase the number of those centres especially the comprehensive health centres.

Jordan is becoming a very well known country in the Middle East for advanced technology in the field of medicine. Thousands of citizens from neighbouring Arab countries, Yemen and Africa come to Jordan every year for medical treatment. At present Jordan has 97 hospitals. Total

34 Ministry of Health, 2005 Statistics.

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This improvement in the health sector is reflected through the figures related to waterborne diseases (diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, gastrointestinal infections, typhoid, amoebae, mouth infection, urinal trait infection or stones). For example, regarding diarrhoea it is noticeable that the average of diarrhoeas occurrence has decreased significantly during the last ten years. The average of occurrence of diarrhoea in 1993 was 3,025.3 per 100,000 and had decreased to 2,080.4 per 100,000 in 2002 (see Table 43).The same principle applies to typhoid disease, where the average of this disease decreased form 10.6 per 100,000 in 1993 to 0.8 per 100,000 in 2002.

Table 43: Incidence rate per 100,000 population of diarrhoea during 1993 Year 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Incidence 3,025.3 2,749.1 2,465.5 2,712.8 2,381.6 2,122.8 2,165.6 2,039.5 2,034.6 2,080.4 rate /100,000

In general, the public health conditions in Jordan are very satisfactory irrespective of the fact that poverty does exist in the country. Total expenditures on public health amounted in 2004 to JD 161.4 million.

With respect to existence of diseases, the Jordan Valley does not differ from other areas in Jordan. However, there are high percentages for some of the cases affected by disease in the Jordan Valley areas as compared with other areas in Jordan. Table 44 shows these diseases and their places of occurrence according to Ministry of Health statistics for year 2005.

Table 44: Diseases and their places of prevalence in Jordan Valley Diseases Area Bilharzias Cut. Leshmania Ringworm Scabies S. Shuneh 7 164 0 12 Deir Alla 15 0 66 101 North Ghore 41 2 0 5 Amman 18 0 3 30

As for HIV/AIDS, fortunately the incidence of this disease in Jordan is very limited, where 63% of the infected cases discovered in Jordan in 2002 are non-Jordanians and about 89% of these cases were infected with HIV outside Jordan. The number of infected and carrier people did not exceed 374 until 31/12/2004 of which 236 are non-Jordanians35. Although the incidence rate is very low compared to other countries, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is working very hard to control the transmission of this disease through many programs and publications that increase public awareness regarding AIDS. MOH also implemented many programs and put many regulations that control blood transfusion, surgical operations and infections in hospitals.

These problems are aggravated by the following health challenges in the project area:

• Shortage of comprehensive health centres • Shortage of hospitals in some areas • If a hospital exists, it suffers from shortage of modern equipment, laboratories and X-ray. • Shortage of specialized medical staff.

35 Rai Newspaper 3/12/2005.

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• Shortage of sewerage systems in most areas.

4.3.6 Gender Issues and Women Status

Educational trends show an improvement in the position of females, as exemplified the following issues:

• There has been a significant rise in the average age at which women marry, from 17.7 years in the early seventies, 19.1 years in the eighties and around 28 years in 2004. This is due to the increase in the number of years spent in education and the increase in wedding costs. • Increasing University education for females has increased the entry of women to professional careers outside home. This in turn has led to the independence of women and to their higher status in the family and community. • The number of live births has decreased from around 7.9 per capita to around 2.2 in 2004. This has improved the income available for each family member and has given women time to participate in community development. This lends further verification to women’s improving status and life quality, and enhances the accessibility of finite social services. • Improvement of generational literacy. Mothers in 1987 were around 47.5% literate, while their daughters achieved 92.5% literacy. The traditional social bias towards the male in the community therefore has no impact on the improvement of educational attainment for females. • Females now use contraception as a means of reducing their rates of pregnancy. The prevailing rate for contraceptive use among married women was around 37% in the 2002. • First Cousin marriages have been relaxed. This was universally practiced among the nomads and tribal groupings, to guarantee the retention of family wealth, such as land and cattle, within a patrilineal structure.

Generally, women in Jordan Valley Community are treated by their relative males with respect and honour as it is required by Islamic regulations. Women rights in education is conserved and provided. It is the local community understanding that women forms 50% of the community, and they deserve and receive respect, as they express respect to males. Women are in charge of all home related activities, including cooking and cleaning, and also, the fundamental role of raising their kids. However, the males are in charge of income generation, supervision and decision making.

It is clear from the questionnaire with stakeholders that the job opportunities for female who are to work in the Jordan Valley are not a priority as only 47.3% consider such opportunities of high priority especially if compared with other issues that were ranked to be of higher priority.

The low priority given to women involvement in income generation is due to the belief that women have several responsibilities in the house and due to the conservative life style the Bedouin community live by. However, the prevailing situation is that women now work in the farms more than men, especially in the Middle Ghore.

4.3.7 Development Needs

Local communities in Jordan Valley areas suffer from many problems that devastate their daily life. This means that there are many needs to overcome those devastating conditions. Strengths

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Based on the mentioned SWOT analysis, the identified desired economic activities, projects and training are presented in Table 45, Table 46, and Table 47.

Table 45: Desired economic activities South JV Middle JV North JV Factories for agricultural products X X X (tomato paste and pickles) Daisy and Juice factories - - X Tourist Projects X X - Small workshops for Women - X X Marketing societies - - X Weaving Factory - X - Source: JVA - Jordan Valley Preliminary Land Use Master Plan Project, Final Land Use Report, August 2004.

Table 46: Projects needs No. Project South JV Middle JV North JV 1- Factories for Agricultural Processing X X X (e.g., tomato paste and pickles) 2- Tourist Projects X X - 3- Handcraft Projects - X X 4- Dairy and Juice Factories - - X 5- Marketing Exhibitions - - X 6- Weaving Factory - X - Source: JVA - Jordan Valley Preliminary Land Use Master Plan Project, Final Land Use Report, August 2004.

Table 47: Training needed No. Training South JV Middle JV North JV 1- Training in Carpentry, Mechanics and X X X others 2- Computer Training X X X 3- Other (packing of agricultural produce) - X X 4- Training in Tourism , Agriculture and - X X Industrial Fields 5- Training in establishing small projects X - - Source: JVA - Jordan Valley Preliminary Land Use Master Plan Project, Final Land Use Report, August 2004.

The establishment of factories for agriculture products (tomato-paste and pickles) was highly desired by the respondents of Jordan Valley from North to South because Jordan Valley areas are all farm lands. While the needs for tourist activities was strongly expressed in the middle and South Jordan Valley due to the existence of tourism in the area (the Dead sea). Other projects were highly centred in the Middle and North Jordan Valley.

Table 47 reflects that all communities within the Jordan Valley require vocational training for example in carpentry, mechanics, computer skills and others. Training in the field of packing agricultural products was expressed strongly in the North and Middle Jordan Valley, while training in establishing small projects was highly expressed for the southern areas of the Jordan Valley.

36 Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI)-Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Jordan Valley Preliminary Land Use Master Plan Project, Final Land Use Report, August 2004.

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4.3.8 Stakeholders Awareness

The main target of this project are the communities living in and around the selected protected areas particularly the farmers, livestock owners, and hunters. These entities will benefit from the awareness campaigns and the development of their capacities in visitor reception, guiding and understanding of linkages between conservation and natural resources sustainability.

Other targets include the local decision-makers and national institutions such as the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, and Ministry of Agriculture who will be called to participate in project events and hence raise their awareness on the importance of forest eco-systems. Moreover, some NGOs that deal with environment are also considered stakeholders to this project.

Other direct beneficiaries are the households that will be selected for the development of bed and breakfast, the young people that will be trained on flora and fauna identification and guiding, and the management team whose technical capacities will be enhanced on visitor reception, bird monitoring and monitoring the impacts of tourism on the fauna and flora of these sites.

Indirect beneficiaries include all the local communities' small businesses that will undoubtedly benefit from the promotion of these sites and from the subsequent presence of tourists in the area. Nature-lovers themselves will also benefit from this project in that structured and controlled activities will be proposed to them, in a way as to provide them not only with activities to be done in the site but also with an educational experience.

To know the stakeholders point of view and perspectives toward the project and issues concerning nature protection, a questionnaire was designed and distributed to the workshop participants who represented the different communities and are directly or indirectly affected by the project. Most important perspectives provided in the responses were as follows:

• 56.4% of the respondents consider IEM very clear but it still requires more clarification for many others. • Environmental awareness level is mostly high. However, the concern in nature and environment increases as long as this subject presents job opportunities for their sons and improve their living standards. • The encouragement for establishment of reserves was medium especially for Jabal Masu'da, Qatar and Fifa reserves, but it was high in support of establishing Al-Yarmouk reserve.

Stakeholders believe that the most important role for institutions is to contribute in conducting IEM in Jordan Valley. This is believed to be the responsibility of RSCN, Ministry of Environment and Jordan Valley Authority. They believed that the least important contribution is from Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Industry.

It is noticed that the stakeholders neglected the expected role of NGOs in raising awareness, capacity building and in offering loans for small projects which serve the local community. This was clear from the small percentage of the respondents who referred to the role of NGOs in the project. This may be due to the NGOs weakness in having a real role in development of the local community in the project’s areas or due to the community belief in governmental role for conducting projects in general.

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Some of the stakeholders reflected in their responses to the questionnaire that the most important priority for them is to create job opportunities for males who are able o work in Jordan Valley. 78.2% of the respondents refer to this as of high importance, while other issues of priority were issues related to surrounding environment especially the aspects related to their lives and their daily work. The least important issues were prevention of hunting in Jordan Valley, stopping of agricultural projects and closure of the available industries.

Regarding creation of job opportunities for females, it rated less important than creating jobs for males. It comes as of medium priority (in twelfth level) and this is due to the conservative culture of the society which neglects women role and expects women role to be confined to the house and not to mingling with men.

Despite of the high percentage of unemployment and the fact that it is a critical issue in the Jordan Valley, this issue occupied the ninth priority. This is due to cultural aspects which are shame and rejection of manual or vocational work, such as working in agriculture or guiding, where they look down at such kind of work. One solution for this problems might be to replace foreign labour with local labour.

The questionnaire and detailed responses to the questionnaire are presented in Annex 3.

4.4 Archaeological Baseline Conditions

Archaeological and cultural heritage resources are considered as the collective memory of each community. Moreover, archaeological and cultural heritage resources are the reservoir of ancient and present cultural practices including practices relevant to the use and conservation of biological resources. Thereto, such resources located within the Jordan Rift Valley is irreplaceable and an important foundation of past and future development.

The archaeological heritage whether located in protected areas or countryside constitutes the basic record of past human activities. Its protection and proper management is therefore essential to enable archaeologists and other scholars to study and interpret it for the benefit of present and future generation.

Approximately 1,300 sites in the Jordan Valley have been recorded by the Department of Antiquities (DOA), most of which DOA labels as “survey sites”. Some of those sites, as illustrated below, are identified as the most salient or important archaeological sites.

56 sites were listed in the Jordan Valley Land Use Master Plan (2004) as salient archaeological and cultural heritage sites. Table 48 summarizes those sites.

Table 48: Sites identified as salient archaeological and cultural heritage sites Site Name No. (As presented in Other Names Significance Threats Period the JADIS* list) 1. UMM QAIS Gadara High Value Protected, natural Classical Site. threats. 2. TELL EL- None High Value Looting, natural Bronze Age ARBA`IN Site. threats. 3. EL- HUSN Tall Al-Husn High Value Looting, natural Classical Site. threats. 4. TABAQAT FAHL Pella High Value Partially protected. Roman + (PELLA) Site Byzantine

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Site Name No. (As presented in Other Names Significance Threats Period the JADIS* list) 5. TELL ABU KHUS Abu Al-Khas High Value Agriculture Bronze Age Site. activities, looting, natural threats. 6. TELL ESH Non Medium Urban activities, Bronze Age SHUNA (North) Value Site. natural threats. 7. TELL EL - None High Value Agricultural Bronze Age HAYYAT Site. activities, natural threats. 8. TELL Makam Sherhabil Ben High Value Looting, natural Islamic SHERHABIL BEN Hassaneh Site threats. HASSNEH 9. TANNUR Khirbet Tannur High Value Natural threats. Nabatean Site. 10. TELL ABU HABIL None High Value Looting, natural Chalcolithic Age NORTH Site. threats. + Bronze Age 11. TELL ABU HABIL None High Value Looting, natural Chalcolithic Age SOUTH Site. threats. + Bronze Age 12. TELL EL TWAL Tell El Twal Low to Agricultural Unspecified Medium activities. Structure 13. TELL ABU EN- Abu Naaj Medium Agriculture Bronze Age NI'AJ (TOMBS) Value Site activities, modern cemetery, natural threats. 14. TELL EL - Abu Al-Kharaz High Value Agriculture Bronze Age KHARAZ Site. activities, looting, natural threats. 15. TELL EL- None Medium Agriculture Bronze Age MAQBARAH Value Site. activities, looting, natural threats. 16. TELL ABU None High Value Looting, natural Chalcolithic Age HAMID Site. threats. + Bronze Age 17. TELL EL- None Medium Looting, natural Bronz Age HANDAQUQ Value Site. threats. 18. TELL ES- None Medium Looting, natural Bronze Age + Iron SAIDIYEH Value Site. threats. Age 19. ABU OBEIDAH Makam Abu Obidah High Value Protected. Islamic Site. 20. TELL E L- None Medium Looting, natural Iron Age II MAZAR Value Site. threats. 21. DIRAR TOMB Makam Dirar High Value Protected. Islamic Site. 22. TELL DEIR ALLA Deir Allah High Value Close to the existing Iron Age Site. road, natural threats. 23. TELL EL- None High Value Looting, natural Bronze Age FUKHAR Site. threats. 24. TELL EL- None High Value Looting, agriculture Bronze Age HANDAQUQ Site. activities, natural SOUTH threats. 25. TELL UMM None High Value Looting, natural Bronze Age HAMAD E L- Site. threats. SHARQI 26. TELL UMM None High Value Looting, natural Bronze Age HAMAD E L- Site. threats. GHARBI 27. TELL DAMIEH None High Value Agriculture Bronze Age Site. activities, looting, natural threats

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Site Name No. (As presented in Other Names Significance Threats Period the JADIS* list) 28. DAMIYEH Dolmen Fields Medium Agriculture Bronze Age DOLMENS Value Site. activities, looting, natural threats. 29. TELL EL- None Medium Agriculture Bronze Age MAQBARAH Value Site activities, looting, natural threats 30. SHUNAT NIMRIN Tal Nimrin High Value Site fragmentation Bronze Age + Site. by the main road, Byzantine expansion of urban area, looting. 31. TELL GHRUBBA None High Value Agriculture Chalcolithic Age Site. activities, natural threats. 32. TELL EDAHAB Al Madash Medium Quarry, natural Roman + Value Site. threats. Byzantine 33. TELL EL - Gharabeh Medium Agriculture Byzantine GHARABA Value Site. activities, natural threats. 34. TELL KUFREIN Tell Esh-Sharab High Value Looting, agriculture Iron Age II + Site. activities, natural Classical threats. 35. TELL ET- None High Value Looting, agriculture Bronze Age TAHUNEH Site. activities, natural threats. 36. TELL EL- None High Value Looting, agriculture Bronze Age HAMMAM Site. activities, natural threats. 37. TELL EL- (Baptism Site) Bethany High Value Protected. Roman + KHARRAR Beyond the Jordan Site. Byzantine 38. ES- SADD EL- Tell Barakat Medium Looting, natural Early Broanze GHARBI Value Site. threats. Age 39. TELL ER- RAMA Livias High Value Modern cemetery, Classical + Site. looting, agriculture Islamic activities. 40. TULEILAT EL- Ghassul High Value Agriculture Chalcolithic Age GHASSUL Site. activities, natural threats. 41. EZ- ZARA OASIS Callirhoe High Value Looting, natural Roman Age (Villa and Harbour) Site. threats, agriculture, fragmentation by the existing road. 42. Zara Callirhoe High Value Construction of new Roman - Archaeological Site. road and agricultural Bezantine Survey Site activities. 43. MUKAWIR Makam Jhon the Baptist High Value Natural threats. Roman Site. 44. KHIRBET None High Value Looting, agriculture Bronze Age ISKANDER Site. activities, natural threats. 45. AS SIFIYYA None High Value Dam construction, Neolithic Age Site. agriculture activities, looting, natural threats. 46. QASR AL RIASHI EL QASR High Value Natural threats. Byzantine Site. 47. BAB EDH- DHRA None High Value Looting, natural Bronze Age + Site. threats. Byzantine

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Site Name No. (As presented in Other Names Significance Threats Period the JADIS* list) 48. TAWAHIN ES-S Khirbet Sheikh Isa High Value Looting, natural Byzantine + UKKAR II (This archaeological Site. threats. Islamic site is located within the borders Al Naqa’a area which also includes Al Naqa’a Cemetry) 49. KHIRBE T `ESAL None Medium Quarry, natural Byzantine Value Site. threats. 50. QASR ESAL/ Rujum Isal Medium Natural threats, Byzantine WADI ISAL F 3-2 Value Site. Wadi Essal floods. 51. RUJM NUMEIRA Al-Rujum High Value Natural threats, Nabatean + Site. Wadi Essal floods. Byzantine 52. LUT’S CAVE Deir Ain Abattah. High Value Natural threats. Bronze age + Site. Byzantine 53. FENAN Punon High Value Potential Mining Neolithic + Site. Project, natural Chalcolithic+ threats. Bronze 54. EL NAQA'A None High Value Looting, natural Bronze Age CEMETERY Site. threats. 55. FIFA CEMETERY Fifa (Islamic site inside High Value Looting, Bronze Age and Early Bronze Site. developmental cemetery outside) activities and natural threats. 56. GHARANDAL Medium Natural threats. Neolithic + Value Site. Nabatean+ Roman, Byzantine, Islamic * JADIS is an archaeological data information system for Jordan in which each described archaeological site is given a reference number (code). This data system also document sites locations.

Such national and global treasures holds magnificent opportunity for the country and local communities to generate income through developing and promoting tourism programs, since attracting interested tourist to visit the valley regardless of their interest in nature-based or cultural-based heritage would create significant demand on services and products, and though open job opportunities and pull foreign currencies. As a matter of fact, tourism would be a mine of gold for the government and the locals as such.

With regard to land use planning, under Article 4A of the Antiquities Law, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA) may, through the Director of DOA, cooperate with the Department of Lands and Survey to decide on the names and boundaries of the archaeological sites. Lands holding such sites shall not be leased or sold or in any way delegated to any authority without the approval of the MOTA.

According to DOA, the most important sites are presented in Annex 7 indicated by the JADIS or computerized survey list name, common or touristic name, significance, period, and threats to their existence. The terms used in Annex 7– high and medium value of archaeological sites – were suggested by archaeology study team members. Site value is based upon several criteria including the historical period, the rarity of that period in Jordan, the size of the site, the nature of the remains, the integrity and conservation of the site, and the tourism attention given to the site.

Significant portion of these sites are either harmed or threatened by many developmental projects, looting, direct destruction, in direct destruction, and natural effectors. These threats are serious in

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The literature review and the rapid field investigation revealed nearly absence of archaeological sites within the existing or the proposed protected areas, except for the cupper mines in Fenan and one or two not excavated sites in Mas'uda. However, most of these sites are located within the proposed IEM intervention areas.

The conservation of these sites is obligatory by the Jordanian legislations and as well as by the World Bank Safeguard Polices. Moreover, it is important to realize the need to further survey un surveyed sites, and the need to impalement wide-spectrum management and conservation activities to these sites if not a comprehensive Cultural Resources Management (CRM) approach.

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5 ANALYSIS OF PROJECT SPECIFIC ALTERNATIVES

This section analyzes the alternatives of "No Action/Without Project" and "With Project".

The main issues of concern identified to analyze the project alternatives are as follows:

• Physical Environment: Landscape damage, change of natural drainage system and local geomorphology Solid, agricultural and fluid waste generation Noise levels and Dust Generation Groundwater recharge and conserving groundwater quality

• Biological Environment: Habitat fragmentation Increased accessibility to remote areas Wildlife disturbance Wildlife persecution/vegetation and tree removal Disturbance to bird migration and breeding Enhancing ecosystems balance and integrity and preserving biological habitat Conservation of threatened species

• Agricultural Environment: Adoption of sustainable agriculture

• Social Settings: Public Health Traffic Disturbance Social effect on Locals including environmental awareness Infrastructure Utilities Disturbances to social settings and local business Alternative Livelihoods

• Conservation of Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Resources.

These issues are basically in line with the impact analysis presented earlier. The main concerns are the continuation of the environmental deterioration if no action were to be taken and the potential environmental threats identified during the construction of protected areas management facilities. Following is a description for the analysis of the identified alternatives. Table 49 presents a summary of the analysis of project specific alternatives.

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Table 49: Analysis of project alternatives Alternatives Issue of Concern (Components) No Action/Without Project With Project Physical Environment Landscape damage, change of natural drainage -1 -1 to +2 system and local geomorphology Solid, agricultural and fluid waste generation -2 +2 Noise levels and Dust Generation -1 0 Groundwater recharge and conservation of -2 +1 groundwater quality

Biological Environment Habitat fragmentation -1 0 Increased accessibility to remote areas -1 0 Wildlife Disturbance -1 -1 to +1 Wildlife persecution/vegetation and tree removal -2 +2 Disturbance to bird migration and breeding -1 +2 Enhancing ecosystems balance and integrity and -1 +3 preserving biological habitat Conservation of threatened species -1 +3

Agricultural Environment Adoption of sustainable agriculture -2 +1

Social Settings Public Health -2 0 Traffic Disturbance 0 0 Social effect on Locals including environmental 0 +1 awareness Infrastructure Utilities 0 +1 Disturbances to social settings and local business 0 0 Alternative Livelihoods 0 +2

Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Resources -1 +1 Ranking (+3) : High Positive Effect (+2) : Medium Positive Effect (+1) : Low Positive Effect ( 0 ) : No Effect (-1) : Low Negative Effect (-2) : Medium Negative Effect (-3) : High Negative Effect

5.1 No Action/Without Project

This alternative indicates that without project necessarily means that all defined potential adverse impact sources during the construction, implementation and operation phases do not occur. The “No Action/Without Project” alternative can be judged to cause no change to existing environmental and social settings neither within nor out of the proposed project area. This anticipation should take into consideration that at present environmental conditions are deteriorating in the JRV and that the adverse potential environmental impacts identified "With Project" alternative are limited as compared to the positive impacts anticipated with the introduction of integrated ecosystem management into the JRV. Without the project it is understood that the current environmental and social challenges in the JRV will keep on building up and threatening the physical, biological and archaeological and cultural heritage conditions in the area. These challenges were discussed in Section 4.

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It should also be appreciated that ecological concerns have always been raised toward conserving biological habitats in the JRV and sand dunes habitats that occur at different localities. It is a national concern to preserve biodiversity in general and natural habitats in particular. In addition, cultural resources conservation and management have always been a major concern that is treated with full attention and care.

5.2 With Project

The "With Project" alternative aims at conservation of globally significant biodiversity through integrated ecosystem management in the Jordan Rift Valley. This implies an enhancement of the overall ecosystem integrity and conservation. There are some adverse environmental impacts associated with the construction of the protected areas management facilities. However, these are temporary and not significant especially when compared to the long-term positive impacts associated with the implementation of the IEM sub-projects and protected areas. For the positive and negative impacts associated with the project, refer to Section 6.

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6 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS

It should be noted at the beginning of this section that for project activities that are not clearly defined in the project document or for those that will be developed during the course of the main project and its sub-projects, the impacts were assessed at the sub-project level but not at the activity level.

6.1 Impacts on the Physical Environment

This section of the report presents and discusses the expected environmental impacts of the proposed project. As mentioned previously, the project consists of two major groups of activities within the JRV area. These are: (i) establishment of four natural reserve sites, and (ii) implementation of IEM in seven selected sites.

Thus, the expected environmental impacts during the planning/construction (where needed) and implementation phases for each group of activities is presented and discussed separately.

6.1.1 Overview of Impacts

The implementation of such “environmental friendly” project is expected to have major positive impacts on the regional level within the JRV area. These impacts can be summarized as follows:

• Participation in conserving the natural landscape. • Participation in providing recharge zones for the groundwater resources. • Participation in conserving the quality of the natural water resources. • Participation in upgrading the solid waste management system.

Details of these impacts are discussed hereinafter within the context of this part.

Nevertheless, negative impacts can be generated as a result of mismanagement practices in some of the project activities. Such practices include:

• Preparation of the infrastructure for the proposed natural reserves. • The resulting fluid and solid wastes during the construction and operation phases of these reserves. • The expected increase in solid wastes as a result of tourist influx to the IEM sites as part of the project’s eco-tourism theme.

6.1.2 Expected Environmental Impacts of Establishing Natural Reserves

Overall, the establishment of the proposed natural reserves is a positive action that will participate in conserving the local physical environment within the proposed sites and the nearby areas (to some extent).

Nevertheless, in the absence of a sound environmental management plan, the following temporary negative impacts are expected to occur during the “planning /construction” phase: (i) changing local geomorphology, landscape and natural drainage system, and (ii) inappropriate disposal of

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6.1.2.1 “Planning/Construction” Phase

(a) Change of Local Morphology, Landscape and the Natural Drainage System

The inappropriate site selection for the reserves establishment such as the visitor’s centres and the service areas can cause change in the local morphology, landscaping and interfering with the local drainage system. Activities causing such impacts are:

• Site clearing, site preparation and cut and fill activities. • Unnecessary movement of the different project vehicles and machinery.

The impacts of such activities on the local geomorphology vary from temporary to permanent, and include:

• Changing the present landscape and the natural drainage pattern in the area. • Increasing the sediments load in the surrounding and nearby wadis.

Discussions with the representatives form the RSCN indicated that the expected construction activities will be simple and of limited aerial extensions. Accordingly, the magnitude of this impact is expected to be low and reversible.

(b) Solid Wastes Dumping

Generated solid wastes usually include construction wastes, domestic wastes generated by the work force, and the wastes generated from the routine maintenance and servicing of vehicles and construction machines.

The resulting cut materials from the different construction activities might be a major source for solid waste during the construction phase. Un-managed dumping process for these materials will have negative impacts on the overall site aesthetics and changing the local drainage pattern if disposed in the cores of any nearby wadi/s. The overall magnitude of this impact is expected to be low and reversible.

Domestic fluid wastes will be generated from three different sources during the construction activities. These are:

• Fluid wastes generated by the working force. • Fluid wastes generated due to the routine maintenance and servicing of vehicles and construction machines.

Inappropriate management system for disposing these fluids might lead to contamination of soil and natural water resources. The overall impact of this magnitude is low to medium and reversible.

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6.1.2.2 Implementation, Operation and Adaptation Phase

The implementation, operation and adaptation phase for these proposed natural reserves will have several positive impacts on the local physical environment. The only expected negative impact is the inappropriate management for the expected solid and fluid wastes which will be generated by the reserves visitors.

Following is a presentation and discussion for the expected environmental impact in this phase.

(a) Conserving the Local Morphology, Landscaping and the Natural Drainage System

The current high-speed development in Jordan, in addition to the high increase in land prices have several negative impacts on nature, one of which is the absence of a clear land use policy. As a result, it is easy to change the land use status (for example) from agricultural usage to residential and/or industrial. Also, and on the same track, one of the modifications for the current agricultural law was to allow renting the forest lands in Jordan for touristic projects. Fortunately, this modification was rejected by the Jordanian House of Parliament.

Implementing the concept of natural reserves in the proposed sites will highly participate in conserving the local morphology and landscape within the reserves areas and conserve the local drainage system.

Also, this implementation will send a clear and strong massage to some of the community members who still believe more in economical development more than anything else.

(b) Participate in Accelerating Groundwater Recharge

Conserving the natural vegetation cover in the proposed reserve sites will help in providing clean sources for recharging the local groundwater resources. Several studies indicated that the forest land is known to provide more recharge to the groundwater aquifers than non forest areas or zones37.

Again the implementation of the reserves concept in the proposed sites will directly control the human activities and to some extent stop or at least control the activities that might contribute in polluting the groundwater resources.

Furthermore, and in general, forests soils, with high humus content, rich in soil organisms, and a highly developed root system can purify rainwater by adsorption of contaminants during its passage through the different levels of the soil. The quality of the filtered water strongly depends on the composition, constitution and depth of the soil as well as the top vegetation layers. Thus, the presence of a developed soil plays an essential role in maintaining the filter function and producing groundwater of high quality, with minimal nitrate and chloride contents, virtually no

37 Forests and Water: Managing Interrelations: Sabine Brüschweiler, etl.-GEOGRAPHICA BERNENSIA and CDE (Centre for Development and Environment)Berne, 2004

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(d) Inappropriate Disposal of Fluid and Solid Wastes

In the absence of an appropriate management plan, the resulting fluid and solid wastes from the different operation activities in the proposed natural reserve area might lead to contamination of soil and natural water resources in addition to problems related to public health.

Fluid Wastes The expected wastes to result during this phase will be mainly the domestic fluid wastes resulting from the reserve visitors and the reserve management time. The inappropriate disposal of these wastes such as the usage of permeable cesspits for collection purpose can affect the public health and can constitute a source of pollution for the local natural resources in the area.

To quantify the expected quantity of fluid wastes to be produced during the operation phase at each of the Yarmouk site, Jabal Mas'uda site and Dead Sea Panoramic Complex site, the following scenario was used:

• The expected number of visitors to each of Yarmouk and Jabal Mas'uda sites is estimated to be 3,877/site. This figure is the average number of visitors to five RSCN reserves, where the total number of visitors was 19,385 visitors during the year 200439. • The expected number of visitors to the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex is expected to be 2,400 visitors/year40. • The average generated fluid waste is 53 l/c/day. This figure represents 2/3 of the average daily water consumption per capita per day in the JRV area which is 80 l/c/day41. Assuming that the visitor to any of the two sites will spend about 0.25 day, thus the expected quantity of fluid waste that will be produced by each visitor will be 13.275 l/c/visit. • The average number of workers at each of Yarmouk and Jabal Mas'uda sites is 5 and at Dead Sea Panoramic Complex is estimated to be 1540. For the workers, a 0.5 day duration was assumed to calculate the expected fluid waste produced by them. Thus, the expected quantity of fluid wastes produced by the workers is about 48,453.75 l/year (48.5 m3/year) for each of Yarmouk and Jabal Mas'uda and 145,000 l/year (145.0 m3/year) for Dead Sea Panoramic Complex.

According to the above scenario the expected quantity of fluid waste that might be generated at each site is illustrated in Table 50.

38 ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE-Seminar on the role of ecosystems as water suppliers, WATER-RELATED ECOSYSTEM- Geneva, 13-14 December 2004 39 Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley Specialist Report No 3- table 2-10, August 2005): 39 The Environmental Assessment for Upgrading the Solid waste Sector in Jordan. Ministry of Planing,2001. 40 RSCN Feasibility Study for Dead Sea Panoramic Complex - Excel Sheet. 41 Ministry of Water & Irrigation – Statistical Yearly Book, 2004.

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Table 50: Quantification of fluid waste produced during the operation phase at each tourism site Average Daily Average Length No. Total Grand Total Site Generation of Stay Expected (m3/year) (m3/year) (l/capita/day) (Days) Yarmouk Visitors 3,877/year 53 0.25 51.7 100.2 Staff 5/day 53 0.5 48.5 Jabal Mas'uda Visitors 3,877/year 53 0.25 51.7 100.2 Staff 5/day 53 0.5 48.5 Dead Sea Visitors 2,400/year 53 0.25 31.8 Panoramic 176.8 Staff 15/day 53 0.5 145 Complex Total for all sites 377.2

Solid Wastes The expected solid wastes to result during this phase will be the mainly domestic resulting from the visitors to the reserve and the reserve management team. Without the implementation of an appropriate management plan, these solid wastes can be a bad image for the project aesthetics, and, on the long-run, can participate in polluting the groundwater resources in the area.

To quantify the expected quantity of solid wastes that will result during the operation phase at Yarmouk site, Jabal Mas'uda site and Dead Sea Panoramic Complex site, the following scenario was used:

• The expected number of visitors to each site is estimated to be 3,877. This figure is the average number of visitors to five RSCN reserves, where the total number of visitors was 19,385 during the year 200442. • The expected number of visitors to the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex is expected to be 2,400 visitors/year40. • The average daily solid waste generated per capita is 1.03 kg. Assuming that the visitor to any of the two sites will spend about 0.25 day, thus, the expected quantity of solid waste produced by each visitor will be the 0.258 kg. • The average number of workers at each of Yarmouk and Jabal Mas'uda sites is 5 and at Dead Sea Panoramic Complex is estimated to be 1540. For the workers, a 0.5 day/worker duration was assumed to calculate the expected produced solid waste. Thus, the expected quantity of solid waste produced by the workers is about 940 kg/year for each of Yarmouk and Jabal Mas'uda and 2,820/year for Dead Sea Panoramic Complex.

According to the above scenario the expected quantity of solid waste that might be produced at each site is illustrated in Table 51.

42 Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley Specialist Report No 3- table 2-10, August 2005). 42 The Environmental Assessment for Upgrading the Solid waste Sector in Jordan. Ministry of Planing,2001.

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Table 51: Quantification of solid waste produced during the operation phase at each tourism site Average Daily Average Length No. Total Grand Total Site Generation of Stay Expected (m3/year) (m3/year) (kg/capita/day) (Days) Yarmouk Visitors 3,877/year 1.03 0.25 998.3 1,938.3 Staff 5/day 1.03 0.5 940 Jabal Mas'uda Visitors 3,877/year 1.03 0.25 998.3 1,938.3 Staff 5/day 1.03 0.5 940 Dead Sea Visitors 2,400/year 1.03 0.25 618 Panoramic 3,438 Staff 15/day 1.03 0.5 2,820 Complex Total for all sites 7,314

6.1.3 Environmental Impacts of Implementing the Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) Concept

6.1.3.1 Overview of Activities and Impacts

It is planned to implement the IEM concept in five selected sites, in addition to the areas surrounding the proposed natural reserves, within the JRV area. This implementation will include conducting several activities (in a pilot scale) within the selected sites. Details of these activities are presented in Table 4. Moreover, the following themes are expected to have impacts on the physical environment: (i) Sustainable Agriculture, (ii) Eco-tourism, and (iii) Solid Waste Management.

The implementation of the IEM concept in the selected sites will have several direct positive impacts on all the elements of the environment. Following is a presentation and discussion of these impacts.

(a) Water and Soil Conservation through Implementing the Sustainable Agriculture Program

The implementation of the concept of sustainable agriculture will have a long term positive impact on the physical environment components in the JRV area represented by the participation in:

• Reducing the water consumption for irrigation purposes. • Conserving the water quality as an indirect result of reducing the fertilizers and pesticides usage. • Solving the problem of solid wastes accumulation in the JRV through reducing the quantities of resulting agricultural solid wastes.

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(b) Participate in Reducing Generated Agricultural Solid Wastes by Implementing Composting Projects

One of the project IEM themes (within the sustainable agriculture program) is to conduct a management program for the agricultural solid wastes in the JRV area which represent major part of the JRV solid wastes. This program will be based on establishing composting projects. The correct implementation of this program will participate on the long run in reducing the solid wastes quantities within the JRV area. On the other hand, without appropriate management, composting process can participate in polluting the local surface and ground water resources through the leaching of fluids from the composted materials.

Eco-tourism is an activity known to be friendly to the environment. Among other benefits, eco- tourism connects the people more to the environment and diverts them towards conserving and protecting it.

(d) Generated Solid due to the Influx of Tourists

The unmanaged influx of tourists to the project areas will result in increasing the magnitude of the solid waste management problem in the JRV area.

(e) Participate in Design Making Concerning JRV Sustainable Development Projects

One of the project major objectives is to ensure the correct implementation of sustainable development. Accordingly, and among other concerns, the project core teams will work on highlighting the physical environment conservation as an issue to be considered within the feasibility studies for the planed sustainable development projects in the JRV area. Such projects mainly focus on: (i) fluid and solid wastes management, and (ii) dams construction (such as the planned Wadi Ibn Hammad Project).

Furthermore, the project core teams will work on insuring the full consideration of JRV environment within any feasibility study conducted for the private sector projects, such as mining, quarries establishments and massive tourism projects.

6.2 Impacts on Biological Conditions

This section of the document assesses known, potential, and reasonably foreseeable environmental consequences related to implementing the Integrated Ecosystem Management Project and managing natural resources at Jordan Rift Valley. The intended project is assessed against the analyzed project components and activities.

Generally, the project is designed to address Jordan Rift Valley ecosystem balance, integrity, and diversity through adopting ecosystem management approaches. Thereto, the anticipated impacts are in most have positive consequences

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The intended project will have wide-spectrum and multi-level series of impacts. For instance, the establishment of protected areas will lead to preservation of fragile habitat and threatened species contained within the protected area, and further will contribute to the integrity and balance of the ecosystems.

These impacts are cumulative in most, and of complex multi-level cause-effect relationship between the project and the environment. The following section detailed the anticipated impacts by the project on the biological environment.

6.2.1 Enhancing Ecosystems Balance and Integrity

Implementing integrated ecosystem management approach in the Jordan Rift Valley provides unique opportunity for enhancing ecosystem integrity, where all ecosystem valued components are recognized as precedence for action. The intended project is expected to enhance ecosystem balance and integrity directly by:

1- integrating ecosystem conservation themes and bring to fruition the need to recognize valued ecosystem components in the planning for and implementing land use projects and activities; 2- reinforcing the protected areas network along the Valley including: a. establishing and environmentally manage four new protected areas at fragile, sensitive and yet biologically significant areas b. improving management within established protected areas c. preserving fragile habitat and threatened species 3- enhancing and promoting nature-based alternative socio-economic livelihoods in the valley and indirectly by:

1- enforcing appropriate policies, regulations, incentive structures that supports IEM. 2- securing sustainable financing for ecosystem planning, community development and nature conservation activities. 3- developing capacities of multi-sectoral organizations carrying out land use planning and management in the valley, and/or implementing large developmental projects with influence on ecosystem components and land use patterns. 4- implementing public awareness programs targeting the enhancement of stakeholders and local communities understanding and appreciation of the need to conserve ecosystem components in the Valley.

The magnitude of this cumulative impact is highly dependable on the success implementing the project activities, and certainly on the level of attention and involvement given by all related stakeholders, especially key governmental organizations and directly related communities.

Some challenges, if not mitigated, are expected to reduce the magnitude of this positive impact. These key challenges include:

1- Availability of information necessary for the designation of protected areas and for the development and implementation of sound IEM/LUP sub-projects and or the overall environmental management within the Valley;

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2- Sufficient involvement by related stakeholders; 3- Adopting elite decision making processes rather than bottom-up; 4- Adequate selection of IEM/LUP sub-projects and/or failure implementing similar projects; 5- Enforcement of appropriate policies, regulations, incentive structures that supports IEM; and resolving ambiguity of responsibilities and/or lack of well-equipped law enforcement tools; 6- In place efficient and strong coordination and cooperation among relevant institutions.

6.2.2 Preserving Biological Habitat

A wide variety of habitats can be found along the Valley, due to its complex geology and great altitudinal range, ranging from Mediterranean, to non forest Mediterranean along the margins, to Irano-Turanean to Afro tropical habitats. Habitats range here from deep rocky gorges to flat slopes and plateaux covered by steppe vegetation, dense hydrophytes vegetation along water streams, farmland and Mediterranean woodlands.

These habitats are of national and global importance since they support significant biological diversity fostering, harbouring and supporting flora, fauna, and avifauna species. Many of these habitats are considered fragile and sensitive to environmental stressors. Prevailing environmental stressors and threats to these habitats include:

• Unsustainable agricultural practices including intensive agricultural farming, mono- culturing practices; • Urbanization and increased population densities; • Over developed tourism sites and massive expansion of tourism facilities over sensitive and yet fragile habitat of the Dead Sea; • Over exploitation of water resources including surface and ground water; • Water and soil contamination by agrochemical, industrial and urban sources; • Over grazing and unsustainable woodcutting; • Degradation of special habitat types Forest resources such as the natural vegetation of Acacia radiana, A. tortilis, Ziziphus spp., Moringa peregrina,Tamarix spp, Salvadora persicum, Quercus ithaburensis and Juniperus phoenica and others. Wetland habitats sand dune Riparian and Tarmix habitats of the Dead Sea

The intended project is expected to preserve significant representative portion of the identified fragile habitat, directly by:

1- reinforcing the protected areas network along the Valley including: a. establishing and environmentally manage four new protected areas at fragile, sensitive and yet biologically significant areas b. improving management within established protected areas c. preserving fragile habitat

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2- integrating ecosystem conservation themes and bring to fruition the need to recognize valued ecosystem components in the planning for and implementing land use projects and activities;

And indirectly by:

1- enhancing and promoting nature-based alternative socio-economic livelihoods in the Valley. 2- enforcing appropriate policies, regulations, incentive structures that supports IEM. 3- securing sustainable financing for ecosystem planning, community development and nature conservation activities. 4- developing capacities of multi-sectoral organizations carrying out land use planning and management in the valley, and/or implementing large developmental projects with influence on ecosystem components and land use patterns. 5- implementing public awareness programs targeting the enhancement of stakeholders and local communities understanding and appreciation of the need to conserve ecosystem components in the Valley.

Nevertheless, non fragile habitats are expected to be maintained as a result of the project activities.

The magnitude of this impact is difficult to measure during this phase of the project, however, it can be measured in the future as areas of fragile habitat included within the proposed protected areas for establishment, and comparing the areas preserved to the total area of similar habitats in the valley.

On the other hand, the project might have negative impacts to fragile habitat consequent to:

1- Constructing site management facilities within the proposed protected areas; 2- Constructing eco-tourism facilities; and 3- Increased access to these remote and fragile habitats primarily by the RSCN staff, researchers and tourists.

The construction activities including land preparation, accumulation of generated waste and land works, and later during operation and maintenance activities will deteriorate the ecological characteristics of fragile habitat, as well as biodiversity in general, within the construction direct zones of effect. The magnitude of this deterioration is dependant on the selection criteria of facilities locations, the scale of construction to be applied and the measures taken to limit construction zones to minimum. The impact include:

• Direct removal of vegetation; • Alteration of surface morphology and natural water runoffs schemes; • Wildlife disturbance during the construction; and • Wildlife persecution and/or vegetation cover removal mainly during construction phase.

Increased access to these sites will include vehicles movement, direct and indirect removal of vegetation cover, and littering. The magnitude of this impact relates to the nature of allowed access patterns (allowed activities and the number and frequency of visits).

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6.2.3 Enhancing Biodiversity

Positive changes anticipated in the nature conservation conditions consequent to the establishment of four protected areas and to the implementation of environmentally-sound IEM subprojects are expected logically to go beyond improving the conditions of natural habitat and the conservation of fragile and sensitive ones to modification of microclimate which can be important in encouraging invasion/return by species that used to exist or did not exist in these habitats before. This indicated that species diversity is expected to increase.

Also, the establishment of these reserves will encourage more research in these sites, which can result in improving our knowledge of species diversity and might introduce us to new records to Jordan, the region and to science.

6.2.3.1 Improving the Conservation Status of Threatened and Endangered Floristic Species

In general, the project will improve the conservation status of threatened and endangered floristic species distributed all through the project area. Many threatened different plant species which do occur solely or forming a stand will benefit from the project.

It will particularly improve the conservation status of forest stands of Oak in the north and Acacia in Wadi Araba and Juniper stands in Mas'uda which will accordingly conserve the microhabitats under these forest elements such as Orchids under the Oak canopy. This is also applicable to other unique habitats of Sand dunes fixatives, Haloxylon persicum and associated plant species of Wadi Araba and mudflat habitat of Ghor Fifa especially for species of restricted range of Crypsis schoenoides and Epipactis veratifolia.

Other remnant tree and large shrubby elements which has restricted range in the project area and under severe threat of removal and diminishing, and will benefit from improved conservation measures include Platanus orientalis, Tamarix jordanis, Salvadora persica, Maurea crassifolia, Moringa peregrina, Hyphaena thebaica and Capparis decidua and the microclimates these elements provide for other floristic and animal life.

Other plant species that will also benefit from improved conservation include the threatened species Caralluma sinaica, Micromeria sinaica, Suaeda monoica, Abutilon pannosum, Iphiona maris-mortui, Calotropis procera (Figure 43), Globualria arabica, Ochradenus baccatus, Calligonum comosum, Lycium shawi, and Cyclamen persicum (Figure 44).

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Figure 43: Calotropis procera

Figure 44: Threatened “CITES” Species Cyclamen persicum

Some of these species and many others enjoy medical properties and have been used by locals in folk medicine. Much research is still required to identify the medical usage of these species and their effective ingredients and parts.

6.2.3.2 Improving the Conservation Status of Threatened and Endangered Faunal Species

In general and on the long run, the project is expected to improve the conservation status of threatened and endangered faunal species consequent to the conservation and through nourishment of biological habitat known as breeding and feeding grounds for these species. In particular, the lower food pyramid fauna will nourish subject to the anticipated nourishment of terrestrial and aquatic vegetation.

This nourishment will secure food for higher food pyramid fauna. Side by side with habitat conservation, law enforcement regarding hunting, grazing, wood cutting, urbanization and other

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Also, this situation will be of great value for migratory birds crossing the valley in huge numbers twice a year. This will reduce to certain extent risks associated with migration especially for juveniles who are not strong enough to migrate for long distances and lack the “migration experience” as well as for elderly birds that might not have the energy required to proceed to their ultimate destination in Europe and Africa.

Mainstreaming is considered as a powerful tool to ensure maximum participation of all relevant organizations and communities in order to ensure the integration of nature conservation into economical development and land use management programs. Success in implementing targeted IEM sub-projects is expected to amplify this impact especially through minimizing direct and indirect animal persecution and through maintaining certain levels of naturality among developed and/or to-be developed lands.

6.2.4 Strengthening and Enhancing the Protected Areas Network

The establishment of four new protected areas will significantly increase the total area of protected areas, and will conserve vegetation types that were not represented, in particular the Acacia woodlands and the deciduous oak, in the already existing protected areas. This complies with the national target of achieving 12% of the country established as protected areas, and complies with the global target of establishing at least 10% of land as protected areas.

These areas are considered as refuge for resident species and as very important resting and refuelling sites for migratory birds.

6.2.5 Promoting Sustainable Use of Biological Resources (Products and Attributes)

6.2.5.1 Reducing Human-Related Pollutants through IEM

This anticipated impact will be achieved directly by adopting and implementing many practices that aim towards reducing human pollutants in JRV ecosystems. Impacts from IEM can influence pollutant levels as follow:

1- directly by: a. A reduction in pesticide and related pollutants in environments and food products is a direct consequence of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) adoption. IPM is a dynamic concept under which several control tactics are used that replaces the current pest management procedures of using pesticides solely and extensively. This process can be altered in many steps of conductance. If proven unsuccessful, the procedures utilized can be changed without having irreversible effects. Once adopted by farmers of JRV, IPM is considered a permanent approach that has a large magnitude and long-lasting cumulative impact. b. Reducing environmental upsets created by using animal manure for nutrient replenishment in cropped soils by composting, which is a viable option that serves as a way to recycle animal manures and organic wastes, stabilizes nitrogen, and builds soil humus and enhances soil health. Environmental improvements obtained through utilizing adequate quantities of composted manure are temporarily

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maintained once the practice is abandoned. Thus, the practice does not have a cumulative long time effect. c. Stabilizing plant nutrients in manure, by composting reduces phytotoxic effects on plants, both domesticated and wild plants, as well as preventing accumulation of toxic materials in soil layers.

2- and indirectly by a. Composting act as an excellent weed preventive method since weed seeds are greatly killed by heat generated through the composting process, and subsequently reducing the amounts of herbicides and plastic mulches needed for weed management. b. Composting will reduce disease-causing pathogens, such as E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia that are often found in manure, which can contaminate crops if fresh manure is applied to growing crops or shortly before planting or if contaminated water is used to irrigate crops. Consequently, less chemical pesticides are needed. c. Reducing the ability of flies to reproduce within piles of non-composted manure. Through composting, and as time and heat convert the organic material to complexes, composted manures become unsuitable for flies’ reproduction. A drastic reduction in flies populations compared to current status of using non- composted manure is anticipated. This implies less use of chemical insecticides to get rid of this epidemic phenomenon.

6.2.5.2 Conservation of Natural Resources by IEM

Conserving natural resources is the foundation for the biodynamic sustainability of ecosystems within the JRV. Implementing an IEM approach is expected to yield many positive impacts on conserving natural resources, as follows:

1- Water resources: IEM practices has a direct and positive impact on water resources While measures taken under IEM for conserving water resources can be reversed easily without any implications, the proper management of water application systems and cropping practices related with irrigation has a permanent influence on conserving water, for both surface and underground resources. This is accomplished: a. directly by: i. Improving the operation of existing irrigation and drainage infrastructures through IEM will reduce water losses. ii. IEM promotes for farmers’ involvement in management and maintenance of irrigation and drainage facilities (water storage, water transport, irrigation systems, and irrigation patterns), which creates conditions for best conserving irrigation water. This Higher public awareness will minimize water losses off-and on- farm. iii. Selecting crops adapted to less water use and higher water use efficiencies. iv. Reuse of treated water (grey and black water) at a larger scale is expected to directly conserve water resources. Considerable efforts should be employed to take all necessary precautions to avoid environmental disturbances.

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b. and indirectly by: i. Less use of agrochemicals will be reflected on less water contaminations that eventually enhance water quality. ii. Maintaining sustainability of irrigated agriculture as the wise use of water resources will have a cumulative impact of abundant water quantities of high quality for future generations.

2- Soil Resources: Conserving soil resources is very essential to maintain functioning ecosystems. Many activities within the IEM for JRV will conserve and further enhance the physical, biological, and chemical properties of soils. These activities have nearly always an indirect positive influence as follows: a. Justified use of irrigation water will reduce nutrient depletion otherwise encountered when over-irrigation is practiced. b. Increasing water utilization and efficiency will have a considerable impact on minimizing sediment concentrations in runoff water, a factor that cause the deterioration of soil quality. c. Proper crop selection, such as selecting salt-tolerant crops will facilitate practicing more efficient and sustainable land-use schemes. d. Adopting proper crop rotation and intercropping practices will improve soil physical properties, due to the presence of various rooting systems that explore different soil layers. This will prevent compaction, will improve soils infiltration rates (reduce water run-off losses), and reduce soil erosion. e. Improving the chemical properties of arable soils by balancing nutrient depletion and enrichment processes that takes place in well-planned crop rotations. f. Improving soil quality and nutrient management within farming systems. It is a very significant process in reducing the amounts of chemical fertilizers and associated pollutants in JRV. g. Practicing IPM reduces soil-applied pesticides which maintain a functioning soil fauna capable of performing decompositions to recycle nutrients within ecosystems. h. Reducing off-farm inputs will reduce soil pollution, especially when plastic mulches that have detrimental pollution effects are replaced by cover crops. i. Recycling agricultural by-products and supplied materials will reduce pollutants in soils, as an increase in the economic value of such material will encourage farmers to participate more in the recycling process. j. Proper training and capacity building provided by the Sustainable Agriculture Centre for Education and Research (SACER) will provide producers with the necessary knowledge to better conserve soil resources. k. Promoting Organic Farming across the JRV, known of having less impact on soils, will definitely conserve soils structures and fertility levels. l. Establishing plants for proper treatment of wastewater will maintain soils in good tilth. Continuous monitoring will prevent accumulation of heavy metals in cultivated and surrounded lands.

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6.2.5.3 Conservation of Vegetation Resources

Many activities of IEM will help restore, conserve, and enhance vegetation resources across JRV. This can be achieved:

1- directly by: a. Reducing the use of pesticides by IPM practices, especially herbicides will permit the restoration of natural vegetation with JRV ecosystems. b. Regulating grazing activities as outlined in IEM by changing laws and practices will reduce the severe impacts from over grazing of certain plant species. c. Rehabilitation of current wild-life status to conditions that allow wild animals that have different grazing habits to restore its original population sizes will rebalance the vegetation composition across the JRV.

2- and indirectly by: a. Capacity building through SACER can raise public awareness regarding the appropriate stocking rates for various ecosystems across JRV. b. Composting will prevent the introduction of invasive species as alien seeds will be eliminated from animal manure by the heat generated by composting. c. Less use of pesticides will allow substantial numbers of wild pollinators to accomplish successful pollination of many native plant species that are present in low numbers to escape the threat of extinctions.

6.2.5.4 Conservation of Genetic Resources

Many activities are expected to enhance the conservation of genetic resources directly by:

1- Less pesticide use by IPM practices will allow a build up in populations of wild plant, insects, and soil fauna. Biodiversity enrichment will be achieved as the natural biological balance is restored by applying fewer pesticides. Many beneficial organisms will thrive within the agro-ecological systems, that otherwise will be subjected to extinction. 2- Well-planned crop rotation allows the soils’ micro-organisms to flourish in a balanced fashion, thus, preventing the build up of soil-born diseases. 3- Less fertilizers use (chemical and organic) will reduce phytotoxic substances in agricultural as well as natural surrounding area, which grants better growing conditions for natural vegetation. 4- Diversity of vegetation will encourage various birds and mammals to flourish as more diverse feed and shelter sources are present.

6.2.6 Conservation of Threatened Species

The intended project does not have specific programs or activities targeting threatened species. However, IEM activities including the establishment of four new protected areas will enhance the opportunity for improving the conservation status of threatened fauna and flora species.

The preservation of biological habitat allows for significant preservation of existing natural vegetation types and communities. The preservation of plant species comprising these communities will maintain the ecological services and the microclimates they provide.

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Additionally, the community preservation leads to conserving threatened native plant species occurring within this community, and enhances their recovery.

Consequently, and as the food webs illustrate, protecting biological habitat will allow vegetation cover to nourish, and though recovering food and shelter for herbivores and omnivores. Abundance and diversity of meat will buffer the carnivore’s capacity to reproduce.

Day after day, while succession and recovery are taking place within the protected areas, the conservation status of threatened plant and animal species will fluctuate until it settles balance, ending up with improved conservation status of several threatened species.

6.3 Impacts on Socio-Economic Settings

6.3.1 Positive Impacts

6.3.1.1 Direct Socio-Economic Impacts

(a) Creating Employment Opportunities for the Local Communities

Unemployment is considered one of the biggest problems which face the Jordanian society in general, and Jordan Valley in particular. This problem faces both men and women despite the educational abilities and skills they have.

The project will present a lot of jobs which are related to construction during establishing the supposed reserves or the infrastructure related to it.

It is also expected to present jobs inside the reserves or make small projects next to the reserves to attract the tourists. Example of such projects are supermarkets, parks, centres to sell products nature friendly, hand crafts from local communities.

It may also present small nature friendly projects, which could be used from surrounding environment, like re-cycling the cans and papers and reselling them again. This is expected to improve the level of income for inhabitants in the area.

The project also encourages women to work harder to use their experiences and abilities, for example, in embroidery, flower arrangements and food products that will be marketed. All these opportunities presented by the project will be supported by suitable training to meet the available job opportunities. The recommended training for theses skills include: foreign languages, nature protection, tourist guide and environmental tourism or producing some home made food products, embroidery and flowers arrangement … etc.

This project will also encourage the investors to invest more in theses regions since it attracts visitors from all over the Kingdom. Creating job opportunities for local community members and improving their living standards through establishing income generating projects will make the place where they live more attractive for them to live in. As a result, it reduces the immigration of individuals and families into the main areas in search for improved living standards. Also, if improvement was achieved as expected, it will result in rich people moving into the area and buying lands and homes for entertainment.

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(b) Increasing Local Communities' Participation in the Project Activities

Although this is one of the project's main objectives, it is still expected to result in increased local community participation in the implementation of the project activities such as the delineation and management of protected areas, and the establishment and implementation of IEM sub-projects.

Once the local communities feel that they will benefit from the project, mostly the participation in the project will increase to be of first priority.

The benefits of the participation in the project include the availability of economic opportunities and increase of awareness and knowledge, as well as getting acquainted with new people from inside and outside the area.

Since it is impossible for any project to succeed if there is no planning from the local communities, the project should aim to involve the local community in the planning and bordering of the reserves and involve the stakeholders in the planning for the project.

IEM project will substantially adopt and apply sustainable agriculture. These principals ensure that agricultural activities are economically viable, and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole. It is anticipated that many socio-economic impacts will result from this implementation directly by:

1- Enhancing capacity building and awareness as the SACER will provide continuous education and training to producers. 2- Training and experiences gained through implementing IEM activities will greatly add to the knowledge of local communities. This knowledge is an asset for local people that can gain them extra income through working abroad. 3- Achieving economic stability through diversification of crops that will reflect on higher prices and greater net incomes. 4- The wide spread of organic farming that relies on non chemical pesticides will utilize more human power, which will provide more resources. 5- The IEM will enhance and maintain rural communities that enjoy acceptable standards of living and welfare. 6- Opportunities will be created to extend the involvement of local communities in aspects other than farming, that include for example, export-import activities, cooperative associations, and local governing bodies and institutes. Such involvement will make rural communities advocates for IEM implementation. Public awareness will greatly be increased towards adopting sustainable practices in all aspects of life.

(d) Raising Environmental Awareness for the Local Communities

Since the project aims to protect the nature and encourage people to conduct economical projects that serve the environment, the need to make workshops capacity building for both individuals and different local institutions in environment protection arises.

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This will be conducted by local institutions from the local society. In addition, the local residents' participation in the protection activities requires environmental awareness and will be automatically transferred among the society individuals to become a habit. These activities will be carried out by the RSCN IEM Teams in coordination with civil society organizations and other related environmental NGOs.

(e) Infrastructure Improvement and Upgrading Welfare Assets

The implementation of the project requires improvement of road networks, in terms of rehabilitation of some roads, maintenance of others, and might require the establishment of new roads. This requirement is basically to facilitate tourist movement to and from the destination areas.

Water supply might not be subject to further renovation, and the demand on drinking water is expected to increase for bottled water only, since it is the most trusted by tourists and tour operators.

Sanitation and waste management services will certainly be affected by the expected increase in waste generation due to the influx of tourists to the area. This situation will possess additional pressure on the available human and mechanical resources, and as will on the landfills.

Health care centres and civil defence services are expected to be significantly improved since tourists' influxes will increase the demand on these services.

In general, as the project will attract more tourists, it will encourage local authorities to improve infrastructure such as roads, wastewater network, etc.

(f) Development of Sound Tourism and encouragement of Eco-Tourism in the Project Area

Many tourists in the world love hand-made products and products from nature. Most of them believe in the medical herbs available in the project area and that has are considered as an effective cure in remedying some illnesses. They also like to take souvenirs back to their countries and mostly theses gifts are hand-made products from the same place they are visiting. In addition, these reserves, which have diverse kinds of birds and animals, are attractive places for people. As a result, increasing the number of tourists means increasing the income for the local communities. The eco-tourism sites are the IEM SITES mentioned in Table 4.

6.3.1.2 Indirect Impacts

(a) Developing Local Communities Social Concepts

The establishment of these reserves and the IEM activities, which respect and protect nature, will help to develop the local community concepts towards understanding the environment. They will enhance the local people's respect and appreciation for the different natural resources (for instance, may reduce the acts of throwing waste on the ground) and enhance their participation in the protection of nature and in the planning, implementation and decision-making with respect to those projects.

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Consequently, this will increase the democracy practices of these societies and positively change the views of men toward women and increase women rights by considering them an active member in the development process. Some of the concepts which may develop further are the respect and understanding towards other cultures and religions as it is expected that number of tourists from different religions will increase in the area. Another important concept that is expected to develop is respect to the value of work as a result of people's participation in the project's work.

(b) Encouraging International Funding Agencies

Success in integrating the conservation of nature into land use management and in development of IEM sub-projects in partnership and cooperation with local communities is expected to encourage international and national funding organizations to build on these achievements through funding similar or pilot IEM activities. This will contribute to the sustainability of the project.

This project increases the awareness of the local community. In addition, their participation in fixing the needs and planning for it will give the financers the reason to fund the environmental projects in the area. Consequently, it will encourage the international funding agencies to fund environmental projects in the study area.

This project will encourage the local community to establish a number of projects and activities which generate income for them and which fits the nature of their culture and their region.

Industry, agriculture and tourism also encourage the investors to invest in theses regions which will be attractive places for people all over Kingdom.

Also, the project is expected to encourage establishment of small to medium establishments and creating alternative livelihoods which can increase income and consequently alleviate poverty.

(d) Enhancing Women Participation in the Project Activities

The project is expected to enhance women participation in the project activities especially environmental activities. Given the cultural and religious background, the local communities in Jordan Valley, and in Jordan in general, are conservative communities. These communities do not object to women work but they have restrictions regarding women working with men especially if those men are non-relatives. They prefer to have women work from their houses or in places where they rarely have to deal with other men.

In addition, a lot of projects and activities need skills available for women more than men such as flower arrangements, embroidery and others.

Women’s participation in work and income generation for the family will help in changing men’s perception towards women and consider them as active and contributing member in making development and consequently increase women rights.

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6.3.2 Negative Impacts

(a) Limiting Mining and Industrial Activities in the Project Area

The project will cause the limitation of big industrial activities as a result of reserve areas limitation and consequently will reduce the job opportunities for the inhabitants. However, this is compensated for by the job opportunities provided in the IEM sub-projects.

(b) Noise Level

It is possible during the project, especially in the areas where some infrastructure will be constructed for the reserves, for noise to increase in the surrounding areas. However, this is only during construction phase and to limited areas.

The presence of tourists in vast numbers as well as their residency for short periods of time in the reserve areas could lead to bringing outside values and practices. This might cause a clash with the existing norms, values, traditions and concepts among the local communities living in the reserve areas.

Certain behaviours by tourists could be seen as in conflict and contradiction to the acceptable norms and behaviours practiced by the local communities in relation to religious beliefs and cultural values. It must be taken in consideration that these local communities are more conservative in comparison to larger urban communities and the cities.

Normal practices among tourist such as dress code, mixing between males and females, and even the simple things such as kissing and holding hands in public, could be considered as an insult or in conflict with the values and traditions of these local communities. This in turn might create animosity if it is interpreted as a foreign disrespect to local values and an attempt to change local behavioural norms, which means disrespect to religious believes and traditions.

(d) Increasing Traffic Density in the Area during Tourism Seasons

It is expected that tourism seasons in the project area will attract people from within and out of Jordan. This also depends on the weather. This increase of tourists will increase traffic density which will disturb the local community.

This impact is anticipated to be insignificant for the main roads and populated areas since it is already receiving huge number of visitors. While it is anticipated that the increased access to remote areas such as Mas'uda will disturb local Bedouins in the area.

6.4 Impacts on Archaeological Resources

The intended project is not expected to cause negative impacts to the archaeological and cultural heritage resources existing in the study area. Also, as described in the project analysis, the project does not have specific activities targeting the protection and conservation of these resources.

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Nevertheless, the intended project is thought to benefit the existence of these sites while developing eco-tourism programs. Thereto, the study team oversee the project as a unique opportunity to integrate the conservation of these resources side by side with the conservation of biological environment as they form part of the valuable Jordan Rift Valley treasures.

Mainstreaming the conservation of archeologically and cultural heritage resources into land use planning and integrating CRM programs into IEM/LUP would certainly enhance the conservation of natural and cultural heritage.

Also, capacity building of relevant stakeholders to cultural heritage is possible to be considered by the project since the Ministry of Tourism is considered as one of the IEM project stakeholders.

Relevant governmental, private sector and civil society organisation may benefit the success of the intended IEM/LUP sub-projects as success stories for future environmentally and archeologically sound management in the Jordan Rift Valley.

Enhancing the establishment of site support groups to salient archaeological and cultural heritage site would be of great value to the conservation of these sites, especially if similar groups are considered with supporting biological hotspots where these sites are located.

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7 EVALUATION OF CUMULATIVE PROJECT SPECIFIC IMPACTS

This section presents the preliminary results of the evaluation of cumulative impacts. Elaborated evaluation of cumulative impacts will be presented in the Final ESA and ESMP Report.

7.1 Cumulative Impacts on the Physical Environment

7.1.1 Establishing Natural Reserves

No negative cumulative impacts are expected to occur as a result of establishing the proposed natural reserves. On the contrary, the expected cumulative impacts on the physical environment are positive and represented by:

• Conservation of the local morphology, landscaping and the local drainage system. • Increase of the rate of groundwater recharge. • Participation in conserving the groundwater quality.

The effect of these impacts will continue and their value and contribution will grow up with time as the implementation of the natural reserve concept continues.

7.1.2 Implementation and Adaptation of the IEM Concept

The expected cumulative impacts from the implementation of the IEM concept are mainly positive and represented by:

• Introduction of the concept of Eco-tourism. • Implementation of the sustainable agricultural program. • Participation in upgrading the solid wastes management system.

The positive cumulative effect of those impacts will increase by time and along the project period. The only cumulative negative impact that might result from the implementation of the IEM concept is the influx of tourists to the different project areas. In the absence of a sound management plan, the magnitude of this problem will increase by time and might extend even after the end of the project period.

7.2 Cumulative Impacts on Biological Conditions

Almost all assessed impacts by the intended project on the biological environment are cumulative, regardless of replicating successful IEM/LUP. These cumulative impacts include:

1- Maintaining ecosystems balance and integrity. 2- Preservation of biological habitats within the protected areas. 3- Improving the conservation status of threatened flora and fauna species. 4- Maintaining rest points for migratory birds crossing the rift valley during the migration seasons.

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7.3 Cumulative Impacts on Socio-Economic Conditions

The cumulative socio-economic impacts of this project revolve around the following aspects:

• Enhancement of public awareness with respect to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. • Development of the concept of conserving biodiversity through proper land use planning. • Encouragement of the replication of environmentally sound and successful IEM sub- projects that proved to be economically profitable to the local communities.

7.4 Cumulative Impacts on Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Resources

The establishment of four new protected areas in addition to the already established protected areas at Mujib and Dana provides unique opportunity for the discovered or undiscovered sites to be protected from man-made damages, especially since these sites will witness higher recognition for their historic, cultural and touristic values.

Also, these sites can be recognized by the IEM projects as source of themes for socio-economic livelihood alternatives.

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8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) detailed below deliberates the mitigation and monitoring activities suggested against the assessed anticipated impacts to be generated by the intended project. This plan also describes the management objectives, responsibilities and frameworks of actions for implementing the ESA mitigation and monitoring activities.

The project analysis based on project document revealed that it is unlikely that resettlement will occur. The analysis was also reviewed with the RSCN and they confirmed that resettlement could not be implemented. In addition, a social assessment was carried as part of the ESA study. The results of this social assessment revealed that the majority of the anticipated impacts were positive in nature. Thus, the project analysis and the social assessment results revealed that resettlement is not needed. This is emphasized by the project document and RSCN who confirmed that there will be no banning on grazing in the sub-project areas; there will only be community based grazing program with full participation of the locals.

Consequently, it can be indicated that the consultations with the RSCN and the analysis of the PA and IEM activities and subprojects revealed that resettlement of populations and individuals is not needed due to the following reasons:

1- The RSCN policy is to integrate local communities in the development and implementation of its programs and projects. Even more, the RSCN recognizes local communities as partners in conserving nature within their territories and works extensively in educating and empowering these communities to ensure more productive and successful environmental management; 2- Seven successful cases from similar RSCN experiences in Jordan including the areas of Dana and Mujib reserves located in the Jordan Rift Valley demonstrate clearly RSCN’s commitment to its declared policy, where the rights of locals living in the established reserves or its surroundings have been protected, including grazing rights in well- developed grazing plans. 3- The project work approach described in the project documents will be to involve local communities and work closely with them in: a. Designation and management of the four proposed protected areas; b. Development and management of IEM sub-projects within the identified IEM sites; c. Development of alternative economic livelihoods; d. Development and implementation of capacity development, environmental education and awareness programs; and e. Strengthening of civil society organizations.

The issue that no resettlement will be initiated by this project is further ascertained by the fact that the problem of overgrazing in the proposed PA and IEM sites will be addressed by grazing management (as indicated in Table 4) and not by prohibiting grazing activities. However, as per World Bank Operational Policy No. 4.12, this policy is likely to be triggered for two of the major components:

• The management practices in the 7 Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) areas, which will focus on changing management practices (in sustainable agriculture, grazing

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management etc.), could have impacts on the local communities and their livelihoods (Components 2 of the IEM project). • The establishment of four new PAs that could have potential adverse impacts on the local communities, and/or Bedouins (Components 3 of the IEM project).

These two points raise the issue of whether there will be any socioeconomic impacts associated with loss of income and relocation, both in the short-term and long-term and whether these impacts irreversible. Hence, it becomes a World Bank requirement to develop a process framework for the project in order to address issues as they arise with a strong indication that RSCN policy would be an important means to do so. Hence, a Resettlement Process Framework have been prepared an included as Annex 6 to this Final ESA and ESMP Report.

8.1 Rationale and Justification

The intended project is defined as an environmental management project, where the project activities and sub-projects are designed to enhance the protected areas network, encourage environment sensible alternative livelihoods, and implement pilot integrated ecosystem management sub-projects.

The project policy dictates that the ecosystem is to be managed in an integrated manner where a mosaic of variable environment protection levels ranging from strict protection at core protected areas to providing successful pilot IEM sub-projects within the defined IEM regions in order to enhance sustainable development. The project Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) was formulated to enable compliance with the Jordanian environmental regulations presented in Section 3: Legal and Administrative Framework, to account for relevant World Bank Policies and regional and international agreements, and to recognize the relationships the project develops with its stakeholders.

The key principle behind ESMP development is ensuring appropriate, wise and conscious implementation of the proposed mitigation and monitoring measures in order to ensure environmentally sound development.

ESMP is integrated in nature since it recognizes all environmental components and addresses a set of considerations important to management and must be factored into the decision making process. The ESMP development and implementation is a dynamic process, and has significant influence on the project achievements and sustainability.

The first stage involves conducting the environmental assessment, which includes analysis of the project scope and activities, identification of environmental concerns, compilation of environmental and social aspects registers, setting of objectives and targets, and suggestion of suitable mitigation measures.

The second stage of the process is the implementation stage where implementation of mitigations, monitoring, auditing and evaluation, and plan adaptation will be carried out.

The third and final stage includes evaluating the deterioration and/or recovery of affected areas and valued environmental components, and the efficiency of mitigation, thereto set plan adaptation measures and activities and establish restoration activities if necessary.

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Updating and adaptation of the ESMP is a continuous process and involves gathering feedback on the progress indicators, and it is a key element to the project overall sustainability and environmental sensibility.

An organizational structure has been developed in order to enable effective implementation of the proposed ESMP. This structure defines responsibilities related to the environmental requirements raised by the proposed project and responses necessary to cope with these requirements in an effective fashion. This structure cross-cuts with the developed project organizational structure described in the project documents.

The proposed ESMP addresses the issue of local communities and NGOs involvement in the project, environmental awareness and environmental training, whereby environmental training needs of staff at business units are determined in order to design and implement suitable training interventions.

The ESMP also provides recommendations of additional activities that can be integrated as sub- projects and can be of great value for project sustainability and for promoting successes.

8.2 Planning and Framework of the ESMP

To uphold the governmental environmental policy, a planning phase to identify the shape and framework of the ESMP has been completed during the environmental and social assessment phase.

The ESMP is structured as follows:

1- Policy 2- Legal Requirements 3- Organisation 4- Environmental Objectives 5- Register of Significant Aspects 6- Environmental and Social Impact Mitigation and Management Programs 7- Environmental Monitoring 8- ESMP Control System 9- Implementation including training, communication and awareness program

Figure 45 illustrates the ESMP planning process.

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Figure 45: ESMP planning process

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8.3 Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)

8.3.1 Environmental Policy and Commitment

The government of Jordan is committed to achieving sound environmental management and performance as a governmental policy. Also, it is the government policy to integrate protection of environment with economical development as well as to ensure public involvement in such programs.

At the strategic level, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan envisages that land, water, pasture, terrestrial and marine ecosystems as well as wildlife and aquatic resources in particular are central to agriculture, fisheries and tourism development. It envisages that habitat protection, natural resource conservation and sustainable use options offer significant opportunities for demonstrating that conservation of biodiversity is a vital investment in future sustainability of Jordan's economic and social development. Furthermore, Jordan developed its national targets corresponding to its obligations as a party of the global Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). These targets are seated up to reach 12% of Jordan’s total area established as protected areas in the year 2012 (including six nature reserves planned by the RSCN to be established in the near future), and to approach 15% in the year 2017.

At the implementing agency level, it is the RSCN policy to “conserve the biodiversity of Jordan and integrate its conservation programmes with socio-economic development, while promoting wider public support and action for the protection of the natural environment within Jordan and neighbouring countries”.

The intended project is based upon the principles of ecosystem management. Ecosystem management can be defined as “the integrated management of ecological systems and human activities to maintain or enhance the integrity of an ecosystem, including ecosystem structure and function”. Thereto, it is the intended project policy to denote that all human activities and uses of the land and resources must be considered, along with the health of the whole ecosystem in order to secure sustainable use and development of the areas resources.

An environmental and social management plan (ESMP) is an effective management tool in ensuring legal compliance, avoiding to the extent possible and/or mitigating impacts, reducing risk, demonstrating due assiduousness and monitoring continual environmental performance.

The project should recognise that the protection of human health and the environment and maintaining of sound development practices, conserve resources, protect the environment, improve the well-being of local communities, and safeguard employees and the general public.

To implement the policy, the project should:

• Operate in conformance with all regulatory requirements and environmental, social, health and safety standards and policies. • Involve and strengthen relevant stakeholders including NGOs and local community groups in the project activities and sub-projects through adoption of pluralist model, where problems are identified and policies designed is a bottom-up fashion. • Strengthen the project proactive environmental, health and safety culture by operating and advocating the sub-projects screening procedures, and increasing awareness and knowledge among all levels of partners and employees and committing to the protection and well-being of each level.

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• Promote impact avoidance with the emphasis on minimization of disturbance to the existing environmental and social systems and utilities, and include environmental, health and safety considerations among the criteria by which project construction, operation and remediation are evaluated. • Assess the project environmental performance and programs and commit to continuous improvement towards the project target goals of least negative environmental and social impacts. • Communicate the project commitment to the project partners, employees, local communities and other stakeholders.

8.3.2 Policy, Legal and Administrative Requirements

The project policy is to comply with relevant legislation as a minimum while implementing all project activities and sub-projects and to ensure sustainable development and sound nature conservation in the project area. Section 3: Legal and Administrative Framework of the environmental assessment presents the legislative requirements.

Also, the project is to comply with the Fundamental Jordan Protected Area policies are also provided in Section 4.2.8.2 .

8.3.3 Structure and Responsibility

As described in the project documents, the project organization structure will include Project Steering Committee (PSC), Project Management Unit (PMU), the Core Technical Team (CTT) and its advisors, and regional Project Field Teams (PFT) (Figure 2). Once PAs are established, a team of Protected Area Staff (PAS) will be nominated being in charge of the day-to-day work with the community, in cooperation with operational partners.

Three PFTs will be established to cover all the seven IEM working areas. These PFTs will be supported by the CTT which is centrally based so that they can provide assistance to the different regions. The distribution of the teams will be as follows:

• PFT 1 – to undertake project activities in Yarmouk (covering the Yarmouk River and the Jordan River Valley IEM areas) • PFT 2 – to undertake projects in Mujib and Fifa (including the Mujib North, Mujib South) • PFT 3 – to undertake projects in Qatar and Masuda (thus covering Qatar and Masuda IEM areas)

Since the project is an environmental project and its principle goal is to protect the environment, it is understood that the RSCN will be responsible for implementing the ESMP. However, the responsibilities of implementing certain mitigation measures extends to other involved parties including the contractors who will be contracted to establish management and tourism support facilities, the sub-projects implementing partners, and the governmental bodies legally obliged to supervise and monitor compliance with Jordanian environmental legislations.

Primarily, it is the responsibility of the RSCN to implement and operate the ESMP, where the RSCN should strictly adhere to the suggested mitigation measures and ESMP programs, and define new aspects and mitigate impacts. Also, the RSCN should monitor the environmental and social indicators, and document for precautions and actions made.

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Whenever a Contractor is hired to construct facilities or infrastructures, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to implement and operate the ESMP, where the Contractor should strictly adhere to the suggested mitigation measures and ESMP programs, and define new aspects and mitigate impacts under the supervision of the RSCN.

On the other hand, the RSCN should ensure the project compliance with the legal requirements and the ESMP recommendations. Also, the RSCN is responsible for monitoring the environmental and social aspects, the project conformance/non-conformance, performance auditing, and the construction completion evaluation.

Environmental Audit should be carried out by external environmental auditors. While the World Bank Auditors responsible for auditing and evaluating the whole project are required to consider ESMP auditing and evaluation.

It is recommended that an ESMP Implementation Committee to be established for the project. This Committee will include the PFT Team Leaders and headed by the ESMP Technical Assistant. The ESMP Technical Assistant will be a member in the CTT. The responsibilities of this unit would be to carry out all related responsibilities that the RSCN is obliged to, in particular for the monitoring and supervision.

For IEM sub-projects, it is the responsibility of the RSCN, and in particular the regional PFT Team Leaders to establish Sub-Project Screening Committees in coordination with the JVA and the Ministry of Environment, and also to ensure the project compliance with the legal requirements and the ESMP recommendations. If a sub-project was screened and found in need to have an EIA, then an independent consultant should be hired to carry out an EIA study. Subject to the finalization and acceptance of the EIA by the Ministry of Environment and the RSCN, it is the responsibility of the sub-project operators to implement the EIA mitigations and recommendations, and it is the PFT Team Leader who is responsible for monitoring the environmental and social aspects, the project conformance/non-conformance, performance auditing, and the construction completion evaluation. If screening revealed no need for EIA, then the sub-project can be implemented taking the mitigation measures detailed in this report into account, and it is the responsibility of the PFT team leader to ensure compliance and monitoring.

The project management unit (PMU) will hold the responsibility of the overall ESMP implementation and supervision on behalf of the RSCN.

The proposed ESMP implementation and operation management structure reflects the assigned responsibilities as part of the overall project management structure, where four management hierarchies has been identified within the project Operation Level as presented in Figure 46. These are:

• ESMP Implementation Level (the RSCN PFT teams, the IEM sub-projects partners, and the construction contractor) • ESMP Follow up, Monitoring, Auditing and Evaluation Level (ESMP Management Unit and External Auditors) • ESMP Administration and Guiding Level (PMU) • Project Supervision (PSC) • Project Monitoring, Auditing and Evaluation Level (World Bank)

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Project Steering Committee World Bank Supervision EMP

Project Auditors and Evaluation Evaluators

RSCN

Project Manager Project Management and Administration EMP Administration and Guiding Guiding and Administration EMP Monitoring and Business Manager Evaluation Officer Communication Officer

External Environmental Project Management Unit Auditors

Other Core Technical Other Core Technical Team Members Team Members Operational Level

EMP Technical Assistant Monitoring, Auditing and and Auditing Monitoring, Project Implementation Level Implementation Project EMP Follow up,

Core Technical Team Evaluation

Project Field Team Leader Project Field Team Leader Project Field Team Leader (Northern Region) (Central Region) (Southern Region)

IEM Sub-projects Partners EMP Implementation Committee EMP Implementation Level

Yarmouk Qatar IEM Mas’uda Jordan River Mujib South Fifa IEM and Mujib North Construction IEM and PA and PA IEM and PA IEM Team IEM Team PA Team IEM Team Contractors Team Team Team

Other Stakeholders

Project Field Teams

Figure 46: ESMP management structure

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As the structure demonstrates, the prime ESMP implementation falls under the responsibility of the ESMP Management Committee, and in particular the PFT teams, the sub-project partners and the hired construction contractors each in his domain.

The ESMP Management Committee will also undertake the responsibility of following up, monitoring and administration of the ESMP implementation. This Committee will be directed by the ESMP Technical Assistant-, who can be supported by one or two technical staff. This Committee can also act as a Quality Control Unit. This structure indicates the reporting system that should be applied.

The RSCN should ensure effective ESMP implementation and operation. This can be achieved through ensuring that:

1- Roles, responsibilities and authorities are defined, documented and communicated. 2- Management is committed to providing resources essential to the implementation and control of the ESMP. These include the human resources and specialized skills, technology and financing. 3- The ESMP Management Committee is established and Management Representative of the CTT (ESMP Technical Assistant) is appointed as a team leader for this unit, and assigned defined roles, responsibilities, and authority for: a. Ensuring that the ESMP requirements are established, implemented, and maintained in accordance with the stated legal requirements and approved standard. b. Reporting on the performance and effectiveness of the ESMP to top management and using this reporting as the basis for Management Review.

The ESMP Management Committee should be initiated to hold the responsibilities relevant to the following objectives:

1- To ensure that roles, responsibilities and authorities are defined documented and communicated. 2- To monitor, audit and evaluate the project environmental and social aspects as per the aspects register. 3- To monitor, audit and evaluate the efficiency of ESMP implementation and operation. 4- To evaluate and update the aspects register. 5- To ensure efficient implementation of the ESMP programs and procedures. This can be achieved by the following operational objectives: a. Ensuring that the ESMP requirements are established, implemented, and maintained in accordance with the stated legal requirements and approved standard. b. Reporting on the performance and effectiveness of the ESMP to top management and using this reporting as the basis for Management Review.

One of the major assignments of the ESMP Management Committee is to establish the baseline condition for the monitoring program during the pre-construction (planning) phase with relevant measures taken to establish, as far as possible, the ambient condition.

The detailed duties of the ESMP Management Committee and the ESMP Technical Assistant are explained more in Table 52.

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Table 52: The detailed duties of the proposed ESMP Management Committee Pre- Construction Develop Environmental Management (EM) Statement prior to each (Planning) Phase construction/sub-project implementation phase. These statements should detail to the EM procedures applicable to mitigate anticipated impacts. Ensure efficient implementation of the Precautionary ESMP Mitigation Programs and Procedures with regard to the sites and construction activities selection/designation criteria. Ensure the construction of the fluid waste collection for the project offices in the locations that were agreed upon between related authorities. Ensure effective communication and cooperation with local communities especially in and surrounding the proposed protected areas. Monitor, audit and evaluate the project environmental and social aspects as per the aspects register. Monitor, audit and evaluate the efficiency of ESMP implementation and operation. Evaluate and update the aspects register. Reporting to the PMU. Implementation Ensure efficient implementation of the ESMP mitigation programs and (Construction) Phase procedures. Coordinate and follow up with responsible governmental and non-governmental agencies working in the field of environmental conservation. Ensure continuous and efficient communication with sub-projects partners and local communities and ensure they are heavily involved in the implementation. Implement the ESMP monitoring programs and evaluate compliance with the ESMP mitigation programs and procedures through: o Monitoring, auditing and evaluating the project environmental and social aspects as per the aspects register. o Monitoring, auditing and evaluating the efficiency of ESMP implementation and operation. o Evaluating and updating the aspects register. Give a special attention to the issues of public and workers safety, and insure the continuous application of these measures during the construction of management and tourism support facilities. Reporting to the PMU. Operation and Ensure efficient implementation of the ESMP mitigation programs and Adaptation Phase procedures. Coordinate and follow up with responsible governmental and non-governmental agencies working in the field of environmental conservation. Ensure continuous and efficient communication with sub-projects partners and local communities and ensure they are heavily involved in the implementation. Implement the Sub-projects Screening Procedures in coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, JVA and the PFT. Implement the ESMP monitoring programs and evaluate compliance with the ESMP mitigation programs and procedures through: o Monitoring, auditing and evaluating the project environmental and social aspects as per of the aspects register. o Monitoring, auditing and evaluating the efficiency of ESMP implementation and operation. o Evaluating and updating the aspects register. Give a special attention to the issues of alternative livelihoods adopted by local communities. Evaluate the suitability of mitigation measures, and update and adapt the ESMP based o the monitoring and evaluation findings. Identify project sustainability tools. Reporting to the PMU.

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8.4 Integrated Ecosystems Management Areas

As described in Section 2.2 of the ESA report, seven sites were selected as IEM demonstration sites (see Table 4). These are:

The exact area boundaries have not been determined at this stage, however, preliminary boundaries have been identified. Demarcation of these areas will be the result of detailed problem analysis. It will be based on the land tenure and land use and/or the willingness of the various stakeholders to participate in IEM activities. Particularly the participation of local communities cannot be predicted in advance, this situation is evident from the RSCN and the consultant experience with intensive process of awareness raising and confidence building. Area demarcation is also related to the new concept of buffer zones around protected areas to be developed during the project.

More detailed zoning and designation of areas where activities are managed for specific objectives or where activities may or may not take place shall be carried out by the RSCN in maximum cooperation and involvement of related governmental and non-governmental bodies, as well as local communities. This will ensure the health and sustainability of the ecosystem and minimize conflicts that can occur over resource use in the planning area. The zoning system also covers several jurisdictions and will allow the area to be managed on an ecosystem basis.

This project zoning system will detail three types of Ecosystem Management Areas in the Jordan Rift Valley:

1- Ecosystems Protection Areas (Proposed Protected Areas): In this area, the greatest level of natural ecosystem process function (e.g. allowing natural grazers and allow natural flow of water) and the most land use restriction occurs. These areas were proposed and will be designated to protect the ecosystems and resources within their boundaries. The establishment of these protected areas will help in the long-term health of the region and provide prospects for people to learn about and enjoy natural ecosystems. Also, these areas are important to resource management activities as they can act as benchmarks against other areas to assess the effects, if any, of development in other areas. Within the proposed protected areas, three or more levels/styles of protection that cross-link to the IUCN classification system can be applied based on the sensitivity and significance of the natural habitats: a. Strict Ecosystem Protection: i. Strict Ecosystem Protection (Wilderness Reserve), where human intervention and access is totally prohibited within Sensitive Ecosystems Areas which include portions of ecosystems that are sensitive to disturbances or development. Such areas are managed mainly for wilderness protection; and

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ii. Strict Ecosystem Protection (Strict Nature Reserve), where human access is limited to scientific researchers and only for research purposes. This applies to Sensitive Ecosystems Areas. Such areas are managed mainly for science. b. National Park Protection, where such areas are managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation. Reasonable number of residents/visitors is allowed to access the site or portion of the site for eco-tourism, research, education and awareness purposes. This protection style allows for resource management activities by local communities (e.g. grazing management and nomadic Bedouin settlements). 2- Ecosystems Resource Management Areas (IEM sites not within the proposed protected areas, Sensitive Ecosystems Area or Community Ecosystems Area), where in this area new and existing development and resource use can occur in an integrated and sustainable fashion. This style enhances conservation of biodiversity and other ecosystem features through mainstreaming it in land use planning and management, and provides sensible successes for the community development. 3- Community Development Ecosystems Management Areas (e.g. communities, reserve land), these are development zones with relatively high human populations and levels of use.

Recognizing the massive number of significant archaeological and cultural heritage resources located within the project area, and recognizing the value of these resources as a bank of information of the human and natural history in the rift valley, the above described zoning should integrate the protection of such sites in the protection activities, and also should address archaeological and cultural heritage resources as a key criteria and detrimental factor for the demarcation and designating of protection and IEM zones.

8.4.1 Environmental and Social Objectives

The project environmental and social objectives are established based on the findings of the ESA study. Such objectives and targets are subject to the approval of the project top management and should be reviewed and updated on periodic basis to ensure consistency with the overall environmental policy.

The overall objectives include:

• Promote closer integration of impact assessment into planning, policy making and overall project management. • Avoid to the extent possible the occurrence of impacts by the project on the environmental and social settings. • Minimize to the extent possible the unavoidable impacts. • Restore the impacted social and environmental settings rapidly. • Compensate for non-restorable settings and for interim disruption whenever needed.

The detailed environmental and social management objectives and targets identified for the proposed project are presented below in terms of mitigation and monitoring objectives as part of the project ESMP Matrix.

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8.4.2 Environmental and Social Aspects

Environmental and social aspects register has been developed during the ESA and forms an integral part the ESMP. It provides an account of the identified impacts during the assessment.

The register is the result of wide consultation and detailed investigation of the environmental and social concerns, project activities and impacts. The identification of the aspects register included the involvement of the local communities and project stakeholders through the process of public communication and during the course of scoping.

On an ongoing basis, the project management may identify new environmental aspects, or invalidate previously identified aspects. New environmental aspects may also be identified through the management review or by internal or external audits of the Environmental and Social Management Progress. The project should respond accordingly to the significant aspects and complications addressed by the local communities and defined stakeholders where efficient communication and public participation should be ensured on regular basis.

The changes are reported to the Project Company (PC) - ESMP Technical Assistant-, who reviews, maintains and documents the validated significant aspects. Validation of significant aspects should account for the severity of associated impacts, probability of occurrence, and other relevant factors.

The environmental and social aspects register (Impacts Summary Sheet) is presented in the ESMP Matrix in Annex 8.

8.4.3 Sub-Project Screening Checklists and Safeguard Review Procedures

The objective of this section is to describe the procedures to be followed in environmental assessment and review of the IEM sub-projects.

As presented in Table 4, the types of sub-projects included under IEM are as follows:

• Sustainable agriculture. • Eco-tourism. • Improvement of waste management systems. • Sustainable management of water catchments areas. • Enhancement of sustainable management of groundwater aquifers. • Development and enforcement of sustainable hunting regulations and guidelines. • Research, baseline and monitoring. • Outreach initiatives. • Encouragement of self-sustaining systems using local and renewable resources (solar energy and wind energy). • Alternative livelihood socio-economic initiatives in support of biodiversity conservation.

An overview of the valued environmental components associated with the above mentioned IEM sub-projects and their anticipated potential environmental impacts are illustrated in Section 8.4.4 .

It should be noted that since IEM sub-projects are not yet clearly identified, the sub-project environmental screening checklist and procedures were established to identify the environmental

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8.4.3.1 Country’s Environmental Assessment and Review Procedures

In Jordan, the environmental review procedure for the implementation of such sub-projects is regulated by the Environmental Impact Assessment Bylaw No. (37) for year 2005 issued based on the Environment Protection Law No. (1) of year 2003.

The EIA Directorate carries out its tasks through hosting and participating in two main committees approved by the Cabinet. These are (i) the "Licensing Central Committee" and (ii) the "Technical Committee for Reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment Studies". The agencies represented in these two committees are illustrated in Table 53.

Table 53: Agencies represented in the licensing and EIA technical review committees Licensing Central Committee members Technical EIA Reviewing Committee members Ministry of Environment Ministry of Environment Ministry of Health Ministry of Health Ministry of Municipal Affairs Ministry of Water and Irrigation Ministry of Water and Irrigation Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Industry and Trade Ministry of Labour Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Natural Resources Authority Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Civil Defence Directorate University of Jordan Jordan University of Science and Technology Balqa Applied University The Hashemite University Jordan Environment Society

The sub-project has to first be submitted to the licensing committee and then when an EIA study is initiated, it is reviewed and decided upon by the technical review committee.

The detailed tasks of these two committees are as follows:

1- Licensing Central Committee: a. Receiving the license request forms from the proponents and checking the attached required documents to ensure their compliance. The required documents to be attached with license request file are: i. Land plan ii. Zoning plan iii. Land registration document iv. Site coordinates v. Industrial registration certificate (for industrial projects) vi. Industrial application form (for industrial projects) b. Submitting the license request forms to the Licensing Central Committee in order to identify the next steps. c. Arranging the project site visits and identifies the visit team members.

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d. Preparing project proposals' site visit descriptive reports that will be studied and decided upon by the Committee. e. Reporting on the decision to other concerned agencies such as the Higher Council of Zoning for further decision steps. f. Filing and documenting the reports and the Committee decisions.

2- Technical EIA Review Committee: a. Following-up the issuance of the Environmental Impact Assessment Bylaw. b. Studying the project proposals and making a decision on the need of the Environmental Impact Assessment study through the Screening process. c. Participating in the Environmental Consultant Evaluation Committee. d. Reviewing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Environmental Impact Assessment study in coordination with the Licensing Central Committee and the concerned directorates and agencies, and approving the Terms of Reference when they fulfil the requirements. e. Coordinating the Scoping Sessions of the Environmental Impact Assessment studies and cooperating with other concerned agencies such as Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority in this regard. f. Reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment study reports that are prepared by the proponent's consultant and setting the probable comments that shall be included in the study for approval. g. Follow up the commitment of the proponent towards the study contents.

The Environmental Impact Assessment Directorate at the Jordanian Ministry of Environment is responsible for the review and assessment of environmental impact assessment studies through the technical review committee that is headed by the MOE General Secretary. The main steps of EIA procedure are discussed below and illustrated in Figure 47:

• If the proposed project is classified in the category that requires an EIA study, the proponent will be informed on that, and asked to prepare a draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the study though a qualified consultant. A list of the consulting firms qualified to conduct the required environmental assessment studies is available at the Ministry of Environment and the Governmental Tendering Department at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing. • The date and place of the scoping session are determined in coordination with the proponent and the stakeholders are invited. • The scoping session shall result in identification of the stakeholders' interests and concerns, as well as, the Technical Committee's comments. The overall outcome of the session shall be used in reformulation of the TOR to be approved and adopted. • The EIA study can be initiated at this stage based on the approved and adopted TOR. • The EIA draft final report is submitted to the Directorate in order to be reviewed by the Technical Committee. • The proponent is requested to carry out the correction, amendments, and further studies in case that the study does not comply with the approved and adopted TOR. • If the study proves to be in compliance with the approved and adopted TOR, then it will be accepted and the project can be launched.

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Need identification

Proposal to MOE

Screening by MOE

Preliminary Environmental Full EIA No EIA is required Impact Assessment

Draft TOR & Pre-Scoping Statement submitted to MOE by approved consultant

Scoping Public Involvement

- Identification of valued environmental components - Description of Baseline Conditions - Analysis of potential impacts - Prediction of Impact Significance Public involvement typically occurs at these points but may also occur at any other stage of the EIA process Identification of needed mitigation measures & design of Environmental Management Plan

Draft EIA Report submitted to MOE

Review by EIA Review Public Involvement Committee

Decision-making

Information from this process contributes to effective future EIA Not Approved Approved

Redesign Monitoring of Impact EIA audit & evaluation Management

Resubmit

Figure 47: Flow diagram of EIA procedure at MOE

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8.4.3.2 Specific Environmental Review Procedures for the IEM Sub-Projects

This sub-section describes the specific procedures to be used for the environmental appraisal of the IEM sub-projects.

This review procedure aims at assisting reviewers in assessing the level of compliance with the Safeguard Policies. As such, the procedures are to provide guidance regarding the purpose of the examination procedure or as guidance in performing the procedure. The review procedure is designed to apply to the wide range of IEM sub-projects. As such, certain procedures may not apply to smaller or less complex sub-projects. Reviewers should take such factors into consideration during their evaluations.

Responsibilities and Authorities

A committee will be established for the environmental appraisal of the IEM sub-projects based on the environmental sub-project screening checklists described in Section 8.4.4. The committee will consist of core team members and sub-project specific team members. The core team members will be representatives of the following agencies:

• Ministry of Environment • Jordan Valley Authority • Ministry of Agriculture • Ministry of Water and Irrigation • Ministry of Municipal Affairs • Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) • The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature - IEM Project Management Unit

Based on the location of the intended sub-project and the jurisdiction of this location, and based on the type of the IEM sub-project, the core committee calls the members of the steering committee who were found to have an involvement in the project and ask them to assign a member to represent them in the IEM sub-project environmental appraisal review committee. The core committee shall also assign representatives for each of the involved local community and the local and national NGO that will be the partner in the sub-project.

It is not recommended to have World Bank directly involved in screening for sub-projects because the procedure took into consideration the World Bank Safeguard Policies when it was prepared. Second, participation of the World Bank as a decision-maker in the screening may be time and money consuming which is considered to be economically not feasible and the time consumption would affect the effectiveness of the project management.

8.4.4 Environmental Sub-Project Screening Checklists

Table 54 presents the environmental sub-project screening checklist developed for the proposed IEM sub-projects.

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Table 54: Sub-projects screening checklist Expectancy (High, Environmental Anticipated Impacts Medium, Low) Components (VECs) (Judgement) Physical Environment Soils and local Erosion of lands down slope from roadbed or borrow area geomorphology Landslides, slips, and slumps Degradation of riverbanks through excavation and erosion Contamination from waste materials Water Resources Creation of stagnant water pools Increased sediments into streams Clogging of drainage works Changes in water quality Changes in runoff and flooding conditions Introduction of hazardous wastes to the water resources Overexploitation of aquifers Waste Water Contamination of surface water resources Way of affecting agricultural areas Nuisance (Odor, insects, etc.) Solid Waste Generation of huge amount of solid waste Waste accumulation and dumping Nuisance (Odor, insects, etc.) Final disposal/treatment technology (disposal, burning, sanitary incineration, sanitary land filling, sorting, recycling, composting, etc.) Contamination of surface water resources Air Quality Dust during construction Odor problems Acoustic Environment Noise disturbance Biological Environment Natural Habitats Violations of protected areas regulations and rules Deterioration and fragmentation of fragile biological habitat Alteration of surface morphology and water runoffs schemes Increased human access to remote areas Fauna and Flora Persecution, indirect killing and disturbance of wildlife Threats to rare and endangered species Disturbance to river and pools fish (stream bottoms) Loss or degradation of vegetation Over grazing and extensive wood cutting Disturbance to breeding and migratory bird species Over exploitation of biological products Social Environment Aesthetics and Marred landscapes Landscape Debris Human Health Transport of hazardous substances Traffic accidents Pedestrian accidents Water born diseases (improper wastewater disposal) Respiratory diseases (dust emissions) Nuisance (Odor ad noise) Human Communities Public environmental awareness and education Social status change Loss of buildings, property, or economic livelihood

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Expectancy (High, Environmental Anticipated Impacts Medium, Low) Components (VECs) (Judgement) job creation (direct and indirect) Conflicts over water use rights Multiple land use demands on restricted water sources Political and social problems associated with upstream land use and pollutant discharges Disruption due to greater traffic flows Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Resources Archaeological/Cultural Direct and indirect destruction of archaeological and cultural Sites heritage resources Increased/decreased protection of archaeological and cultural heritage resources

8.4.5 Sub-Project Safeguard Review Procedures

The IEM sub-project environmental appraisal review committee will meet, review the sub-project screening checklist and decide whether it requires a comprehensive EIA, an environmental review, or eliminates the need for an environmental study and approves the sub-project directly.

In case the sub-project was deemed to require a comprehensive EIA or an environmental review, the adopted procedure shall be that of the MOE and according to the EIA Regulation No. (37) of year 2005.

In case the sub-project did not require any further environmental assessment, the IEM Project Management Unit and their local partner can start the implementation of their project.

The Jordanian Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation No. (37) for year 2005 requires public consultation only as part of a comprehensive EIA. For preliminary EIAs, such public consultations are not required. However, in order to achieve compliance with World Bank Safeguard Policies as well, it shall be a requirements to conduct a public consultation session and to specify disclosure locations for all EIA reports that would be carried for sub-sequent sub- projects even if those EIAs were only preliminary.

For the environmental management plan, according to Regulation No. 37 for year 2005, mitigation and monitoring measures are required to be specified but not within a comprehensive framework of an environmental management plan. To comply with World Bank policies, if preliminary EIA were to be requested, its mitigation and management measures will be required to be integrated within the provided ESMP for the IEM project.

Figure 48 provides a schematic illustration of the environmental clearance procedure to be used for the IEM sub-projects.

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Steering Committee Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Core Committee Tourism and Antiquities, - Ministry of Environment Ministry of Agriculture, - Jordan Valley Authority Ministry of Water and Irrigation, - Ministry of Agriculture Jordan Valley Authority, Aqaba - Ministry of Water and Irrigation Special Economic Zone - Ministry of Municipal Affairs Authority, The Royal Society - RSCN - IEM Project Management Unit for the Conservation of Nature, & International Union for the Conservation of Nature Evaluation of IEM sub-project and formulation of the Sub-Project Environmental Appraisal Committee

Revision of IEM Screening Checklist by the Sub-Project Environmental Appraisal Committee

Decision

EIA not required Environmental Review Full EIA

Conduct Environmental Conduct EIA Review according to according to Jordanian EIA Bylaw Jordanian EIA Bylaw No.( 37) of 2005 No.( 37) of 2005

Decision by MOE

Approved Not Approved

Project Implementation

Figure 48: Flow diagram of environmental clearance procedure for the IEM sub-projects

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8.5 Management Programs for Mitigation of Impacts

As described in Section 6 and in the Aspects Register provided in Annex 8: ESMP Matrix, the assessed environmental impacts are positive in most; few negative impacts are anticipated to take place of consequence to the construction of management and tourism support facilities. Furthermore, most of the expected impacts are positive and will participate in providing solutions for some of the existing environmental challenges in the JRV area.

Environmental management programs are being compiled in all aspects where site-specific features are taken into account. These management programs are designed to ensure that set objectives and targets are accomplished and responsibilities, methods, and time frame for completion are established.

Each program includes one or more procedure that tends to achieve the stated objective(s) as appropriate.

The following mitigation measures should be strictly adhered to, in order to avoid impact, risk or hazard whenever anticipated. When the impact is unavoidable, it should be minimized to the extent possible and the settings should be rehabilitated appropriately to restore the natural condition. The proposed mitigation measures are presented separately for: (i) establishment of the proposed reserves; and (i) implementation of the IEM concept in the selected sites.

The following are the proposed mitigation measures foreseen for the expected negative impacts. The success of the foreseen mitigation measures depends largely on proper training and awareness to project staff and efficiency of restoration when required. Annex 9 presents the site specific mitigation measures based on their relevance to the project activities.

8.5.1 Proposed Mitigation Measures for Establishing the Natural Reserves

At the beginning of this section, it should be noted that mitigation or restoration requirements are limited to the possible small-scale construction activities within the project sites and are limited to visitors centers and management support facilities. Those mitigation measures are described in the sub-sections below and provided in a tabulated form in Annex 9 of the Final ESA and ESMP Report.

8.5.1.1 “Planning /Construction” Phase

(a) Control and Supervise the Construction Activities

The construction sites and zones shall be identified taking into account justifiable site selection criteria. These criteria should include habitat sensitivity, fragility, restoration applicability, presence of feeding or breeding ranges of threatened species, accessibility, etc.

The Contracting Company should apply the maximum care not to conduct unnecessary excavation and unnecessary damage to the local landscape and natural resources. All trees and natural vegetation must be conserved and protected from the damage that might result from the construction activities. Under any condition, no tree should be cut down for the purpose of constructing any of the project facilities.

Other avoidance activities include:

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• Avoid unnecessary excavation processes and off-road activities especially at fragile and sensitive habitats and utilize the existing roads instead of making new ones whenever applicable. • Avoid accumulation of excavation piles during rainy season. • Avoid as much as possible removal of green cover. • Avoid accumulation of excavated material through synchronizing excavation and filling processes. • Avoid accumulation of excavation materials and other solid wastes. • Avoid planting or seeding of crops and exotic species.

Moreover, and after work completion, all work areas should be smoothed and graded in a manner to confirm the natural appearance of the surrounding landscape. The above listed mitigation measures should be applied and taken into consideration during site selection and establishing any facility.

(b) Establish Appropriate Fluid Waste Collection System

During the project preparation stage, the contracting company should construct an appropriate temporary liquid wastes collection system in the construction locations. The recommended method is the impermeable cesspits that will be discharged on regular basis and transferred via fluid waste tanker for dumping into the closest approved liquid wastes dumping site.

Establishing this system by the contractor requires the approval from RSCN and MOE representatives and from the concerned authority in the sub-project area (i.e., Jordan Valley Authority or involved Municipality). The suitability of the proposed site for wastewater collection should be investigated with regard to the physical characteristics of the ground.

The construction contractor is obliged to ensure efficient performance of excavation machinery and ensure their mechanical condition is excellent to avoid leakage of liquid wastes from construction machineries. Periodic maintenance for the machines is prohibited within the project sites and in particular at sensitive biological habitats either located within the project boundaries or outside it. Those machines and vehicles should be maintained at appropriate and specialized maintenance stations.

In order to control expected liquid waste that might result from machinery and maintenance vehicles, the following article should be included in the contractor contract “All machineries and vehicles should be in good mechanical condition. Periodic maintenance for the machines is prohibited within the project sites and those machines and vehicles should be maintained at the appropriate and specialized maintenance stations”.

Cut materials will be a major source of solid wastes. To reduce effect of this impact, it is highly recommended to use these materials in the construction activities in each site whenever applicable.

In order to manage the other types of solid wastes (construction material and domestic waste), a specific area should be designated as a temporary solid waste dumping area. This area should be

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segregated into different sub-segments each one suitable for a specific type of waste. The generated solid wastes should be placed in that area, and emptied on a weekly basis, and transferred to the nearest solid waste dumping areas. Using runoffs, wadis and sand dune areas as temporary solid waste storage ground should not be allowed.

Unnecessary burning and accumulation of solid waste is totally prohibited, and permanent or prolonged disposal of generated waste at the proposed protected areas and/or sensitive biological habitats is forbidden.

After the completion of each phase, the temporary solid waste dumping site should be rehabilitated.

(d) Mitigating High Noise Levels

To mitigate expected high noise levels associated with the construction activities, working night shifts should be prohibited or at least reduced as much as possible.

The construction contractor should apply the Jordanian Regulation for ambient noise levels during this phase, especially in designing the construction activities schedule. This should be supervised by the ESMP Management Unit and MOE.

The Jordanian Regulation for ambient noise levels presented in Table 55 should be applied during this phase of this project and should be a major tool in designing the construction activities schedule.

Table 55: The Jordanian Regulations for Ambient Noise Levels Maximum Allowable Noise level (dB) Area Day Night Residential areas in cities 60 50 Residential areas in towns 55 45 Residential areas in villages 50 40 Residential areas with light industries 65 55 Areas of Heavy industries 75 65 Areas for educational, health and religious services 45 35 Source: Official news paper, No.4238 Nov.1997

(e) Protection of Biological Diversity

In addition to what is stated above as mitigation measures, the following actions should be strictly adhered to in order to mitigate the project anticipated impacts on the biological environment. These mitigation measures include:

1- Avoidance actions: Precautionary approach is often the most cost effective one. These include: a. Forbid the removal of the Acacia trees community and other green cover. b. Avoid as much as possible carrying out constructions at or near wadis and seasonal streams. c. Minimize night activities. d. Forbid wildlife persecution, hunting, animal and plant collection. e. Avoid unnecessary movement of project staff mainly at night.

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f. Forbid planting or seedling of crops and exotic species. g. Forbid introduction of pets. h. Avoid sensitive and fragile habitat. i. Avoid unnecessary burning and accumulation.

2- Restoration actions This is upon incidence of impact and mainly directed to the restoration actions mentioned above. Such restorations should ensure the restoration of biological diversity and biological communities’ characteristics and features.

(f) Resettlement Framework

It has been explained in previous sections that no resettlement of the population in the project area, particularly the Bedouin population, will occur as a result of the establishment and management of the proposed protected areas. However, two points have to be made in this respect:

1- It is recommended to hire most, if not all, the reserves staff from the local communities. Also, they should be trained and educated to ensure that they are capable of carrying out the duties of their jobs. 2- Grazing management is one of the key issues to the local communities living within or moving seasonally to the proposed reserves. Since livestock production is the only income generation source for those families, and since this economical activity is a traditional one, it is the RSCN obligation to reserve the grazing rights of those families and to establish scientifically and locally accepted management that recognize the forage production, vegetation recovery requirements and durations, number of livestock in each area and seasonal variations in the above and in climatic conditions. However, the grazing management plans are not yet available and it is not within scope of this ESA to prepare such plans. It is the Consultant understanding form the project analysis that this activity will be carried out by the RSCN in the course of the project.

A question that arises when considering the grazing management sub-rpoejct is what if there were no means to reconcile livestock management on a sustainable basis and there were a subsequent need to establish alternative, acceptable options which ensure that the communities are not worse off. In this case, it should be highlighted here that such a concern should be part of the EIA to be carried for the subject sub-project. Since grazing management is one of the sub-projects of the IEM project, it will be subjected to screening and will undergo an environmental and social assessment study that will address and the question of what if there were no means to reconcile livestock management on a sustainable basis.

(g) Formulate Public Safety Program for the Locals and the Workers in the Project Construction Areas

Construction of buildings and infrastructure associated with the intended project are limited to the management and eco-tourism facilities to be established within the proposed protected areas. No construction is intended in other proposed eco-tourism development sites since in Wadi Ibn Hammad and in the Dead Sea Panorama the facilities are already established.

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During the course of the work, the construction contractor, under the PFT supervision should be responsible for providing and properly maintaining all public and workers safety measures including warning signs, signals, barriers and other safety measures that can assist in conserving the public and the workers safety.

First aid tools should always be available and easily accessible by all construction workers. This includes anti-venom against snakes and scorpions bites. Safe and quick access to the construction sites should be maintained for emergency.

The construction workers should be educated and made aware of the environmental and safety issues prior to their involvement in the construction activities. This includes educating them about poisonous snakes and scorpions in each location.

(h) Conservation of Archaeological and Cultural Resources

Negative impacts to the archaeological and cultural heritage resources are anticipated to be insignificant or maximum of low significance during the construction phases. This is due to the fact that construction activities will be limited to very few facilities.

However, the Jordanian Antiquities Law and the Regulations of Archaeological Excavation and Surveys provide the basis for the conservation of archaeological sites in Jordan. The mitigation measures for possible impacts on archaeological sites have been formulated to comply with the above-mentioned law and regulation.

In general, while there is no requirement for any site discovered during the survey to be destroyed, “No Destroy” protection measures are recommended. On the other hand, whenever impact is expected, the mitigation measures might include one or more of the following:

1- Cultural Resources Management (CRM) implementation in addition to coordination of responsibilities with CRM monitoring groups including the Department of Antiquities / Ministry of Tourism. 2- Penalties for non-compliance. 3- Shifting the construction activities for a distance that is enough as to protect the site, whenever an archaeological site is identified within or close to the construction zone. 4- Following “Chance-find” Procedures. 5- Exclusion areas. 6- Adopting special procedures in the vicinity of sites defined as requiring protection. These include protecting the site by fencing, conducting site rescue excavation, conducting site restoration, and implementing signage system to the site.

Once the final demarcation of the construction sites have been fixed and the extent of any earthworks and burrow pits is known, sites that remain classified as not threatened should be revisited and fully documented for record purposes.

In addition, details of the site specific measures outlined in the next section will be provided as instructions to the contractor.

In general, for projects entering the construction stage, three points could be added to contract documents which would be beneficial for the protection of archaeological sites:

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1- Burrow Areas: The locations of borrow areas and quarry sites selected by the contractor should be approved by the Department of Antiquities to prevent antiquities being damaged by quarrying or burrow excavation. Such inspection should not be unreasonably delayed. 2- Observation of Construction Excavation: In areas where the Department of Antiquities knows or suspects the existence of remains under the surface, but where there is insufficient time for archaeological excavation (or the importance of the site dose not warrant full scale investigation prior to construction), a representative of DOA should be present during the opening of any excavation or burrow pit to identify and record any archaeological remains found. 3- Additional Salvage Excavation: In areas where DOA has determined that further salvage excavation will be necessary, based on the information developed during the Final Design phase, salvage excavation will be carried out at the beginning of the construction phase. Construction activities should be scheduled so as to leave any such area until late in the construction process, and thus construction activities would not be delayed by the archaeological excavation.

8.5.1.2 Implementation, Operation and Adaptation Phase

(a) Executing Appropriate Fluid and Solid wastes Management System

Fluid Wastes Management System

The established cesspit during the construction phase needs to be upgraded and enlarged to cover the expected fluid wastes resulted from the management team and the visitors to the reserves. Furthermore, emptying the content of this cesspit should be done on regular basis (every one or two weeks) and transported to the nearest fluid wastes dumping site via a special fluid wastes tanker.

Solid wastes Management System

The recommended solid waste management system to be implemented in the proposed natural reserves should include:

• Produce and distribute awareness materials to the site visitors and to the employees encouraging them to practice waste source reduction at the reserves. • Provide the reserve area with solid waste collection containers. The solid waste containers should be emptied regularly and transferred to the nearest approved solid waste disposal facility. • Source separation is highly recommended.

8.5.2 Recommended Mitigations for Implementing Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) Concept Activities

The intended IEM concept and integration of the conservation of biological diversity into land use planning include many potential sub-projects belonging primarily to two main economical and environmentally sensible projects: eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture.

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In most, the intended project is not anticipated to cause significant negative impacts. Based on the need for integrating the environment issues into the planning processes for IEM sub-projects, this section of the report presents and discusses the recommended mitigation measures to conserve and protect the environment at the different IEM sites (based on the implemented theme). Most of the presented mitigation measures are suggested to maximize positive impacts.

The hereinafter mitigation measures were decided based on professional judgment and the carried environmental screening for intended IEM sub-projects using the prepared sub-project screening checklist (see Table 54). Furthermore, the mitigation measures include the decision for EIA study (where needed) as part of the preparations for the intended sub-projects.

8.5.2.1 Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture Program

Sustainable agriculture is considered as one of the most important ecosystem management approaches since it tends to mitigate existing and foreseen environmental challenges, and in the same time it secures sensible economical development. Enhancing and promoting sustainable agriculture in the Jordan Rift Valley is expected to be carried out through implementing pilot sub- projects in partnership with the local communities and with relevant governmental and non- governmental organizations.

In order to enhance and to ensure maximum benefits from such sub-projects, it is essential that the PFT ensures the involvement of all related stakeholders, and obtain professional support from experts in the field of sustainable agriculture. Experts in this field from the Ministry of Agriculture and other international agencies working in the JRV area are highly recommended to participate in this program.

Also, it is recommended to establish a center of excellence for sustainable agriculture. This center can be titled as the Sustainable Agriculture Centre for Education and Research (SACER). This center is suggested to be established in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, the University of Jordan and the University of Science and Technology, having the following operational objectives:

1- To provide training and research facilities suitable for research on sustainable agriculture for the benefit of the researchers and students from both universities, and for the research staff hired by the JVA and Ministry of Agriculture; 2- To provide training and educational programs at the national and regional levels on sustainable agriculture and agro-ecology; and 3- To be the public awareness, training and information center for educating and training of the local farmers on sustainable agriculture practices and programs.

This center can be more appropriately located in the north segment of the Jordan Valley.

8.5.2.2 Conducting Environmental Reviews for the Planned Composting Projects

Establishing composting projects is part of the IEM sub-projects to reduce the quantities of the agricultural solid wastes. In this regard, it is highly recommended to conduct an environmental review to define the expected impacts on the physical environment and more specifically on the surface and groundwater resources. Also, it is important to ensure the participation of composting specialists in executing these projects.

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8.5.2.3 Managing Solid Wastes Resulting from Tourists Influx

One of the major concerns within the implementation of the Eco-tourism theme is the expected solid wastes that might result due to the expected influx of tourists. To overcome this problem, the visited sites need to be equipped with solid wastes collection containers. These containers need to be emptied on regular basis and transferred to the appropriate solid waste dumping sites “and/or” to a recycling project (if constructed in the JRV) after conducting the appropriate separation processes. Waste separation and minimization of waste generation at source are highly recommended in case waste recycling sub-project is established or if coordination and cooperation with other ongoing waste recycling projects is secured.

8.5.2.4 Interaction with the Decision Makers, the Private Sector and the Local Community within JRV Area

To ensure the maximum understanding of the JRV unique environment, and the need to conserve and protect it from the different human activities, the project core teams need to interact with the different current and planed activities in the JRV area. This interaction needs to be on three levels. These are:

• Governmental level: At this level, the interactions will focus on providing the environmental footprint to the current and planned sustainable development projects within the JRV area. • Private Sector Level: At this level, the project core teams need to clarify the importance of the JRV environment for the private sector in order to be considered when planning for future projects such as mining, quarries establishment and massive tourism projects. Furthermore, the project teams will work on providing the environmental advice to the working projects in the JRV area. • The Local Community Level: At this level, the project teams will provide awareness programs to the different sectors of the local community about environmental conservation and protection.

8.5.2.5 Establish and Implement the Sub-projects Environmental Screening Procedures

The ESMP management committee and the PFT in coordination and full cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, ASEZA-Environment Commission and the JVA are required to establish the IEM Sub-projects Screening Committee and to implement the screening procedures detailed in this ESMP document.

Environmental screening of all suggested IEM shall be carried against the provided screening checklist. This checklist should also be reviewed and updated on regular basis and whenever needed.

8.5.2.6 Develop and Implement Public Communication and Participation Program

A public communication and participation program should be established for the project and detailed action plan should be produced and implemented for each IEM region. This plan should identify the different communicators including partners, local community leaders of opinion, sub-

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This program should be developed as early as the project is launched and even before the demarcation and designation of the proposed protected areas and the IEM-sub-projects.

It is highly recommended to establish atmosphere of trust and confidence with the project stakeholders through implementing sequential layers of communications, starting with opinion pull, awareness raising, community organization for IEM activities, problem and needs assessment through PRA, identification and establishing strong communication channels with the local leaders of opinion, ensure participatory identification of constraints in the sustainable resource use, develop alternatives or mediating measures in cooperation with community members, develop and implement an agreed LUP, monitor results involving stakeholders and discuss options for change or amendments in the LUP if required.

8.5.3 Environmental Monitoring

The monitoring program is a research program to develop the tools necessary to monitor and assess the environmental and social settings status and trends in response to the different project activities. Also, it is necessary to assess the project performance against the desired mitigation measures, and compliance with the regulations and standards in order to protect people’s health and safety, and the environment health and performance.

Monitoring activities should be applied to direct monitoring indicators whenever applicable. Indirect indicators can be monitored instead of direct ones whenever it would provide acceptable indication to the impact occurrence and/or performance non-conformance.

8.5.4 Preparation Stage

It is recommended to appoint a “technical/environmental” officer (with acceptable technical qualifications and level of experience) to work in this project in the ESMP Management Unit. The assignments for this officer will be during the project preparation, construction and operation stages, and are as follows:

• A- Planning Phase: Participate in the planning and design process. Coordinate with the governmental agencies to get the required approvals.

• B- Construction Phase: Participate in supervising the high tech. construction activities. Ensure the full implementation of the recommended mitigation measures for this phase.

• C- Implementation Phase (in association with the project core teams): Ensure the full and continuous application of all the recommended mitigation measures for this phase. Supervise the required quality control.

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Supervise the public health and safety measures at the sites.

8.5.5 Monitoring Plan for Establishing the Nature Reserves

8.5.5.1 Construction Phase

(a) Conserving the Local Morphology

It is the responsibility of the project technical officer to ensure that the contractor is fully implementing the construction mitigations. The monitoring indicators are primarily related to compliance with the suggested mitigation measures in addition to changes in general landscape, establishment of temporary waste disposal sites, extended construction zones and the deterioration in fragile and sensitive habitats.

The monitoring should also include monitoring of the prolonged accumulation of solid waste, in correct selection of the temporary waste disposal locations and disposing solid waste outside the defined temporary waste disposal locations.

(b) Full implementation of the Fluid and Solid Wastes Management Plan

It is the responsibility of the project technical officer in association with representatives from the MOE to conduct site inspection to check the correct construction of the fluid wastes cesspits and ensure that emptying of these cesspits is conducted on regular basis.

The monitoring of solid waste management operations should cover the following:

• Solid waste generation, including quality and quantity. • Site selection and management of the temporary solid waste disposal site. • Collection and transportation efficiency. • Suitability of final disposal sites. • Solid waste accumulation within the project corridor in terms of volumes and frequency of removal.

For the biological environment, the frequency of monitoring is mostly periodical monitoring (every month) combined with follow up on daily basis and annual auditing.

The following are the biological environment monitoring indicators and responsibilities:

• Runoffs and fragile habitats are maintained. • Natural vegetation cover is maintained. • Hunting is banned. • Accidental kills are kept minimum. • Breeding seasons are undisturbed. • Migration seasons are avoided.

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The monitoring methodology consists of the following activities:

• Monitor the natural conditions of surface water flow between pre- and post-project activities including runoffs habitat and geomorphology. • Monitor plant communities’ changes. • Monitor habitat deterioration. • Monitor accidental killing of animals. • Monitor wintering bird species. • Monitor key herpeto-faunal and faunal species. • Monitor oil spills and solid waste accumulation. • Monitor accessibility to remote areas.

(d) Monitoring Social Aspects

The following social component should be monitored as part of the ESMP monitoring program:

• Local community participation in the demarcation and designation of the proposed protected areas. • Level of employment, which includes the percentage of locals and foreigners to the total employment. • Public safety measures and public safety program implementation and efficiency. • Locals complains about project related disturbances, noise and health aspects.

(e) Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Sites Monitoring

The following components should be monitored on regular basis:

• Cultural Resources Management (CRM) implementation in addition to coordination of responsibilities with CRM monitoring groups including the Department of Antiquities / Ministry of Tourism. This includes monitoring disruption to the archaeological features. • Compliance / non-compliance with the stated mitigation measures • Shift the construction activities for a distance that is enough to protect the site. • Follow “Chance-find” Procedures. • Exclusion areas. • Special procedures in the vicinity of sites defined as requiring protection. These include: Site by fencing Site rescue excavation Site restoration Signage system to the site

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8.5.5.2 Implementation, Operation and Adaptation Phase

(a) Implementation of the Fluid and Solid Wastes Management System

Ensuring the full and continuous implementation of the recommended fluid and solid wastes management system in the proposed natural reserve sites is the responsibility of the project technical officer, in association with the project core teams (each in his area) and MOE representatives. In this regard, MOE representatives should have the authority to access all project facilities at any time for this purpose.

8.5.6 Monitoring Plan for Implementing the Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) Concept

8.5.6.1 Follow up the Success of the Sustainable Agriculture Program

The success of the sustainable agriculture program can be measured by the number of farmers interested in this program and their participation in the program activities. Monitoring this issue is the responsibility of the project core teams and the MOE offices in the JRV area.

8.5.6.2 Executing Solid Waste Management System in the Eco-Tourism Sites

It is a joint responsibility between the MOE and the local municipalities to ensure the full implementation of the recommended solid wastes management system.

8.5.6.3 Correct Implementation of the Composting Projects

It is the responsibility of the MOE to review the prepared environmental reviews for the composting sites, and ensure their adaptability with the environmental regulations in Jordan.

Furthermore, representatives form the MOA and the MOE in association with the project technical officer should monitor the correct implementation of these projects after conducting the recommended environmental reviews. Furthermore, the following two parameters need to be measured as part of the monitoring process against any pollution caused by this project. These parameters are:

• Odour in the areas surrounding the project. Monitoring this parameter is the responsibility of the MOE and through field visits to the project locations.

• NO3 level in the surrounding shallow groundwater wells and springs. Monitoring this parameter is the responsibility of WAJ-Central Labs, through collecting water samples on quarterly basis and analyzing them to define any sharp increase in the NO3 concentration within any of the nearby water sources.

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8.6 ESMP Control

The ESMP should be armed with tools to ensure the adherence of the various parties to its components and to measure the effectiveness of the defined set of actions within it. To achieve this, a control system needs to be implemented. The elements of this control process are to include:

1- Document and Record Control: This is a procedure through which all ESMP associated documentation and records are stored and distributed. This will include the maintenance and updates of the register of environmental aspects and the responsibility for the dissemination of information to involved parties. 2- Checking and Corrective Action: This dictates that all incidents of deviation from the planned criteria or activities to be reported and action to be taken to rectify the situation and minimize the chance for its recurrence. 3- Claims: A provision should be made to register and review incident or other claims made against the project or project related personnel or activities by the public or any party. Action needs to be taken to address any such claims where they are shown to be valid and requiring such action. 4- Auditing: The implementation of the ESMP should be audited on a regular basis. Audit reports are the basis for verification of the compliance of the various parties, the completion and implementation of programs and restoration plans, and the effectiveness of such actions and other elements of the ESMP. The audit will be used for review and will rely on the monitoring data. 5- Review Process: A periodic (annual) review of the ESMP and environmental incidents needs to be done through the course of the project. Necessary modifications and adjustments could be decided through this formal and timely review process. Changes and new issues need to be communicated.

8.7 Implementation and Operation

Implementation and operation of this ESMP plan should evolve from deep understanding and appreciation of the RSCN to the project nature, environmental and social requirements, and should demonstrate the integration of ESMP as part of the overall project management.

Effective implementation and operation of the ESMP require clear-cut identification of responsibilities that will guide assigning tasks. Other implementation related components include:

• Training, awareness and competence • Communication • Environmental Management Documentation • Document Control • Operational Control • Emergency Preparedness and Response

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8.7.1 Training, Awareness and Competence

Capacity development of the project partners, governmental and non-governmental organizations relevant to the intended project, as well implementing effective environmental public awareness programs are considered as two pf the project major components and extensive efforts are to be made on this regard.

However, efficient implementation and operation of the ESMP require the RSCN, the sub-projects partners, and the construction Contractor to have competent capacities, wise management and environmentally aware employees. The ESMP Technical Assistant should have sufficient experience in environmental and social management, and good communication skills, while the technical support staff should have considerable experience in environmental monitoring, auditing and evaluation.

On the other hand, the project employees, the IEM sub-projects implementers and the construction contractors should be environmentally aware of the project nature and impacts, so they would develop their appreciation and thorough commitment to the ESMP requirements, complexity and integrity. Furthermore, acting according to the ESMP programs and procedures is obligatory, where similar awareness and training activities will ensure faithful and competent commitment of the employees to these requirements, and reduce the cost of enforcement.

Each employee should be educated and motivated to appreciate and act according to the issued mitigation measures. Such requirement should be tackled in the planning/pre-construction phase in order to have the employees acting as per of the stated course of procedures and actions. During the construction/implementation phase, the employees’ acts and awareness level should be monitored and developed.

Adequate training of senior staff and orientation of project staff is also considered as a cost effective means to reduce impacts. Training should be extended to include representatives of the core team identified for sub-projects screening.

The ESMP Unit should ensure the following in order to fulfil the awareness and training requirements:

1- Training needs are identified. Training requirements for each operational unit within the project are established. 2- Personnel are trained in their specific environmental responsibilities that are directly related to significant aspects, targets, and objectives of the ESMP. 3- Personnel that do not have a significant role, receive awareness training. 4- New-hires, re-assigned personnel, construction contractors and the sub-projects implementation partners are given appropriate training on the specific aspects of their new positions and relevant to their specific activities. 5- Personnel are kept abreast of regulatory changes that impact their job performance. 6- Training includes communication of the following: a. Requirements of the ESMP and the importance of regulatory compliance with policy. b. Potential effects of the employee's work, both negative and positive. c. Responsibility in achieving compliance with policies, regulations and ESMP requirements. d. Consequences of failure to comply with the above.

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For example, of the main issues for which such training and awareness should be delivered are:

• Safety measures relevant to construction (for the public and the employees). • The ecological importance of sensitive habitats and wildlife conservation ethics. • Avoiding environmentally unsound activities and practices such as mismanagement of generated construction and domestic waste, and destruction of archaeological and cultural heritage resources.

The proposed awareness and training sessions can be conducted by either the ESMP Management Unit or by an independent reputable consultant.

8.7.2 Communication

Efficient communication should be maintained at both external and internal levels. The external communication can be demonstrated in four main channels:

• PMU – Project Partners and Key Stakeholders • PFT – Construction Contractor • PFT/ESMP Management Unit – Local and National Stakeholders • ESMP Management Unit – Sub-projects Screening Committee

The overall advantage of this communication program is to ensure that the anticipated adverse impacts and risks can be effectively mitigated.

The ESMP-Management Unit should effectively communicate internally with the variant project components and divisions, and externally through the defined channels and about the public concerns and complains of implementing the proposed project, project effects on their health, wealth and environment. Also, the ESMP-Management Unit should communicate and cooperate on continuous basis with the related authorities, projects and utilities providers in order to avoid or minimize, to the extent possible, disruptions.

Communicating internally and externally- if effective- will ensure:

• Better understanding and appreciation of target groups to the proposed project conditions and benefits. • No or minimum disruption by the project to other developed/under-development projects and vice versa. • Minimum impacts and risks. • Community participation in helping and making choices to develop suitable and acceptable avoidance/mitigation scenarios.

The communication responsibilities include the following:

• A documented procedure is maintained for communication of internal and external environmental information regarding environmental issues and concerns. • Processes for receiving and responding to internal and external interested parties concerns relative to the environment are established. • The environmental policy and performance is communicated both internally and externally. This includes the results of the environmental audits and other analyses.

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• The documented communication procedure was adequately developed to foster continual improvement.

8.7.3 Emergency Preparedness and Response

Emergency preparedness should be given the priority during the ESMP implementation and operation, where all key procedures should be reviewed for emergency preparation, including the construction-related health and safety programs (for public and employee communities) that have to be established in compliance with the Jordanian standards issued by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment. Other health and safety measures and relevant emergency preparedness and responses should be established for research and eco-tourism related activities.

The ESMP Management Unit in coordination with the PFT should develop procedures for managing these potentialities and to train key personnel on these procedures. Also they should ensure that adequate and correct emergency equipment are available where they should be.

After incidents occurrence, these processes should be reviewed and modified.

8.8 Checking and Corrective Action

The ESMP implementation and performance should be monitored continually; performance, conformance and non-conformance audit should be applied on quarterly basis in order to update and modify the plan by adopting effective corrections whenever needed. Environmental audit (Eco-Audit) should be conducted on annual basis.

All records should be stored in a well-ordered and easily accessible manner, enabling individual items to be located easily and ensuring that the records are protected. The audit reports should be reported in accordance to the stated reporting structure. Also, it should be available to the public and stakeholders through accessible information centres.

The auditors selected should hold acceptable experience with relevant tasks and capable of undertaking such responsibilities. The corrective and preventive actions based on audit findings and their consequences are monitored. The audit findings per audit cycle are summarized into an audit report and reviewed during the management review meeting.

8.9 Management Review

A top management review of the ESMP should be applied on a periodic basis as per a documented procedure to ensure its continued suitability and effectiveness. During the review, management will effectively utilize all available information, including internal and external audit findings, environmental concerns, objectives, targets, non-conformance, and corrective and preventive actions in order to improve the ESMP Implementation.

The review results will be recorded and maintained and the resultant decisions and actions taken will be implemented by the concerned personnel.

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8.10 ESMP Cost Implications

First of all, it should be noted that this IEM project is an environmental project and is not associated with environmental or social impacts that require extensive mitigation measures. The recommended measures are required only to enhance environmental conditions.

Hence, the development of the ESMP was able to take into consideration maximum utilisation of available and budgeted manpower and financial resources in designing and implementing the mitigation and monitoring measures. However, limited additional cost implications can result from implementation. These additional cost implications arise from:

• Expenses for some physical environment mitigation measures. The costs associated with these measures are included in Annex 9. However, these are not necessarily additional costs as such measures are required whether there is an ESMP or not. • Hiring an expert for ESMP implementation and management. This will have a cost implication of 1,100 to 1,600 JD/month including insurance and social security. However, this cost can be avoided by assigning the ESMP management to a member of the core team. • Hiring a consultant for auditing and evaluating the ESMP. The audit is estimated to cost 5,000 JD/audit report and the evaluation 25,000 - 30,000 JD/evaluation of the ESMP. This cost would arise if the audit and evaluation were not to be carried by the World Bank.

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ANNEXES

ANNEX 1 ESA AND ESMP STUDY TEAM MEMBERS

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Annex 1: ESA and ESMP Study Team Members

Table A1.1: Study team members Name Position Qualifications Tasks* 1. Technical/Managerial Staff Dr. Sawsan Himmo Project Director Ph.D. in Civil Overview on all tasks Engineering (Hydraulic Structures) B.Sc. in Civil Engineering Adnan Budeiri Team Leader/Biological Master's Degree in Overview on all tasks Environment & Natural Biological Sciences / and 3, 5, 6, 7, & 8 Resources Management Hydrobiology and Expert / Flora Specialist Ecology Majdi Salameh Environmental M.Sc. Candidate in 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Assessment and Environmental Science 11 & 12 Monitoring Specialist / and Management Fauna Specialist / ESA B.Sc. of Genetics and Coordinator Molecular Biology Rola Quba’a Environmental M.Sc. in 2, 3, 10 & 11 Assessment and Environmental Management Consultant Technology and Project Manager for B.Sc. in Environmental CC Health Ahmad Abu Hijleh Physical Environment M.Sc. in Geology 3, 5, 6, 7, & 8 Expert/ Hydrogeologist (Water Resources and Environment) B.Sc. in Applied Geology (Water Resources) Ahmad Al-Amad Land Use Planner B.Sc. in Architecture 7 & 8 Dr. Hani Ghosheh Agriculture and Agro- Ph.D. in Agronomy 3, 6, 7, 8 & 9 Ecology Specialist M.Sc. in Plant Production B.Sc. in Plant Production Mahmoud Hishmeh Sociologist M.Sc. in Population 3, 5, 6, 7 & 9 Studies B.Sc. in Sociology Dr. Saleh Sharari Legal Advisor Ph.D. in Environmental 1 & 12 Law Master's Degree in Environmental Law Suhair Khatib Public Consultation and M.Sc. in Industrial 1, 4, & 12 Capacity Assessment Engineering B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering Dr. Mohammad Waheeb Cultural Heritage & Ph.D. in Archaeology 5, 6, 7 & 8 Archaeology Expert M.A. in Archaeology B.A. in Archaeology

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 1-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Name Position Qualifications Tasks* 2. SUPPORT STAFF Hala Mesmar Environmentalist B.Sc. in Water and Support on all tasks Environmental Management Rami Salameh Environmentalist B.Sc. in Water and Support on all tasks Environmental Management Group of Civil Engineers (5) Civil Engineers B.Sc. in Civil Support on Engineering Consultation process, data collection and field trips Husam Huwarri Draftsman and GIS Diploma in Project Maps Expert Architecture *List of Project Tasks: 1 Overview of Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework & World Bank Polices 2 Project Description 3 Public Consultation, Scoping Activities, and Disclosure 4 Assessment of Stakeholders' Awareness & Capacity 5 Collection of Supplementary Baseline Data 6 Describe Project Specific Baseline Environment 7 Determine Project Specific Environmental and Social Impacts 8 Review and Analysis of Project-Specific Alternatives 9 Develop an Environmental & Social Management Plan (ESMP) & Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) 10 Preparation of Environmental Sub-Project Screening Checklists 11 Preparation of Sub-Project Safeguard Review Procedures 12 Capacity assessment of implementing agency(ies)

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ANNEX 2 RECORD OF FIELD INVESTIGATIONS AND REFERENCES OBTAINED FROM RSCN

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Annex 2: Record of Field Investigations and References Obtained from RSCN

The Consultant with the RSCN carried site visits to the Northern, Middle and Southern Ghors to observe the locations of the proposed reserves and IEM activity sites. The observations and notes recorded during the two-day field visit carried to the Jordan Rift Valley are presented below.

(a) Day 1 – February 2nd, 2006

First Stop: The Dead Sea Highway below the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex

First stop was at the Dead Sea Highway below the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex. The Dead Sea Panoramic Complex is located to the North of Mujib Dam. The Complex and the Dead Sea Parkway are among the sites proposed to be included in the integrated ecosystem management (IEM) activities and a contract is being negotiated between Ministry of Tourism and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) to place the Dead Sea Panoramic Complex and Parkway under the management of the RSCN.

The Complex constitutes an important spot for tourism attraction and an added value to the IEM project. A preliminary management plan is being considered for the Complex. The RSCN suggests carrying out the following activities at Dead Sea Panoramic Complex:

• National Park • Eco-tourism • Education and awareness centre • Complementing the IEM activities of the North Mujib • Might suggest a toll fee for the visitors who will use the Parkway to provide a source of income.

The Complex and the Dead Sea Parkway may not be included within the project's areas but they will have an impact as they are very close to Mujib.

Second Stop: Mujib Nature Reserve

Second stop was at the Mujib Nature Reserve where the team was provided with an overview of the reserve. It was established in 1987 with an approximate area of 12,000 km2. Parts of the reserve are within Karak Governorate and parts are within Madaba Governorate.

The reserve is the lowest reserve in the World (around 400 m below sea level). The reserve is characterized by a variety of climates and migrating birds. Most of the activities take place in the western part of the reserve where there is the visitors centre, camp site along the Dead Sea shore, and hiking trails. The reserve has ecotourism activities such as awareness and 5 hiking trails.

The reserve has indigenous plants (around 450 species), 3 types of fish species, 25 types of reptile species and 25 types of mammal species.

There is a captive breeding program to increase the numbers of ibex. The animal is now available is sufficient numbers and a couple of these animals will be placed in the Shumari reserve. RSCN's

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Captive Breeding Program will be ended because it is very costly and its success is not always guaranteed.

Problems facing the reserve are in general related to the locals around the site and the activities of hunting and grazing.

The average number of tourists at the reserve for the year 2005 was around 4,300 visitors.

Socio-economic studies were conducted in 2001 for the areas surrounding the reserve. Two studies were carried for six villages surrounding the reserve and one achievement of the study was had-made local products such as stones, recycled Pepsi cans, jewellery, medicinal plants, and awareness programs.

A study is still ongoing and the results are guiding RSCN's approach towards local community. The RSCN has an agreement with locals to allow grazing at 20,000 dunums. Also, at the higher part of the reserve, an education centre equipped with computers has been established.

There is a 5-years management plan for Mujib Reserve that addresses touristic development and visitors, awareness, locals activities and hunting. The 1999-2004 plan finished and the new plan is now being finalized. After 5 years, this plan will be renewed.

The IEM project is expected to play a developmental role for the Mujib reserve. It will supply the reserve with the needed equipment and training.

Third Stop: Fifa Proposed Reserve

Third stop was at Fifa Proposed Reserve. It is a mudflat oasis, sub-tropical area, with permanent wadi water and has birds and fish. The reserve's area is around 27-30 km2. The boundary of the reserve is the natural geographic boundary with Palestine and it is considered a military restricted area. The area is for the Ministry of Agriculture.

An important problem in the reserve's area is grazing. The army is burning some palm trees due to security reasons. We observed also that there are lots of black plastic bags left in the soil; these were used to cover the agricultural crops.

The area is rich in diversity and endemic species. Grazing is an important problem in the area. One of the IEM activities is to try to introduce sustainable agriculture.

Fourth Stop: Qatar Proposed Reserve

Fourth stop was at Qatar Proposed Reserve. It is a mudflat oasis with palm trees and acacia; it has the largest availability of acacia in Jordan. It has a sub-tropical climate. The reserve's area is around 50 km2. The site is a military restricted area. The closest target group for the IEM activities is Qatar village.

The site has the problem of sewage water from Israel.

There is a suggestion of including the foothills on the other side of Ghor Al-Safi road as part of the reserve but further consideration is needed as to how to connect both parts of proposed reserve that are separated by the Highway.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 2-2 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Fifth Stop: Jabal Mas'uda Proposed Reserve

Fifth stop was at Jabal Mas'uda Proposed Reserve. It is the biggest of the proposed reserves with an area of around 450 km2. It has four vegetation types (acacia, steppe, Mediterranean, and Irano- Turanean). The boundaries of the reserve start at Wadi Ghmeiq Mousa after Beir Mathkoor around 3 km south and extends till Gharandal where there is Gharandal village and few wadis. The boundaries will either stop at the highway road or be extended till natural borders with Palestine (as buffer). The area follows Aqaba Governorate.

The new asphalt road is expected to encourage eco-tourism as it connects Petra with the Ghors.

Grazing, water harvesting and Bedouin movements are the activities in the area. There are scarce farms or buildings. However, the new road is encouraging building activities.

There are many Bedouin localities within this reserve and therefore it is important to consider their reaction towards the proposed reserve.

The area has a very beautiful landscape and views (like parts of Dana Reserve and Wadi Rum). It has also some large mammals (such as the ibex) and vultures. It may also contain lots of archaeological remains as it is close to Petra.

The majority of IEM activities are proposed for this reserve such as visitors centre, offices, biodiversity, museum, and Centre of Excellence.

Limited activities are proposed for Qatar and Fifa proposed reserve as these are boundary areas.

Dilagha Old Village is a very nice area and the reserve can play a role in reviving it.

15 km before Dilagha there are two archaeological/cultural villages; these are "Khirbet Mat'amah" and a cultural village called "Beir Hamad" (inside the boundaries of Jabal Mas'uda).

The Natural Resources Authority has stopped its mining activities for gold in the area because it was found to be not feasible.

Day 2 – February 4th, 2006

First Stop: El-Esheh Village and Yarmouk Proposed Reserve

First stop was at El-Esheh Village and Yarmouk Proposed Reserve. The area of the reserve is around 30 km2. The lands are for the Ministry of Agriculture. The reserve has its boundaries till the Yarmouk River which is the natural boundary between Jordan and Syria.

Recently the area has become a target for picnics and thereof ere requires attention and protection against possible threats to its ecosystem.

The reaction of El-Esheh residents towards the reserve is expected to be a positive one since they are very cautious about maintaining the cleanliness and the integrity of their surrounding areas.

There are many military check points in the area since it is a boundary territory.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 2-3 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Mountain Gazzele was observed in the area.

The Arayess pool (a wetland) was proposed to be included in the reserve but it was not included. This pool contains turtles.

Second Stop: Wadi Damia

Second stop was at Wadi Damia near Prince Mohammad Bridge. This was proposed as a reserve but was then cancelled as it is a border area.

Third Stop: Wadi Ibn Hammad

Third stop was at Wadi Ibn Hammad. The conservation is to start from where water begins and onward. The tourism site within the wadi, which is made of two pools of hot spring water, terrace and visitors facilities, is for the Ministry of Tourism. The area of this hot springs touristic location is around 100 dunums. The Ministry is going to do an agreement with the RSCN so that the RSCN manages the project. The ibex is available in that area and these are an extension of those available within Mujib Nature Reserve.

The problem at the site is solid waste. The site has been damaged by the visitors and the large quantities of litter they left. The RSCN will manage the site and it will be in co-control with the local community.

Bedouins were observed in the wadi.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 2-4 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Table A2.1 presents the list of references obtained from RSCN.

Table A2.1: List of references from RSCN No. Report Name Publishing Year 1 Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) in the Jordan Rift Valley- Project 4 October 2005 Document and its Annexes (Draft Final Report) The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 2 IEM Project Specialists Reports:

- Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley Specialist Report August 2005 No 1: Conservation-Oriented Land Use Planning (Draft)

- Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley Specialist Report August 2005 No 2: Socio-Economic Baseline Surveys And Participatory Rural Appraisals in the Jordan Rift Valley (Draft)

- Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley - Specialist Report August 2005 No 3: Specialist Protected Areas Proposals in The Jordan Rift Valley (Draft)

- Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley - Specialist Report No 4: Capacity development and Training Needs Analysis (Draft) August 2005

- Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley - Specialist Report No 5: Institutional Analysis and Reform (Draft) August 2005 3 Status and conservation of the lesser kestrel in Dana nature Reserve 1997 4 Phase I Bird survey, Dana nature reserve 1994 5 Dana nature reserve management plan 1996 6 Mujib nature reserve management plan 1997 7 Environmental action plan, Gulf of Aqaba 1993 8 Report of the 2001 fieldwork campaign spring, wadi Mujib 2001 9 The Dana research centre 10 Report on the land use in Wadi Araba 11 Baseline ecological survey of extension and buffer zone of Dana reserve in Wadi 1997 Araba 12 Baseline ecological survey, Dana ecological survey 1994 13 Baseline wildlife surveys in Dana Nature reserve 1995 14 Dorcus gazelle survey Wadi Araba, Jordan 1995 15 Periodical 2002 stratus assessment of Nubian ibex in Dana Biosphere reserve 2002 16 Wadi Araba gazelle survey 1995 17 Ibex survey and re-introduction master planning 1996 18 Phase II ibex survey, Dana nature reserve 1995 19 Birds baseline survey, Aqaba 2002 20 Birds baseline survey, Yarmouk 2002 21 Dana Nature Reserve, Survey of key breeding Raptors 1999 22 Mujib raptor survey, April – May 2002 2002 23 Mujib raptor survey, Sep-October 2002

ﻏﺎﺑﺎت اﻟﺴﺮوﻳﺎت ﻓﻲ ﻣﺤﻤﻴﺔ ﺿﺎﻧﺎ اﻟﻄﺒﻴﻌﻴﺔ 24 (Juniper Forests at Dana Reserve- Arabic)

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No. Report Name Publishing Year 25 Dana nature reserve forestry research programme 1995 26 Rangeland and livestock management, Dana nature reserve 1995 27 Wadi Araba flora 28 Flora of Mujib nature reserve

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 2-6 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

ANNEX 3 RECORD OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Annex 3: Record of Public Consultation

1 RECORD Of PUBLIC CONSULTATION

1.1 Background

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process where the future consequences of a proposed action or undertaking are identified and mitigated before irrevocable decisions are made. A well-constructed EIA provides the basis for responsible corporate decision-making that is forward-looking and globally participatory. Potential issues are identified as early in the process as possible and solutions are developed to maximize project benefit while minimizing both front- end and downstream costs to development.

Public consultation is not only important tool for sound environmental management, but also it is an obligation, especially in similar projects where stakeholders involvement in the planning and implementation is critical to achieve the project goals.

The consultation process relevant to the intended project have been launched by the RSCN during the project document development phase, where the consultation activities carried out by the RSCN covered several related stakeholders from government, non-governmental, and civil society organizations.

Further public consultation was required by the World Bank to be undertaken by the ESA consultant. Public consultation was conducted in the planning phase for the ESA to ensure the inputs of stakeholders as well as experts in the field are not overlooked and are affirmed, hence guiding the conduction of the ESA. The session was prepared for with background material, information gaps, list of relevant stakeholders, ESA Terms of Reference (TOR), suggested subjects for discussion, and participant’s questionnaire. Strong coordination with the RSCN and the Ministry of Environment (MOE) was assured to ensure compliance with the recently enforced ESA regulation and the TOR.

This record provides summary of the undertaken consultation and discussion groups with the project-affected groups, local NGOs, government, and national experts in the field.

1.2 Consultation Methodology

The adopted consultation methodology included three main activities, namely; pre-consultation preparations, conducting the consultation workshop, and reporting on the consultation findings. The following discussion presents the approach adopted for each activity.

(a) Pre-Consultation Preparations

The preparations for the consultation session involved activities that assist in formulating a comprehensive framework for developing the scope of the Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA). These activities included multi-database literature review, meetings with the RSCN and the MOE representatives, determination of the list of participants in the consultation session, preparation of a description of the project and its related environmental issues.

A list of potential and relevant stakeholders was prepared to include participants from governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, donor agencies, and representatives

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT for the local communities living within the project corridor including those representing the women sector and other civil society organizations. This list was reviewed and approved by the RSCN and the MOE. All listed stakeholders were invited by the consultant to participate in the consultation session. Table A3.1 presents the list of invited stakeholders and Section 1.4 presents the sessions' invitation letter and agenda forms.

Meetings between the project team members and representatives from the Client side and the Ministry of Environment were carried to obtain information and perspective concerning the environmental issues related to the project and to identify the stakeholders to be invited to the consultation session.

The preparations also included primary identification of all environmental aspects that may be affected by the project, or might affect the project through the analysis of the activities associated with the project.

A list of suggested subjects for discussion and questionnaire to help assessing participant’s acceptance and perceptions regarding the intended project were prepared. The used questionnaire is presented below under Section 1.5. The suggested subjects for discussion were grouped into two sets as follows:

• First set: Project issues of concern and valued ecosystem components Project issues of concern and anticipated impacts to the environmental and social components Physical Environment Biological Environment Socio-economic Conditions Archaeological and Cultural Resources Challenges expected to face the implementation of the project Recommendations to ensure success and sustainability of the project • Second set: Mainstreaming biodiversity in land use planning and management Particular perspectives and perceptions of the participating regarding the need for mainstreaming biodiversity in land use planning and management Expected challenges to mainstreaming biodiversity in land use planning and management What it needs to mainstream biodiversity in land use planning and management Mainstreaming requirements and capacities

(b) Conducting the Consultation Session

Under the auspices of the RSCN and the Ministry of Environment (MOE), the public consultation session was held on February 1st, 2006 at Amra-Crown Plaza Hotel in Amman. The session was attended by a wide spectrum of government, national, NGO's and municipalities representatives during which background presentation on the project was distributed and discussed by all parties concerned. Of the 149 invitees, 73 attended the consultation. Those attendees represented 32 stakeholders of the 81 invited organizations including ministries and governmental authorities, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities, community representatives and private sector. A list of the meeting participants is provided in Table A3.2.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-2 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

The session was chaired by representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Eng. Izat Abu Hamra, Director General of the RSCN, Mr. Yehya Khaled, and the ESA Study Project Manager, Dr. Sawsan Himmo. The session was moderated by Mr. Majdi Salameh and Miss. Rola Qubaa.

The workshop opening ceremony was launched with opening speech and welcoming remarks by Dr. Himmo, followed by Mr. Khaled, and Eng. Abu Hammra. The speakers addressed the significance of the intended project, and the need for involving all related stakeholders in the implementation of this project. Also, the need for preparing ESA for the intended project was clarified.

In order to ensure sufficient and effective involvement of invited participants the consultation session was launched with introductory project presentations by the Consultant. The presentation addressed the project goals, components, activities, and rational and justification. A handout about project area description was distributed to the scoping participants.

Following the presentation, the floor was given for the participants to ask questions relevant to the project components and activities. These questions were responded to jointly by the Consultant and the RSCN representatives. Section 1.3(a) below summarizes the questions and responses.

The prepared questionnaire was explained and distributed to the workshop participants. These questionnaires were responded to by all participants and collected by the Consultant.

The participants were divided into four discussion groups to discuss the suggested subjects (see above) in addition to other relevant topics that the participants may find necessary to address and discuss. The session was organized in a manner that encourages discussion and participation of the stakeholders in identifying the environmental issues of concern. The discussion groups were moderated by the consulting team of experts.

Subject to the discussions on the project various potential impacts each discussion group discussed and arrived at screening checklist for each sub-project.

Also, each discussion group concluded to their group findings and presented these findings to the other groups for further discussions. Section 1.3(b) presents the findings of each of the five discussion groups.

Following the conductance of the consultation session, all discussion groups findings were collected and normalized to produce one list of environmental issues of concerns. The significance of each issue was identified based on the findings of the discussion groups presented during the course of the consultation session, and on the judgment of the consulting team.

In summary, the methodology used is as follows:

• Pre-Scoping Preparations • Field investigation • Informal interviews • Literature review of available reports and studies relevant to the project issue of this scoping

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• Identification of project stakeholders in full coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, and the Ministry of Environment • Preparation of summary document to the project and the ESA study and distributing it to the identified stakeholders • Invitation of identified stakeholders to participate in the scoping session • Conducting Scoping Session • Introductory Presentations • Moderated discussion groups • Presentation of groups findings • Reporting

1.3 Consultation Findings

The session identified substantive issues of specific concern and feedback comments and views were collected and classified. The outcome of the session indicated unanimous support to the project.

(a) Questions raised by the Workshop Participants

The following are the questions raised by the workshop participants and the Consultant's and RSCN responses to these questions.

Q1) Relates to the existence of large quantity of Copper ores in some areas of the project?

Q2) Was asked by representative of Arab Potash Company concerning the process of implementation of the IEM sites in Sweimeh, Wadi Ibn Hammad North Ghore areas?

Answers to Q1 and 2: Seven IEM sites were chosen. RSCN will promote the sustainable developments of theses sites and at the protected areas. Four protected areas will be established and there will be guidance for the local communities there to establish friendly environment projects and developments. There will be management at the sites to establish handy crafts and ecotourism projects that will generate income to local people. In Addition to that there will be training programs to locals on management of ecotourism projects. And these communities will be responsible for the execution of these projects under the supervision of RSCN in general.

Q3) ASEZA representative: a-Did this Project take in consideration the route of the Dead Red Canal?

Answer: The Dead Red Canal still needs to have an Environmental Impact Assessment and the assessment will give a clear route of the Dead Red Canal. Most probably the canal will be a subterranean canal and the reconstruction and rehabilitation process will need further studies. b-Is Integrated Management a replacement of some management with other type such as replacement of farmers?

Answer1: As for the agricultural sector there will be extension programs to raise awareness and promote Integrated Pest Management and bio management.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-4 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Answer 2: As for sustainable agriculture the legislative part and technical parts still needs development and it is worthy to mention here that there is no thinking of any translocation or transfer of local people.

Q4) By Mr. Bassam Al Natsheh: The amount of reserves in the Valley to be established by the project and it’s total areas?

Answer: Yarmouk reserve Area 59 KM Square Fifa reserve Area 30 km square Qatar Area 30 Km square Jabal Masuda It will be very big the biggest in Jordan and it has a very fascinating view

RSCN proposes the area to be established by reserve and Prime Minister Cabinet approves it (As for all mentioned reserves) And at this time the reserves boundaries will taken in consideration with the local communities.

Q5) By Mayor of South Ghore Municipalities: Will Ibn Hammad Area be within the reserves boundaries?

Answer: The Project defines the areas related in it to be the rift margins and Ibn Hammad is not on the rift margins of the Valley as defined by the Jordan Valley Authority.

Q6) Is there any previous decision by the government no to develop and use areas located at the route of the Dead Red Canal and Fifa is one of these areas Your comment on that?

Answer: According to the IUCN there is a law that provides that 4% of an area should be protected within the conservation laws and this percentage has increased to become 10% and an increase to the protected areas could happen and within the goals of this project is to repeat the same experience of the integrated management in other countries and areas and these areas will be defined in the Jordan Valley. As for the Dead Red Canal and Fifa area there was no published or official declaration of such kind and we should mention here that Fifa officially was declared as an important environmental site.

Q7) As for the conflict between the proposed protected areas location and the Dead Red Canal Route there should some recommendations to allow the route pass through the proposed protected areas so as not to look for other routs for the canal what is your comments on this?

Answer: The Purposes and Goals of the Dead Red Canal are to develop the areas and this does not contradict with the goals of the IEM Jordan Valley Project.

Q8) Representative of Ministry of Water: Are the protected areas allocated only by the RSCN or other organizations participate in the allocation process such as governmental organizations?

Answer: The Guidance committee of the Project includes many organizations from different sectors of Jordan and these sites where allocated upon the committee’s recommendations.

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Q9) From Middle Ghore Area: Will the project take into consideration agricultural development of the area?

Answer: The project includes an outreach programs and awareness and extension programs to promote Integrated Pest and bio management and sustainable agriculture and the project will take into consideration overgrazing challenges and its management.

Q10) From South Ghore Area Why was the Project confined to certain location while there are many areas in the Jordan Valley that have also tourism potential?

Answer: The project takes into consideration the whole Jordan Valley whereas the sites were chosen according to their environmental priorities and one of the goals of the project is to transfer knowledge of some areas to other areas of the project.

Q11) Will the establishment of the protected areas of the project affect and decrease the investment and development opportunities of the area?

Answer: The Integrated Ecosystem Management does not affect development opportunities of the area and the project itself is a sustainable development project.

Suggested Solutions to face the Environmental Challenges

1- Establish a central environmental database unit in the Jordan Valley that will raise awareness towards the environmental challenges facing the Wadi and suggest solutions to minimize these challenges and their management. 2- Establish environmental development fund to fund environmental projects in the valley. 3- Activate the role of the Jordan Valley Authority in Environmental development of the Valley and coordinate between various organization regarding roles and responsibilities (Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Planning …..ect.) 4- Reorganize the managerial structure and delegation of authorities between various authorities. 5- Increase the environmental awareness efforts that address local communities. 6- Increase the local communities’ participation in environmental management and decision making. 7- Update land use planning and allocation and clear activities related to its usage.

(b) Groups Discussions

In conclusion, the following are the issues identified, discussed and presented by the consultation session participants. Those issues cover both preparation/construction and implementation/operation phases of the project.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-6 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Project Issues of Concern and Anticipated Impacts to the Environmental and Social Components

Physical Environment

Positive: 1- Protection of physical environmental components. 2- Water conservation and pollution prevention.

Negative: 1- Limiting natural resources usage especially water resources. 2- Interference with the natural streams and waterways. 3- Affecting groundwater quantity and quality (depletion and Stalinisation). 4- Anticipated future negative impacts due to Red-Dead canal. 5- Generated solid waste due to project construction activities.

Biological Environment

Positive: 1- Conservation of Biodiversity. 2- Protection of the natural environment and threatened species. 3- Enhancing biodiversity richness. 4- Sustainable grazing management. 5- Conservation of natural vegetation.

Negative: 1- Limiting grazing lands. 2- Limiting natural resources usage. 3- Affecting present and future agricultural areas.

Scio-Economic Settings

Positive: 1- Creating employment opportunities for the local communities. 2- Increasing local community’s participation in the project activities. 3- Raising environmental awareness for the local communities. 4- Up grading infrastructures. 5- Developing alternative livelihood practices and empowering local communities. 6- Improving environmental tourism in the project area. 7- Improving related laws and regulations to the project activities. 8- Enhancing the coordination between different local organization and governmental sector. 9- Encouraging the international funding agencies to fund environmental project in the area. 10- Increasing economical projects and activities in the project area. 11- To encourage capacity development of local communities in order to prohibit /limit immigration to urbanized centres.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-7 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

12- Enhancing women participation in the project activities especially environmental activities. 13- Local community’s capacity building.

Negative: 1- Limiting mining and industrial activities in the project area. 2- Interference with the future projects especially Red-Dead canal. 3- Reducing agricultural areas due to urbanization. 4- Noise level. 5- Negative impacts of the foreign cultures on the local community’s culture. 6- Increasing traffic density in the area during tourism seasons. 7- Affecting area projects with the land use laws and regulations.

Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Positive: 1- Developing archaeological sites in the project area. 2- Preserving heritage sites. 3- Prohibit /limit immigration to urbanized centres. 4- Encourage historical and archaeological surveys.

Negative: 1- Poor coordination and cooperation between related sectors to manage archaeological sites which presents in the preserved areas. 2- Limiting archaeological survey.

Recommendations

1- To coordinate with the related parties to develop Jordan valley area. 2- Establishing environmental monitoring stations along Jordan valley. 3- Select one of the proposed reserves to be a pilot project aiming to study and evaluate the environmental impacts of the reserves. 4- Ensuring permanent funding source to sustain the project and solving possible future problems. 5- Providing future training courses for the project employees. 6- Ensuring local communities and institutions participation in reserves management activities. 7- Activating the role of local media in project identification to enhance domestic and international tourism in the project area. 8- Studying area infrastructure to evaluate its anticipated impacts on the project. 9- Conducting workshops in the project area to ensure effective participation of the local communities in the project activities. 10- Improving community services in the Jordan valley area. 11- Reviewing previous related studies results and trying to use them in the project. 12- Re consider existing land use policies especially those related to the distribution of agriculture/housing units.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-8 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

13- Establishing tourism stations in the project area to control tourism activities. 14- Establishing environmental awareness centre in the project area to raise environmental awareness for the local communities. 15- To promote the protected areas. 16- To have the entrance fees to the reserve cheap and affordable by national tourists. 17- Establishing integrated environmental management areas rather than natural reserves to protect and conserve environmental component and biodiversity without affecting economical projects in the area. 18- Giving priority for the local communities needs during projects designing. 19- To design economical activities for local communities that suite the socio-economic settings of the local communities.

Project Implementation Challenges

1- Project interference with other strategic proposed projects. 2- Impacts on the economical conditions within the region 3- Finding permanent funding source for the project. 4- Duality and overlap of many laws and by laws, as will as the ambiguity of responsibilities among governmental institutions 5- Borders security issues. 6- Damaging private properties that might require compensation. 7- Create new cultural concepts in the area. 8- Local community acceptance for establishing new natural reserves in the area. 9- Infrastructure availability in the project area.

Environmental Challenges in the Jordan Valley

1- Absence sewer system and wastewater treatment plant in the Jordan valley. 2- High population density in specific areas. 3- Negative impacts on both human health and the environment due to improper disposal of residential, agricultural and industrial waste. 4- Rodents and insects problem. 5- Negative impacts on the air quality due to industrial emissions and waste incineration. 6- Water resources and soil structure deterioration due to applying chemical pesticides and fertilizers for agricultural purposes and improper wastewater disposal. 7- Industries negative impacts on both human health and the environment. 8- Accumulation of foreigner worker communities at certain locations within the local community. 9- Negative impacts of the swamps on human health. 10- Urbanization.

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Mainstreaming Biodiversity into Land Use Planning and Management

The workshop participant’s were divided into two groups to ensure maximum participation of all participants. The participants highlighted the following issues of concern relevant to Mainstreaming Biodiversity:

1- The need to establish data base for gathered information 2- Establishing trust fund to support environmental projects in the valley 3- Establishing “Environmental Authority” and ensure that it is equipped to be effectively operational 4- To address the need to reconsider environmental issues and responsibilities to the Ministry of Environment to follow up and make necessary actions 5- Implementing environment awareness and education programs at the governmental schools in the region 6- Developing and implementing multi-target awareness programs that tackle local environmental issues of concern and target all related stakeholders in the valley 7- Involving local communities in the decision making processes, and this comes after the completion of the environmental awareness programs 8- To define responsibilities relevant to environmental licensing 9- Shortage in exiting environmental legislations, thereto, there is a need to further develop these legislations 10- Existing environmental challenges shall be taken into account and these challenges shall be communicated and interpreted to local communities, and shall be mitigated to gain support from local communities 11- To make sure that all decision makers and relevant stakeholders are enforcing environmental laws and this enforcement is voluntary 12- To prepare environmental and health assessment of the industries in the valley and to ensure mitigating generated environmental impacts

One of the topics dominated significant portion of the discussion is the relation between the intended IEM Project and other developmental and economical projects that are meanwhile under investigation/development. Specifically, the regionally strategic Red Sea – Dead Sea Canal (Red- Dead) Project.

The consultation process revealed some of the government and local community representatives concern regarding the possibility of having the establishment of protected areas along the stretch between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea would prohibit or reduce the chances of implementing this project or some of its associated sub-projects like the generation of electricity or the establishment of water bodies for touristic purposes.

It worth mentioning that the local community and many governmental organizations oversee the Red-Dead project is the highest priority for Jordan among other developmental, economical, and may be environmental projects. Also, some of the participants suggested the delineation of the three proposed protected areas located south to the Dead Sea as IEM sites instead of protected areas, at least for the time being and until the finalization of all Red-Dead project studies and documents.

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The RSCN clarified to the consultation participants that the RSCN also recognize the need for the Red-Dead Project, however it also recognize the need to ensure the Red-Dead environmental, technical and economically feasibility.

The RSCN further explained, the delineation and designation of the proposed protected areas for establishment by the project, including those located in the area stretching between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea will be carried out jointly and in full cooperation with relevant stakeholders including government authorities and local communities.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-11 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Table A3.1: List of stakeholders invited to the consultation session No. Name of Institution Expected Number of Participants Governmental Institutions 1 Jordan Valley Authority 2 2 Armed forces 1 3 Aqaba Governorate 1 4 Aqaba Water Authority 1 5 ASEZA - Directorate of Environmental Planning - 2 Division of Permitting & EIA 6 Department of Antiquities 2 7 Karak Governorate 1 8 Karak Water Authority 1 9 Department of Land and Survey 1 10 Ministry of Agriculture 1 11 Ministry of Education 1 12 Ministry of Environment 2 13 Ministry of Environment- Deir Alla Directorate 1 14 Ministry of Health 1 15 Ministry of Interior 1 16 Ministry of Planning 1 17 Ministry of Public Works and Housing 1 18 Ministry of Religious Affairs 1 19 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities 1 20 Ministry of Water and Irrigation 1 21 Motasaref of Northern Jordan Valley 1 22 Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs 1 23 Motasaref of Southern Jordan Valley 1 24 Natural Resources Authority 1 25 Tafilah Governorate 1 26 Tafileh Water Authority 1 Water Authority of Jordan 1 27 Water Authority for Southern Regions 1 28 Water Authority for the Northern Region 1 Municipalities 29 Deir Alla Municipality and related villages 7 30 Ghor As-Safi Municipality and related villages 11 31 Mouath Bin Jabal Municipality and related villages 5 32 Muadi Municipality and related villages 6 33 New Northern Shuneh Municipality and related 9 villages 34 Qada' Wadi Araba 1 35 Qureiqra Municipality and related villages 5 36 Sharhabeil Ben Hasna Municipality and related 6 villages 37 Suweimeh Municipality 1 38 Tabqat Fahel Municipality and related villages 7 39 Wadi Araba Municipality and related villages 3 Non-Governmental Organizations 40 Friends of Earth - Middle East (FOEME) 2 41 Ghor As-Safi Women Organization 2 42 Ghor Mazra’a Social Development Organization 2 43 Jordan Environment Society 2 44 Jordan River Foundation 2 45 Jordanian Hashemite Fund 2

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-12 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

No. Name of Institution Expected Number of Participants 46 Jordan Society for Sustainable Development 1 47 Khazma Women Cooperative Organization 2 48 Noor El Hussein Foundation 2 49 The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 5 50 Wadi Khaled Organization 2 International Organizations 51 Birdl Life International 1 52 German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) 1 53 Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) 1 54 IUCN – WESCANA office 1 55 Kreditanstalt für Wiederaubfbau (KfW) 1 56 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 1 57 United States Agency for International 1 Development (USAID) Hotels and Industries 58 Jordan Valley Fish Farm 1 59 AnsoStrong for Insulating Material 1 60 Crowne Plaza Hotel 1 61 Dead Sea SPA Hotel 1 62 Jordan Hotels Association 1 63 Jordanian Compnay for the Manufacturing and 1 Marketting of Agricultural Products 64 Jordanian Mineral Himmeh Company 1 65 La Cure Dead Sea Products 1 66 Magnesia Jordan Company 1 67 Mariotte Hotel 1 68 Movenpick Hotel 1 69 Rivage Dead Sea Products 1 70 The Arab Potash Company Limited 1 71 Zara Dead Sea Products 1 72 Zara Hotel Group 1 Universities 73 Balqa' University 1 74 Jordan University 1 75 Moata University 1 76 University of Science & Technology 1 77 Yarmouk University 1 78 Al-Hashimeyah University 1 Locals and Others 79 Center for Advancement of Production - ARADA 1 80 Farmers Association 1 81 Jordan Investment Board 1 Total Expected Number of Participants 149

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-13 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Table A3.2: List of participants in the consultation session No. Name of Participant Institution 1 Dr. Naser Masarweh Center for Advancement of Production - ARADA 2 Nayfeh Ali Masarweh Ghor As-Safi Women Organization 3 Kamlah Al-Mradat Ghor As-Safi Women Organization 4 Sabha Rezik Ghor As-Safi Women Organization 5 Colonel Mohammad ______Jordan Armed Forces 6 Fathi Al-Hewemel Ghor Al-Safi 7 Abd Rahman Zeeb Majdalawy Mouath Bin Jabal Municipality 8 Mahmoud Ibrahim Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 9 Ahmad Issa Ismail Sharhabeil Ben Hasna Municipality 10 Eng. Mohammad Dojan Agricultural Loan Institution 11 Adel Khalyl Abu Syam Deir Alla Municipality 12 Eng. Randa Hatamleh Al-Hashimeyah University 13 Dr. Salim El-Moghrabi Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority 14 Mohammad Omar Al-Neimi Jordanian Hashemite Fund 15 Dr. Moshreq Hamdi Al-Hashimeyah University 16 Fawzi Ababneh Jordan Valley Authority 17 Jamal Al-Khatin Jordan Valley Authority 18 Dr. Salem Al-Amarat New Deir Alla Municipality 19 Dr. Ibrahim Khader BirdLife International 20 Nadi Al-Omarein Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 21 Mahmoud Abu Jaber Mouath Bin Jabal Municipality 22 Majed Nawaf Qais Head of Baqura Village 23 Ahmad Al-Salihi Jordanian Mineral Himmeh Company 24 Khaled Al-Masri Lands and Survey Department 25 Khoder Al Al-Rashaydeh Qreiqra and Finan Municipality 26 Sameer Khalyl Al-Fazaa Private Sector 27 Hani Hijazzi Ministry of Water and Irrigation 28 Dr. Sami Amarneh The Arab Potash Company Limited 29 Jamal Al-Satari Khazma Women Cooperative Organization 30 Mohammad Khatib Jordan River Foundation 31 Izzat Abu Hamra Ministry of Environment 32 Diana Al-Nabulsi Jordanian Hashemite Fund 33 Mashhour Al-Shatti New Deir Alla Municipality 34 Tamara Khalyl Movenpick Hotels and Resorts 35 Saker Ahmad Al-Ma'aytah Lands and Survey Department 36 Eng. Mashhour Harb Qreiqra and Finan Municipality 37 Eng. Khaled El-Qsous Jordan Valley Authority - Undersecretary General 38 Eng. Abdel Salam El-Zyoud Natural Resources Authority 39 Eng. Ahmad Abu Syam Khazma Women Cooperative Organization 40 Eng. Eman Al-Neman Ministry of Environment 41 Bassan El-Hetsheh Ministry of Health 42 Mohammad Abdel Salam Mouath Bin Jabal Municipality 43 Fares Makki Mouath Bin Jabal Municipality 44 Eng. Malek Al-Rawashdeh Karak Water Authority 45 Eng. Mohammad El-Kouz Water Authority of Jordan 46 Eng. Mirvat Mamoun Houbehs Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities 47 Dr. Mahmoud Abu Laban Al-Hashimeyah University 48 ______North Ghores Municipality 49 Hamza Al-Tamimi North Ghore 50 Metaab Hamad Al-Qwesem Tabqat Fahel Municipality 51 Mohammad Suleiman Al-Khashan Tabqat Fahel Municipality

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-14 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

No. Name of Participant Institution 52 Samar hammad 53 Yehya Khaled Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 54 Moahammad Yousef Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 55 Rami Jihad Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 56 Laith El-Moghrabi Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 57 Dana El-Eisawi Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 58 Rade Abu Hyaneh Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 59 Eng. Said Abi Jbaer Consolidated Consultants – General Manager 60 Dr. Sawsan Himmo Consultant - CC 61 Eng. Ahmad Al-Amad Consultant - CC 62 Rola Quba'a Consultant - CC 63 Dr. Adnan Budeiri Consultant - IMI 64 Majdi Salameh Consultant - IMI 65 Rami Salameh Consultant - IMI 66 Hala Mesmar Consultant - IMI 67 Dr. Mohammad Waheeb Consultant - IMI 68 Majdi Idrissi Consultant - CC 69 Nora Qudah Consultant - CC 70 Luba Hamdi Consultant - CC 71 Razan Ayassrah Consultant - CC 72 Noor Abd Jawad Consultant - CC 73 Safa Rusan Consultant - CC Total Number of Participants 73

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-15 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

1.4 Invitation Letter and Agenda

______Dear Sir, ﺘﺤﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﺤﺘﺭﺍﻤﺎ,

ﺍﺴﻡ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ: ﺩﺭﺍﺴﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻴﻴﻡ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﻲ ﻭﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﻴﺔ Project: Environmental Assessment (EA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for ﻟﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﻜﺎﻤﻠﺔ ﻟﻠﻨﻅﻡ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﻴﺔ Integrated Ecosystem Management in the ﻓﻲ ﻭﺍﺩﻱ ﺍﻷﺭﺩﻥ Jordan Rift Valley Project ﺍﻟﻬﺩﻑ: ﺩﺭﺍﺴﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻴﻴﻡ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﻲ ﻭﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﻴﺔ Purpose: Environmental assessment and development of an environmental management plan ﺍﻟﻤﻭﻀﻭﻉ: ﺩﻋﻭﺓ ﻟﺤﻀﻭﺭ ﺍﻟﻭﺭﺸﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﺸﺎﻭﺭﻴﺔ Subject: Invitation for the Scoping Session

ﻟﻘﺩ ﻗﺎﻤﺕ ﺍﻟﺠﻤﻌﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻠﻜﻴﺔ ﻟﺤﻤﺎﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻁﺒﻴﻌﺔ ﺒﺈﺤﺎﻟﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature has ﺃﻋﻼﻩ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﺌﺘﻼﻑ ﺸﺭﻜ ﺘﻲ ﺍﺘﺤﺎﺩ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﺸﺎﺭﻴﻥ ﻟﻠﻬﻨﺩﺴـﺔ retained the association of Consolidated Consultants for ﻭﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﺸﺎﺭﻭﻥ ﻟﻠﻤ ﻌﻠﻭﻤﺎﺕ ﻭﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﻜﺎﻤﻠﺔ ﻟﻠﻘﻴﺎﻡ Engineering and Environment (CC) and Integrated ﺒﺩﺭﺍﺴﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﻘﻴﻴﻡ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﻲ ﻭﺨﻁﺔ ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﻴﺔ ﻟﻠﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ. Information and Management Consultants (IMI) to conduct the Environmental Assessment and Environmental Management Plan for the subject project.

ﻜﺠﺯﺀ ﻤﻥ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﺩﺭﺍﺴﺔ ، ﺴﻴﺘﻡ ﻋﻘـﺩ ﻭﺭﺸـﺔ ﺘﺸـﺎﻭﺭﻴﺔ As part of this project, the Consultants are conducting a ﻟﺘﺤﺩﻴﺩ ﺍﻵﺜﺎﺭ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻻ ﺠﺘﻤﺎﻋﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﻭﻗﻌﺔ ﺨﻼل ﻋﻤﻠﻴﺎﺕ scoping session to identify environmental and social ﺘﻨﻔﻴﺫ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ . ﺴﻴﺘﻡ ﻓـﻲ ﺍﻟﻭﺭﺸـﺔ ﻤﺸـﺎﺭﻜﺔ ﻤﻤﺜﻠـﻲ impacts that might be associated with the project ﺍﻟﻭﺯﺍﺭﺍﺕ ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺅﺴﺴﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻤﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺨﺎﺼﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺠﻤﻌﻴﺎﺕ ﻏﻴﺭ implementation. Participants will include representatives ﺍﻟﺤﻜﻭﻤﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻤﺠﺎﻟﺱ ﺍﻟﺒﻠﺩﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻘﺭﻭﻴﺔ ﻭﺃﻫـﺎﻟﻲ ﺍﻟﻤﻨﻁﻘـﺔ from Ministries, government organizations, agricultural ﻭﺍﻟﺸﺭﻜﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺯﺭﺍﻋﻴﺔ ﻭﻜﺎﻓﺔ ﺍﻷﻁﺭﺍﻑ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﻨﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺘـﻲ ﻟﻬـﺎ companies, municipalities, residents of the project area ﻋﻼﻗﺔ ﺒﺎﻟﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ. .and other stakeholders

ﻭﺘﺤﺕ ﺭﻋﺎﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺠﻤﻌﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻠﻜﻴﺔ ﻟﺤﻤﺎﻴـﺔ ﺍﻟﻁﺒﻴﻌـﺔ، ﻴﺴـﺭ Under the patronage of the Royal Society for the ﺍﻻﺌﺘﻼﻑ ﺃﻥ ﻴﻭﺠﻪ ﻟﻜﻡ ﺍﻟﺩﻋﻭﺓ ﻟﻠﻤﺸﺎﺭﻜﺔ ﻓﻲ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟ ﻭﺭﺸﺔ Conservation of Nature, the association invites you to ﺍﻟﺘﺸﺎﻭﺭﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺴﺘﻌﻘﺩ ﻓﻲ ﻓﻨﺩﻕ ﻋﻤﺭﺓ ﻜﺭﺍﻭﻥ ﺒـﻼﺯﺍ – participate in this scoping session. The session is to be ﻋﻤﺎﻥ، ﻴﻭﻡ ﺍﻷﺭﺒﻌﺎﺀ ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﻓﻕ 1 ﺸـﺒﺎﻁ 2006 ﺍﻟﺴـﺎﻋﺔ held at Amra Crown Plaza - Amman, on Wednesday ﺍﻟﺘﺎﺴﻌﺔ ﺼﺒﺎﺤﺎ. ﻤﺭﻓﻕ ﻁ ﻴ ﺎﹰ ﺒﺭﻨﺎﻤﺞ ﺍﻟﻭﺭﺸﺔ. February 1st, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. Attached you will find the meeting’s agenda.

ﺍﻟﺭﺠﺎﺀ ﺘﺄﻜﻴﺩ ﺍﻟﺤﻀﻭﺭ ﻗﺒل ﻴﻭﻡ ﺍﻟﺨﻤﻴﺱ ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﻓﻕ Please confirm attendance before Thursday January 26th, 26 ﻜﺎﻨﻭﻥ ﺍﻟﺜﺎﻨﻲ 2006، 2006

ﺘﻠﻔﻭﻥ: 4612377 - 06 (ﻓﺭﻋﻲ Telephone: 06-4612377 Extension 515 (515 ﻓﺎﻜﺱ: Fax Number: 06-4612516 06 - 4612516 ﻤﻊ ﺨﺎﻟﺹ ﺍﻻﺤﺘﺭﺍﻡ ,Yours Sincerely

ﺩ. ﺴﻭﺴﻥ ﺤﻤﻭ Dr. Sawsan Himmo Project Director ﻤﺩﻴﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺸﺭﻭﻉ Consolidated Consultants Engineering & Environment ﺸﺭﻜﺔ ﺍﺘﺤﺎﺩ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﺸﺎﺭﻴﻥ ﻟﻠﻬﻨﺩﺴﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﺔ

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-16 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT 1ST OF FEBRUARY 2006

9:00 – 9:30 Attendance, Receiving and Welcoming

9:30 – 10:00 Opening Statements – Welcoming Remarks Representative of the Ministry of Environment Representative of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature

Scoping Session Agenda

10:00 – 10:20 Coffee Break

10:20 – 10:50 Presentation of the Project

10:50 – 11:00 Distribution of Questionnaire

11:00 – 11:10 Distribution of Focus Groups

11:10 – 12:10 Focus Groups Discussions

12:10 – 12:30 Coffee Break

12:30 – 12:40 Collection of Questionnaire

12:40 – 01:40 Presentations of Focus Groups Discussions

01:40 – 02:00 Presentations of Questionnaire Results

02:00 – 03:00 Lunch

03:00 – 05:00 Discussion of the Legal, Administrative, and Institutional Capacity Development for the Mainstreaming of Biodiversity

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-17 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

1.5 Consultation Session Questionnaire

Consultation Session Questionnaire for the Environmental Assessment and Environmental Management Plan for the Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley

The objective of this questionnaire is to obtain an overview of the participants perceptions regarding the issues discussed at the session.

Please circle the selected answer:

A. The Concept of Integrated Ecosystem Management is: 1. Clear 2. Not very clear 3. Requires more clarification

If your answer to the previous question was 1 or 3, please move to Question B. If your answer was 2, please move to Question C.

B. The importance of applying Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley is: 1. Significant 2. Medium Significance 3. Of low significance 4. Not significant at all 5. Not wanted

C. The approach of integrating biodiversity and environmental protection in land use planning processes in order to achieve integrated ecosystem management is of: 1. Great Significance 2. Medium Significance 3. Low Significance 4. Non-significant 5. Not wanted

D. The participation of local communities and NGOs in the integrated ecosystem management approach is perceived to be: 1. High 2. Medium 3. Low 4. Not significant 5. Not wanted

E. The importance socio-economic development for local communities and creation of job opportunities related to environmental protection is: 1. High 2. Medium 3. Low 4. Not significant 5. Not wanted

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-18 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

F. The importance of capacity building for improving the integrated ecosystem management in the Jordan Valley is of: 1. High 2. Medium 3. Low 4. Not significant 5. Not wanted

G. The importance of securing funding for the financial sustainability of the conservation of nature is: 1. High 2. Medium 3. Low 4. Not significant 5. Not wanted

H. The importance of the establishment of Fifa protected area is: 1. High 2. Medium 3. Low 4. Not significant 5. Not wanted

I. The importance of the establishment of Jabal Mas'uda protected area is: 1. High 2. Medium 3. Low 4. Not significant 5. Not wanted

I. The importance of the establishment of Qatar protected area is: 1. High 2. Medium 3. Low 4. Not significant 5. Not wanted

J. The importance of the establishment of Yarmouk protected area is: 1. High 2. Medium 3. Low 4. Not significant 5. Not wanted

K. The importance of local communities participation in the establishment and the determination of the boundaries of the reserves is: 1. High 2. Medium 3. Low 4. Not significant 5. Not wanted

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-19 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

L. The importance of applying Integrated Ecosystem Management approach at the three sites of Sweimeh, Mujib, and Wadi Ibn Hammad and turning them into pilot project areas is: 1. High 2. Medium 3. Low 4. Not significant 5. Not wanted

M. Who do you think should be the institutions involved in Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift valley? (0: No Role 1: Not Important 2: Low Importance 3: Medium Importance 4: Important 5: High Importance)

Importance of Involvement No. Institution 0 1 2 3 4 5 1. Ministry of Agriculture 2. Jordan Valley Authority 3. Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities 4. Ministry of Environment 5. Ministry of Planning 6. Ministry of Municipal Affairs 7. Ministry of Interior 8. Charity Organizations in the project area 9. Farmers Association 10. Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature 11. Non-Governmental Organizations in the Kingdom 12. Industries 13. Farmers 14. Others, please specify 15. 16. 17.

N. Which of the following issues and programs do you perceive as significant and which do you perceive as non-significant?

Very Not Do Not Do not want No. Issue Important Important Important Know to answer (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Programs for conservation of 1 nature (flora and fauna) in the area Prohibit hunting in the Jordan 2 Valley Organize hunting in the Jordan 3 Valley with strict monitoring of the hunters 4 Create job opportunities for the

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-20 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Very Not Do Not Do not want No. Issue Important Important Important Know to answer (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) male work force in the Jordan Valley Create job opportunities for the 5 female work force in the Jordan Valley Replace foreign workers in the 6 area by local workers Develop parks and picnic areas 7 for the locals Programs by local and governmental institutions to 8 provides assistance and help to the locals in cases of emergency 9 Develop and rehabilitate roads Public awareness and educational programs on how to 10 approach the environment in the Jordan Valley 11 Develop new tourism projects Programs to attract local 12 Jordanian tourists to the Jordan Valley Programs to attract tourists to the 13 Jordan Valley Develop agricultural projects that use Integrated Pest Management 14 and that applies wise use of water Development of livestock 15 production projects Improve management of grazing 16 areas and grazing activities 17 Stop agricultural projects Improve the management of 18 organic compost to limit the problem of insects Improve the solid and liquid 19 waste management services in the Jordan valley Develop the existing industrial 20 activities and implement new industrial projects Implement mitigation measures 21 fort he environmental problems resulting from existing industries Close the existing industrial 22 projects Implement training programs for 23 the local farmers 24 Others, please specify 25

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-21 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Personal Data Age

Place of residence (city-village)

Sex 1. Male 2. Female

Marital Status 1. Single 2. Married 3. Other

No. of family members

Educational Level 1. Illiterate 2. Elementary 3. Intermediate 4. Vocational 5. Secondary 6. Intermediate Diploma 7. Bachelor Degree 8. Diploma 9. Masters Degree 10. Doctorate Degree Employment Status 1. Working 2. Not working

Type of Employment 1. Public Sector 2. Private Sector 3. Personal Business 4. Other

Main Job

Place of Work (City - Village)

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-22 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

1.6 Stakeholders Awareness

It is noticed from stakeholders responses that 56.4% of them consider IEM very clear, but it needs more clarification for many others.

It is also noticed that environmental awareness level is mostly high and this was evident through the answers to the questionnaire questions. But the community concern for nature and environment increases when such subject presents job opportunities for their sons and improve their standard of living.

Their concern in establishing reserves was moderate especially for Jabal Mas'uda, Qatar and Fifa reserves. But it was of high importance for them in establishing Al-Yarmouk Reserve.

The tables below presents the questionnaire results and reflects those concerns.

A. The meaning / concept of (IEM) Valid Percent % very clear 56.4 not very much clear 16.4 need more clarification 27.3 Total 100%

B. The importance applying IME in Jordan Valley Valid Percent % Big 72.7 Medium 10.9 Small 1.8 Not important 0.0 Not needed 0.0 Not answer 14.5 Total 100%

C. The importance of direct the concept of biodiversity, protecting nature and mainstreaming it in planning process to use lands in order to reach (IEM) Valid Percent % Big 74.5 Medium 20.0 Small 3.6 Not important 0.0 Not needed 0.0 Not answer 1.8 Total 100%

D. The importance of local communities participation and NGOs in IEM Valid Percent % Big 85.8 Medium 12.7 Small 0.0 Not important 0.0 Not needed 0.0 Not answer 1.8 Total 100%

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-23 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

E. The importance of socio-economic development for local communities and finding job opportunities has some thing to do with nature protecting Valid Percent % Big 89.1 Medium 9.1 Small 0.0 Not important 0.0 Not needed 0.0 Not answer 1.8 Total 100%

F. The importance of improving qualified persons and capacity building to better IME in Jordan Valley Valid Percent % Big 83.6 Medium 12.7 Small 1.8 Not important 0.0 Not needed 0.0 Not answer 1.8 Total 100%

G. The importance of having a fund-raising programme to protect nature on the long-term Valid Percent % Big 69.1 Medium 25.5 Small 3.6 Not important 0.0 Not needed 0.0 Not answer 1.8 Total 100%

H. The importance of establish Ghore Fifa reserve Valid Percent % Big 34.5 Medium 36.4 Small 7.3 Not important 0.0 Not needed 1.8 Not answer 20.0 Total 100%

I. The importance of establishing Jabal Mas'uda reserve Valid Percent % Big 43.6 Medium 36.4 Small 1.8 Not important 0.0 Not needed 1.8 Not answer 16.4 Total 100%

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-24 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

J. The importance of establishing Qatar reserve Valid Percent % Big 36.4 Medium 38.2 Small 1.8 Not important 1.8 Not needed 1.8 Not answer 20.0 Total 100%

K. The importance of establishing Yarmouk reserve Valid Percent % Big 60.0 Medium 23.6 Small 1.8 Not important 0.0 Not needed 1.8 Not answer 12.7 Total 100%

L. The importance of local communities participating in selecting the borders of reserves and their establishment Valid Percent % Big 78.2 Medium 10.9 Small 5.5 Not important 0.0 Not needed 3.6 Not answer 5.5 Total 100%

M. The importance of implementing IEM in three sites (Sweimeh, Mujib and Wadi Ibn Hammad ) and transferring it into pioneers projects Valid Percent % Big 60.0 Medium 29.1 Small 1.8 Not important 0.0 Not needed 3.6 Not answer 5.5 Total 100%

Stakeholders believe that the most important roles for institutions are to contribute in conducting IEM in Jordan Valley which is the responsibility of RSCN, Ministry of environment and Jordan Valley authority. The least important role contribution is from ministry of interior and industrials.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-25 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

N. The institutions concerned or responsible for implementing IEM in Jordan Valley Institution Percent % RSCN 87.3 Ministry of environment 81.8 Jordan Valley Authorities 80.0 Ministry of agriculture 67.3 Ministry of municipalities affairs 56.4 Ministry of planning 45.5 Farmers Association 41.8 Farmers 40.0 Ministry of Antiques 40.0 NGOs 34.5 Charities association in the area 32.7 Factories 29.1 Ministry of interiors 16.4 Others 36.2

Some of the stakeholders show in their responses for the questionnaire that the most important priority for them is to create job opportunities for male who are able o work in Jordan Valley. Where 78.2% of them, refer to this importance, while other issues which have priorities were issues related to surrounding environment especially what is related to their lives and their daily work. While as the least important issues were Prevent hunting in Jordan Valley, Stop agriculture projects and closure for the available industries.

O- Importance of the listed issues and programmes

Priorities Issues and programmes Percent % 1. Job opportunities for male who are able o work in Jordan Valley. 78.2 2. Develop agriculture projects depend on resisting the insects and save using the 78.2 water. 3. Develop the services of solid waste management 76.4 4. The Existence of programmes for protecting nature ( animals and plant ) in the 70.9 region. 5. Develop the management of natural fertilizer to guarantee the limitation of insects 65.5 spreading problems. 6. Awareness programmes to deal with environment in the area 56.4 7. Organizing hunting in Jordan Valley with controlling programme. 54.5 8. Finding solutions for he environmental problem which occurs from the industries. 52.7 9. Bring in local employee instead of foreign labours 50.9 10. conducing training courses for farmers in the Jordan Valley 49.1 11. parks and entertainment places for the inhabitants 47.3 12. Job opportunities for female who are to work in Jordan Valley. 47.3 13. Develop livestock projects. 45.5 14. Establish and develop roods. 45.5 15. Programmes to attract foreign tourist to the area 43.6 16. programmes o attract tourist for Jordan to the area 41.8 17. Improve the management and activities of grazing 41.8 18. establish tourist's projects 38.2 19. The Existence of Programmes for local and governmental organization o present 38.2 aids in crisis. 20. Develop he available industrial project and establish new ones 18.2 21. Prevent hunting in Jordan Valley 16.4 22. Stop agriculture projects 5.5 23. closure for the available industries 3.6 24. Others 9.1

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 3-26 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

ANNEX 4 SUGGESTED DISTRIBUTION LIST FOR DISCLOSURE OF THE ESA AND ESMP STUDY

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Annex 4: Suggested Distribution List for Disclosure of the ESA and ESMP Study

The following is a suggested distribution list for the copies of the Environmental and Social Assessment and Environmental Management Plan for Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley project:

• Ministry of Environment • Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) • Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN) • World Bank

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 4-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

ANNEX 5 IMPLEMENTATION CHART

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Annex 5: Implementation Chart 2006 20072008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Main Activity / Specific Activity / Result 1234123412341234123412341234

Environmental assessment Project Appraisal Project Start Project installation and mobilization of PMU and CTT Inception phase + report 1 Component 1: Integrated Ecosystem Management 1.1 Planning process reform to implement SEA 1.2 Strategic Environmental Assessment for JRV Legislative improvements empowering local communities to participate 1.3 in LUP 1.4.1 Introduce field level management practices 1.4.2 Reform extension services 1.5 IEM introduction in seven demonstration areas 1.6+ Develop and implement IEM Monitoring and Evaluation System Outcome 1: Mainsteaming biodiversity conservation into land use planning in the JRV with wider community participation

2 Component 2: Community Development and Alternative Livelihoods 2.1 Prepare community action plans

2.2 Implementation of alternative livelihoods projects in all seven IEM areas Document and promote lessons learned from alternative livelihood 2.3 + demonstration projects

Outcome 2: Development of alternative livelihoods in support of biodiversity conservation

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 5-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

2006 20072008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Main Activity / Specific Activity / Result 1234123412341234123412341234 3 Component 3: Strengthening the Protected Area System Baseline ecological, natural resources and socio-economic surveys for 3.1 the proposed PAs 3.2 Designate four new protected areas 3.2.1 Yarmouk, Fifa and Qatar 3.2.2 Ma'suda 3.3 Prepare and implement PA management plans 3.4 Recruit and train PA staff 3.5 Develop management infrastructure at four PAs and at Mujib NR 3.5.1 Yarmouk, Fifa, Qatar and Mujib 3.5.2 Ma'suda Identify biodiversity indices and develop a monitoring system for IEM 3.6 + areas

Outcome 3: Expansion and impovement of the Protected Area System in the JRV

4 Component 4: Sustainable Financing 4.1 Expand Jordan Fund for Nature capital base to sustain new PAs Develop sustainable financing mechanisms for community-based 4.2 initiatives 4.3 Implement a Community development and enterprise program 4.4+ Operationalise PA revenue generating mechanisms

Outcome 4: Sustainable financing for biodiversity conservation in JRV

5 Component 5: Capacity Development 5.1 Capacity development programme for RSCN 5.2 Capacity development programme for government agencies Capacity development programme for NGOS and Community 5.3 organisations Establish Regional Center of Excellence for biodiversity conservation 5.4 + and environmental management

Outcome 5: Institutional stengthening and enhanced capacity for conservation of biodiversity

Source: RSCN, "Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley", Draft Project Document, 4 October 2005

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 5-2 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

ANNEX 6 RESETTLEMENT PROCESS FRAMEWORK

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Annex 6: Resettlement Policy Framework - Process Framework

Page

Table of Contents i List of Tables ii List of Figures ii Appendices ii Abbreviations iii

1 Introduction 4

2 Process Framework Structure 4

3 Project Components 6

4 Resettlement due to the Project 14

5 Legal Frameowkr For Resettlement 15

5.1 Land Acquisition Framework and Policy 15 5.1.1 Legal Background 15 5.1.2 Operational Policy 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement 17

6 Entitlement Framework and Assistance Measures 17

7 Eligibility Criteria for Resettlement 19

8 Process for Preparation and Approval of Resettlement Plans/ Abbreviated Resettlement Plans 21

9 Institutional Responsibility for Implementing Resettlement Measures 21

10 Costs and Budget 21

11 Grievance Redress Mechanisms 21

12 Consultations, Participation and Disclosure 22

13 Monitoring and Evaluation 22

14 Proposed Outline of a Resettlement Plan 22

15 Proposed Outline of an Abbreviated Resettlement Plan 24

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-i Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page Table 1: Project components, anticipated outputs, and activities 6 Table 2: Overview of proposed PA activities and IEM sub-projects and their respective locations 9 Table 3: Entitlement framework 18

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page Figure 1: Structure of the Process Framework 5 Figure 2: Envisaged project organization structure 14 Figure 3: Eligibility decisions regarding the application of the resettlement eligibility criteria 20

APPENDICES

Two Appendices are included from Dana Protected Area Experience as a support to RSCN policy in management and implementation of protected areas.

Appendix 6A Helping Nature, Helping People - Biodiversity Conservation and Socio- economic Development in Jordan Appendix 6B Local People Participation in Jordanian Protected Areas: Learning from our Mistakes

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-ii Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

ABBREVIATIONS

CTT Core Technical Team EA Environmental Assessment ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan IEM Integrated Ecosystem Management IPM Integrated Pest Management JPAS Jordan Protected Areas JVA Jordan Valley Authority JRV Jordan Rift Valley JUST Jordan University of Science and Technology LUMP Land Use Master Plan LUP Land Use Planning NGO Non-Governmental Organization OP (World Bank) Operational Policy PA Protected Area PAS Protected Area Staff PFT Project Field Teams PMU Project Management Unit RSCN Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment SSG Site Support Groups UNEP United Nations Environment Programme

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1 INTRODUCTION

According to World Bank Operational Policy OP 4.12, a process framework is prepared when Bank-supported projects may cause restriction in access to natural resources in legally designated parks and protected areas. The purpose of the process framework is to establish a process by which members of potentially affected communities participate in design of project components, determination of measures necessary to achieve resettlement policy objectives, and implementation and monitoring of relevant project activities.

It is clarified that OP 4.12 does not just refer to physical relocation, but also to loss of incomes (directly or indirectly, and even if it is in the short-term). The project objectives suggest that this policy is likely to be triggered for two of the major components:

• The management practices in the 7 Integrated Ecosystem Management (IEM) areas, which will focus on changing management practices (in sustainable agriculture, grazing management etc.), could have impacts on the local communities and their livelihoods (Components 2 of the IEM project). • The establishment of four new PAs that could have potential adverse impacts on the local communities, and/or Bedouins (Components 3 of the IEM project).

This Process Framework describes the following:

• components of the project; • the criteria for eligibility of displaced persons; • measures to assist the displaced persons in their efforts to improve their livelihoods, or at least to restore them, in real terms, while maintaining the sustainability of the park or protected area; • potential conflicts involving displaced individuals; and • arrangements for implementing and monitoring the process.

The nature of restrictions and the type of measures necessary to mitigate adverse impacts are to be determined with the participation of the affected persons during the design and implementation of the project.

2 PROCESS FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE

The process framework is a participatory process that follows the specifications provided in World Bank Operational Manual for Safeguard Policies. It is developed so as to provide the procedures and structure of activities to be carried to ensure the involvement of the potentially affected members. It applies to all project areas, i.e. both the Protected Areas Network and the Pilot areas for IEM. The subsequent sections provide this required framework.

The envisaged structure of the process framework for the Jordan Valley IEM project is illustrated in Figure 1. The figure reflects that the process framework aims at guiding the organizational

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-4 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT arrangements for resettlement considerations later in the sub-projects of Components 2 and 3. It starts with establishing that OP 4.12 is triggered by those components and then indicates that the specific sub-project activities need to be determined and analyzed and then screened through eligibility criteria set in this process framework to identify the local populations that are potentially affected and consequently eligible to assistance measures. The structure also integrates two further aspects which are the procedure for grievance and the monitoring arrangements for potentially affected persons and application of assistance measures.

Indetification of Project Components triggering World Bank OP 4.12

Component 2 Component 3 Providing alternative livelihoods for rural poor, Reinforcing protected areas network along combined in a community development program Jordan Valley

Determination and analysis of specific project activities and affected communities

Criteria for eligibility

Identification of Identification of locals potentially locals potentially affected by affected by Component 2 Component 3 Committee to resolve potential conflicts Application of Application of mesures to assist mesures to assist affected members affected members

Monitoring Arrangements (determined during sub- (determined during sub- project EA screening) project EA screening)

Figure 1: Structure of the Process Framework

The framework pays attention to the needs of vulnerable groups among those affected, such as those below the poverty line, the landless, the elderly, women and children, and local communities.

It is the responsibility of the sub-projects screening committee to operate this process and to educate potential affected communities/individuals of their rights and the expected socio- economic impacts associated with the implementation of the sub-project issue to screening. The impacts that has to be educated to the affected include involuntary displacement of communities/individuals and/or loss of income, either temporarily or permanent, on small or large scale.

3 PROJECT COMPONENTS

The Jordan Valley Integrated Ecosystem Management Project consists of the following five components:

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-5 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

• Component 1: Establishing sustainable Integrated Ecosystem Management throughout the Rift Valley. The component output is expected to improve the conservation of biodiversity through integrated ecosystem planning activities in the Jordan Rift Valley. • Component 2: Providing alternative livelihoods for the rural poor, combined in a community development program. The component output is expected to improve community economic development through alternative livelihoods and poverty alleviation projects in a biodiversity-friendly manner. • Component 3: Reinforcing the protected areas network along the Valley. The component output is expected to expand and improve the existing Protected Area system in the Jordan Rift Valley. Four new protected areas will be designated and gazetted. • Component 4: Sustainable Financing. The component output is expected to implement a program of sustainable financing for ecosystem planning, community development and nature conservation activities. • Component 5: Capacity Development. The component output is expected to implement a comprehensive program of capacity development and training for RSCN, government agencies, civil society organizations and community-based organizations.

These five components and their anticipated outputs are discussed in Table 1.

Table 1: Project components, anticipated outputs, and activities Component Description Outputs The project will support the mainstreaming Output 1.1 Strategic Environmental Assessment for of biodiversity into land use planning the Jordan Rift Valley completed activities in the Jordan Rift Valley through Output 1.2 Planning process reform to implement SEA a multi-level strategy is proposed, with Output 1.3 Legislative change empowering local Component 1: different interventions at the local, regional communities to participate in LUP Integrated or national level. The starting point should Ecosystem Output 1.4 Field level land management practices and be at the local and regional level. Management extension services reformed Output 1.5 Seven demonstration projects apply the IEM approach Output 1.6 IEM Monitoring and Evaluation system implemented and reviewed Supplementary or alternative livelihoods Output 2.1 Community action plan for alternative will be provided to compensate for reduced livelihoods adopted access of local community members to Output 2.2 Alternative livelihood projects are Component 2: certain resources, such as grazing and operational and viable in all seven IEM areas Community browsing, hunting and farming Output 2.3 Lessons learned from alternative livelihood Development and opportunities, due to the implementation of demonstration projects documented and promoted Alternative IEM activities and the establishment of the Livelihoods proposed protected areas. This livelihood program is sustainable.

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Component Description Outputs This will be achieved by providing RSCN Output 3.1: Ecological, natural resource and socio- with information, infrastructure and economic baseline surveys completed for the proposed capacity building support so that it is PAs equipped to implement effective PA Output 3.2: Four new protected areas officially management in new and/or expanded PAs. designated (Yarmouk, Fifa, Qatar, and Jabal Mas'uda) Component 3: Output 3.3: PA management plans in place and Strengthening the Four new Protected Areas will be targeted operational Protected Area by the project (Yarmouk, Fifa, Mas’uda and Output 3.4: PA staff teams recruited, trained and in System Qatar). Together with the already gazetted place PAs (Dibbeen, Ajlun, Dana & Mujib), the Output 3.5: Management infrastructure at the four new four selected sites will provide a series of PA and at Mujib Natural Reserve developed safe havens as “stepping stones” along the Output 3.6: Biodiversity indices identified and birds' migration route. monitoring systems operational

This component will address a long-term Output 4.1 Jordan Fund for Nature capital base program for Conservation Finance focusing expanded and enhanced to sustain new PAs on the sustainability of the new Nature Output 4.2 Sustainable financing mechanisms for Component 4: Reserves and related nature-based business community based initiatives established Sustainable developments in the Jordan Rift Valley. Output 4.3 A Community Development and Enterprise Financing The GEF core budget will provide for a Program operational modest Community Development Fund and Output 4.4 PA revenue generating mechanisms in a modest Enterprise Development Fund. place and operational

The project envisages the implementation Output 5.1 Institutional Strengthening and enhanced of a large-scale capacity building and capacity for conservation of biodiversity training program to support the activities Output 5.2 Institutional needs identified and capacity related to IEM and Land Use planning, development program for targeted government alternative livelihood and income agencies designed and operational Component 5: generation and the establishment and Output 5.3 Institutional needs identified and capacity Capacity enlargement of the Protected Areas. In development program for NGO and community Development order to support the capacity building, organizations designed and operational training will be provided at several levels: Output5.4 Regional Centre of Excellence for the national, local and community level, biodiversity conservation and environmental involving various stakeholders. management created and operational

Source: Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), Project Document - Integrated Ecosystem Management in the Jordan Rift Valley (Draft Final Report), 4 October 2005.

Seven sites were selected as IEM demonstration sites (see Table 2). These are:

• Yarmouk River IEM Area (specifically Yarmouk River Protected Area and its buffer zone) • Jordan River IEM Area (particularly Damia, Deir Alla, Baptism Site and Sweimah) • Mujib North IEM Area (with Dead Sea Panoramic Complex) • Mujib South IEM Area (with Wadi Ibn Hammad) • Fifa IEM Area (particularly Fifa Protected Area and its buffer zone) • Qatar IEM Area (particularly Qatar Protected Area and its buffer zone) • Mas'uda IEM Area (particularly Mas'uda Protected Area and its buffer zone)

These seven areas were selected in partnership with counterpart organizations (ministries, agencies as well as the steering committee), while giving consideration to the following points:

• Coverage and diversification of the major ecological zones in the JRV • Coverage of the four selected Protected Areas and Important Bird Areas and their adjacent land areas

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• Ecosystem connectivity (i.e. ensuring that a conservation corridor is ensured along the JRV) • Presence of globally significant biodiversity assets and vulnerability of local ecosystems • Coverage of areas with observed unsustainable development (specifically in the area of agriculture or tourism) putting the biodiversity conservation in the adjacent proposed protected areas at stake.

The exact area boundaries have not been determined at this stage; preliminary boundaries have however been identified. Demarcation of these areas will be the result of detailed problem analysis. It will be based on the land tenure and land use and/or the willingness of the various stakeholders to participate in IEM activities. Particularly the participation of local communities cannot be predicted in advance, as becomes evident from an intensive process of awareness raising and confidence building. Area demarcation is also related to the new concept of buffer zones around protected areas to be developed during the project.

Table 2 is a matrix that matches the activities and sub-projects to be implemented with the proposed PAs and IEM sites. Generally, the activities presented in Table 2 and matched with each proposed PAs and IEM sites provides only a log frame for possible activities suggested to the best of the RSCN and the consultant knowledge and experience, and corresponds to existing environmental challenges.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-8 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Table 2: Overview of proposed PA activities and IEM sub-projects and their respective locations Jordan River - North North Middle Ghore Mujib Wadi Ghore Mujib Jabal Yarmouk (with Nature Ibn Fifa Qatar Baptism Mas'uda Damia Deir Alla Sweimeh Panoramic Reserve Hammad Site Complex) Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Existing Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed PA IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site PA IEM Site PA PA PA Protected Areas Activities 1 Site delineation, designation and zoning X X X X 2 Land acquisition43 3 Resettlement of local communities43 Infrastructure and other Constructions 4 (Management facilities such as offices, X X X X X research centre, reception, etc.) 5 Research and Monitoring X X X X 6 Conservation of biological habitat 7 Conservation of threatened species X X X X 8 Grazing management X X X X X X X X X X 9 Grazing reserves X Enforcement of Environmental Laws 10 and Legislations in coordination with X X X X X X X X X X legal authorities

43 According to the RSCN, no land acquisition is needed since local communities will be partners in the establishment and management of the protected areas. Resettlement is discussed further in the following sections.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-9 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Wise use of water resources (Improve water networks, promote the use of 1.3 water saving devices, public awareness, X X X X promote water wise use in irrigation, etc.)

Reuse of treated wastewater (grey and 1.4 black water)

1.5 Reduce off-farm agricultural input X X X X

Recycling agricultural by-products and 1.6 X X supplied materials (especially plastic)

1.8 Organic farming X X X X X X X X X X

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-10 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Training locals as tourist guides and 2.3 X X X X X X service providers

3 Improve Waste Management Systems

Wastewater Sewer Systems and 3.1 Treatment Plants 3.2 Solid Waste Management 3.2.1 Municipal waste 3.2.2 Agricultural waste X X X X 3.2.3 Industrial waste

44 According to UNEP, sustainable tourism should: 1) Make optimal use of environmental resources that constitute a key element in tourism development, maintaining essential ecological processes and helping to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity. 2) Respect the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities, conserve their built and living cultural heritage and traditional values, and contribute to inter-cultural understanding and tolerance. 3) Ensure viable, long-term economic operations, providing socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders that are fairly distributed, including stable employment and income- earning opportunities and social services to host communities, and contributing to poverty alleviation.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-11 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Jordan River - North North Middle Ghore Ghore Mujib Mujib Wadi Jabal Yarmouk (with Nature Ibn Fifa Qatar Baptism Mas'uda Damia Deir Alla Sweimeh Panoramic Reserve Hammad Site Complex) Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed Existing Proposed Proposed Proposed Proposed PA IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site IEM Site PA IEM Site PA PA PA 3.2.4 Construction waste 3.2.5 Medical waste Sustainable management of water 4 catchments Areas Enhance Sustainable Management of 5 Groundwater Aquifers Develop and enforce sustainable 6 X X X X X X X X X X hunting regulations and guidelines 7 Research, Baseline and Monitoring X X X X X X X 8 Outreach 8.1 Public awareness X X X X X X X X X X 8.2 Environmental education X X X Empowerment of relevant civil society 8.3 X X X X X X X X X X organizations 8.4 Site Support Groups (SSG) X X X X X X X Encourage self-sustaining systems 9 using local and renewable resources X X X X X (solar energy and wind energy)

Alternative livelihoods socio-economic 10 initiatives in support of biodiversity X X X X X X X X X X conservation

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-12 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Also, it is worth mentioning that the construction of eco-tourism facilities at Wadi Ibn Hammad site will be limited to improvement of existing facilities already established by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The participation of the potentially affected persons in project design was initiated earlier by the RSCN during the overall project design and development where several discussions with local communities and their representatives had been conducted by the RSCN staff and consultants. These discussions where continued during the ESA phase by the ESA consultants and record of these discussions were provided in the ESA report.

More elaborative discussions are planned by the project to take place as early as the its launch and to continue during the life of the project. To achieve the community-based IEM, the work operation will be carried at two levels:

1. Community level; and 2. Project staff and partner organization staff (both governmental and NGO).

The envisaged organizational arrangement for the project is structured around RSCN, local NGOs, and government or private sector specialists for assistance on specialised subjects.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-13 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Project Steering Committee

RSCN

Project Management Unit (PMU)

Technical Core Technical Team (CTT) Advisors

Project Field Team Project Field Team (PFT) Central Project Field Team (PFT) North (PFT) South

Figure 2: Envisaged project organization structure

As mentioned before, OP 4.12 is likely to be triggered by Components 2 and 3 and these will be discussed in terms of their activities and outputs along with a discussion of the potentially involved in the operation of the Process Framework.

4 RESETTLEMENT DUE TO THE PROJECT

As provided by the Preliminary Land Use Master Plan produced by the Jordan Valley Authority and as provided by the RSCN, the land required for "Component 3" of the project is governmental land, and therefore, does not need to be acquired. Nomadic communities do frequently/seasonally use parts of this land for their lively activities, in particular grazing (see Final ESA and ESMP Report - Sections 4.2.9.6 and 4.2.10).

The land required for the implementation of the IEM sub-projects include both privately owned and governmental land where governmental ownership is prominent. The IEM sub-projects are community-based and are to be operated only on voluntary basis, and therefore, do not need to be acquired.

Nevertheless, the project is not anticipated to cause direct or indirect loss of land, assets and/or properties. Some additional land acquisition/ resettlement impacts are anticipated during project construction due to the following:

• Restrictions to access to the core protected zones (i.e., wilderness zone of the PA) within the four new protected areas.45 • Loss of income from businesses due to the implementation of community-based sustainable grazing management.

45 Please refer to the following reference: Lee Thomas and Julie Middleton Management Planning of Protected Areas. Adrian Phillips, Series Editor. Best Practice Protected Area Guidelines Series No. 10. IUCN.

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• Loss of income from businesses due to the implementation of community-based IEM sub- projects.

Since the precise scope and location of these impacts is not known at this stage, a resettlement plan cannot be prepared to propose measures to mitigate those impacts. Therefore, this Process Framework was prepared to outline the nature of anticipated impacts, the proposed mitigation for each type of impact and the associated institutional arrangements.

5 LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR RESETTLEMENT

The legal framework and entitlement policies for the resettlement to be carried out for the proposed project are derived from the provisions of the Land Acquisition Law of Jordan and from the World Bank’s Operational Policy on Involuntary Resettlement (OP 4.12). The following section summarizes the objectives and principles of the resettlement program and provides the detailed entitlement framework for different types of impacts anticipated under the project. Compensation/assistance will be under the specific provisions of this resettlement process framework.

Objective: The key objective of the resettlement program for the proposed project is to ensure that the people affected by resettlement are able to improve or at least restore their incomes and standards of living after resettlement.

Principles: The key principles to be followed in the design and implementation of the resettlement program are as follows:

• Involuntary resettlement will be avoided, as far as possible, or minimized, exploring different establishment, operation and management options for the protected areas and IEM sub-projects. • Potential affected people will be consulted with, and provided opportunities to participate in, the design and implementation of a resettlement program. • Assets and properties belonging to affected people will be compensated at their replacement value. • Compensation for affected assets will be paid prior to the implementation of the project activities in a given location. • Affected people will be assisted to restore their incomes and standards of living, regardless of the legality of their land tenure. • Compensation will be based on maintaining/improving livelihoods of communities/individuals and the compensation alternatives will be designed in a full participatory manner with affected communities/individuals.

5.1 Land Acquisition Framework and Policy

5.1.1 Legal Background

The Jordanian Acquisition Law No. 12 for the year 1987 and its amendments are in fact relatively modern, legally comprehensive and socially fair and just. The process of acquisition is based on distinguished legal and administrative principles aiming at giving the proprietor and all other related beneficiaries fair and just compensation for the acquired properties with all their legal rights vested in the law.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-15 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

In general, the main principles of proprietary rights manifested in the Law of Acquisition are the following:

• All proprietary rights are guaranteed by the Constitution of Jordan. • Any property shall not be acquired or confiscated except for the construction of a public utility and only against just and fair compensation. • Acquisition means compulsory expropriation of property, beneficial rights, or easement rights in accordance with the provisions of the Law. • The Expropriator shall be exclusively the Government, the Municipal and Village Councils or any other official person. • The Expropriator, a ministry, a municipality or an official person should prove to the Cabinet that enough funds for the acquisition of property have been allocated. • Valuation of expropriated property is normally carried out by the Acquisition Committee comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Land and Survey Department, the concerned municipality, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, and representatives from the private sector. • Valuation should take into account replacement costs and current market prices. • If property is acquired for the first time, the Government is entitled to a reduction of 25 percent of the compensation value. This procedure is applied only once irrespective of how many times property had been expropriated. However, if all land parcels has been acquired, compensation shall be paid for the value of that entire parcel without concession. • In case of acquisition of property for the purpose of road construction, the legislator assumed that this process will increase the value of the remained portion of the parcel. Accordingly, the municipality is entitled to impose tax on the rate of valuated improvement in the value of land. • Compensation can be agreed upon in direct negotiations between the proprietor and the Expropriator. This agreement will be legal when approved by the Ministry of Finance or the mayor if the municipality was the actual Expropriator. • If compensation is not fair, the Proprietor can file his case to the Court of First Instance in the municipal area where the property is located. • If it has been proved that the expropriated property was not actually used for a public utility within three years of the date of acquisition, the proprietor shall have the right to repossess his property by ruling of the court. The owner in this case will refund the value of compensation but in the same time he will be eligible to fair compensation for all expenses procured by him during the period or any loss of rent and other benefits. • Eligible persons to claim for compensations shall include all beneficiaries other than the owner such as tenants, those who have right of use and real assets. • If the Cabinet is quite convinced that the process of acquisition of a certain property is urgent for the construction of a public utility without delay, compulsory expropriation can take place in accordance with a Cabinet Decree irrespective of the legal procedures specified in the Law.

Therefore, once a decision has been taken to expropriate land or property in the right-of-way of the project, implementation of civil works may take place without delay.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-16 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

5.1.2 Operational Policy 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement

The Bank's Operational Policy 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement is triggered in situations involving involuntary taking of land and involuntary restrictions of access to legally designated parks and protected areas. Involuntary resettlement may cause severe long-term hardship, impoverishment, and environmental damage unless appropriate measures are carefully planned and carried out. For these reasons, the overall objectives of the Bank’s policy on involuntary resettlement are the following:

(a) Involuntary resettlement should be avoided where feasible, or minimized, exploring all viable alternative project designs. (b) Where it is not feasible to avoid resettlement, resettlement activities should be conceived and executed as sustainable development programs, providing sufficient investment resources to enable the persons displaced by the project to share in project benefits. Displaced persons should be meaningfully consulted and should have opportunities to participate in planning and implementing resettlement programs. (c) Displaced persons should be assisted in their efforts to improve their livelihoods and standards of living or at least to restore them, in real terms, to pre-displacement levels or to levels prevailing prior to the beginning of project implementation, whichever is higher.46

In summary the policy aims to avoid involuntary resettlement to the extent feasible, or to minimize and mitigate its adverse social and economic impacts.

6 ENTITLEMENT FRAMEWORK AND ASSISTANCE MEASURES

Table 3 below is an entitlement framework that lists the possible categories of impact and the compensation and other forms of assistance the affected people will be entitled to:

46 Operational Policy 4.12: Involuntary Resettlement

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-17 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Table 3: Entitlement framework Type of Impact Policy Entitlement Institutional Responsibility and Assistance Measures Loss of Land Cash compensation at If the loss of privately owned land is due to the replacement cost or establishment and management of protected areas allocation of alternative and/or to the implementation of IEM sub-projects, the land of equivalent project will be responsible to compensate the affected productive potential people.

If the loss of government owned land is due to the establishment and management of protected areas and/or to the implementation of IEM sub-projects, the project will not be responsible to compensate the affected people since they do not own the land and they are using it without permission.

If the loss is due to other reasons, the authority/person who caused this loss is responsible for the compensation.

Loss of assets / properties Replacement of asset in No compensation will be paid due to the loss of assets its original condition and properties constructed within the governmental after project land because this construction is illegal as it was made completion within the Government treasury land without any permission. Any loss of assets and properties constructed within governmental lands as result of the project implementation will be compensated by the project.

If there is any loss of privately owned assets, properties or land due to the establishment, operation and management of the project components, then the project will be responsible to compensate this loss.

Loss of business income Compensation for the Loss of income will be compensated by the project if it loss of business income is due to: for the duration of the disruption 1. Restrictions to access to the core protected zones within the four new protected areas 2. Loss of income from businesses due to the implementation of community-based sustainable grazing management 3. Loss of income from businesses due to the implementation of community-based IEM sub- projects

Otherwise it will be compensated by the authority/individual who caused this loss

Loss of employment due to the Provision of alternative No loss of jobs is expected to occur consequent to the enforcement of sustainable employment implementation of the sustainable grazing grazing management programs, management. Also no farms or business closure will compulsory closure of farms/ take place. However, for Jordanians, the prevailing business establishments due to laws will be applied for any compensation if the project applicable.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-18 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

7 Eligibility Criteria for Resettlement

This section determines the criteria for eligibility of affected persons. The operation of these criteria shall be achieved by requiring the involvement of potentially affected communities in the identification of adverse impacts, assessment of the significance of impacts, and establishment of the criteria for eligibility for any mitigating or compensating measures necessary.

Eligibility criteria relevant to the affected community/person willingness to resettle 1. Voluntary resettlement 2. Involuntary resettlement

Eligibility criteria relevant to the ownership of land 1. The land taken and / or access restricted to is a government treasury land 2. The land taken and / or access restricted to is a privately owned land

Eligibility criteria relevant to the type of involuntary resettlement occurring 1. The involuntary taking of land resulting in a. relocation or loss of shelter; b. lost of assets or access to assets; or c. loss of income sources or means of livelihood, whether or not the affected persons must move to another location; or 2. The involuntary restriction of access to legally designated parks and protected areas resulting in adverse impacts on the livelihoods of the displaced persons.

Figure 3 illustrates to the eligibility decisions relevant to the seated resettlement eligibility criteria. These decisions are to be made while applying the general principles provided above.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-19 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Resttelement is liklely to occur

the involuntary taking of land the involuntary restriction of access the involuntary taking of land the involuntary taking of land resulting in loss of income sources or to legally designated parks and Eligibility criteria relevant resulting in relocation or loss of resulting in lost of assets or access to means of livelihood, whether or not protected areas resulting in adverse to the type of involuntary shelter assets the affected persons must move to impacts on the livelihoods of the resettlement occurring another location displaced persons.

the land taken and or access restricted tothe land taken and or access restricted to the land taken and or access restricted tothe land taken and or access restricted to the land taken and or access restricted tothe land taken and or access restricted to the land taken and or access restricted tothe land taken and or access restricted toEligibility criteria relevant is government treasury land is privately owned land is government treasury land is privately owned land is government treasury land is privately owned land is government treasury land is privately owned land to the ownership of land

Eligibility criteria relevant Voluntary Involuntary Voluntary Involuntary Voluntary Involuntary Voluntary Involuntary Voluntary Involuntary Voluntary Involuntary Voluntary Involuntary Voluntary Involuntary to the affected resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement resettlement community/person willingness to resettle

Not eligible Eligible Not eligible Eligible Not eligible Eligible Not eligible Eligible Not eligible Not eligible Not eligible Eligible Not eligible Eligible Not eligible Eligible Eligibility Decision

Figure 3: Eligibility decisions regarding the application of the resettlement eligibility criteria

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-20 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

8 PROCESS FOR PREPARATION AND APPROVAL OF RESETTLEMENT PLANS/ ABBREVIATED RESETTLEMENT PLANS

At the beginning of each sub-project, and preferably along with each sub-project design document, the Project Field Team Leader in charge, in consultation with the EIA screening committee, shall make an assessment of the extent of resettlement likely to be required for the project. Based on this assessment, the Project Manager will prepare either a resettlement plan (if the number of people likely to be affected by resettlements is greater than 200, and some of them require physical relocation or change of occupation) or an abbreviated resettlement plan (if none of the affected people are likely to require physical relocation or change in occupation, or if the total number of people affected is likely to be less than 200). The resettlement plan/abbreviated resettlement plan will be submitted to the World Bank for approval prior to the initiation of any sub-project at the respective site.

9 INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING RESETTLEMENT MEASURES

The institutional responsibility for implementing the resettlement plans/ abbreviated resettlement plans rests with the Project Management Unit (PMU), who will carry out this responsibility in coordination with the RSCN and with the local government councils. The PMU will be responsible for preparation of resettlement instruments, payment of compensation and provision of other assistance to affected people, covering the cost of the resettlement program, consultations with and participation of affected people in the design and implementation of the resettlement program, establishing and managing the grievance redress program, and monitoring and evaluation of resettlement implementation.

10 COSTS AND BUDGET

The cost of the resettlement program for each year of implementation will be included in the resettlement instrument prepared for the respective year. The cost of resettlement will be a part of the overall project cost.

11 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISMS

A project specific grievance redress mechanism will be established under which affected people with complaints related to the resettlement process can approach the in charge Project Field Team Leader for redress of their claims. The claims will be settled within a period of one month from the date they are lodged. If the affected person is not satisfied with the results, he/she can approach the PMU for a decision. The decision of the project coordination committee will be provided in one month. If the affected person is still not satisfied, they can lodge a case with the civil court of law.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-21 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

12 CONSULTATIONS, PARTICIPATION AND DISCLOSURE

The people likely to be affected by the proposed project will be consulted in the preparation and implementation of the resettlement program. Their entitlements under the agreed resettlement framework for the project will be explained to them. If there is any substantial physical relocation or change of occupations involved, the project will provide the affected people opportunities to participate in the design and implementation of the physical relocation/ income generation program.

The resettlement framework will be disclosed in Arabic in the office of the project management unit at the RSCN offices in Amman, Ministry of Planning, Jordan Valley Authority, the project filed offices and other locations. The availability of this process framework will be made public through an advertisement in a popular local newspaper or through a radio or television broadcast.

13 MONITORING AND EVALUATION

The Project Field Team Leaders, each in his/her responsibility area, will prepare a report on the monitoring of the implementation of resettlement program and submit it to the Project Manager who will be responsible for preparing the project report on the monitoring of the implementation of resettlement program and submit it to the PMU, Housing and Urban Development Corporation, and the World Bank at least once every year, either as a stand alone document or as part of the monitoring of the environmental monitoring report. The report will include a quantitative description on the amount of resettlement completed and provides a qualitative evaluation of implementation based on interviews with the affected people. Signed settlement agreements should be also provided as annexes to this report.

14 PROPOSED OUTLINE OF A RESETTLEMENT PLAN

The scope and level of detail of a resettlement plan would depend on the nature and scope of impacts. The following outline is only indicative, and should be modified based on the specific context, the number of people affected, and the type of impacts it addresses.

Project Description

• Give a general description of the project, its location, the nature of components that require resettlement, and the type of mitigation measures proposed.

Objectives and Principles of the Resettlement Program

• Clearly state the main objective of the resettlement program, which is to “assist the affected people in a manner that helps them improve their incomes and standards of living to pre- Project levels, or at least to restore them.” • Key principles of the resettlement program as described in the resettlement framework.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-22 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Census and Socioeconomic Survey of the Affected Population

• Provide categories of impacts for example “loss of agricultural land,” “loss of residential land”, “loss of residential structure”, “loss of crops and trees”, etc. The categories of impact would depend on the nature of the components under the sub-project. • List the number of families and individuals affected under each of the categories of impact. • Summarize the findings of the socioeconomic survey of a sample of the affected people, describing health and education levels, occupational structure, access to services and presence of vulnerable groups such as women headed households, the disabled, elderly etc.

Policy and Legal Framework

• Clearly note that the resettlement program will be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the resettlement plan. • For each of the impact categories identified in Section 4, describe the specific resettlement entitlements that the affected families can expect to receive under the resettlement program. • State that resettlement assistance will be provided to those who do not have full legal tenure to lands affected under the project.

Income Restoration Programs

• For affected people who require assistance in improving their incomes after resettlement (those that have had to change their occupations or have suffered significant land/assets/properties loss), plans for restoration of their incomes should be discussed in this section. The section should discuss the technical, economic and financial feasibility of the proposed income restoration measures as well as the capacity and willingness of the affected people to undertake the activities proposed.

Institutional Responsibility

• Describe the institutions responsible for delivering each of the entitlements described under Section 4 above. The experience of the respective institutions in implementing resettlement and their capacity to effectively perform their task will also be discussed. The plans, if any, for strengthening their capacity for resettlement implementation should be discussed.

Participation and Consultations

• Describe how affected people and their representatives have been involved in the preparation of the resettlement plan, and will be involved in its implementation. • Describe the arrangements for disclosing the draft resettlement plans in the affected villages before they are finalized, as well as after their finalization.

Schedule of Implementation

• Provide the schedule of resettlement implementation and clearly state that resettlement related to any given component will be completed prior to the initiation of the respective component.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-23 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Grievance Redress

• Clearly describe the project specific or general mechanisms available to the affected people to resolve their grievances related to delivery of resettlement entitlements, or other aspects of resettlement implementation. The section should describe the various stages in the process and who can be approached and how during each stage of the grievance redress process. The final right to approach a civil court on the matter should also be discussed.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Describe the form, frequency and contents of regular internal monitoring reports to be prepared by the agency in charge of coordinating resettlement implementation. • Signed settlement agreements should be provided as annexes to the monitoring report.

15 PROPOSED OUTLINE OF AN ABBREVIATED RESETTLEMENT PLAN

The abbreviated plan is prepared when all of the affected people lose less than 10% of their land and none of them is physically relocated.

Project Description

• Give a general description of the project, its location, the nature of components that require resettlement.

Objectives and Principles of the Resettlement Program

Census of the Affected Population

• List the number of families and individuals affected by resettlements and the amount of land lost. Confirm that resettlement does not result in reducing the size of land holding of any affected family below the minimum economically viable holding.

Legal Framework for Resettlement

• Clearly state that compensation will be paid in accordance with the provisions of the resettlement plan. • Note that resettlement assistance will be provided in lieu of compensation to those who do not have full legal tenure to lands affected under the project.

Rates of Compensation

• Describe the national, provincial and other local laws that form the basis of calculating compensation. Also note that compensation for affected assets is being provided at their replacement cost. • For each type of land, non-residential structures and other assets affected, list the unit rates of compensation to be paid.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-24 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Institutional Responsibility

• Describe the institutions responsible for providing compensation to affected people.

Schedule of Compensation Payment

• Clearly state that compensation will be paid to the people affected by any given component prior to the initiation of the respective component.

Grievance Redress

• Clearly describe the project specific or general mechanisms available to the affected people to resolve their grievances related to rates of compensation or the timing of payment. The section should describe the various stages in the process and who can be approached and how during each stage of the grievance redress process. The final right to approach a civil court on the matter should also be discussed.

Monitoring

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 6-25 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

APPENDIX 6A HELPING NATURE, HELPING PEOPLE

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

HELPING NATURE, HELPING PEOPLE

Biodiversity Conservation and Socio-economic Development in Jordan

Synopsis

Jordan is pioneering new approaches to biodiversity conservation in the Middle East that are helping to alleviate poverty in rural communities and promote popular support for the philosophy and practice of nature conservation. Focused on the country’s protected area network, and stimulated by GEF projects, these approaches involve the development of eco- tourism and other small nature-based businesses as engines of income generation and alternative livelihoods. Uniquely, the government of Jordan is encouraging the non- government sector to take the leading role, with consequent benefits in targeting resources and building grassroots support. While the early results of these initiatives are very promising, Jordan recognizes that habitat degradation and species loss are still major problems and that further efforts need to be made to mainstream biodiversity conservation into development programmes.

Background

Jordan is a small, arid country of 90,000 square kilometers, with a population just exceeding 4 million. It has a remarkable variety of ecosystems and many endemic plants and animals but poverty and development pressures have resulted in severe land degradation and the widespread loss of habitats and species; problems greatly exacerbated by the Middle East conflicts. The periodic influx of refugees since the 1947 partition of Palestine has swelled the population enormously and this, inevitably, has put tremendous pressure on the Kingdom’s natural resources.

Despite these problems, the Jordanian government has shown a progressive commitment to biodiversity conservation, being a signatory to the 1971 Ramsar Convention, the 1992 Biodiversity Convention and the more recent Convention on Migratory Species. However, it has lacked the resources to invest heavily in national conservation programmes, carrying a national debt of around $7 billion. To compensate for this, it has developed an alternative strategy of encouraging civil society to rise to the challenge and, in the field of nature conservation, it has taken the unique step of granting the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), a long established NGO, a de-facto mandate to establish and manage protected areas and enforce wildlife protection laws. Over the last 8 years, the RSCN, working in partnership with government agencies, has pioneered a community-based approach to protected area management that is contributing significantly to the alleviation of poverty in poor rural communities and that has become an internationally acclaimed model of sustainable development.

The Dana project: centre of a revolution

Protected areas are the cornerstone of Jordan’s biodiversity conservation programme and, to date, six have been established covering an area of over 1500 square kilometers. In 1994, a

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6A-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT groundbreaking project began in the scenically spectacular Dana Nature Reserve in southern Jordan, under the supervision of RSCN. It was part of a GEF funded pilot programme and the first attempt in the region to create a model of integrated conservation and development in line with the community-centred principles of the Rio Convention on Biological Diversity.

Several thousand people from nomadic and settled communities live in and around the Dana Reserve, many of whom are partially or entirely dependent on the reserve for their livelihood. These people are among the most disadvantaged in Jordan. Their use of the reserve, however, has caused serious ecological problems, stemming from excessive livestock grazing, hunting and fuel wood collection. To try and solve these problems and create more sustainable income sources, an innovative income generation programme was developed, building on locally available skills and products and on the tourism potential of the nature reserve. Among the small business created were handcrafted silver jewellery, organic jams and fruit leathers, culinary and medicinal herbs, and a wide range of tourist souvenirs. Tourism facilities and services were also developed, including campsites, lodgings, visitor centres, hiking trails and a programme of guided tours. All of these initiatives were tied to a strong promotional concept that uses the “reserve address” and the conservation philosophy as the main selling points. By 1998, the project had created 55 full-time jobs, raised $700,000 in sales and tourism income and provided direct and indirect economic benefits for over 800 people. It had also generated enough revenue to cover all the running costs of the Dana Reserve, making it truly sustainable.

Replicating the lessons learnt

In the light of the Dana experience, initiatives are underway to develop a national income generation and eco-tourism programme in all Jordan’s protected areas, in the firm belief that it will create a significant number of new jobs and viable small businesses and directly support the conservation of the country’s most beautiful natural areas. Significant progress has been made in three other sites of global importance for biodiversity: the Azraq Oasis in the Eastern Desert, the Mujib Reserve on the shores of the Dead Sea and the world famous desert ecosystem of Wadi Rum. With continuing support from GEF, USAID and other donors, the RSCN has already developed tourism services and nature-based craft enterprises in each of these sites, with over 3000 people now receiving direct and indirect benefits.

Another crucially important development underway is the construction of a purpose-built marketing centre for nature-based products and services in the capital city, Amman. This centre, located in the heart of the old city, will be opened in spring 2003 and will provide a unique, theme based facility for promoting the sale of community generated products. Experience has shown that small businesses in remote rural areas are unlikely to be successful without access to professional marketing services in the main centres of population.

Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation into Government Strategies

Jordan’s current approach to integrating biodiversity conservation with socio-economic development, as previously described, has several innovative features that are being considered for mainstreaming into government strategies and policies. These features are:

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6A-2 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

The key role played by NGOs in meeting national goals for biodiversity conservation. This, in effect, is bringing biodiversity conservation into the realm of the private sector and leading the way in the Arabic speaking world towards strong government-civil society partnerships.

The application of business philosophies and techniques to the development of nature- based enterprises to encourage their long-term financial and social viability.

The emphasis on ensuring the sustainability of biodiversity programmes through encouraging private sector involvement and allowing the revenues generated by the development of nationally important nature sites to be reinvested directly in their care and protection. It has, for example, been noted by international review teams that the GEF-sponsored biodiversity projects in Jordan have succeeded in maintaining and even accelerating progress towards meeting GEF global objectives after the funding has ended.

The Jordan Government is already committed to a long-term programme of poverty alleviation through its social development and investment policies and is supportive of NGO initiatives to expand nature-based businesses. The protected area programmes are particularly apposite because they focus on remote rural communities that have yet to benefit from the government’s overall economic reforms. It is also increasingly drawing on NGO and private sector expertise in framing new strategies, as exemplified by the new National Tourism Strategy that is being prepared with the full participation of Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature and private tourism companies.

While these developments are encouraging, it is recognized that other, more fundamental, biodiversity issues need to be addressed at the national level if Jordan is to stem the decline in habitats and species. Uppermost, is the need to ratify and apply the legislation already developed for enhancing the protection of key ecosystems and species and to progress the National Land Use Plan so that it embraces biodiversity conservation needs and, thereafter, is integrated into the planning system as rapidly as possible. It is also recognized that there is still a long way to go before biodiversity conservation becomes an integral part of all national development strategies. But there is little doubt that the current emphasis on securing economic benefits from protecting nature is changing attitudes and creating a political climate sympathetic to the need to safeguard Jordan’s impressive wild plants and animals.

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6A-3 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

APPENDIX 6B LOCAL PEOPLE PARTICIPATION IN JORDANIAN PROTECTED AREAS: LEARNING FROM OUR MISTAKES

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

LOCAL PEOPLE PARTICIPATION IN JORDANIAN PROTECTED AREAS: LEARNING FROM OUR MISTAKES By Chris Johnson and Tariq Abu Hawa

Abstract In 1993 a unique project began in the spectacular Dana Wildlands of northern Jordan, under the supervision of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), a long established NGO with a mandate to establish and manage protected areas. The project was the first attempt in Jordan, and probably the Middle East, to try and link the conservation of biodiversity with the socio-economic development of local people. Several thousand people from nomadic and settled communities live in and around the Dana Protected Area, many of whom are partially or entirely dependent on it for their livelihood, most notably for grazing goats. These people are among the most disadvantaged in Jordan and include nomadic refugee families, displaced after the 1947 partition of

Palestine. Their use of the protected area is causing serious ecological problems and especially the excessive grazing pressure from domestic livestock. Furthermore, they were not consulted at the time the protected area was established and were, at the beginning of the project, openly hostile to its designation, to RSCN and to the regulations imposed on hunting and grazing.

Several approaches were used to try and solve these problems and to involve the local people more constructively in the development of the protected area. To date, most of these approaches have been based, not on currently trendy models of participative management, but on income generating and benefit sharing initiatives, tied to clear agreements, spatial controls such as zoning schemes and enforcement of protected area regulations. Mistakes have been made and many lessons derived from this experience, and these lessons are now being used by the RSCN to shape a new approach to community involvement in its most recently acquired protected area, Wadi Rum, a 600 square kilometer expanse of some of the finest desert scenery m the world and home to a large number of Bedouins who, until now, have had largely a free hand in shaping the resource use of the protected area.

This paper critically examines the Dana experience and explains how the lessons learnt shaped the new strategy for Wadi Rum, leading after only a few months to a much more effective partnership with local people. In the light of this experience, it also questions the desirability of full community management of protected areas and emphasizes the benefits of alterative models based on partnerships between local people and protected area management agencies

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Background Jordan is a small, arid country supporting a remarkable variety of wildlife habitats and many endemic species.

Development pressures and poverty have resulted in severe land degradation, leading to widespread habitat and species losses; problems greatly exacerbated by the Middle East conflicts. The periodic influx of refugees since the 1947 partition of Palestine has swelled the population enormously, and over 60% of its 4.2 million residents are considered to be of Palestinian origin. Inevitably, this has put tremendous pressure on its natural resources.

The Jordanian government has shown a commitment to biodiversity conservation, being a signatory to the 1992 Biodiversity Convention, but it lacks the resources to invest heavily in national conservation programmes, carrying a national debt of around $7 billion. Its strategy is unusual in that it has granted the Royal

Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), a long established NGO, the mandate to establish and manage protected areas and enforce wildlife protection laws.

Protected areas are the cornerstones of the country’s biodiversity conservation initiatives and, to date, six have been established by RSCN covering over 1500 square kilometers. The latest and largest one to be established is Wadi Rum, a 600 square kilometer desert ecosystem with spectacular mountains and rock formations, famous as the setting for the film Lawrence of Arabia. But until the early 1990s, RSCN had adopted

‘the old school’ approach to protected areas, seeing them as places to be fenced and local people kept out.

Traditional land use rights were not generally acknowledged or were suppressed as tightly as possible. Conflicts between local communities and the RSCN had become commonplace and difficult to manage and, by and large, the RSCN had not succeeded in regulating their incursions into its protected areas. Many of its most intractable problems involved refugee Bedouin pastoralists from Palestine who, through necessity, were utilizing the most marginal land in the country. Large tracts of this land were being encompassed within protected areas, since its low productivity and potential for development had maintained its ecological value.

By the early 90s, RSCN itself- as an organisation had also reached a state of internal tension.

Awareness of environmental issues was growing both nationally and internationally and it was under pressure, or being lured by the prospect of large internationally funded projects, to expand its work and national role; a role in which it was increasingly being asked to adopt a more people-centred approach. It did not, however, have the technical and managerial capacity to respond to these pressures and incentives effectively and, in reality, had developed the character of a frustrated government bureaucracy.

The Dana Project: centre of a revolution The turning point for the RSCN came in 1994 when it secured a $3.3 million project under the (then) newly

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-2 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

created Global Environment Facility, the funding mechanism created out of the Rio Conference to assist signatories of the Biodiversity Convention to meet their obligations. This project was called ‘Conservation of the

Dana Wildlands and institutional Strengthening of RSCN’ and it has completely revolutionized RSCN’s approach to protected areas and local people and developed its capacity at all levels to be the country’s prime nature conservation agency.

The project’s focus was the spectacularly beautiful protected area of Dana in southern Jordan which straddles the mountainous escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. It was declared a protected area in 1993, one year before the project began, to conserve a unique assemblage of relatively pristine habitats reflecting the environmental gradient across the Rift Valley: a gradient which enables it to support habitats as diverse as

Mediterranean oak forest and sand dune desert. The project’s intention was to turn this reserve into a regional model of integrated conservation and development, with primary emphasis on meeting the economic and social needs of the local communities utilizing its resources.

The people of Dana: initial situation When Dana was declared a protected area there were several thousand people from nomadic and settled communities using its natural resources, mostly for the grazing of goats and sheep, but also for fuel wood, hunting and water. There were approximately 9000 goats and sheep inside the boundary at peak times and the impact on the ecology was obvious to see in terms of degraded rangeland, soil erosion and almost zero tree regeneration (damage confined by later project research). The numbers of livestock had been escalating as a result of government subsidies for winter-feed and the level of grazing pressure was probably higher than at any other point in the area’s history.

Most of the livestock belonged to one tribal group, the Azazme, who are technically refugees from former Palestine. They occupied the western sector of the protected area, which is very arid and inhospitable but also very vulnerable to excessive grazing pressure. The other Bedouin pastoralists were utilising the better quality grazing land and most of them were more prosperous, having alternative land and dwellings outside the protected area.

The nearest and largest settled community was in the village of Dana, which is perched on a bluff at the head of a long and scenically dramatic Wadi. It has been a settlement for several thousand years as a consequence of a large spring that gushes from a fissure in the nearby mountainside. It was not a thriving community when the project started, having a small resident population of less than 300. These people survived on a mixture of livestock grazing, subsistence agriculture and army pensions. Most of the previous residents had

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-3 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

abandoned the village for the nearby and much newer settlement of Quadesiyya, which sits on better agricultural land and can exploit the trading opportunities of the Kings Highway. Tribally, however, the two villages are effectively one community and their combined population exceeds six thousand.

None of the people living in and around the protected area had been consulted about its designation and most were openly hostile towards the concept of protected area, to the RSCN and to the initial regulations imposed on hunting and grazing. They perceived the protected area as depriving them of their traditional rights and of opportunities to exploit its resources for their own social and economic needs. There is little doubt that if the community interests had not been addressed, the general hostility towards the protected area would have remained, making attempts to regulate damaging land use practices, such as excessive grazing, extremely difficult to enforce, with the possibility of violent confrontation. Also, it would have been impossible to “sell” the benefits of biodiversity conservation to such an alienated population, resulting in a lack of political and practical support for conservation initiatives locally and nationally. Furthermore, if no compensations were made for restricting traditional land uses, life would have been made even more difficult for these underprivileged and marginalised people.

The process of change Philosophically, the project started with a completely different “mind set”. The local people were not viewed as problems to be dealt with separately but as an integral part of the protected area and a major factor shaping the character of its ecosystems. They were also seen as principal beneficiaries of its development: a perception that, in itself, was a major break-through in thinking.

The first attempts to integrate local people into the protected area management programme were based on developing alternative income generation schemes, devised around more benign and sustainable uses of the protected area. These were intended to provide financial and social benefits to compensate for imposed restrictions such as grazing and hunting controls. They included a enterprises such as fruit drying and processing, medicinal and culinary herb production, jewellery making and extensive tourism services. All of them were developed within a strong marketing strategy, using a conservation philosophy and the ‘Dana address’ as principal selling points. This was manifest, for example, in the use of recycled materials for packaging, in the use of ‘Wadi Dana’ as a brand name and in the slogan ‘helping nature helping people’. Tourism services were also sold on the contribution visitors would make to protecting wildlife and supporting the local economy.

The emphasis on alternative income generating activities, marketed strongly on the back of the protected area, was to demonstrate to the local communities that the area could provide the means to generate

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-4 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT small businesses and employment opportunities to replace or supplement the subsistence farming and other land uses they were engaged in before the protected area existed. Through this approach it was hoped that the local people would, ultimately, become more supportive of the “protected area and of the RSCN and more willing to observe the regulations.

The decision to use income generation initiatives, steered by RSCN, to start me process of involving local people was a deliberate strategy, even though it seemingly ignored other models and creeds emerging elsewhere which expounded the virtues and necessity of full community-led management of protected areas. It was clear from the very beginning that the local people’s primary interest was financial, not ecological (how could they make a better living off the land). They had no perception of the needs of wildlife, or interest in its conservation and (understandably) were not able to comprehend or develop the management programmes required to conserve habitats and endangered species throughout the protected area. It was all too esoteric for a community that had to scrape a meagre living from very unproductive land. Furthermore, they (and the rest of

Jordanian society) had no recent history or tradition of community decision-making by consultation and consensus; and needed to be introduced to the process gradually. For these reasons, the project concentrated on the communities’ principal interest of improved incomes to start the process of greater participation. And there is little doubt that the income generation programme has had a major impact on the responses of the local people.

Over the first three years, it raised over $260,000 in sales and tourism receipts, created 38 permanent jobs and increased financial benefits to over 600 people, all of which engendered a noticeably more positive attitude towards the protected area and RSCN.

Evolution in action

Despite the apparent success of the income generation programme, it became clear during the life of the project that crucial people/resource issues were not being effectively influenced. There was, for example, no obvious correlation between the beneficiaries of the programme and livestock levels in the protected area, and yet grazing pressure was the single most damaging activity. There was also little sign of a willingness by Bedouin pastoralists to conform to the introduced zoning scheme for grazing control, even though it had been exhaustively discussed and debated with the Bedouin themselves. Indeed, skirmishes over the enforcement of the zoning scheme were, if anything, increasing.

A self-imposed review of the income generation initiatives (and regular reviews are now a standard part of management practice) revealed the following:

• effort had been concentrated on the residents of Dana Village, since it was easier to deal with this

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-5 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

obvious, vociferous and relatively static community than it was to deal with the Bedouins in the remote

parts of the protected area (plus the fact that the village is situated close to RSCN’s administrative

headquarters)

• no link had been made between the damaging land use practices and the beneficiaries of the income

generation schemes.

• not enough effort had been made to understand the level of dependency of the Bedouin pastoralists on

the protected area and their tribal decision-making structure.

• there remained an assumption that grazing livestock in the protected area was bad and should be

eliminated.

• there was more to the local people’s interest in the protected area than just financial gain; they wanted a

share of rights to exploit the growing prosperity of the area and s’1ared ownership of economic

initiatives.

This review, and subsequent reviews and evaluations, shaped a major evolution in approach. A targeting strategy was introduced to direct the benefits of income generation schemes more directly to those communities or community members who were most dependent on the resources of the protected area. To establish the level of dependency, socio-economic studies were undertaken by qualified anthropologists, concentrating on the Bedouin communities, since they owned most of the livestock in the protected area. These revealed that the tribal group most reliant on the grazing and water resources of the area are the Azazme, the refugee Bedouins living on the most arid and marginal land. A total of 45 families of Azazme were recorded, comprising some 550 individuals, owning between them about 6000 head of goats and sheep. These animals were their only asset and source of income and the withdrawal of government subsidies for winter feed in 1996 had left them heavily in debt and suffering significant health problems through poor nutrition.

The plight of the Azazme, and the seemingly impossible task of finding alternatives for their goat grazing, prompted the Dana management team to turn some preconceived notions on their head. It decided that the regulated grazing of livestock in the protected area should be accepted and could be justified on ecological grounds; and that instead of always working against goats, as public enemy number one, to find a way of managing them to achieve a reduction in grazing pressure. As a result, the planned tightening of the “no grazing” regulations was deferred and an innovative goat fattening scheme introduced. In this scheme, goats are reared in pens, out of the protected area, and fattened with feedstuffs made of waste products from the processing of olives and tomatoes. The pilot scheme began with 40 animals, was then extended to 100 animals, and now has the

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-6 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT capacity to hold 500 animals. The initial results have been promising with weight gains exceeding 100% in twelve weeks during the winter and sale prices considerably higher than previously achieved.

In addition to fattening goats, a “cottage industry” is being developed, making a variety of products out of goat skins, mainly for tourists. Environment-friendly techniques for processing the leather have been devised and all the production takes place in Bedouin tents.

The basic principle behind these schemes is to make each individual goat worth more and therefore be able to reduce stocking levels without unduly affecting (and hopefully improving) income levels for the Azazme.

If they prove to be commercially viable, the Azazme have accepted to enter into agreements with RSCN to ensure that stocking levels reduced to agreed levels over a 10-year time span. In this period, opportunities for alternative income sources, not dependent on goats will also be pursued, to diversify the basis of the Azazme economy.

Towards greater participation

Local people involvement in the protected area management has also been improving. There is a firm policy to employ local people for all the jobs in the area whenever possible and at the beginning of 1999, only the reserve manager’s job was filled by an “outsider”, and a local counterpart had already been lined-up to be trained for this most senior position.

Community consultation has also become more effective, largely because of the presence and skills of the reserve manager himself, who is able to conduct negotiations and discussions with local people effectively and assertively. The consistent, day-to-day, building of relationships between the manager (and other reserve staff) and the local people has been more effective in building trust and confidence than formalised meetings and discussion sessions.

A development of particular significance has been a pilot rangeland management project at the eastern edge of the protected area, started in 1997, which has applied wholly participative approaches, based on the application of current PRA models. Reserve staff have been trained in PRA techniques and a Community

Liaison Officer appointed to develop the approach with other target communities.

Moves have also been made to develop partnerships between the RSCN and local people, of which the goat-fattening scheme is one example. This scheme is effectively a business enterprise and has been established so that both parties have a stake in making it successful. The RSCN provides the up front cash to pay for feed, veterinary care and stock management, but the Azazme herders pay the costs back after sales of the animals according to a formula, and an Azazme representative is on the management group which makes the

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-7 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT management decisions. Other partnerships are being developed for several of the other income generating enterprises, with the intention of sharing investment, financial risks and proceeds.

The people of Dana - the situation now

The number of people living in an around the protected area has changed little since the start of the project.

Some villagers have returned to Dana in response to improved job opportunities but the number of Bedouin has stayed roughly the same, and so has the number of livestock. In fact, it is true to say that during the six years of the project, there has been no real progress in reducing grazing pressure in the protected area, except in the core zone where effective patrolling by rangers has kept it largely free of livestock. Even here, however, incursions were commonplace during 1998 and 1999 when drought conditions forced the Bedouin to look for alternative grazing areas.

Although the project has failed so far to materially alter grazing pressure, initiatives like the goat fattening and leather making schemes, combined with constant dialogue with RSCN staff, has started to change the attitudes of the target Bedouin population towards the protected area and the intentions of RSCN. They are undoubtedly more accepting of the protected area and are more cooperative, having established that RSCN is willing to work with them to find solutions to the grazing issue and to help them improve their economy and living conditions. Even if the goat fattening and leather production are unsuccessful, a level of trust has been established which will make it much easier to pioneer other initiatives in the future.

Similar attitude changes are also apparent in the village communities and especially Dana, which, so far, has received the lion’s share of the increased job opportunities and additional income the project has generated. Some households in Dana have experienced a ten-fold increase in income as a result of the project.

More importantly, the villagers themselves have started to exploit the growing number of tourist attracted by the protected area and, so far, have created two small hotels, opened shops and their own museum and introduced a minibus service to link with neighbouring villages. These home-grown initiatives represent a visible example of the capacity building within the local community resulting from the project’s emphasis on income generation.

It should be noted, however, that the strategy of carefully targeting the beneficiaries of the protected area has brought unexpected social consequences. Several tribal groups who were not targeted became resentful of what they considered to be the special treatment afforded to others simply because they happen to be using the land inside the protected area. This was particularly evident in the tribes based near the Azazme “territory” who regard this refugee tribal group as not warranting such special privileges. They are now demanding to be included in the socio-economic programme, together with a number of other peripherally located communities,

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-8 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT and RSCN is under pressure to expand its social programme to address the general level of poverty in the vicinity of the protected area; a role for which it has neither the resources or the remit.

Notwithstanding these attendant problems, the project has succeeded in creating a general climate of trust and cooperation within the local communities directly linked to the protected area and this, combined with enhanced capacity in both RSCN and the people themselves, has set the stage for ever greater levels of participation.

Lessons learned

The principal lessons learned from the Dana experience in people participation can be summarised as follows:

• local communities should be involved in the designation and management of protected areas as early as

possible in the process.

• income generation, by addressing primary needs, can be used as a vehicle to engender more local support

for protected areas and successfully create the right “climate” for increasing levels of participation.

• the benefits of income generating initiatives can be used as incentives to encourage adherence to

protected area regulations and to change land use practices, and can be tied to formal agreements,

provided that the intention to do this is made totally clear from the outset.

• Good socio-economic studies are needed on the extent of local community dependency on the protected

area to enable income generation and other benefit sharing schemes to be targeted at the communities or

community members who are having the most impact on its ecological integrity. Targeting itself,

however, can lead to resentment in non-targeted communities or community members who see it as

giving unjustified privileges to minorities.

• Total local community management of protected areas is not always a practical, appropriate or desirable

end product of participatory approaches. Partnerships and open working relationships between local

communities and conservation institutions enable ecological perspectives and priorities to be maintained

in both site-wide and national contexts.

• Local people should not always be seen as the ‘victims” of protected areas and institutionalized

management schemes. In many cases they gain far greater benefits than if left to their own devices and

are equally capable of making “victims” of the management institution and its staff. Avoiding

victimization does not demand that local people should have it all their own way. More important is for

a working relationship to be developed, based on trust and transparency, which enables each party to

understand the perspectives and needs of the other and which fosters joint attempts to solve problems.

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-9 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

• Capacity building at all levels (institution, community, headquarters and on site) is needed for any kind

of people-based approach to protected area management to be successful. It needs to embrace technical

and managerial skills, as well as increasing the knowledge and understanding of conservation concepts

and practices; and it should become a standard element of the development process, not reliant on one-

off training courses but on a continuous process of “in-house” reviews, on the job training and sharing

experiences.

Applying the lessons learnt

In July 1998, RSCN was commissioned as a management agency for one of Jordan’s premier natural sites and tourist attractions, Wadi Rum. This large expanse of stunning desert landscape receives over 100,000 visitors a year and is home to a large number of Bedouins who have been running the tourism operations for many years, with a largely free hand. As a result of their initiatives, there are now over 250 jeeps and other vehicles taking tourists around the protected area, which are destroying much of the fabric of the desert landscape. It is now

RSCN’s job to develop management strategies that ensure both the protection and restoration of the natural qualities and the continuing development of tourism.

In developing these strategies, it has drawn heavily on the experience gained from the Dana project.

The most important transfer of knowledge has been to ensure that the local Bedouin were involved in the development of the site from the very inception of the project. To this end, a full socio-economic survey was undertaken to determine which tribal groups had traditional land rights inside the protected area and what were their sources of income, and thus their level of dependency of the area. From this it was discovered that 7 tribes could claim influence over the land use of the protected area and the Sheiks of these tribes were invited to a meeting to elect representatives to join a steering group, set up to guide the implementation of the project. This group now has three Sheiks and three RSCN staff and meets on site to discuss: and determine all aspects of the development of the management plan, including controversial aspects such as zoning plans, regulation of vehicles and entrance fees (all of which go to a Bedouin controlled cooperative). Tribal representatives have also been directly involved in staff recruitment as members of selection panels.

Another transfer has been in the concepts of benefit sharing and partnerships. RSCN has been given a managerial role in shaping visitor management practices throughout the whole site but it is seeking to ensure the local people remain the main beneficiaries of tourism and, indeed, are able to gain much greater levels of income for a wider cross section of the population. It is trying to do this by working in partnership with the main

Bedouin tour operators and to link greater revenues with the development of site protection measures and to

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-10 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

gaining their practical support for the enforcement of protected area regulations.

There is also within the Wadi Rum project a considerable emphasis on capacity building for the community to enable them to develop their own initiatives and exploit opportunities more effectively, within the framework of environmental safeguards. Much of this capacity building will be centred on improving their ability to manage tourism operations and will include managerial skills, driver training, customer care, accounting and interpretation techniques: and, as in Dana, preference is being given to the recruitment of local people for job opportunities.

Final ESA & ESMP Report App 6B-11 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

ANNEX 7 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Annex 7: Archaeological Sites in the Jordan Rift Valley

Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2003-038 EL- QUSAH E L-HAMRAH 202000.0 33800.0 743300.0 3420900.0 2005-008 NN/RAIKES SITE C1 200500.0 59500.0 741300.0 3446500.0 2005-009 RUJM NUMEIRA 200529.0 59955.0 741300.0 3447000.0 2006-012 N/WADI ISAL SURVEY SITE C 10-11 208950.0 63770.0 749640.0 3450980.0 2006-032 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 7-1 205150.0 63670.0 745850.0 3450810.0 2006-035 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 7-2 205970.0 63650.0 746670.0 3450800.0 2006-036 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 8-1 206050.0 63770.0 746740.0 3450920.0 2006-037 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 8-2 206150.0 63850.0 746840.0 3451010.0 2006-038 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 8-3 206200.0 63750.0 746890.0 3450910.0 2006-039 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 8-5 206370.0 63500.0 747270.0 3450660.0 2006-040 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 8-7 206270.0 63870.0 747060.0 3451030.0 2006-043 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 9-2 207020.0 63550.0 747720.0 3450720.0 2006-044 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 9-1 207170.0 63550.0 747870.0 3450730.0 2006-045 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E C 8-19 206150.0 63850.0 746840.0 3451010.0 2006-048 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E C 8-12 206700.0 63950.0 747390.0 3451120.0 2006-049 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E C 8-13 206700.0 63620.0 747400.0 3450790.0 2006-050 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E C 8-14 206850.0 63600.0 747550.0 3450770.0 2006-052 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 9-5 207720.0 63900.0 748410.0 3451090.0 2006-053 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 9-6 207620.0 63600.0 748320.0 3450790.0 2006-054 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE C 9-7 207570.0 63920.0 748260.0 3451110.0 2006-057 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E C 9-12 206470.0 63550.0 747170.0 3450710.0 2006-058 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E C 10-1 208020.0 63800.0 748710.0 3450990.0 2006-059 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E C 10-3 208350.0 63670.0 749050.0 3450870.0 2006-062 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E C 10-7 208500.0 63820.0 749190.0 3451020.0 2006-065 N/WADI ISAL SURVEY SITE C 10-10 208770.0 63750.0 749460.0 3450960.0 2006-066 QASR RUMANI/ SITE C 10-12 208950.0 63770.0 749640.0 3450980.0 2006-068 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E C 11-1 209120.0 63700.0 749820.0 3450920.0 2006-069 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 6-1 204370.0 64770.0 745040.0 3451890.0 2006-070 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 6-2 204650.0 64820.0 745320.0 3451950.0 2006-071 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 6-3 204650.0 64750.0 745320.0 3451880.0 2006-072 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 7-1 205100.0 64970.0 745770.0 3452110.0 2006-073 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 7-2 205220.0 65000.0 745890.0 3452140.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2006-074 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 7-3 205320.0 64620.0 746000.0 3451760.0 2006-075 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 7-4 205450.0 64670.0 746130.0 3451810.0 2006-076 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 7-5 205820.0 64970.0 746490.0 3452120.0 2006-077 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 7-6 205800.0 64700.0 746470.0 3451850.0 2006-078 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 7-7 205750.0 64500.0 746430.0 3451650.0 2006-079 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 7-8 205750.0 64120.0 746440.0 3451270.0 2006-080 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 7-9 205950.0 64820.0 746670.0 3451970.0 2006-081 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 8-1 206550.0 64370.0 747230.0 3451540.0 2006-082 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 8-2 206370.0 64120.0 747060.0 3451280.0 2006-083 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 8-3 206370.0 64050.0 747060.0 3451210.0 2006-084 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE D 9-1 207070.0 64270.0 747750.0 3451450.0 2006-085 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE E 6-1 204370.0 65120.0 745040.0 3452240.0 2006-086 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE E 7-1 205150.0 65350.0 745810.0 3452490.0 2006-087 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE E 7-2 205250.0 65120.0 745920.0 3452260.0 2006-088 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE E 7-3 205400.0 65270.0 746060.0 3452410.0 2006-089 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE E 7-4 205400.0 65020.0 746070.0 3452160.0 2006-090 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE E 7-7 205870.0 65170.0 746540.0 3452320.0 2006-091 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE E 7-8 205870.0 65050.0 746540.0 3452200.0 2006-092 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE E 8-2 206420.0 65000.0 747090.0 3452160.0 2006-093 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E C 10-2 208400.0 63400.0 749100.0 3450600.0 2006-095 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE F 3-1 201600.0 66800.0 742200.0 3453900.0 2006-096 QASR ESAL/ WADI IS AL F 3-2 201800.0 66400.0 742400.0 3453500.0 2006-098 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E D 8-11 206800.0 64200.0 747500.0 3451400.0 2006-099 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E F 3-13 202000.0 66200.0 742700.0 3453300.0 2006-100 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SIT E F 3-11 202100.0 66400.0 742700.0 3453500.0 2006-101 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE F 3-9 201600.0 66420.0 742240.0 3453490.0 2006-102 NN/WADI ISAL SURVEY SI TE F 3-8 201600.0 66100.0 742200.0 3453200.0 2006-104 KHIRBE T `ESAL 200900.0 66100.0 741500.0 3453200.0 KHIRBE T I`SAL 200900.0 66100.0 741500.0 3453200.0 2006-105 WA DI ISAL 201500.0 67500.0 742100.0 3454600.0 2007-001 BAB E DH- DHRA 204000.0 74800.0 744500.0 3461900.0 2007-003 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 37 202000.0 79600.0 742400.0 3466700.0 JABA L JARRA 202000.0 79600.0 742400.0 3466700.0 2007-004 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 38 201000.0 78000.0 741400.0 3465100.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-2 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2007-005 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 39 202300.0 77700.0 742700.0 3464800.0 2007-006 EN E S-SEKKIN 200400.0 75900.0 740900.0 3462900.0 TUR HAKMEH/ NWAKS SITE 40 200400.0 75900.0 740900.0 3462900.0 2007-007 EN E S SEKKIN 200500.0 75900.0 741000.0 3462900.0 TUR HAKMEH/ NWAKS SITE 41 200500.0 75900.0 741000.0 3462900.0 2007-008 MTAKALASH A R-RABABA 202000.0 75600.0 742500.0 3462600.0 2007-009 TELL EL- BULEDA/ NWAKS 43 203300.0 76400.0 743700.0 3463500.0 2007-010 TELL EL- BULEDA/ NWAKS 44 204600.0 76500.0 745000.0 3463600.0 2007-011 TELL EL- BULEDA/ NWAKS 45 205200.0 76900.0 745600.0 3464000.0 2007-012 TELL EL- BULEDA/ NWAKS 46 205600.0 75600.0 746100.0 3462700.0 2007-013 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 47 205800.0 75500.0 746300.0 3462700.0 2007-014 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 48 201800.0 79800.0 742200.0 3466900.0 2007-015 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 49 202000.0 79800.0 742400.0 3466900.0 2007-016 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 50 202300.0 79900.0 742700.0 3467000.0 2007-017 ER- RISHI /NWAKS S ITE 93.1 205900.0 75400.0 746400.0 3462600.0 2007-018 ER- RISHI /NWAKS S ITE 93.2 206000.0 75400.0 746500.0 3462600.0 2007-019 EL- QASR 201100.0 77300.0 741500.0 3464400.0 2007-020 EL- HADITHA 201000.0 77700.0 741400.0 3464800.0 2007-021 QAL'AT EL- HADITHA 201200.0 77900.0 741500.0 3465000.0 2007-022 MUTR ABA EAST 200700.0 76700.0 741100.0 3463700.0 2007-023 MUTR ABA WEST 200800.0 76600.0 741200.0 3463700.0 2007-024 KHIRBET QASR EL -BILAYDA 204600.0 76400.0 745000.0 3463500.0 2007-025 TAWAHIN ES-S UKKAR II 200300.0 73600.0 740800.0 3460600.0 2007-026 NN/RAIKES SITE C7 202500.0 72500.0 743000.0 3459600.0 2007-027 NN/RAIKES SITE C10 200500.0 74500.0 741000.0 3461500.0 2007-028 NN/RAIKES SITE C14 205500.0 73500.0 746000.0 3460600.0 2007-029 NN/RAIKES SITE C15 205500.0 73500.0 746000.0 3460600.0 2007-030 NN/RAIKES SITE C16 205500.0 72500.0 746000.0 3459600.0 2007-031 HADITHA 202500.0 78500.0 742900.0 3465600.0 2007-032 GHOR EL- HADITHEH 202800.0 77700.0 743200.0 3464800.0 2007-033 DHRA' 204900.0 72100.0 745400.0 3459200.0 WAIDHA' 204900.0 72100.0 745400.0 3459200.0 2007-034 TELL E DH DHRA` 203700.0 73800.0 744200.0 3460900.0 2007-036 BULEDA 207300.0 74800.0 747800.0 3462000.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-3 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2007-037 KHIRBET WADI EDH-DHR A` NORTH 205500.0 72700.0 746000.0 3459800.0 2007-038 KHIRBET WADI EDH-DHR A` SOUTH 205300.0 71700.0 745800.0 3458800.0 2007-039 GHOR HADITHEH (CE METERY). 202500.0 79200.0 742900.0 3466300.0 2007-040 ZAHRAT ADH -DHRA' 2 203900.0 73980.0 7444000.0 3461100.0 2007-042 ZAHRAT ADH -DHRA' 1 203900.0 73980.0 74440000.0 346110000.0 2008-002 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 06 209400.0 82000.0 749700.0 3469200.0 2008-003 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 07 209000.0 81800.0 749300.0 3469000.0 2008-004 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 08 209200.0 81700.0 749500.0 3468900.0 2008-005 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 09 209300.0 81600.0 749600.0 3468800.0 2008-007 KHIRBET EL- QUNEITRA 202000.0 82100.0 742300.0 3469200.0 2008-010 HAFAYIR /NWAKS SITE 80 209400.0 83500.0 749700.0 3470700.0 2008-011 HAFAYIR /NWAKS SITE 79 209500.0 83500.0 749800.0 3470700.0 2008-012 NN/RAIKES SITE C19 202500.0 80500.0 742900.0 3467600.0 2008-013 NN/RAIKES SITE C20 203500.0 83500.0 743800.0 3470600.0 2008-014 NN/RAIKES SITE C21 203500.0 84500.0 743800.0 3471600.0 2008-015 WADI ES- SHAQERA 203500.0 89500.0 743700.0 3476600.0 2008-016 NN/SITE 2008.016 204200.0 89000.0 744400.0 3476100.0 2008-017 NN/SITE 2008.017 208000.0 84800.0 748300.0 3472000.0 2008-019 A-ZARA AL-DJENUBIE SURV EY AREA2 202300.0 85300.0 742600.0 3472400.0 2008-020 A-ZARA AL-DJENUBIE SURV EY AREA1 202200.0 81900.0 742500.0 3469000.0 2009-001 WADI EL - HEIDAN 207500.0 97500.0 747500.0 3484700.0 2009-002 DAR EL -RIYASHI 205200.0 96800.0 745200.0 3483900.0 DAR ER -RIYASHI 205200.0 96800.0 745200.0 3483900.0 2009-003 MANARAH 207700.0 94700.0 747800.0 3481900.0 2009-004 CAS TLE MRAH 204985.0 95035.0 745052.0 3482173.0 2009-005 NN/ MNRAB S SITE 3 204985.0 95035.0 744871.0 3480202.0 2009-006 CASTLE OM ZGEEB 204909.0 91840.0 745041.0 3478976.0 2010-004 EL- HAMMA ES-SAMRA 204700.0 109100.0 744500.0 3496200.0 2010-005 NN/EDSAS,UMM SIDRA 1 203559.0 105695.0 0.0 0.0 2010-006 NN/EDSAS,UMM SIDRA 2 203341.0 106500.0 0.0 0.0 2010-007 NN/EDSAS,UMM SIDRA 3 203286.0 105710.0 0.0 0.0 2010-008 NN/EDSAS,UMM SIDRA 4 203432.0 104631.0 0.0 0.0 2010-009 NN/EDSAS,UMM SIDRA 5 203411.0 105208.0 743175.0 3492151.0 2010-010 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.25 203300.0 109700.0 742973.0 3496645.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-4 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2010-011 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.26 203342.0 109750.0 743014.0 3496695.0 2011-001 EZ- ZA RA OASIS 203700.0 113000.0 743400.0 3500100.0 AIN EZ- ZARA 203700.0 113000.0 743400.0 3500100.0 K ALLIRHOE 203700.0 113000.0 743400.0 3500100.0 2011-002 TELL ABDU L KHALIQ 209200.0 118600.0 748800.0 3505800.0 2011-003 NN/DAS SITE 38 206293.0 112822.0 746001.0 3499989.0 2011-004 NN/EDSAS ZARA S ITE NO.2 203514.0 111980.0 743141.0 3498929.0 2011-005 NN/EDSAS ZARA S ITE NO.3 203434.0 111852.0 743063.0 3498800.0 2011-006 NN/EDSAS ZARA S ITE NO.4 203450.0 111750.0 743081.0 3498698.0 2011-007 NN/EDSAS ZARA S ITE NO.5 203842.0 112075.0 743467.0 3499031.0 2011-008 NN/EDSAS ZARA S ITE NO.6 203878.0 111968.0 743505.0 3498925.0 2011-009 NN/EDSAD ZARA S ITE NO.7 204060.0 111805.0 743690.0 3498765.0 2011-010 NN/EDSAS ZARA S ITE NO.8 204058.0 111771.0 743689.0 3498731.0 2011-011 NN/EDSAS ZARA S ITE NO.9 204201.0 111742.0 743833.0 3498705.0 2011-012 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.11 204161.0 112066.0 743786.0 3499028.0 2011-013 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.12 203629.0 111666.0 743262.0 3498618.0 2011-014 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.13 204014.0 111433.0 743652.0 3498392.0 2011-015 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.14 204058.0 111292.0 743699.0 3498252.0 2011-016 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.15 204008.0 111218.0 743650.0 3498177.0 2011-017 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.16 203560.0 111508.0 743196.0 3498458.0 2011-018 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.17 203311.0 111167.0 742954.0 3498112.0 2011-019 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.18 203310.0 111326.0 742950.0 3498271.0 2011-020 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.19 203330.0 111650.0 742963.0 3498596.0 2011-021 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.20 203116.0 111650.0 742749.0 3498591.0 2011-022 N/EDSAS HARBOUR ZARA SI TE NO.21 203150.0 111750.0 742781.0 3498692.0 2011-023 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.23 203604.0 110810.0 743255.0 3497761.0 2011-024 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.24 203697.0 110427.0 743355.0 3497380.0 2011-025 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.10 203750.0 110600.0 743405.0 3497554.0 2011-026 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.27 203610.0 111120.0 743254.0 3498071.0 2011-027 NN/EDSAS ZARA SI TE NO.22 203426.0 110841.0 743076.0 3497788.0 2011-028 NN/EDSAS ZARA S ITE NO.1 203611.0 112014.0 743237.0 3498965.0 2011-029 NN/DSP 1 206626.0 115428.0 746280.0 3502602.0 2011-030 NN/DSP 2 207410.0 116400.0 747045.0 3503590.0 2011-031 NN/DSP 3 205747.0 115181.0 745406.0 3502337.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-5 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2011-032 NN/DSP 4 206650.0 116645.0 746280.0 3503819.0 2011-033 NN/DSP 5 207170.0 116610.0 746800.0 3503795.0 2011-034 NN/DSP 6 206584.0 115089.0 746245.0 3502262.0 2011-035 NN/ DSP 8+11 206705.0 115060.0 746367.0 3502235.0 2011-036 N N/DSP 12 206807.0 115432.0 746461.0 3502609.0 2011-037 N N/DSP 13 207065.0 115967.0 746708.0 3503150.0 2011-038 N N/DSP 14 207086.0 115819.0 746732.0 3503002.0 2011-039 N N/DSP 15 207188.0 115722.0 746836.0 3502907.0 2011-040 N N/DSP 16 206210.0 117670.0 745819.0 3504835.0 2011-041 N N/DSP 17 205970.0 117570.0 745581.0 3504731.0 2011-042 N N/DSP 18 207300.0 116570.0 746931.0 3503757.0 2011-043 N N/DSP 19 205713.0 115591.0 745364.0 3502746.0 2011-044 N N/DSP 20 206570.0 116470.0 746203.0 3503643.0 2011-045 N N/DSP 21 206830.0 116550.0 746461.0 3503728.0 2011-046 N N/DSP 22 206510.0 116790.0 746137.0 3503961.0 2011-047 N N/DSP 23 206500.0 116940.0 746124.0 3504111.0 2011-048 N N/DSP 24 206130.0 117110.0 745750.0 3504274.0 2011-049 N N/DSP 25 207280.0 117060.0 746901.0 3504247.0 2011-050 N N/DSP 26 207170.0 116790.0 746797.0 3503975.0 2011-051 N N/DSP 27 207360.0 117270.0 746977.0 3504459.0 2011-052 N N/DSP 28 207420.0 117440.0 747034.0 3504630.0 2011-053 N N/DSP 29 207380.0 117507.0 746992.0 3504696.0 2011-054 N N/DSP 30 206740.0 117440.0 746353.0 3504616.0 2011-055 N N/DSP 31 206360.0 117870.0 745965.0 3505039.0 2011-056 N N/DSP 32 205920.0 117750.0 745527.0 3504910.0 2011-057 N N/DSP 33 205800.0 118080.0 745400.0 3505237.0 2011-058 N N/DSP 34 205900.0 118330.0 745495.0 3505489.0 2011-059 N N/DSP 35 206100.0 117765.0 745707.0 3504928.0 2011-060 N N/DSP 36 206190.0 117580.0 745801.0 3504745.0 2011-061 N N/DSP 37 206580.0 117610.0 746190.0 3504783.0 2011-062 N N/DSP 38 208064.0 116388.0 747699.0 3503591.0 2011-063 N N/DSP 39 205695.0 118300.0 745291.0 3505455.0 2011-064 N N/DSP 40 207604.0 115770.0 747251.0 3502964.0 2011-065 N N/DSP 41 207470.0 116660.0 747099.0 3503851.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-6 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2011-066 N N/DSP 42 206510.0 118880.0 746094.0 3506052.0 2011-067 N N/DSP 43 206590.0 118560.0 746181.0 3505733.0 2011-068 N N/DSP 44 207910.0 116720.0 747538.0 3503920.0 2011-069 N N/DSP 45 207467.0 115250.0 747125.0 3502441.0 2011-070 N N/DSP 46 206280.0 115955.0 745923.0 3503122.0 2011-071 N N/DSP 47 207435.0 116200.0 747074.0 3503390.0 2011-072 N N/DSP 48 205750.0 118400.0 745344.0 3505556.0 2011-073 N N/DSP 49 205985.0 118530.0 745576.0 3505691.0 2011-074 N N/DSP 50 205450.0 118690.0 745038.0 3505840.0 2011-075 N N/DSP 51 205080.0 117340.0 744695.0 3504483.0 2011-076 N N/DSP 52 205080.0 118900.0 744664.0 3506043.0 2011-077 N N/DSP 53 204890.0 118460.0 744483.0 3505599.0 2011-078 N N/DSP 54 204880.0 117930.0 744483.0 3505069.0 2011-079 N N/DSP 55 206100.0 115350.0 745756.0 3502513.0 2011-080 N N/DSP 56 205310.0 118820.0 744895.0 3505967.0 2011-081 N N/DSP 57 207510.0 116000.0 747153.0 3503192.0 2011-082 N N/DSP 58 207220.0 116370.0 746855.0 3503556.0 2012-001 NN/ EDSAS, S UWAYMA 1 206583.0 128615.0 746000.0 3515800.0 2012-002 NN/ EDSAS, S UWAYMA 2 207497.0 127828.0 746900.0 3515000.0 2012-003 NN/ EDSAS, S UWAYMA 3 207387.0 127914.0 746800.0 3515000.0 2012-004 NN/ EDSAS, S UWAYMA 4 207308.0 127908.0 746700.0 3515100.0 2012-005 NN/ EDSAS, S UWAYMA 5 206680.0 128323.0 746100.0 3515500.0 2012-006 NN/ EDSAS, S UWAYMA 6 206735.0 128188.0 746100.0 3515400.0 2012-007 NN/ EDSAS, S UWAYMA 7 206707.0 128142.0 746100.0 3515300.0 2012-008 NN/ EDSAS, S UWAYMA 8 206762.0 127961.0 746200.0 3515100.0 2012-009 NN/ EDSAS, S UWAYMA 9 206737.0 127642.0 746100.0 3514800.0 2012-010 NN/ EDSAS, SU WAYMA 10 206621.0 127420.0 746000.0 3514600.0 2012-011 NN/ EDSAS, SU WAYMA 11 205550.0 125150.0 745000.0 3512300.0 2012-012 NN/ EDSAS, SU WAYMA 12 205570.0 125160.0 745000.0 3512300.0 2012-013 NN/ EDSAS, SU WAYMA 13 206450.0 128820.0 745800.0 3516000.0 2013-001 TULEILAT EL- GHASSUL 207390.0 134850.0 746650.0 3522040.0 2013-002 NN/MELLAART SITE 62 206500.0 136500.0 745700.0 3523700.0 2013-003 TELL EL- KHARRAR 203770.0 138460.0 742960.0 3525580.0 BETHABRA 203770.0 138460.0 742960.0 3525580.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-7 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH BETHANY BEYOND JORDAN 203770.0 138460.0 742960.0 3525580.0 WADI E L KHRRAR 203770.0 138460.0 742960.0 3525580.0 WADI ELKHARAR 203770.0 138460.0 742960.0 3525580.0 BAPT ISM SITE 203770.0 138460.0 742960.0 3525580.0 2013-003 BASSAT E L-KHARAR 203770.0 138460.0 742960.0 3525580.0 2013-004 UJM EL- AZEIMEH/GLUECK SITE 224 208900.0 131900.0 748200.0 3519100.0 2013-005 EH DOLMEN FIELD/GLUECK SITE 225 209500.0 132500.0 748800.0 3519700.0 2013-006 ELL EL- AZEIMEH/GLUECK SITE 227 207500.0 132500.0 746800.0 3519700.0 2013-008 TELL MUWEIS 208100.0 131400.0 747400.0 3518600.0 2013-009 NN/SITE 2013.009 209200.0 130700.0 748500.0 3517900.0 2013-010 SUWEIMA 206500.0 131500.0 745800.0 3518700.0 2013-015 KHIRBET SUWEIMEH 203450.0 133480.0 742740.0 3520590.0 KHIRBET SWEIMEH 203450.0 133480.0 742740.0 3520590.0 2013-016 ES- SADD E L-GHARBI 206000.0 137430.0 745210.0 3524590.0 2013-017 EL - MAWWAJ 206140.0 136170.0 745370.0 3523340.0 2013-018 WADI E L- MALIH 209750.0 135410.0 749000.0 3522650.0 2013-019 NN/GHASSUL S OUTHEAST 208550.0 134030.0 747830.0 3521250.0 2013-020 AZEIM EH NORTH 209380.0 132760.0 748680.0 3519990.0 2013-021 AZEI MEH CAMP 208530.0 131660.0 747860.0 3518870.0 2013-022 AZEIM EH SOUTH 208940.0 132280.0 748250.0 3519500.0 2013-023 AZEIMEH R ESERVOIR 207890.0 132210.0 747200.0 3519410.0 2013-024 QAB R AFANDI 206290.0 137370.0 745500.0 3524540.0 2013-025 MAQBARET SWEIMEH 206480.0 131680.0 745800.0 3518850.0 2013-026 MWEIS 207260.0 131790.0 746580.0 3518980.0 2013-027 MWE IS NORTH 207240.0 131930.0 746560.0 3519120.0 2014-001 TELL EL - GHARAB 203000.0 144000.0 742100.0 3531400.0 2014-002 TELL MESHRA EL- ABYAD II 207200.0 146600.0 746200.0 3532800.0 2014-003 TELL GHRUBBA 205050.0 144560.0 744110.0 3531710.0 2014-004 TELL A BU KHURS 204700.0 144400.0 743800.0 3531500.0 2014-005 SOUTH SHONAH /MUHEISEN SITE 07 209800.0 143600.0 748900.0 3530800.0 2014-006 ES - SUKNAH 209200.0 148500.0 748200.0 3535700.0 2014-007 TARADI EL -HISNIAT 207800.0 149600.0 746800.0 3536800.0 2014-008 TULUL EL-BEIDA 208500.0 148500.0 747500.0 3535700.0 2014-009 KHIRBET JELEIL 201800.0 144300.0 740900.0 3531400.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-8 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2014-010 FUQQARA 202500.0 149500.0 741500.0 3536600.0 2014-011 KHIRBET KHERSA`A 207790.0 144450.0 746850.0 3531650.0 KHIRBET KHURSA'A 207790.0 144450.0 746850.0 3531650.0 2014-012 NN/SITE 2014.012 206700.0 144300.0 745800.0 3531500.0 2014-013 NN/SITE 2014.013 209000.0 145000.0 748100.0 3532200.0 2014-014 NN/SITE 2014.014 204900.0 148100.0 743900.0 3535200.0 2014-015 SHUNA T NIMRIN 208900.0 145200.0 748000.0 3532400.0 2014-016 KHIRBET DEIR EL-ANIS 202400.0 142300.0 741500.0 3529400.0 2014-017 N/JORDAN VALLEY SURVEY SITE 169 203450.0 144110.0 742520.0 3531220.0 2014-018 MOKHAYYAM GHO R NIMRIN 204180.0 144080.0 743250.0 3531210.0 2014-019 AFFASH 205950.0 145230.0 745000.0 3532390.0 2014-020 ZORIYYE T AFFASH 208420.0 145550.0 747460.0 3532760.0 2014-021 ER- RAWWASEH 209150.0 145630.0 748190.0 3532860.0 2014-022 TULUL ES - SUKNEH 206640.0 146720.0 745660.0 3533900.0 2014-023 N/JORDAN VALLEY SURVEY SITE 180 208240.0 147380.0 747240.0 3534590.0 2014-024 ER- RASHIDIY YEH WEST 208720.0 143150.0 747810.0 3530370.0 2014-025 TELL EL- MAHMULEH 209490.0 144510.0 748550.0 3531750.0 2014-026 EL- HUNU 208240.0 145930.0 747270.0 3533140.0 2014-027 TELL NIMRIN 209210.0 145390.0 748260.0 3532620.0 2014-028 TELL ED H DHAHAB 202950.0 144610.0 742010.0 3531710.0 2014-029 GHANNAM 205110.0 145090.0 744160.0 3532240.0 2014-030 GHRUB BAH EAST 205610.0 145680.0 744650.0 3532840.0 2014-031 ER- RASHIDIY YEH EAST 209000.0 143270.0 748090.0 3530500.0 2015-001 KHIRBET BASSAT EL-FARAS 204280.0 154920.0 743130.0 3542050.0 2015-002 BASSAT E L-KHALAF 203730.0 151830.0 742640.0 3538950.0 2015-004 E L- MAQAM 204500.0 159500.0 743200.0 3546500.0 E L- MEQAM 204500.0 159500.0 743200.0 3546500.0 2015-005 KHIRBET `ERJAN 203300.0 155500.0 742100.0 3542100.0 KHIRBET ARAJAN 203300.0 155500.0 742100.0 3542100.0 2015-006 EL - KARAMA 205000.0 151300.0 743900.0 3538400.0 2015-007 NN/SITE 2015.007 204000.0 152800.0 742900.0 3539900.0 2015-009 TELL EL- ABID 206400.0 153300.0 745300.0 3540500.0 2015-011 NN/SITE 2015.011 207200.0 159800.0 746000.0 3547000.0 2015-012 NN/SITE 2015.012 204700.0 157700.0 743500.0 3544800.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-9 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2015-013 TELL EL- MAQBARAH 204160.0 152350.0 743060.0 3539480.0 2016-001 TELL DAMIEH 201760.0 167900.0 740340.0 3554980.0 2016-002 A LA SAFAT 204000.0 162700.0 742700.0 3549800.0 2016-003 DAMIYEH DOLMENS 207200.0 167400.0 745800.0 3554600.0 2016-004 NN/MELLAART SITE 50 203500.0 167000.0 742100.0 3554100.0 2016-005 M'ADDI HOUSING COMPLEX 207300.0 166500.0 745900.0 3553700.0 2016-006 M'AD DI TOMBS 207200.0 166600.0 745800.0 3553800.0 2016-007 M'ADDI HOUSING PROJE CT NORTH 207000.0 167200.0 745600.0 3554400.0 2016-009 RUJM EL - MENTAR 209000.0 165900.0 747600.0 3553100.0 2016-010 TELL EL- JURF E L-AQRA'A 201700.0 163100.0 740400.0 3550200.0 2016-011 RUJM EL - MENTAR 209500.0 165300.0 748100.0 3552500.0 2016-012 NN/SITE 2016.012 206200.0 164700.0 744900.0 3551900.0 2016-013 NN/SITE 2016.013 205800.0 163400.0 744500.0 3550600.0 2016-014 NN/SITE 2016.014 203900.0 169600.0 742500.0 3556700.0 2016-015 NN/SITE 2016.015 206600.0 169000.0 745200.0 3556200.0 2016-016 NN/SITE 2016.016 200700.0 167600.0 739300.0 3554900.0 2016-017 QAT AR KIBID 202590.0 166020.0 741210.0 3553120.0 2016-018 TAWAHIN E S-SUKKAR 206690.0 169510.0 745240.0 3556690.0 2016-019 HOTET E L-ASKARI 205490.0 165110.0 744130.0 3552270.0 2016-020 DAMIYAH EL -JADIDEH 203500.0 168300.0 742100.0 3555400.0 2016-021 HOTET EL-ASKA RI SOUTH 205470.0 164760.0 744120.0 3551920.0 2016-022 TELL E R- RAMEL 206440.0 165220.0 745080.0 3552400.0 2016-023 TELL EL - MAFLUQ 206240.0 169960.0 744780.0 3557130.0 2017-001 TELL D EIR ALLA 208760.0 178190.0 747130.0 3565420.0 2017-002 KHIRBET EL- MEQA 207700.0 174800.0 746100.0 3562000.0 2017-003 TELL ABU EN-NE'IM 206880.0 174910.0 745320.0 3562100.0 TELL EL- NE`EIMEH 206880.0 174910.0 745320.0 3562100.0 TELL NU`EIMA 206880.0 174910.0 745320.0 3562100.0 TELL SHEHAWAN 206880.0 174910.0 745320.0 3562100.0 2017-004 TELL ASIYEH 207100.0 175200.0 745500.0 3562000.0 2017-005 TELL ER - RIKABI 207580.0 175470.0 746010.0 3562670.0 2017-006 TELL UMM HAMAD E L-GHARBI 204600.0 172200.0 743100.0 3559300.0 2017-007 TELL UMM HAMAD E L-SHARQI 206200.0 173210.0 744680.0 3560380.0 2017-008 KATARET E S- SAMRA 203500.0 174400.0 741900.0 3561500.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-10 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2017-009 TIWAL ES H SHARQI 205000.0 171700.0 743500.0 3558800.0 2017-012 TELL EL- QA'AD AN NORTH 209030.0 178790.0 747390.0 3566020.0 2017-013 TELL DEIR ALLA II 208900.0 178200.0 747300.0 3565400.0 2017-014 KHIRBET EL- MAFALIQ 206600.0 171100.0 745200.0 3556300.0 2017-015 TELL EL - MEIDAN 209000.0 175200.0 747400.0 3562300.0 2017-016 TELL ZAKARI 206940.0 174370.0 745390.0 3561560.0 2017-017 TELL ABU GHURDAN 208900.0 178200.0 747100.0 3565400.0 2017-018 U MM BULWI 208300.0 172500.0 746800.0 3559700.0 2017-019 ES - SWALHA 209700.0 174600.0 748100.0 3561800.0 2017-020 TELL E L KHISAS 206300.0 177800.0 744700.0 3565000.0 TELL AKHSAS 206300.0 177800.0 744700.0 3565000.0 2017-020 TELL EL- RABI'AH 206300.0 177800.0 744700.0 3565000.0 2017-021 TELL AB U SARBUT 207230.0 178790.0 745590.0 3565980.0 2017-022 KHIRBET DHABAB 209500.0 177500.0 747900.0 3564700.0 2017-024 TELL SHA'BAH 208500.0 175900.0 746900.0 3563100.0 2017-025 TELL EL - DOLANI 207740.0 174300.0 746190.0 3561500.0 2017-026 NN/SITE 2017.026 202400.0 171400.0 740900.0 3558500.0 2017-027 NN/SITE 2017.027 209800.0 178000.0 748200.0 3565200.0 2017-030 ES- SAWALIHA 208900.0 176300.0 747300.0 3563500.0 2017-031 TELL SHAHWAN 206400.0 174500.0 744800.0 3561700.0 2017-032 MU'ADDI 208600.0 174500.0 746900.0 3561700.0 2017-034 NN/SITE 2017.034 207000.0 170100.0 745500.0 3557300.0 2017-035 TELL EL- QA'AD AN SOUTH 209040.0 178630.0 747400.0 3565860.0 2017-036 TELL AB U NEJRAH 205260.0 179150.0 743610.0 3566300.0 2017-037 TELL EL- FUKHAR 2 207950.0 177520.0 746340.0 3564730.0 2017-038 TELL EL- ARQADAT 205320.0 175830.0 743740.0 3562980.0 2017-039 QATARET ES -SAMRA I 203650.0 174000.0 742110.0 3561120.0 2017-040 QATARET ES- SAMRA II 203650.0 174000.0 742110.0 3561120.0 2017-041 QATARET ES-S AMRA III 203650.0 174000.0 742110.0 3561120.0 2017-042 QATARET ES- SAMRA IV 203650.0 174000.0 742110.0 3561120.0 2017-043 AIN EL - BASSAH 203460.0 173570.0 741930.0 3560690.0 2017-044 BSAS EL-AQIL 203240.0 172780.0 741720.0 3559890.0 2017-045 TELL EL - BASHIR 207180.0 175220.0 745610.0 3562410.0 2017-046 QATARET ES-SAM RA SOUTH 203700.0 173360.0 742170.0 3560480.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-11 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2017-047 QATAR EZ-ZAKRI 206980.0 174580.0 745430.0 3561770.0 QATA R ZAKARI 206980.0 174580.0 745430.0 3561770.0 2017-048 KHIRBET MAQAL EL- REMEILEH 207450.0 174990.0 745890.0 3562190.0 TELL ER- REMEILEH 207450.0 174990.0 745890.0 3562190.0 2017-049 TELL SHU'BAH 208570.0 175810.0 746990.0 3563030.0 2017-050 MHITH 206890.0 174110.0 745350.0 3561300.0 2017-051 DHRA' EL -HUSEINI 207530.0 173590.0 745000.0 3560790.0 2017-052 SHQAQ MUTHALLATH EL-ARDAH 207170.0 170620.0 745700.0 3557810.0 2017-053 EL- MURABBA' 204950.0 170200.0 743490.0 3557350.0 2017-054 EL- M SATTARAH 209250.0 175600.0 747680.0 3562840.0 2017-055 ZE'A ZE'IYYEH 209900.0 177320.0 748290.0 3564570.0 2017-056 TELL EZ - ZAQQUM 204770.0 170930.0 743290.0 3558070.0 2017-057 QATARET ABD EL-HALIM EN-NIMIR 206200.0 171690.0 744710.0 3558860.0 2017-058 SHQAQ EZ-ZU'UR 207080.0 172130.0 745580.0 3559320.0 2017-059 EL- MSATTA RAH EAST 209700.0 176500.0 748100.0 3563700.0 2017-060 DIRAR 209150.0 179900.0 747490.0 3567130.0 2017-061 TELL EL- HEM MEH WEST 209860.0 178230.0 748230.0 3565480.0 2017-062 DEIR ALLA VILLAGE 208890.0 178320.0 747260.0 3565550.0 2017-063 TELL E R- RABI` 206160.0 177820.0 744540.0 3564990.0 2017-064 TELL E L MINTAH 205160.0 173890.0 743620.0 3561040.0 2017-065 EL- HAZROMI 208740.0 175410.0 747170.0 3562630.0 2017-066 TELL EL- MAF LUQ WEST 205860.0 170170.0 744400.0 3557330.0 2017-067 QASR ED - DAHUDI 204560.0 170970.0 743080.0 3558110.0 2017-068 KHIRBET EL- BUQEI'AH 206260.0 170280.0 744800.0 3557450.0 2017-069 TELL E L- MELEH 207780.0 174070.0 746240.0 3561270.0 2017-070 TELL EL- MA`ADDI 207870.0 174590.0 746320.0 3561800.0 2018-001 TELL ES- SAIDIYEH 204500.0 186080.0 742710.0 3573220.0 2018-002 TELL E L- MAZAR 207330.0 181030.0 745640.0 3568230.0 2018-003 AMTA 208500.0 182940.0 746770.0 3570160.0 AMATHUS 208500.0 182940.0 746770.0 3570160.0 TELL AMMATA 208500.0 182940.0 746770.0 3570160.0 2018-004 TELL ADLIYEH 208750.0 180320.0 747080.0 3567550.0 2018-005 TELL EL- HANDAQUQ 206300.0 189850.0 744430.0 3577030.0 2018-008 TELL EL- QOS 208630.0 183550.0 746890.0 3570770.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-12 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2018-009 NN/AKS SITE 085 209400.0 186200.0 747600.0 3573400.0 2018-010 NN/AKS SITE 065 209000.0 185100.0 747200.0 3572300.0 2018-011 NN/AKS SITE 064 209000.0 185400.0 747200.0 3572600.0 2018-013 NN/AKS SITE 061 208600.0 189500.0 746700.0 3576700.0 2018-014 KHIRBET QAFISA 208700.0 189000.0 746900.0 3576200.0 QAFSA 208700.0 189000.0 746900.0 3576200.0 2018-015 NN/AKS SITE 056 209700.0 188100.0 747900.0 3575300.0 2018-016 NN/AKS SITE 062 208300.0 189700.0 746400.0 3576900.0 2018-017 DHARAR (HAJER AB U SA'AB) 209500.0 180300.0 747800.0 3567500.0 2018-018 DHARAR /MUHEISEN SITE 21 209300.0 180300.0 747600.0 3567500.0 2018-019 DHARAR /MUHEISEN SITE 22 209400.0 180600.0 747700.0 3567800.0 2018-020 KHAZMAH /MUHEISEN SITE 23 209900.0 181200.0 748200.0 3568400.0 2018-021 KHAZMAH /MUHEISEN SITE 24 209700.0 181200.0 748000.0 3568400.0 2018-022 UM M 'AYASH 209800.0 181600.0 748100.0 3568800.0 2018-023 UMM 'AYA SH NORTH 209300.0 182100.0 747600.0 3569300.0 2018-024 E L- FAQIR 209900.0 183000.0 748200.0 3570300.0 2018-026 TOWAHIN ES-SUKAR 206800.0 186300.0 745000.0 3573500.0 EL- KUREIMAH 206800.0 186300.0 745000.0 3573500.0 2018-027 WADI EL- KHESHNAH 207200.0 186500.0 745400.0 3573700.0 KUREIMAH 207200.0 186500.0 745400.0 3573700.0 2018-028 ADI KUFRINJAH (NORTHER N SLOPE) 208200.0 187700.0 746400.0 3574900.0 2018-029 KUREI MAH AREA 207300.0 188000.0 745500.0 3575200.0 WADI HISSOU 207300.0 188000.0 745500.0 3575200.0 2018-030 ES - SAQAYA 207100.0 188400.0 745300.0 3575600.0 2018-031 KUREIM AH SOUTH 207400.0 185600.0 745600.0 3572800.0 EL- KHAFSEH 207400.0 185600.0 745600.0 3572800.0 2018-032 EL- HANDAQUQ 206300.0 188800.0 744500.0 3576000.0 2018-033 EL- QARN 205900.0 189700.0 744000.0 3576900.0 2018-034 TELL EL- GHAZALA 207630.0 181500.0 745930.0 3568700.0 2018-035 KHIRBE T FELAH 204600.0 184300.0 742800.0 3571400.0 2018-036 TELL ABU EL-SHART 203200.0 189200.0 741300.0 3576300.0 2018-037 TELL EL- SMEIHAT 208800.0 183400.0 747100.0 3570600.0 2018-041 NN/SITE 2018.041 206000.0 188000.0 744200.0 3575200.0 2018-043 NN/SITE 2018.043 208200.0 182500.0 746500.0 3567900.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-13 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2018-044 ABU OBEIDAH 208540.0 181600.0 746840.0 3568420.0 2018-045 KERAYMEH (NORTH) 206970.0 186300.0 745180.0 3573490.0 2018-046 KERAYMEH (SOUTH) 206920.0 186170.0 745130.0 3573360.0 TELL EL - KUREMA 206920.0 186170.0 745130.0 3573360.0 2018-047 QATAR GHOR EL-HAMRA 204140.0 186670.0 742340.0 3573800.0 2018-048 TELL SUBEIREH 203300.0 189380.0 741440.0 3576490.0 2018-049 E L- HAMRA 205150.0 188820.0 743300.0 3575970.0 2018-050 TELL SEQA'AH 203380.0 185510.0 741600.0 3572630.0 2018-051 KHIRBET BEWEIB 205850.0 182930.0 744120.0 3570100.0 KHIRBET BUWEIB 205850.0 182930.0 744120.0 3570100.0 2018-052 TELL BUWEIB 205560.0 182630.0 743840.0 3569790.0 2018-053 TELL EN- NAKHIL (NORTH) 205630.0 181140.0 743940.0 3568300.0 2018-054 TELL EN- NEKHEIL (SOUTH) 205360.0 180820.0 743680.0 3567980.0 2018-055 TELL HARABEH 205850.0 182330.0 744140.0 3569500.0 TELL EL- KHARABEH 205850.0 182330.0 744140.0 3569500.0 2018-057 SAIDIYEH ( VILLAGE) 204200.0 185400.0 742400.0 3572500.0 2018-058 TELL ABU ED H-DHAHAB 207420.0 186600.0 745620.0 3573800.0 2018-059 TELL EL- KURAYMAH 206430.0 186540.0 744630.0 3573720.0 2018-060 TELL EL - QELAYA 206420.0 186200.0 744630.0 3573380.0 2018-061 TELL EL- FESHUSH 204000.0 187070.0 742190.0 3574200.0 2018-062 SUBEIR EH NORTH 204200.0 189700.0 742300.0 3576800.0 2018-063 SUBEIREH ( VILLAGE) 204200.0 189500.0 742300.0 3576600.0 2019-001 TELL A BU HAMID 203790.0 191480.0 741890.0 3578600.0 2019-003 KURKUMA 207800.0 198300.0 745700.0 3585500.0 2019-004 TELL ABU HAB IL SOUTH 204710.0 196900.0 742700.0 3584040.0 2019-005 TELL ABU HAB IL NORTH 204480.0 197320.0 742460.0 3584460.0 2019-006 SUBEIRRA 207800.0 196300.0 745900.0 3583700.0 2019-007 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 036 207300.0 199600.0 745200.0 3586800.0 2019-008 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 037 207300.0 199800.0 745200.0 3587000.0 2019-009 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 038 207100.0 199700.0 745000.0 3588900.0 2019-010 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 039 207100.0 199800.0 745000.0 3587000.0 2019-011 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 040 206900.0 199800.0 744800.0 3587000.0 2019-012 KHIRBET EL- MAHRUQAT 206000.0 199900.0 743900.0 3586900.0 2019-013 EL - QUSAYB 206200.0 199700.0 744100.0 3586800.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-14 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2019-014 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 043 206400.0 199300.0 744300.0 3586400.0 2019-016 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 053 205100.0 199800.0 742900.0 3586200.0 2019-017 (AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION) 205100.0 199900.0 743000.0 3587000.0 2019-018 EL- KHARABE 208900.0 197800.0 746900.0 3585000.0 TELL R AS HAMID 208900.0 197800.0 746900.0 3585000.0 2019-019 KHIRBE T EKRIM 208200.0 195700.0 746200.0 3582900.0 2019-021 KHIRBET EL- AKHZEMAT 208100.0 191100.0 746200.0 3578300.0 2019-022 KHIRBET SOFARA 208600.0 191300.0 746700.0 3578500.0 2019-023 ABU EL-HILAN 207200.0 197400.0 745100.0 3584500.0 2019-024 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 141 207000.0 198300.0 744900.0 3585500.0 2019-025 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 142 207100.0 198600.0 745000.0 3585800.0 2019-026 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 143 206600.0 198600.0 744500.0 3586000.0 2019-027 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 144 206400.0 197900.0 744300.0 3585000.0 2019-028 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 145 206600.0 198300.0 744500.0 3585400.0 2019-029 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 146 207000.0 197600.0 744900.0 3584700.0 2019-030 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 147 206900.0 197800.0 744800.0 3584900.0 2019-031 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 148 206400.0 197700.0 744300.0 3584800.0 2019-032 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 149 206900.0 199100.0 744800.0 3586200.0 2019-033 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 150 206500.0 199300.0 744400.0 3586400.0 2019-034 WADI SUBEIRAH 205900.0 195100.0 743900.0 3582300.0 2019-035 ES- SLEIKHAT /MUHEISEN SITE 38 205900.0 191000.0 744000.0 3578200.0 2019-036 ES- SLEIKHAT /MUHEISEN SITE 39 207400.0 192800.0 745500.0 3580000.0 2019-037 ES- SLEIKHAT /MUHEISEN SITE 40 206200.0 191900.0 744300.0 3579100.0 2019-038 AIN HANIDAH 206800.0 192900.0 744900.0 3580100.0 2019-039 HEJEIJAH 207700.0 192900.0 745800.0 3580200.0 2019-040 ABU HABIL/MUHEISEN SITE 43 206600.0 194100.0 744600.0 3581300.0 2019-041 TELL EL - KHARAZ 208000.0 194800.0 746000.0 3582000.0 2019-042 LEIKHAT /GLUECK 1951A S ITE 166B 206000.0 192200.0 744100.0 3579400.0 2019-043 JABAL A BU SFEID 209600.0 198300.0 747500.0 3585500.0 2019-044 JABAL S ARDUB 01 209900.0 199200.0 747800.0 3586400.0 2019-045 JABAL S ARDUB 02 209500.0 199200.0 747400.0 3586400.0 2019-046 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 213 208900.0 198700.0 746800.0 3585900.0 2019-047 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 214 208800.0 198700.0 746700.0 3585900.0 2019-048 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 215 209300.0 199700.0 747200.0 3586900.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-15 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2019-049 MA'RABA 209100.0 199800.0 747000.0 3587000.0 2019-050 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 221 209400.0 199800.0 747300.0 3587000.0 2019-051 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 222 209000.0 199100.0 746900.0 3586300.0 2019-052 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 223 209000.0 199500.0 746900.0 3586700.0 2019-053 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 224 209000.0 199900.0 746900.0 3587100.0 2019-054 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 225 209100.0 199600.0 747000.0 3586800.0 2019-055 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 245 209600.0 197700.0 747500.0 3584900.0 2019-056 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 246 207700.0 198800.0 745600.0 3586000.0 2019-058 TILAT ES- SUFR 205800.0 196700.0 743800.0 3583900.0 2019-059 TELL E T- TAWIL 206800.0 195700.0 744800.0 3582900.0 2019-060 TELL EL- QARN 204200.0 194000.0 742200.0 3581100.0 2019-061 TELL ABU E L-AQARIB 204800.0 192500.0 742900.0 3579600.0 2019-062 TELL ABU EL-QATAF 207300.0 191600.0 745400.0 3578800.0 2019-063 TELL EL- MAQBARA 203400.0 192100.0 741500.0 3579200.0 2019-070 KHIRBET EL- QARN 204350.0 195320.0 742370.0 3582460.0 2019-071 QOD EL- MEGHARAH 206700.0 196210.0 744700.0 3583390.0 2019-072 DHAHRET UMM EL-MARAR 206680.0 194420.0 744720.0 3581600.0 2019-073 TELL HEJEIJEH 207570.0 194070.0 745620.0 3581270.0 2019-074 TELL HENEIDEH 207530.0 193820.0 745580.0 3581020.0 2019-075 MAQBARAT ES- SLEIKHAT 206560.0 193160.0 744620.0 3580340.0 2019-076 TELL ABU E L-AQARIB 205660.0 192970.0 743730.0 3580130.0 TELL EL - AQAREB 205660.0 192970.0 743730.0 3580130.0 2019-077 TELL AB U DAHNUN 206240.0 191380.0 744340.0 3578550.0 2019-078 TELL ZOR EL- MEQBEREH 202940.0 192070.0 741030.0 3579180.0 2019-079 ARAQ ABU EZ-ZEIT 203400.0 190610.0 741520.0 3577730.0 2019-081 MAKHADET AB U ES-SUS 203230.0 198140.0 741190.0 3585250.0 2019-082 TELL ABU EN-NI'AJ (TOMBS) 204100.0 195220.0 742120.0 3582350.0 2019-083 KHIRBET HEJEIJEH 207400.0 194000.0 745400.0 3581200.0 2019-084 UMM EL-BA`IR 206700.0 193700.0 744800.0 3580900.0 2019-085 KHIRBET SLEIKHAT 207200.0 192800.0 745300.0 3580000.0 2020-002 TABA QAT FAHL 208000.0 206400.0 745800.0 3593600.0 PELLA 208000.0 206400.0 745800.0 3593600.0 2020-003 ABU EL KHASS 208000.0 206000.0 746400.0 3594100.0 ABU EL-KHAS 208000.0 206000.0 746400.0 3594100.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-16 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2020-004 TELL GHANAM 205370.0 206340.0 743160.0 3593500.0 2020-005 TELL EL- MEQBEREH 205790.0 200760.0 743700.0 3587930.0 2020-006 TELL ABU E L KHARAZ 206400.0 200710.0 744310.0 3587890.0 2020-007 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 010 208800.0 204100.0 746600.0 3591300.0 2020-008 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 011 208900.0 204100.0 746700.0 3591300.0 2020-009 TELL MAQBARAT 205120.0 200260.0 743040.0 3587410.0 2020-010 TELL S HERHABIL 204320.0 200220.0 742240.0 3587360.0 2020-011 EL- MARRAZA 205800.0 202200.0 743600.0 3589400.0 2020-012 EZ- ZU'UR (SOUTH) 204600.0 201300.0 742400.0 3588400.0 2020-013 EZ- ZU'UR (NORTH) 204600.0 201600.0 742400.0 3588700.0 2020-014 MEQBE REH EAST 205900.0 200700.0 743800.0 3587800.0 2020-015 ABU ALUB AH SOUTH 206000.0 203200.0 743800.0 3590300.0 2020-016 KHIRBET AB U ALUBAH 206000.0 203400.0 744200.0 3590600.0 2020-017 N/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 030 209800.0 200700.0 747700.0 3587900.0 2020-018 KHIRBET ABU ES-SALIH 209300.0 200600.0 747200.0 3587800.0 2020-019 TELL EL - HAYYAT 204700.0 203250.0 742550.0 3590390.0 2020-021 TELL ABU EN-NI'AJ (NORTH) 203920.0 203210.0 741780.0 3590340.0 2020-022 TELL ABU EN-NI'AJ (SOUTH) 204130.0 202350.0 742000.0 3589480.0 2020-023 TELL EL- M U`AJAMEH 203270.0 201060.0 741170.0 3588170.0 TELL EL- M A'AJAJEH 203270.0 201060.0 741170.0 3588170.0 2020-024 TELL AB U NIJRAS 202940.0 200210.0 740860.0 3587320.0 2020-025 KHIRBET MEZA B ET-TUT 204800.0 200400.0 742700.0 3587500.0 2020-026 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 093 209500.0 201900.0 747300.0 3589100.0 2020-028 ZAHARE T EL-JUR 209800.0 202000.0 747600.0 3589200.0 2020-029 ERAZZEH/MUHEISEN SITE 4 8/WY 101 206400.0 201900.0 744200.0 3589000.0 2020-030 ERAZZEH/MUHEISEN SITE 4 7/WY 100 205800.0 202400.0 743600.0 3589500.0 2020-031 H (SOUTHWEST)/MUHEISEN 49/WY102 206300.0 202400.0 744100.0 3589500.0 2020-032 AH (NORTHEAST)/MUHEISEN SITE 51 206500.0 203400.0 744300.0 3590500.0 2020-033 EL- BEQA 209700.0 207800.0 747500.0 3595000.0 2020-034 KHIRBET EL - TANTUR 209700.0 206000.0 747500.0 3593200.0 2020-035 TELL EN- NHER 208400.0 204100.0 746200.0 3591300.0 2020-036 WADI H AMMEH 01 208900.0 208300.0 746600.0 3595500.0 EL- HOR 208900.0 208300.0 746600.0 3595500.0 2020-037 WADI H AMMEH 02 209400.0 208600.0 747100.0 3595800.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-17 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2020-038 WADI H AMMEH 03 206600.0 208300.0 744300.0 3595500.0 2020-039 WADI H AMMEH 04 206600.0 207800.0 744400.0 3595000.0 2020-040 WADI H AMMEH 05 206700.0 208000.0 744500.0 3595200.0 2020-041 WADI H AMMEH 06 206800.0 208000.0 744600.0 3595200.0 2020-042 WADI H AMMEH 07 206900.0 208400.0 744600.0 3595600.0 2020-043 WADI H AMMEH 08 207100.0 208400.0 744800.0 3595600.0 2020-044 WADI H AMMEH 09 207200.0 208400.0 744900.0 3595600.0 2020-045 WADI H AMMEH 10 207300.0 208300.0 745000.0 3595500.0 2020-046 WADI H AMMEH 11 207200.0 208500.0 744900.0 3595700.0 2020-047 WADI H AMMEH 12 206900.0 208600.0 744600.0 3595800.0 2020-048 KHIRBET HAMMEH 206700.0 208800.0 744400.0 3596000.0 WADI H AMMEH 13 206700.0 208800.0 744400.0 3596000.0 2020-049 WADI H AMMEH 14 206900.0 208700.0 744600.0 3595900.0 2020-050 WADI H AMMEH 15 206700.0 208500.0 744400.0 3595700.0 2020-051 WADI H AMMEH 16 207300.0 207800.0 745100.0 3595000.0 2020-052 EL- HUSN 209000.0 207800.0 746800.0 3595000.0 TELL EL- HUSN / WADI H AMMEH 17 209000.0 207800.0 746800.0 3595000.0 2020-053 WADI H AMMEH 18 207200.0 208700.0 744900.0 3595900.0 2020-054 WADI H AMMEH 19 206900.0 208000.0 744700.0 3595200.0 2020-055 WADI H AMMEH 20 207100.0 209100.0 744800.0 3596300.0 2020-056 WADI H AMMEH 21 207200.0 209100.0 744900.0 3596300.0 2020-057 WADI HAMM EH 22/23 207300.0 208600.0 745000.0 3595800.0 2020-058 WADI H AMMEH 24 207400.0 208400.0 745100.0 3595600.0 2020-059 WADI H AMMEH 25 207500.0 208200.0 745300.0 3595400.0 2020-060 WADI H AMMEH 26 207500.0 208300.0 745200.0 3595500.0 2020-061 WADI H AMMEH 27 207600.0 208100.0 745400.0 3595300.0 2020-062 WADI H AMMEH 28 208500.0 208000.0 746300.0 3595200.0 2020-063 WADI H AMMEH 29 207100.0 208500.0 744800.0 3595700.0 2020-064 WADI H AMMEH 30 209200.0 207900.0 747000.0 3595100.0 2020-065 WADI H AMMEH 31 206750.0 208440.0 744500.0 3595600.0 2020-066 WADI H AMMEH 32 206720.0 208440.0 744500.0 3595600.0 2020-067 WADI H AMMEH 33 207500.0 208400.0 745200.0 3595600.0 2020-068 WADI H AMMEH 34 207550.0 208350.0 745300.0 3595600.0 2020-069 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 151 206700.0 200200.0 744600.0 3587300.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-18 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2020-070 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 152 206800.0 200300.0 744700.0 3587400.0 2020-071 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 153 207200.0 201500.0 745000.0 3588600.0 2020-072 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 154 206900.0 201500.0 744700.0 3588600.0 2020-073 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 155 206900.0 202000.0 744700.0 3589100.0 2020-074 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 156 206800.0 201700.0 744600.0 3588800.0 2020-075 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 157 206700.0 202300.0 744500.0 3589400.0 2020-076 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 158 206400.0 202900.0 744200.0 3590000.0 2020-077 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 159 207000.0 203400.0 744800.0 3590500.0 2020-078 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 160 206200.0 203000.0 744000.0 3590100.0 2020-079 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 161 206300.0 203400.0 744100.0 3590500.0 2020-080 MARRAZ AH SOUTH 206300.0 200800.0 744200.0 3588000.0 2020-081 MARRAZ AH NORTH 205600.0 201900.0 743500.0 3589100.0 2020-085 AH (NORTHEAST)/MUHEISEN SITE 50 206900.0 202900.0 744800.0 3590100.0 2020-086 TELL MUNTAR 207600.0 205400.0 745400.0 3592600.0 2020-088 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 216 209500.0 200000.0 747400.0 3587200.0 2020-089 TANNUR 208900.0 200000.0 746800.0 3587200.0 2020-090 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 219 209900.0 200000.0 747800.0 3587200.0 2020-091 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 231 209900.0 200900.0 747800.0 3588100.0 2020-092 NN/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 235 209900.0 201500.0 747800.0 3588700.0 2020-093 JABAL SARTABA 209700.0 205400.0 747500.0 3592600.0 2020-094 ZAHARET EL-HUSN 209500.0 208500.0 747100.0 3595600.0 ZAHARET EL-HUSN E L-GHARBI 209500.0 208500.0 747100.0 3595600.0 2020-095 EDH DHIYABEH 206300.0 204500.0 744100.0 3591700.0 2020-096 EL- JIRM 206100.0 207000.0 743900.0 3594200.0 2020-097 KHIRBET ABU EL-KHASS 209300.0 206900.0 747100.0 3594100.0 2020-098 TELL E SH SHUNA 204400.0 205400.0 742200.0 3592800.0 2020-100 TELL ABU EL-KHASS 209400.0 206300.0 747200.0 3593500.0 2020-101 KHIRBET E L- HAMMA 206400.0 208400.0 744100.0 3595600.0 2020-102 NN/SITE 2020.102 207900.0 206300.0 745700.0 3593500.0 2020-103 MAQAM ESH SHEIKH MUHAMMAD 206000.0 205200.0 743800.0 3592400.0 2020-104 EL- HAMMEH (TOMBS) 206920.0 208400.0 744670.0 3595590.0 2020-105 ER- RASIYYAH (NORTH) 206350.0 204560.0 744180.0 3591740.0 2020-106 ER- RASIYYAH (SOUTH) 206210.0 204100.0 744050.0 3591280.0 2020-107 KHIRBET EL - HAMMEH 206600.0 208700.0 744340.0 3595880.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-19 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2020-108 EL- HAMMEH (WE ST SITE) 206010.0 208690.0 743750.0 3595860.0 2020-109 TELL ES - SUKKAR 206080.0 207340.0 743850.0 3594510.0 2020-110 TELL ESH SHUNA H MIDDLE 204300.0 205240.0 743850.0 3594510.0 2020-111 TELL SALMAN 203770.0 205140.0 741590.0 3592270.0 2020-112 DABBET ABU TAWILEH 204070.0 206850.0 741850.0 3593980.0 2020-113 TELL ZAQQUM 206500.0 205810.0 744300.0 3592990.0 2020-114 KHIRBET ED- DALIYAH 208000.0 209700.0 745700.0 3596900.0 2020-115 TELL BA` JAWIYYAH 204500.0 206900.0 742300.0 3594000.0 2020-116 BANA T YA`QUB 206500.0 206600.0 744300.0 3593800.0 2020-117 MAQAM S HARHABIL 204300.0 200200.0 742200.0 3587300.0 2020-118 EL- HISN 208100.0 206000.0 745900.0 3593200.0 TELL EL- HU SN/PELLA 208100.0 206000.0 745900.0 3593200.0 2020-119 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669K 207248.0 206223.0 744939.0 3593021.0 2020-120 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 643 208019.0 203805.0 745760.0 3590619.0 2020-121 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 668 207217.0 206211.0 744909.0 3593008.0 2020-122 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 667 207217.0 206211.0 744907.0 3593008.0 2020-123 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 647A 208041.0 204940.0 745759.0 3591754.0 2020-124 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 647B 207989.0 204946.0 745707.0 3591759.0 2020-125 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 651 207808.0 205938.0 745505.0 3592748.0 2020-126 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 652 207815.0 205057.0 745530.0 3591867.0 2020-127 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 653 207029.0 206289.0 744719.0 3593083.0 2020-128 NN/PHS/SIT E NO 654 208302.0 204570.0 746028.0 3591390.0 2020-129 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 657 207070.0 206475.0 744756.0 3593269.0 2020-130 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 659 206827.0 206334.0 744516.0 3593123.0 2020-131 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 662 206614.0 207173.0 744285.0 3593958.0 2020-132 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 666 207109.0 206214.0 744800.0 3593009.0 2020-133 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669A 207127.0 206262.0 744817.0 3593058.0 2020-134 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669B 207143.0 206255.0 744834.0 3593051.0 2020-135 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669C 207149.0 206250.0 744840.0 3593046.0 2020-136 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669D 207180.0 206231.0 744871.0 3593028.0 2020-137 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669E 207198.0 206213.0 744889.0 3593010.0 2020-138 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 699F 207206.0 206209.0 744898.0 3593006.0 2020-139 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669G 207219.0 206206.0 744911.0 3593004.0 2020-140 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669H 207226.0 206205.0 744915.0 3593003.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-20 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2020-141 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669I 207234.0 206209.0 744926.0 3593007.0 2020-142 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669J 207236.0 206268.0 744926.0 3593066.0 2020-143 NN/PHS96/SITE NO 669L 207261.0 206226.0 744952.0 3593024.0 2020-144 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 670 207054.0 206160.0 744747.0 3592954.0 2020-145 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 671 206823.0 206527.0 744508.0 3593316.0 2020-146 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 672 206694.0 206537.0 744379.0 3593324.0 2020-147 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 673 206690.0 206590.0 744374.0 3593377.0 2020-148 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 674 206641.0 206518.0 744326.0 3593304.0 2020-149 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 676 206888.0 206882.0 744566.0 3593673.0 2020-150 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 677 206814.0 206942.0 744490.0 3593731.0 2020-151 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 678 206844.0 206984.0 744519.0 3593774.0 2020-152 NN/PHS96/SIT E NO 679 206895.0 207043.0 744569.0 3593834.0 2020-153 ER- RASFA (NWJS 97, SITE 14) 206900.0 202100.0 744779.0 3589290.0 2020-154 NN/NWJS 97 'SITE 15 206400.0 202300.0 0.0 0.0 2020-155 NN/NWJS 97 SITE 1 206100.0 201900.0 744000.0 3589100.0 2020-156 NN/NWJS 97 SITE 2 206200.0 201900.0 744100.0 3589100.0 2020-157 NN/NWJS 97, SITE 3 206000.0 203000.0 743900.0 3590200.0 2020-158 NN/NWJS 97, SITE 4 206100.0 202900.0 744000.0 3590100.0 2020-159 NN/NWJS 97, SITE 6 206100.0 203000.0 744000.0 3590200.0 2020-160 NN/NWJS 97 SITE 7 206000.0 203000.0 743900.0 3590200.0 2020-161 NN/NWJS 97, SITE 8 206000.0 203000.0 743900.0 3590200.0 2020-162 NN/NWJS 97, SITE 9 206100.0 202900.0 744000.0 3590100.0 2020-163 NN/NWJS 97, SITE 16 206300.0 202400.0 744200.0 3589600.0 2021-001 TELL EL- ARBA`IN 205790.0 213950.0 743420.0 3601120.0 2021-002 TELL MUDAWWAR 207780.0 219120.0 745310.0 3606330.0 2021-003 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 001 207200.0 215300.0 744800.0 3602500.0 2021-004 TELL A BU HARSH 207400.0 215100.0 745000.0 3602300.0 2021-005 EL - AZZIYA 207400.0 215600.0 745000.0 3602800.0 2021-006 TELL EL - AZZIYA 207500.0 215700.0 745100.0 3602900.0 TELL ER - REFEIF 207500.0 215700.0 745100.0 3602900.0 2021-007 KHIRBET IRAQ ER -RASHDAN 207530.0 213850.0 745170.0 3601050.0 2021-008 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 037 209400.0 215100.0 747000.0 3602300.0 2021-009 TELL QUDDSIYA (NORTH) 205050.0 213100.0 742700.0 3600250.0 2021-010 SALIM EL-YUSEF /JSHP SITE C-D 204440.0 213500.0 742080.0 3600640.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-21 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2021-011 ET SALIM EL-YUSEF /JSH P SITE E 204280.0 213740.0 741920.0 3600880.0 2021-012 TELL FENDI E L-JANUBI 205000.0 212540.0 742660.0 3599690.0 2021-013 TEL L FENDI 205030.0 212650.0 742690.0 3599800.0 2021-014 YARFA 203400.0 214200.0 741030.0 3601320.0 2021-015 TELL QESEIBEH 207720.0 217900.0 745270.0 3605110.0 2021-017 KHIRBET SHEIKH MOHAMMAD 205140.0 211480.0 742820.0 3598630.0 2021-018 TELL MUHAWESH 205500.0 213500.0 743100.0 3600700.0 2021-019 AMEIDAT 209300.0 212300.0 747000.0 3599500.0 2021-020 EL- H ARAWIYYA 204800.0 211800.0 742500.0 3598900.0 2021-022 EL - JASURA 205600.0 213800.0 743200.0 3601000.0 2021-023 QULEI'AT 206800.0 214800.0 744400.0 3602000.0 2021-024 KHIRBET EL- MARQA`AH 207300.0 212400.0 745000.0 3599600.0 MERQA`AH 207300.0 212400.0 745000.0 3599600.0 2021-025 TELL HIMADI 207500.0 216300.0 745100.0 3603500.0 2021-026 KHIRBET ESH SHEIKH ULAYYAN 205500.0 213100.0 743100.0 3600300.0 2021-027 KHIRBET MOHAMM ED SALIH 203830.0 213940.0 741460.0 3601070.0 MAZRAT ABU ISA 203830.0 213940.0 741460.0 3601070.0 2021-028 TELL QUDSIYYEH (SOUTH) 204800.0 213240.0 742450.0 3600390.0 2021-029 MAQAM ESH SHEIKH HUSSEIN 205410.0 213060.0 743060.0 3600220.0 2021-030 BESEILEH 207340.0 213730.0 744980.0 3609300.0 2021-031 A BU URABI 206760.0 214060.0 744390.0 3601250.0 2021-032 TELL ESH SHEIK H SHEHAB 204940.0 217030.0 742510.0 3604180.0 2021-033 WAQQAS 206900.0 216600.0 744500.0 3603800.0 2021-034 E D- DEBAB 205550.0 218560.0 743090.0 3605720.0 2021-035 TELL ER - REFEIF 208200.0 212400.0 745900.0 3599600.0 2021-036 TELL ES - SAGHIR 204900.0 211600.0 742600.0 3598700.0 2021-037 ABU ARABI ESH -SHEMALI 206590.0 214220.0 744220.0 3601400.0 2021-038 MAQAM 'UMAYR BIN AB I WAQQAS 206900.0 216200.0 744500.0 3603400.0 2021-039 AIN E L- BEIDA 208400.0 212300.0 746100.0 3599600.0 2021-040 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 147 209900.0 214200.0 7475280.0 3601453.0 2021-041 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIB A SITE 1 208510.0 216076.0 7461000.0 36033000.0 2021-042 AZZIYA (WADI ET TAIYIBA SITE 6) 208610.0 216073.0 7462000.0 360330000.0 2021-043 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIBA SITE 10 208608.0 215974.0 746200.0 3603200.0 2021-044 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIBA SITE 11 208517.0 216375.0 7461000.0 3603600.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-22 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2021-045 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIBA SITE 12 208914.0 216267.0 7465000.0 3603500.0 2021-046 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIBA SITE 13 208812.0 216169.0 7464000.0 3603400.0 2021-047 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIBA SITE 14 208019.0 216486.0 7456000.0 3603700.0 2021-048 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIBA SITE 16 208302.0 215680.0 7459000.0 3602900.0 2021-049 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIBA SITE 18 208308.0 215980.0 7459000.0 3603200.0 2021-050 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIBA SITE 19 208408.0 215978.0 7460000.0 3603200.0 2022-001 TELL EL- MADRASA 206950.0 221040.0 744440.0 3608230.0 2022-002 TELL ESH SHUNAH ESH -SHEMALI 207500.0 224100.0 744800.0 3611100.0 2022-003 KHIRBET UMM E L-KHIRWA 206090.0 223260.0 743530.0 3610440.0 2022-004 TELL ES - SUWWAN 204800.0 222180.0 742260.0 3609330.0 2022-005 KHIRBET E T- TABAQ 209800.0 228300.0 747100.0 3615600.0 2022-006 TELL SEIRAWAN 207700.0 220200.0 745200.0 3607400.0 2022-007 FREIQ`A 208000.0 220100.0 745500.0 3607300.0 2022-008 BAQURAH 205520.0 227600.0 742870.0 3614760.0 2022-009 EL- MANSHIYA 204500.0 221000.0 742000.0 3608100.0 2022-010 EL- MADRASA 206700.0 221140.0 744200.0 3608600.0 2022-011 BAQURAH ( VILLAGE) 205800.0 227600.0 743100.0 3614800.0 2022-012 MAQAM ESH SHEIK H MU'ADH 207900.0 223400.0 745300.0 3610600.0 2022-013 NN/SITE 2022.013 204200.0 226800.0 741600.0 3613900.0 2022-014 EL- MASHARGA 208400.0 227100.0 745800.0 3614300.0 2022-015 EL- MU GHEIRFAT 208100.0 225300.0 745500.0 3612500.0 2022-016 KHIRBET E L- QATAF 204200.0 224500.0 741600.0 3611600.0 2022-017 ES- SAKHINA 207900.0 222200.0 745400.0 3609400.0 2022-018 TE LL MUSA 204900.0 221700.0 742400.0 3608900.0 2022-019 TELL EL - MINTAR 207650.0 224130.0 745070.0 3611340.0 2022-020 ES- SASIYEH 205920.0 222600.0 743370.0 3609770.0 KHIRBET ES- SASIYYAH 205920.0 222600.0 743370.0 3609770.0 2022-021 TELL A BU GAMEL 204660.0 221620.0 742130.0 3608770.0 2022-022 TELL UMM EL-QARAF 207440.0 223250.0 744880.0 3610450.0 2022-023 ABU EL-ADAS 207640.0 222550.0 745090.0 3609760.0 2022-024 KHIRBET ES- SAKHINEH 207930.0 222240.0 745390.0 3609450.0 2022-025 TELL ES- SAKHINEH 207850.0 221860.0 745320.0 3609070.0 2022-026 KHIRBET MA'ADH 207720.0 223550.0 745150.0 3610760.0 2022-027 TELL ER- RAYY (SOUTH) 207800.0 223870.0 745230.0 3611080.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-23 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2022-028 JISR EL -MAJAMI' 203930.0 225650.0 741320.0 3612780.0 2022-029 TELL ER- RAYY (NORTH) 207900.0 224060.0 745320.0 3611270.0 2022-030 DHRA' EL-KHAN 208160.0 223650.0 745590.0 3610870.0 2022-031 ADASIYYAH (POLI CE POST) 207500.0 229500.0 744800.0 3616700.0 2022-032 EL- MIDARAJ 208300.0 225800.0 745700.0 3613000.0 2022-033 TELL AB U BISSEH 205700.0 222200.0 743200.0 3609400.0 2022-034 KHIRBET ES - SUWWAN 205100.0 222700.0 742600.0 3609900.0 2022-035 MA'AD 207800.0 223500.0 745200.0 3610700.0 2023-001 ADASIY EH NORTH 208500.0 230400.0 745800.0 3617600.0 2023-002 ADASIY EH SOUTH 208300.0 230100.0 745600.0 3617300.0 2023-003 ADASIYYAH (UPPER) 208800.0 230400.0 746100.0 3617600.0 2023-004 ADASIYYAH (LOWER) 207900.0 230100.0 745200.0 3617300.0 2023-005 ADASIYA 207700.0 230200.0 745000.0 3617400.0 2104-002 NN / WHS 62 211200.0 40900.0 752200.0 3428200.0 2104-003 NN / WHS 63 211000.0 41400.0 752100.0 3428500.0 2104-004 NN / WHS 64 211200.0 41600.0 752200.0 3428800.0 2104-005 NN / WHS 65 210600.0 42700.0 751800.0 3429900.0 2104-006 NN / WHS 66 210500.0 43000.0 751500.0 3430200.0 2104-015 HAMMAM AFRA/ WHS 104 211400.0 41900.0 752500.0 3429100.0 2104-019 NN/ WHS 124 214700.0 41200.0 755900.0 3428500.0 2104-034 EL- QASREIN WEST/ WHS 144 212500.0 43100.0 753600.0 3430400.0 2104-037 ESH SHORABAT/ WHS 147 215050.0 42400.0 756100.0 3429700.0 2104-038 EL- BURBEITA/ WHS 148 214100.0 43200.0 755000.0 3430600.0 2104-039 A BU GHRAB 213600.0 43700.0 754600.0 3430900.0 KHIRBET HAMMAM/ WHS 149 213600.0 43700.0 754600.0 3430900.0 2104-042 BEIDAR RADWAN/ WHS 165 212500.0 44300.0 753500.0 3431500.0 2104-043 RADWAN/ WHS 166 212400.0 44200.0 753500.0 3431300.0 2104-044 MA'DEH/ WHS 167 212800.0 44200.0 753700.0 3431500.0 2104-045 NN/ WHS 168 213100.0 44200.0 754100.0 3431300.0 2104-046 MUAFA/ WHS 169 211100.0 43850.0 752200.0 3431100.0 2104-053 NN/ WHS 215 217500.0 40200.0 752300.0 3429400.0 2104-054 NN/ WHS 216 217300.0 40600.0 758400.0 3427900.0 2104-055 NN/ WHS 217 217200.0 40700.0 758400.0 3428000.0 2104-056 NN/ WHS 218 216700.0 41500.0 757700.0 3428800.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-24 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2104-057 NN/ WHS 219 216600.0 41600.0 757600.0 3428900.0 2104-058 NN/ WHS 220 216600.0 41600.0 757600.0 3428900.0 2104-059 NN/ WHS 221 216500.0 41700.0 757500.0 3429000.0 2104-060 NN/ WHS 222 216400.0 41900.0 757400.0 3429200.0 2104-061 NN/ WHS 223 215600.0 42300.0 756700.0 3429700.0 2104-062 NN/ WHS 224 216000.0 42200.0 757000.0 3429500.0 2104-063 ARD EL-HAUREH/ WHS 225 215900.0 43200.0 757000.0 3430400.0 2104-064 ARD EL-HAUREH/ WHS 226 216000.0 42900.0 757200.0 3430300.0 2104-065 NN/ WHS 227 216100.0 42100.0 757100.0 3429400.0 2104-066 NN/ WHS 228 216200.0 42100.0 757300.0 3429400.0 2104-070 NN/ WHS 232 217900.0 41900.0 759000.0 3429000.0 2104-071 NN/ WHS 233 217900.0 41700.0 758900.0 3428900.0 2104-075 NN/ WHS 237 217300.0 41000.0 758400.0 3428300.0 2104-076 NN/ WHS 238 216800.0 43100.0 757800.0 3430500.0 2104-077 NN/ WHS 239 219400.0 42000.0 760400.0 3429400.0 2104-080 NN/ WHS 251 219700.0 41500.0 760100.0 3428900.0 2104-081 NN/ WHS 252 217600.0 40200.0 758700.0 3427500.0 2104-083 NN/ WHS 300 219800.0 41300.0 760800.0 3428700.0 2104-085 NN/ WHS 302 219700.0 41500.0 760800.0 3428800.0 2104-086 NN/ WHS 303 219800.0 41100.0 760900.0 3428500.0 2104-087 NN/ WHS 304 219900.0 41100.0 761100.0 3428300.0 2104-089 NN/ WHS 493 216400.0 41300.0 757300.0 3428400.0 2104-119 KHIRBET EL- NAJAJIR 213900.0 44600.0 755000.0 3431900.0 2104-132 NN/ASD WADI EL-HASA S ITE NO.1 217800.0 42950.0 7589110.0 34303360.0 2104-135 nn/asd wadi el has a site 5 219750.0 41850.0 7608840.0 3429275.0 2107-010 NN/ASKP SITE 155 210500.0 72100.0 751300.0 3459500.0 2107-019 BADHDHAN 212100.0 71500.0 754200.0 3457400.0 2107-022 TAHUNEH 215000.0 77400.0 755400.0 3464700.0 2107-023 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 12 214000.0 76900.0 754400.0 3464200.0 2107-025 ABU MUDAWER 214000.0 77300.0 754400.0 3466600.0 2107-026 FAHNARA 213000.0 78300.0 753400.0 3465600.0 2107-027 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 16 214200.0 79200.0 754600.0 3466500.0 2107-028 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 17 213400.0 78600.0 753800.0 3465900.0 2107-029 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 18 213200.0 78700.0 753600.0 3466000.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-25 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2107-030 RUJM GHU RESILANE 213000.0 78900.0 753400.0 3466200.0 2107-031 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 20 212900.0 79100.0 753300.0 3466400.0 2107-037 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 33 211400.0 79900.0 751800.0 3467200.0 2107-050 KHIRBET KHRESIYA 213300.0 77600.0 753700.0 3464900.0 2107-058 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK S ITE 78.1 211500.0 78400.0 751900.0 3465700.0 2107-059 U MM QAL'A 211800.0 78300.0 752200.0 3465600.0 2108-019 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 26 210500.0 80200.0 750900.0 3467400.0 2108-020 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 27 210400.0 80100.0 750800.0 3467300.0 2108-021 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 28 210300.0 80300.0 750700.0 3467500.0 2108-035 JABAL DAFYAN 215000.0 80200.0 755400.0 3467500.0 JABAL WAD I FAWWAR 215000.0 80200.0 755400.0 3467500.0 2109-007 ES- SMARRAH 219200.0 94400.0 759300.0 3481800.0 2109-008 NN/NW ARD EL-KERAK SITE 90 219500.0 94500.0 759600.0 3481900.0 2109-013 NN/ MNRAB S SITE 5 212390.0 98822.0 752382.0 3486110.0 2109-014 NN/ MNRAB S SITE 6 212153.0 98622.0 752149.0 3485905.0 2112-002 AIN EL - QATTAR 213500.0 121700.0 753200.0 3508900.0 2112-004 NN/SITE 2112.004 214200.0 123900.0 753200.0 3511200.0 2113-001 TELL IKTANU 213600.0 136200.0 752830.0 3523510.0 2113-004 TELL ER- RAMA 211100.0 137070.0 750320.0 3524340.0 2113-005 TELL KUFREIN 212000.0 139700.0 751000.0 3527000.0 2113-006 -QUTTEIN/ GLUECK 1951A SITE 221 215500.0 137500.0 754700.0 3524900.0 2113-012 NN/HESBAN REGION SURVEY SITE 65 217700.0 134400.0 757000.0 3521800.0 2113-013 NN/HESBAN REGION SURVEY SITE 66 217600.0 134300.0 756900.0 3521700.0 2113-014 NN/HESBAN REGION SURVEY SITE 67 217200.0 134400.0 756500.0 3521800.0 2113-016 NN/HESBAN REGION SURVEY SITE 69 216700.0 135200.0 756000.0 3522600.0 2113-018 N/HESBAN REGION SURVEY SITE 125 216000.0 135700.0 755200.0 3523100.0 2113-019 TELL IJRUFA 210800.0 136300.0 750000.0 3523600.0 TELL AJRUFA 210800.0 136300.0 750000.0 3523600.0 2113-020 NN/HESBAN REGION SURVEY SITE 68 217000.0 134800.0 756300.0 3522200.0 2113-021 TELL SAHL ES -SARABIT 212100.0 135800.0 751300.0 3523100.0 2113-022 TELL EL - MATABI 214800.0 138800.0 754000.0 3526100.0 SALT 214800.0 138800.0 754000.0 3526100.0 2113-023 EL- KAFREIN 211900.0 139800.0 751100.0 3527100.0 2113-024 TELL E L- MAZAR 211400.0 136500.0 750600.0 3523800.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-26 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2113-025 EL- ME SALLAHAH 212710.0 137140.0 751920.0 3524440.0 TELL EL- MESELHEH 212710.0 137140.0 751920.0 3524440.0 2113-026 TELL EL - HAMMAM 214500.0 138400.0 753700.0 3525700.0 2113-027 A BU QAÌL 212300.0 132500.0 751600.0 3519800.0 2113-028 RUJM EL- HERI 213200.0 130700.0 752500.0 3518000.0 2113-029 KHIRBET EL- KEFREIN 210550.0 139230.0 749720.0 3526490.0 EL- KUFREIN VILLAGE 210550.0 139230.0 749720.0 3526490.0 2113-030 TELL A BU QARAF 213290.0 139050.0 752470.0 3526360.0 2113-031 TELL E T- TAHUN 213890.0 139310.0 753060.0 3526640.0 2113-032 RUJM EL- MU HTAREQAH 213900.0 134300.0 753200.0 3521600.0 2113-033 TELL EL- HEMMA ES-SAMRA 215400.0 132700.0 754700.0 3520100.0 2113-035 ESH SHAGHUR 211640.0 137500.0 750850.0 3524780.0 2113-036 EN- NAS SARIYYAT 212380.0 138740.0 751560.0 3526030.0 2113-037 EL- JAZAYIR 211760.0 138850.0 750940.0 3526130.0 2113-038 TELL WAD'AN 213270.0 136920.0 752490.0 3524230.0 2113-039 MUTHALLATH ER-RAMEH 211700.0 135830.0 750940.0 3523110.0 2113-040 TELL ED- D ABAKIYEH 210680.0 136970.0 749900.0 3524230.0 2113-041 DAYIR E L-BAGHIL 214430.0 138550.0 753620.0 3525890.0 2113-042 ESH SHA RAB EAST 212190.0 139840.0 751350.0 3527130.0 2113-044 EL- MS HAYYADEH 211640.0 138680.0 750820.0 3525960.0 2113-045 KETIF ES-SAFI 213550.0 136670.0 752770.0 3523990.0 2113-046 MUTHALLATH ER-RA MEH WEST 211300.0 135710.0 750540.0 3522980.0 2113-047 EL- KUFREIN 211910.0 139830.0 751070.0 3527110.0 TELL ES H SHARAB 211910.0 139830.0 751070.0 3527110.0 2113-048 NN/SITE 2113.048 214900.0 138900.0 754100.0 3526200.0 2113-049 HUÀIB/HISBAN) GLUECK SITE 212 214400.0 138600.0 753850.0 3526100.0 HEBBESA 214400.0 138600.0 753850.0 3526100.0 2113-050 ell EL BARAKAT (SHUÀIB /HISBAN) 213700.0 139750.0 752900.0 3527050.0 2113-051 N/SHUÀIB,HISBAN (PLATE AU FORT) 214850.0 138850.0 754055.0 3526175.0 2114-002 TELL EL - MUSTAH 210550.0 145820.0 749590.0 3533080.0 2114-003 NN/WADI SHU'EIB SURVEY SITE 02 210900.0 146300.0 749900.0 3533600.0 2114-004 NN/WADI SHU'EIB SURVEY SITE 11 211000.0 146800.0 750000.0 3534100.0 2114-005 NN/WADI SHU'EIB SURVEY SITE 12 211100.0 147200.0 750100.0 3534500.0 2114-006 NN/WADI SHU'EIB SURVEY SITE 13 211800.0 147300.0 750800.0 3534600.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-27 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2114-007 NN/WADI SHU'EIB SURVEY SI TE 03&04 211000.0 146400.0 750000.0 3533700.0 2114-008 NN/WADI SHU'EIB SURVEY SITE 05 210900.0 146500.0 749900.0 3533800.0 2114-009 DHARAS MASHHOUR 210100.0 142800.0 749200.0 3530000.0 2114-010 SOUTH SHONAH /MUHEISEN SITE 04 210200.0 144100.0 749300.0 3531400.0 2114-011 SOUTH SHONAH /MUHEISEN SITE 05 210200.0 144200.0 749300.0 3531500.0 2114-012 SOUTH SHONAH /MUHEISEN SITE 06 210100.0 143700.0 749200.0 3530900.0 2114-013 SOUTH SHONAH /MUHEISEN SITE 08 210300.0 144400.0 749400.0 3531700.0 2114-014 WADI SH UEIB DAM 210100.0 144600.0 749200.0 3531800.0 2114-015 TELL EL - HELALI 212900.0 143200.0 752000.0 3530500.0 2114-016 TELL E S- SIWAN 215600.0 141300.0 754700.0 3528700.0 2114-017 KAFREIN 210600.0 140600.0 749700.0 3527900.0 2114-019 L/WADI SHUEIB SURVEY SI TE NO. 1 210590.0 146450.0 749610.0 3533710.0 2114-021 KHIRBET EL- FARAWIT 219600.0 143900.0 758700.0 3531300.0 2114-023 KHIRBET EL - HASAAN 216100.0 146100.0 755100.0 3533500.0 2114-024 NN/IRAQ AL-AMIR, A.S N.97 214400.0 148400.0 753400.0 3535700.0 2114-026 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR, A.S N.99 213800.0 146800.0 752800.0 3534100.0 2114-027 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.100 214700.0 146000.0 753700.0 3533700.0 2114-028 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.101 215400.0 148200.0 754400.0 3535600.0 2114-030 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.103 214500.0 146000.0 753500.0 3533300.0 2114-031 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR, A .S N.104 214100.0 145400.0 753100.0 3532700.0 2114-032 RUJM UMM GOAF SOUT H N. 105 216500.0 143900.0 755600.0 3531300.0 2114-033 RUJM UMM GOTAF NORT H N. 106 216600.0 144200.0 755700.0 3531600.0 2114-034 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.167 219500.0 143200.0 758591.0 3530640.0 2114-035 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.173 218900.0 145900.0 757936.0 3533328.0 2114-036 RUJM AL AHM AR N.171 218700.0 145400.0 757746.0 3532824.0 2114-037 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.170 217600.0 143200.0 756700.0 3530600.0 2114-038 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.169 218200.0 143400.0 757300.0 3530800.0 2114-039 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.168 218400.0 143500.0 757485.0 3530917.0 2114-040 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.133 214500.0 140700.0 753641.0 3528037.0 2114-041 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.120 214000.0 141300.0 753129.0 3528627.0 2114-042 TELEILET UMM HADD ER N.121 214600.0 141800.0 753719.0 3529140.0 2114-043 NN/IRAQ AL AMIA,A .S N.122 214600.0 142600.0 753703.0 3529940.0 2114-044 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A. S N. 123 214900.0 143200.0 754000.0 3530546.0 2114-045 AL BRAIZ CA VE N.174 219000.0 145800.0 758038.0 3533230.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-28 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2114-046 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.124 215000.0 143100.0 754093.0 3530448.0 2114-047 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A. S N. 125 215300.0 143200.0 754391.0 3530554.0 2114-048 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A. S N. 126 215200.0 142500.0 754305.0 3529852.0 2114-049 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.128 215200.0 142800.0 754299.0 3530152.0 2114-050 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.129 215400.0 142700.0 754501.0 3530056.0 2114-051 KHIRBET ES SUW AN N.127 215300.0 142400.0 754407.0 3529540.0 2114-052 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N/131 215100.0 142100.0 754213.0 3529450.0 2114-053 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.132 214700.0 141900.0 753817.0 3529242.0 2114-055 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.119 214200.0 141300.0 753329.0 3528631.0 2114-056 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.130 215600.0 142600.0 754703.0 3529960.0 2114-057 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR, A.S N.89 215400.0 148400.0 754400.0 3535800.0 2114-058 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR, A.S N.90 213400.0 148000.0 752400.0 3535300.0 2114-059 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR, A.S N.91 213100.0 147900.0 752000.0 3535200.0 2114-060 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR, A.S N.92 213900.0 147800.0 752900.0 3535100.0 2114-061 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR, A.S N.93 213700.0 148900.0 752700.0 3536200.0 2114-062 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR, A.S N.94 214100.0 148800.0 753000.0 3536100.0 2114-063 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR, A.S N.95 214000.0 148400.0 753000.0 3535700.0 2114-064 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR, A.S N.96 214100.0 148400.0 753084.0 3535700.0 2114-065 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.107 216500.0 143800.0 755600.0 3531200.0 2114-066 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.108 216200.0 143400.0 755300.0 3530800.0 2114-067 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.109 217100.0 145400.0 756100.0 3532800.0 2114-068 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.110 215700.0 144100.0 754800.0 3531500.0 2114-069 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.111 215100.0 143800.0 754200.0 3531200.0 2114-070 RUJM EL- KL AL N.112 214900.0 144700.0 754000.0 3532000.0 2114-071 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.113 215700.0 145100.0 754800.0 3532500.0 2114-072 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.114 215600.0 145400.0 754600.0 3532800.0 2114-073 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.115 215100.0 145200.0 754200.0 3532600.0 2114-074 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.116 215300.0 145300.0 754300.0 3532700.0 2114-075 RUJM UMM HADD ER N.118 214200.0 141200.0 753331.0 3528531.0 2114-076 NN/IRAQ AL-AMIR ,A .S N.136 216500.0 142700.0 755601.0 3530078.0 2114-077 NN/IRAQ AL-AMIR ,A .S N.136 216400.0 142700.0 755501.0 3530076.0 2114-078 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.139 217000.0 142800.0 756099.0 3530189.0 2114-079 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.140 217200.0 142800.0 756299.0 3530193.0 2114-080 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.141 217200.0 143000.0 756295.0 3530393.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-29 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2114-081 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.135 216500.0 142500.0 755605.0 3529878.0 2114-082 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.163 219800.0 143200.0 758891.0 3530646.0 2114-083 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.165 218800.0 143600.0 757883.0 3531026.0 2114-084 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.117 215000.0 145000.0 754054.0 3532300.0 2114-085 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.134 216100.0 142500.0 755205.0 3529870.0 2114-087 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.160 219100.0 144500.0 758165.0 3531932.0 2114-088 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.161 219400.0 144100.0 758473.0 3531538.0 2115-008 UMM RUSHAYDA 216100.0 150300.0 755000.0 3537700.0 2115-009 NN/WADI SHU'EIB SURVEY SITE 20 218000.0 152300.0 756900.0 3539700.0 2115-013 NN/WADI SHU'EIB SURVEY SITE 18 215900.0 150100.0 754800.0 3537500.0 2115-019 NN/SITE 2115.019 216500.0 150700.0 755400.0 3538100.0 2115-021 NN/SITE 2115.021 217400.0 152000.0 756300.0 3539400.0 2115-022 NN/SITE 2115.022 218100.0 152700.0 757000.0 3540100.0 2115-032 MAQAM EN-NAB I SHUEIB 217800.0 151800.0 756700.0 3539200.0 2116-015 MAQAM MUSALLAM 213200.0 167600.0 751800.0 3554900.0 2117-003 TELL EDH DHAHAB EL-G HARBIYEH 215000.0 177000.0 753300.0 3564200.0 2117-004 TELL EL- ME GHANIYEH 214300.0 179200.0 752700.0 3566500.0 TELL EL- MU GHANNIYA 214300.0 179200.0 752700.0 3566500.0 2117-005 TELL MUGHA NNI WEST 212100.0 178300.0 750400.0 3565500.0 2117-006 AI N SABHA 212300.0 177800.0 750700.0 3565100.0 2117-007 SABHA & ZIQH AN CAVES 211300.0 177200.0 749700.0 3564400.0 2117-008 EL- HUNA 219100.0 177100.0 757500.0 3564600.0 2117-009 KHUYUF EL- M U'ALAQAH 219900.0 176500.0 758200.0 3563900.0 2117-010 EL- AZAB 219000.0 176500.0 757400.0 3564000.0 2117-011 ABU EN- NAJR 218600.0 176800.0 757000.0 3564300.0 2117-015 IRAQ ET-TAHU NA SOUTH 214400.0 177900.0 752800.0 3565200.0 2117-016 TELL EDH DHAHAB EL-S HARQIYEH 215500.0 177000.0 753400.0 3564300.0 2117-017 NN/GYPSUM M INE WEST 216200.0 176900.0 754900.0 3564100.0 2117-019 IRAQ E T-TAHUNA 214600.0 177900.0 753000.0 3565300.0 2117-020 TELL MUBARRAD 212400.0 179200.0 750800.0 3566500.0 2117-021 ABU EZ-ZIGH AN TOMBS 210500.0 177400.0 748900.0 3564700.0 2117-022 WADI EZ- ZARQA ( DOLMENS) 211500.0 178400.0 749900.0 3565700.0 2117-023 RUWEIHA /MUHEISEN 1988 SITE 19 211000.0 179100.0 749400.0 3566400.0 2117-026 TELL EL- HEM MEH EAST 211170.0 177740.0 749550.0 3565010.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-30 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2117-029 NN/SITE 2117.029 210800.0 171300.0 749300.0 3558600.0 2117-032 EZ- ZEIGHAN 210850.0 177300.0 749240.0 3564570.0 TEL L `ALLA 210850.0 177300.0 749240.0 3564570.0 TELL EL- HANDAQU Q SOUTH 210850.0 177300.0 749240.0 3564570.0 2117-033 ABU ZEIGHAN 210550.0 177540.0 748940.0 3564800.0 2117-034 ER- RUWEIHA 211030.0 178300.0 749400.0 3565570.0 2117-035 KHIRBET EL - FURWAN 216200.0 178800.0 754600.0 3566200.0 2117-037 TELL EL- HEMA 211500.0 177500.0 749900.0 3564800.0 2118-001 AB U UBEIDA 210600.0 180700.0 748900.0 3568000.0 2118-003 TELL KHARABE 214000.0 183400.0 752300.0 3570700.0 2118-016 KHIRBET ZAHR EL-JAMAL 212800.0 187400.0 751000.0 3574700.0 2118-017 KHIRBET EN- NIMR 212000.0 187500.0 750200.0 3574800.0 2118-018 KHIRBET EN- NILE 211500.0 186200.0 749700.0 3573500.0 2118-019 MUGHARA EN- NILE 211200.0 186400.0 749400.0 3573700.0 2118-020 KHIRBET UMM ZAYTUNA 210200.0 185400.0 748400.0 3572700.0 2118-025 GA'AGA/KUFRINJE SURVEY SITE 058 211700.0 187400.0 749900.0 3574700.0 2118-038 NN/SITE 2118.038 211700.0 185900.0 749900.0 3573200.0 2118-043 KHIRBET UMM ZAYTUNA (C EMETERY) 210320.0 185570.0 748540.0 3572830.0 KHIRBET EZ ZEITUNEH 210320.0 185570.0 748540.0 3572830.0 2118-044 NN/SITE 2118.044 212700.0 187700.0 750900.0 3575000.0 2118-046 DEI R MISMAR 212500.0 183150.0 0.0 0.0 2119-087 N/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 220 210000.0 199500.0 747900.0 3586700.0 2120-014 KHIRBET EZ- ZQEQ 210100.0 200100.0 748000.0 3587300.0 2120-015 KHIRBET EZ- ZQEQ (NORTH) 210100.0 200400.0 748000.0 3587600.0 2120-016 IRBET EZ- ZQEQ (NORTH C EMETERY) 210300.0 200500.0 748200.0 3587700.0 2120-017 JABAL EL - MUSTAH 210800.0 200800.0 748400.0 3587900.0 2120-018 QUBUR EL-ARAB 210500.0 200700.0 747600.0 3587900.0 JABAL E S- SAQAH 210500.0 200700.0 747600.0 3587900.0 2120-019 QUBUR EL-ARAB 210100.0 201400.0 748000.0 3588600.0 2120-021 M ERZABILA 211300.0 200900.0 749200.0 3588100.0 KHIRBET UMM EL-GHOZL AN/ WY28 211300.0 200900.0 749200.0 3588100.0 2120-022 QUBUR EL-ARAB 210100.0 201200.0 748000.0 3588400.0 2120-023 N/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 032 214300.0 200600.0 752200.0 3588000.0 2120-040 KHIRBET EZ- ZQEQ (SOUTH) 210100.0 200300.0 748000.0 3587400.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-31 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2120-042 BATMET ES-SENAN 211200.0 201000.0 749100.0 3588200.0 2120-054 DE IR QEQUB 211500.0 208700.0 749200.0 3596000.0 2120-058 DEIR EL-ASAL 211700.0 206900.0 749500.0 3594200.0 2120-059 RUJM EL- GHAUWEIT 211600.0 207500.0 749400.0 3594800.0 2120-060 KHIRBET ES- SERJ 211900.0 208000.0 749700.0 3595300.0 2120-061 E L- MESER 210400.0 205700.0 748200.0 3593000.0 2120-070 ZUBIYA 211600.0 207600.0 749400.0 3594900.0 2120-073 MAQ LUB WEST 214100.0 200700.0 752000.0 3588000.0 2120-075 N/WADI EL-YABIS SURVEY SITE 174 210300.0 200300.0 748200.0 3587500.0 2120-101 KHIRBET EL - JALAMA 212700.0 208600.0 750400.0 3595900.0 EL - JELMEH 212700.0 208600.0 750400.0 3595900.0 2120-107 TELL EZ - ZA'RUR 210100.0 206800.0 747900.0 3594100.0 2120-111 KHIRBET E R- RUQQA 211500.0 207900.0 749300.0 3595200.0 2120-116 AL-KHARJ 211570.0 204850.0 0.0 0.0 2121-005 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 014 215400.0 215400.0 753000.0 3602800.0 2121-007 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 016 215800.0 214800.0 753400.0 3602200.0 2121-008 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 017 215700.0 214900.0 753300.0 3602300.0 2121-010 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 019 216200.0 215300.0 753800.0 3602700.0 2121-011 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 020 216300.0 215300.0 753900.0 3602700.0 2121-013 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 022 216000.0 215400.0 753600.0 3602800.0 2121-014 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 023 215900.0 215300.0 753500.0 3602700.0 2121-015 KHIRBET RUKHEIM 212800.0 214800.0 752400.0 3602200.0 2121-016 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 025 213500.0 214900.0 751100.0 3602200.0 2121-017 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 026 213500.0 215000.0 751100.0 3602300.0 2121-023 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 032 214500.0 215700.0 752100.0 3603000.0 2121-024 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 033 212200.0 214600.0 749800.0 3601900.0 2121-025 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 034 212000.0 214400.0 749600.0 3601700.0 2121-026 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 035 210400.0 215300.0 748000.0 3602600.0 2121-027 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 036 210100.0 215700.0 747700.0 3603000.0 2121-028 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 038 211500.0 214500.0 749100.0 3601800.0 2121-029 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 039 211800.0 214300.0 749400.0 3601600.0 2121-030 MARHAB A/WZS 40 213400.0 213500.0 751000.0 3600800.0 2121-031 MARHAB A/WZS 41 213800.0 213800.0 751400.0 3601100.0 2121-032 MARHAB A/WZS 42 213800.0 213400.0 751400.0 3600700.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-32 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2121-033 TELL ABU E L-FUKHAR 211200.0 214100.0 748800.0 3601400.0 2121-034 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 045 211500.0 213800.0 749100.0 3601100.0 2121-035 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 046 211100.0 214500.0 748700.0 3601800.0 2121-041 MARHAB A/WZS 52 214000.0 213100.0 751700.0 3600400.0 2121-045 MARHAB A/WZS 56 214000.0 213800.0 751600.0 3601100.0 2121-046 ES- SAMT / WZS 57 214400.0 213700.0 752000.0 3601000.0 2121-047 ES- SAMT / WZS 58 214300.0 213500.0 751900.0 3600800.0 2121-053 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 084 217300.0 212800.0 755000.0 3600200.0 2121-058 ZABDA 212800.0 219700.0 750300.0 3607000.0 2121-059 ERKHEM 211900.0 214900.0 749500.0 3602200.0 2121-060 E L- GHABE 212900.0 214200.0 755500.0 3601600.0 2121-064 JUFFEN 211800.0 210700.0 749500.0 3598000.0 2121-068 KHIRBET ES H SHUREQ 210800.0 216600.0 748400.0 3603900.0 KHIRBET ES- SREQ 210800.0 216600.0 748400.0 3603900.0 2121-071 SAKAYIN 210300.0 213300.0 747900.0 3600600.0 2121-073 TELL ABU EL -HUSSEIN 213600.0 218400.0 751100.0 3605700.0 2121-074 UMM EN-NIML 218000.0 218800.0 755500.0 3606200.0 KHIRBET UMM EN-NAMIL 218000.0 218800.0 755500.0 3606200.0 2121-078 MENDAH 213200.0 217800.0 750800.0 3605100.0 2121-085 MARHABA 213600.0 213100.0 751300.0 3600400.0 2121-088 TELL E R- RU'US 211800.0 217500.0 749400.0 3604800.0 2121-090 TABAQAT EL-BUMA 217000.0 212200.0 754700.0 3599600.0 2121-093 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 133 210800.0 214700.0 7484170.0 3601972.0 2121-094 Tell RAKAN 1 WZS 120 212000.0 213900.0 7496340.0 3601196.0 2121-095 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 134 210800.0 213600.0 7484400.0 3600871.0 2121-096 EL BASATIN WZS SITE 135 211100.0 213600.0 7487400.0 3600878.0 2121-097 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 136 210000.0 214500.0 7476220.0 3601755.0 2121-098 EL BASATIN WZS SITE 140 211100.0 213700.0 7487380.0 3600978.0 2121-099 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 141 211300.0 213700.0 7489380.0 3600982.0 2121-100 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 143 211900.0 213700.0 0.0 0.0 2121-101 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 144 211900.0 213900.0 7495340.0 36011940.0 2121-102 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 145 210000.0 214600.0 7476190.0 36018550.0 2121-103 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 146 210100.0 214200.0 7477280.0 3601457.0 2121-104 / `UYUN EL- HAMAM WZS SITE 148 216500.0 212700.0 7541600.0 3600090.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-33 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2121-105 NN/WADI ZIQLAB SURVEY SITE 150 211900.0 213600.0 7495400.0 3600894.0 2121-106 Tell RAKAN II WZS 130 212000.0 213953.0 7496340.0 3601250.0 2121-107 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIB A SITE 3 216895.0 215401.0 7545000.0 3602800.0 2121-108 MENAKH WADI ET-TAIYIB A SITE 4 211105.0 215822.0 7487000.0 3603100.0 2121-109 N/WADI ET-TAIYIBA SURVE Y SITE 5 212104.0 215801.0 7497000.0 3603100.0 2121-110 NN/WADI ET-TAIYIBA SITE 20 212406.0 215895.0 7500000.0 36032000.0 2121-111 EL QASA' WZS SITE 137 210000.0 214400.0 7472270.0 3601442.0 2121-112 EL QASA' WZS SITE 138 210200.0 214500.0 7478220.0 3601759.0 2121-113 EL BASATIN WZS SITE 139 211000.0 213700.0 7486380.0 3600976.0 2121-114 NN/ WZS S ITE 142 211600.0 213700.0 7492470.0 3600823.0 2121-115 NN/ WZS SITE 151 216400.0 212700.0 7540600.0 3600088.0 2122-002 TELL EL- FAKHRAT 213600.0 228000.0 751000.0 3615300.0 2122-004 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 044 219700.0 227000.0 757100.0 3614500.0 2122-010 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 053 219100.0 227000.0 756500.0 3614400.0 2122-013 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 056 216500.0 226000.0 753900.0 3613400.0 2122-014 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 057 216200.0 225900.0 753600.0 3613300.0 2122-015 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 058 216200.0 225900.0 753600.0 3613300.0 2122-016 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 059 216200.0 226000.0 753600.0 3613400.0 2122-017 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 060 216200.0 226000.0 753600.0 3613400.0 2122-018 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 061 216200.0 226000.0 753600.0 3613400.0 2122-019 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 062 216200.0 226000.0 753600.0 3613400.0 2122-020 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 063 216000.0 226100.0 753400.0 3613500.0 2122-021 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 064 217500.0 225500.0 754900.0 3612900.0 2122-022 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 065 216000.0 226300.0 763900.0 3603600.0 2122-023 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 066 217900.0 225500.0 755300.0 3612900.0 2122-025 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 068 216200.0 225700.0 753600.0 3613100.0 2122-027 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 081 215600.0 226600.0 753000.0 3614000.0 2122-028 TELL ZER'AH 211940.0 225180.0 749300.0 3612500.0 TELL ZIRA'A 211940.0 225180.0 749300.0 3612500.0 2122-029 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 002 211800.0 225200.0 749200.0 3612500.0 2122-030 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 003 211600.0 225100.0 749000.0 3612400.0 2122-031 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 004 212500.0 224500.0 749900.0 3611800.0 2122-032 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 005 212000.0 224500.0 749400.0 3611800.0 2122-033 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 006 211800.0 224400.0 749200.0 3611700.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-34 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2122-034 KHIRB ET BOND 212800.0 223300.0 750200.0 3610600.0 2122-035 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 008 212200.0 224900.0 749600.0 3612200.0 2122-036 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 009 212000.0 225700.0 749400.0 3613000.0 2122-037 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 010 211900.0 225400.0 749300.0 3612700.0 2122-038 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 011 211500.0 225700.0 748900.0 3613000.0 2122-039 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 012 212300.0 225700.0 749700.0 3613000.0 2122-040 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 013 212000.0 225600.0 749400.0 3612900.0 2122-041 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 014 212800.0 225800.0 750200.0 3613100.0 2122-042 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 015 213200.0 225800.0 750600.0 3613100.0 2122-043 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 016 213000.0 226800.0 750400.0 3614100.0 2122-044 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 017 213600.0 226900.0 751000.0 3614200.0 2122-045 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 018 213500.0 226800.0 750900.0 3614100.0 2122-046 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 019 213400.0 226900.0 750700.0 3614200.0 2122-047 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 020 213400.0 225200.0 750800.0 3612500.0 2122-048 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 021 213500.0 226000.0 750900.0 3613300.0 2122-049 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 022 213900.0 226500.0 751300.0 3613800.0 2122-050 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 023 211800.0 224900.0 749200.0 3612100.0 2122-051 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 024 211000.0 224900.0 748400.0 3612200.0 2122-052 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 025 211500.0 223900.0 748900.0 3611200.0 2122-053 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 026 211500.0 224000.0 748900.0 3611300.0 2122-054 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 027 211600.0 224300.0 749000.0 3611600.0 2122-055 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 028 211700.0 223800.0 749100.0 3611100.0 2122-056 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 029 211500.0 223400.0 748900.0 3610700.0 2122-057 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 030 212500.0 223300.0 749900.0 3610600.0 2122-058 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 033 212800.0 223200.0 750200.0 3610500.0 2122-059 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 032 212700.0 223200.0 750100.0 3610500.0 2122-060 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 034 212800.0 223200.0 750200.0 3610500.0 2122-061 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 035 212800.0 223200.0 750200.0 3610500.0 2122-062 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 036 212600.0 223300.0 750000.0 3610600.0 2122-064 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 099 211000.0 222600.0 748500.0 3609900.0 2122-065 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 100 210900.0 222700.0 748400.0 3610000.0 2122-066 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 101 212000.0 222300.0 749500.0 3609600.0 2122-067 NN/WADI ARAB SURVEY SITE 102 211500.0 222500.0 749000.0 3609800.0 2122-068 MAKHRABA 211400.0 220500.0 748900.0 3607800.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-35 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2122-070 KHIRBE T MAQUQ 212500.0 229900.0 749800.0 3617200.0 2122-074 QAMM 218400.0 221600.0 755900.0 3609000.0 2122-079 KHIRBET EL- BWEIREH 215300.0 225200.0 752700.0 3612600.0 2122-081 KHIRBE T SHIHA 213300.0 225100.0 750700.0 3612400.0 2122-082 KHIRBET E L- AJAMI 211200.0 226500.0 748600.0 3613800.0 2122-084 T ELL QAQ 213500.0 223500.0 750900.0 3610800.0 2122-085 KHIRBET E L- REQA' 212500.0 223500.0 749900.0 3610800.0 2122-086 EL- WAHSHEH 211500.0 224100.0 748900.0 3611400.0 2122-087 EL- MU SHEIRFEH 212500.0 221100.0 750000.0 3608400.0 2122-088 EL- BEWEIREH 210900.0 224800.0 748300.0 3612100.0 EL- BUWAYRA 210900.0 224800.0 748300.0 3612100.0 2122-089 EL - FAKHAT 213100.0 228000.0 750400.0 3615300.0 2122-095 NN/SITE 2122.095 212700.0 222700.0 750200.0 3610000.0 2122-096 KHIRBET EL- MURSHID 212300.0 221600.0 749800.0 3608900.0 2122-099 LAHLUH 213900.0 228000.0 751242.0 3615338.0 2123-001 MISRAH 213800.0 231600.0 751100.0 3618900.0 2123-002 MOKHEIBA 214500.0 234500.0 751700.0 3621900.0 MUKHIBA 214500.0 234500.0 751700.0 3621900.0 2123-004 KHIRBET ER- RASEFIYA 210900.0 230400.0 748200.0 3617700.0 2123-006 JISR EL -HASHARA 219500.0 237600.0 756600.0 3625100.0 2123-007 AJAJ 214500.0 231400.0 751800.0 3618800.0 2203-018 NN/ WHS 327 221400.0 39500.0 762600.0 3426900.0 2203-024 NN/ WHS 333 221400.0 39600.0 762500.0 3426900.0 2203-025 NN/ WHS 334 221400.0 39700.0 762600.0 3427100.0 2203-078 NN/ WHS 419 223400.0 39800.0 764500.0 3427200.0 2203-079 NN/ WHS 420 223400.0 39800.0 764600.0 3427500.0 2203-080 NN/ WHS 421 223400.0 39600.0 764400.0 3427000.0 2203-081 NN/ WHS 422 223500.0 39500.0 764600.0 3426900.0 2203-086 NN/ WHS 429 223800.0 39800.0 764000.0 3417600.0 2203-093 NN/ WHS 437 224000.0 39400.0 765200.0 3426900.0 2203-094 NN/ WHS 438 224100.0 39600.0 765100.0 3427100.0 2203-173 NN/ WHS 534 224800.0 39600.0 765900.0 3427000.0 2203-174 NN/ WHS 535 223800.0 39800.0 765000.0 3427400.0 2204-001 NN/ WHS 305 220000.0 41400.0 761000.0 3428700.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-36 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2204-002 NN/ WHS 306 220100.0 41300.0 761100.0 3428600.0 2204-003 RAS ES- SIQ/ WHS 307 220350.0 41450.0 761200.0 3428800.0 2204-004 NN/ WHS 309 220200.0 41400.0 761200.0 3428700.0 2204-005 NN/ WHS 310 220300.0 41300.0 761200.0 3428600.0 2204-007 NN/ WHS 338 221400.0 40000.0 762600.0 3427300.0 2204-012 NN/ WHS 343 221800.0 40800.0 762800.0 3428100.0 2204-013 NN/ WHS 344 221900.0 40800.0 762900.0 3428200.0 2204-014 NN/ WHS 345 222000.0 40800.0 764100.0 3428300.0 2204-016 NN/ WHS 352 221900.0 40700.0 763000.0 3428100.0 2204-017 NN/ WHS 353 221700.0 40500.0 762700.0 3427900.0 2204-018 NN/ WHS 354 222200.0 40500.0 763200.0 3427800.0 2204-019 NN/ WHS 355 222250.0 40500.0 763300.0 3427900.0 2204-020 NN/ WHS 356 222300.0 40600.0 763400.0 3427900.0 2204-021 NN/ WHS 357 222300.0 40300.0 763300.0 3427700.0 2204-022 NN/ WHS 358 222400.0 40400.0 763400.0 3427800.0 2204-023 NN/ WHS 414 223100.0 40600.0 764200.0 3428000.0 2204-025 NN/ WHS 416 223400.0 40500.0 764600.0 3428000.0 2204-026 NN/ WHS 417 223400.0 40200.0 765500.0 3427400.0 2204-027 NN/ WHS 418 223300.0 40100.0 764400.0 3427500.0 2204-029 NN/ WHS 427 223700.0 40600.0 764900.0 3428000.0 2204-030 NN/ WHS 428 223700.0 40700.0 764700.0 3428000.0 2204-032 NN/ WHS 536 220300.0 41200.0 761300.0 3428500.0 2204-033 NN/ WHS 537 220300.0 41000.0 761200.0 3428400.0 2204-034 NN/ WHS 538 220100.0 41100.0 761100.0 3428400.0 2204-035 NN/ WHS 539 220000.0 41000.0 761100.0 3428300.0 2204-052 NN/SITE 2204.052 223600.0 40700.0 764800.0 3428200.0 2204-054 NN/ ASD WADI EL HAS A SITE 6 220250.0 41800.0 7613850.0 34292350.0 2204-055 NN/ASD WADI EL HAS A SITE 7 221250.0 41410.0 7623930.0 34288650.0 2204-056 NN/ASD WADI EL HAS A SITE 8 221280.0 41800.0 7624150.0 34292550.0 2204-059 NN/ASD WADI EL HASA SITE 11 222300.0 41800.0 763435.0 3429276.0 2204-060 NN/ASD WADI EL HASA SITE 12 222600.0 41250.0 763746.0 3428731.0 2204-061 NN/ASD WADI EL HASA SITE 13 222500.0 41150.0 7636480.0 34286290.0 2208-044 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 21 228212.0 89995.0 768385.0 3477600.0 2208-045 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 22 228255.0 89808.0 7684320.0 3477414.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-37 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2208-046 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 23 228149.0 89856.0 7684030.0 3477394.0 2208-047 QASR ER RAHA WSS SIT E NO. 24 228149.0 89856.0 7683250.0 3477460.0 2208-052 NN/WSS SI TE NO.29 227785.0 89244.0 7679730.0 3476841.0 2209-013 Khirb et AJAM 228300.0 93500.0 768300.0 3480900.0 2209-014 RUJM UMM EL -DAKAKIN 224900.0 97400.0 764900.0 3484900.0 2209-024 AS SIFIYYA 228100.0 94300.0 0.0 0.0 2209-025 nn/ asd mujeb 1 s ite no.1 227250.0 94950.0 7673220.0 34825370.0 2209-026 NN/ASD MUJEB 1 S ITE NO.2 226500.0 95850.0 7665540.0 34834220.0 2209-027 NN/ASD MUJEB 1 S ITE NO.3 226250.0 96000.0 766300.0 34835670.0 2209-028 NN/ASD MUJEB 1 S ITE NO.4 226780.0 95800.0 7668350.0 3483378.0 2209-029 NN/ASD MUJEB 1 S ITE NO.5 226050.0 96750.0 7660850.0 34843130.0 2209-030 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 S ITE NO.1 228070.0 94370.0 7681540.0 34819730.0 2209-031 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 S ITE NO.2 228500.0 94075.0 7685900.0 34816870.0 2209-032 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 SI TE NO. 3 228470.0 93750.0 7685660.0 34813610.0 2209-033 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 S ITE NO.4 227575.0 94000.0 7676660.0 34815930.0 2209-034 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 SI TE NO. 5 227800.0 93950.0 7678920.0 3481548.0 2209-035 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 S ITE NO.6 227975.0 93490.0 7680760.0 34810910.0 2209-036 NN/ASD MUJE B 2 SITE 228200.0 92700.0 7683170.0 3480306.0 2209-037 NN/ASD MUJIB 2 SI TE NO. 8 228250.0 92495.0 7683720.0 3480101.0 2209-038 NN/ASD MUJIB 2 SI TE NO. 9 228300.0 92350.0 7684250.0 3479957.0 2209-039 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 SI TE NO.10 228370.0 92450.0 7684930.0 3480059.0 2209-040 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 SIT E NO. 11 228000.0 91475.0 7681420.0 3479076.0 2209-041 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 SIT E NO. 12 227620.0 91250.0 7677670.0 34788430.0 2209-042 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 SI TE NO.13 228075.0 91500.0 7682170.0 3479103.0 2209-043 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 SIT E NO. 14 229050.0 91325.0 7691950.0 3478947.0 2209-044 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 SIT E NO. 15 229150.0 91575.0 7692900.0 34791990.0 2209-045 NN/ASD MUJEB 2 SIT E NO. 16 229350.0 91300.0 7694960.0 34789280.0 2209-046 NN/ASD MUJEB 3 S ITE NO.1 228400.0 94700.0 7684770.0 34823100.0 2209-047 NN/ASD MUJEB 3 S ITE NO.2 228750.0 94850.0 7688240.0 3482467.0 2209-048 NN/ASD MUJEB 3 S ITE NO.3 228300.0 94325.0 7683850.0 34819330.0 2209-049 NN/WSS S ITE NO.1 229216.0 91309.0 7693630.0 3478935.0 2209-050 NN/WSS S ITE NO.2 227646.0 91381.0 7677910.0 3478975.0 2209-051 NN/WSS SI TE NO. 3 228372.0 91098.0 768523.0 3478707.0 2209-052 NN/WSS SI TE NO. 4 228196.0 91341.0 7683420.0 3478946.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-38 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2209-053 NN/WSS SI TE NO. 5 228165.0 91334.0 7683110.0 3478939.0 2209-054 NN/WSS SI TE NO. 6 228155.0 91322.0 7683010.0 3478927.0 2209-055 NN/WSS SI TE NO. 7 228067.0 91306.0 7682140.0 3478909.0 2209-056 NN/WSS SI TE NO. 8 228084.0 91220.0 7682320.0 3478823.0 2209-057 bet EL MAMARIYEH WSS S ITE NO.9 228155.0 91319.0 768301.0 3478924.0 2209-058 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 11 228118.0 90718.0 7682760.0 3478322.0 2209-059 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 12 228325.0 91009.0 7684780.0 3478617.0 2209-061 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 14 228524.0 90468.0 7686870.0 34780800.0 2209-062 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 15 228453.0 90471.0 7686160.0 3478081.0 2209-063 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 16 228374.0 90612.0 7685350.0 34782210.0 2209-064 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 17 228363.0 90436.0 7685270.0 3478045.0 2209-065 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 18 228384.0 90409.0 7685490.0 3478018.0 2209-066 NN/WSS SIT E NO. 19 228342.0 90328.0 7685080.0 3477936.0 2209-067 Kirbet ABU SAMEN WSS SI TE NO.20 228377.0 90113.0 7685480.0 3477722.0 2210-001 KHIRBET ISKANDER 223300.0 107200.0 763100.0 3494800.0 2210-003 KHIRBET BARZAH 222000.0 106900.0 761700.0 3494200.0 2210-005 KHIRBET TAHUNET EL-WALA 222100.0 107400.0 761900.0 3494900.0 2210-006 KHIRBET ABU KHIRQEH 223100.0 107400.0 762900.0 3494900.0 2210-013 RUJM MULAHLIB 224400.0 106700.0 764200.0 3494200.0 RUJM MLEHLEB 224400.0 106700.0 764200.0 3494200.0 2210-018 NN/PETER MAN SITE 220950.0 107650.0 760765.0 107650.0 2210-019 NN/ASD EL WAL A SITE 1 226650.0 108780.0 7664420.0 3496358.0 2210-020 NN/ASD EL WAL A SITE 2 226950.0 108700.0 7667440.0 3496284.0 2213-028 KALAT UMMET ABU E L-HOSEIN 221100.0 136000.0 760300.0 3523500.0 KAL AT UMMEH 221100.0 136000.0 760300.0 3523500.0 2214-053 RUJM UMM SETTENA 221800.0 145000.0 760900.0 3532500.0 2214-054 TELL A BU UNEIZ 221500.0 142300.0 760600.0 3529800.0 2214-058 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.145 221100.0 143300.0 760190.0 3530772.0 2214-059 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.144 221100.0 143700.0 760181.0 3531173.0 2214-062 NN/IRAQ AL-AMIR,A .S N.146 221000.0 143100.0 760094.0 353570.0 2214-063 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.164 220200.0 143000.0 759296.0 3530454.0 2214-064 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.166 220400.0 143400.0 759487.0 3530858.0 2214-066 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.152 221800.0 143400.0 760888.0 3530887.0 2214-067 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.151 221800.0 143500.0 760886.0 3530987.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-39 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH 2214-068 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.150 221600.0 144600.0 760673.0 3531583.0 2214-070 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.153 222000.0 143300.0 761090.0 3530791.0 2214-071 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.154 221800.0 143200.0 760892.0 3530687.0 2214-072 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.155 221600.0 143300.0 760690.0 3530783.0 2214-073 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.156 221600.0 143200.0 760692.0 3530683.0 2214-074 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.157 221400.0 143200.0 760492.0 3530679.0 2214-076 NN/IRAQ AL AMIR,A .S N.162 220100.0 144300.0 759169.0 3531752.0 2217-002 TELL GHREIMUN 220200.0 177000.0 758600.0 3564400.0 2217-016 HAUD ET- TAWAHIN 226800.0 172800.0 765300.0 3560400.0 2217-017 HAUD ES- SAHRIJ I 229400.0 176700.0 767800.0 3564300.0 2217-027 E S- SITAN 229500.0 176400.0 767900.0 3564100.0 2217-033 TELL E R- REHIL 226320.0 177360.0 764700.0 3564900.0 2217-034 ABU SHAWMAR 228800.0 177548.0 767200.0 3565200.0 2217-035 ABU EL-SAMAR 229404.0 178456.0 767800.0 3566100.0 2217-036 ABU EL-SAMAR 229517.0 178443.0 767900.0 3566100.0 2217-043 WADI RUM MAN EAST 229700.0 176100.0 768100.0 3563800.0 2222-051 JABAL ABU EL -HUSSEIN 221400.0 223300.0 758800.0 3610800.0 2223-005 TELL HILYAH 227900.0 236900.0 765100.0 3624500.0 2223-017 SNEIBEH 224500.0 236500.0 761700.0 3624100.0 2223-020 TELL ABU E L-ANATIR 224200.0 238800.0 761300.0 3626400.0 2223-022 AIN E L- HABIS 228400.0 236500.0 765600.0 3624200.0 2223-024 KHIRBET EL- BABA 223400.0 234200.0 760600.0 3621700.0 2223-029 AQRABA/ MITTMANN SITE 34 225100.0 237400.0 762200.0 3625000.0 2308-011 NN/LIMES ARABICUS SURVEY SITE 235 232200.0 86100.0 773100.0 3475400.0 2308-068 NN/ASKP SITE 128 232100.0 81900.0 772300.0 3469600.0 2309-006 NN/LIMES ARABICUS SURVEY SITE 841 231900.0 93600.0 772000.0 3481200.0 2309-008 KHIRBET UMM RUMMANEH 232500.0 94500.0 772600.0 3482200.0 2309-013 NN/ASD MUJEB 3 S ITE NO.4 230450.0 94500.0 7705320.0 34821510.0 2309-014 NN/ASD MUJEB 3 S ITE NO.5 232010.0 94900.0 7720840.0 3482583.0 2317-001 KHIRBET ES- SUWWARI 231250.0 179300.0 769600.0 3567000.0 2317-026 E L- MAIDA 230085.0 178490.0 768400.0 3566200.0 2317-027 UMM E R-RUMMAN 230250.0 178410.0 768600.0 3566100.0 2317-028 TELL FREIJI 230550.0 178600.0 768900.0 3566300.0 2317-033 KHIRBET JENAB'EH 237800.0 177800.0 776200.0 3565600.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-40 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT Palestinian Grid Coordinates UTM Coordinates SITE_NO_ SITE_NAME PG_EAST PG_NORTH UTM_EAST UTM_NORTH TELL JANU'BEH 237800.0 177800.0 776200.0 3565600.0 2317-034 KHIRBET E L- BENAT 236200.0 177800.0 774600.0 3565600.0 KHIRBE T BINAT 236200.0 177800.0 774600.0 3565600.0 2317-039 TELL TUNYAH 230200.0 178500.0 768600.0 3566200.0 2317-047 KHIRBET EL- K ENADIYEH 231900.0 179800.0 770200.0 3567500.0 KHIRBET EL- K ANADIYEH 231900.0 179800.0 770200.0 3567500.0 2318-011 WADI ZARQ A BRIDGE 233200.0 180600.0 771500.0 3568300.0 2318-028 TELL BUSTAN 234200.0 180400.0 772500.0 3568100.0 2318-061 KHIRBET SUWEIRAT 232500.0 180200.0 770600.0 3567900.0 2318-064 EL - HAMMAM 234500.0 180200.0 772800.0 3568000.0 2318-070 NN/SITE 2318.07 234600.0 182100.0 772900.0 3570900.0 2318-081 TELL FAYSAL 234030.0 180670.0 772400.0 3568400.0 2322-024 TELL EL- SNAM 236200.0 229700.0 773500.0 3617500.0 2323-001 NN/MELLAAR T SITE 5 230000.0 237000.0 767800.0 3624600.0 2323-004 TEL L JAMID 233000.0 236500.0 770200.0 3624200.0 2323-007 TABAQA T NASRAH 230540.0 237450.0 767700.0 3625100.0 2323-008 UMM EL -HASINAT 235035.0 236650.0 772300.0 3624400.0 2323-009 TE LL QURS 230890.0 237065.0 768000.0 3624700.0 2323-021 SHAJARET EL -FAQIREH 234800.0 231800.0 772100.0 3619600.0 2323-024 NN/MAQARIN SURVEY SITE 29 230870.0 237390.0 768000.0 3625100.0 2323-025 TELL E L- FARAS 231500.0 237400.0 768600.0 3625100.0 2323-027 MAQARIN 232500.0 237200.0 769700.0 3625000.0 2323-029 NN/SITE 2323.029 231800.0 237700.0 768900.0 3625400.0

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 7-41 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

ANNEX 8 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS REGISTER

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Annex 7: Environmental Aspects Registry

Impact Impact Impact Type Nature Cumulatively Reversibility Dispersal Duration Significance (Localized/Foo Code Impact (Cumulative, tprint, (low, (Positive, (Direct, (Permanent, (Reversible, Not extended zone, medium, Negative) Indirect) Temporary) Irreversible) Cumulative) highly high) dispersal) Physical Environment (P) Establishing Natural Reserves Planning and Construction Phase P.1 Change of local Morphology, Landscape and Natural Drainage Negative Direct Not Localized Temporary Low Reversible System cumulative P.2 Solid Waste Dumping Negative Direct Not Localized Temporary Low Reversible cumulative P.2.1 construction wastes P.2.2 domestic wastes P.3 Inappropriate management of generated fluid wastes Negative Direct Not Foot print Temporary Low-Medium Reversible cumulative extended zone P.3.1 fluid wastes generated by the working force P.3.2 fluid wastes generated due to the routine maintenance and servicing of vehicles and construction machines Implementation, Operation and Adaptation Phase P.4 Conserving local morphology, landscape and natural drainage Positive Direct Cumulative Foot print Permanent High system extended zone P.5 Participate in increasing groundwater recharge rates Positive Direct Cumulative Foot print Permanent Low-Medium extended zone P.6 Participate in conserving groundwater quality Positive Direct Cumulative Foot print Permanent Low-Medium extended zone P.6 Inappropriate disposal of fluid and solid wastes Negative Direct Cumulative Foot print Permanent Low- Medium Reversible extended zone Implementing "IEM" Concept P.7 Reduce soil and water contamination through implementing the Positive Direct Cumulative Foot point Permanent Low-Medium Sustainable Agriculture Program extended zone P.8 Reduce the generated quantities of agricultural solid wastes Positive Direct Cumulative Localized Permanent Low-Medium through implementing Composting Projects P.8 Conserve local physical environment through implementing the Positive Direct Cumulative Foot print Permanent Low- Medium Eco-Tourism concept extended zone

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 8-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Impact Impact Impact Type Nature Cumulatively Reversibility Dispersal Duration Significance (Localized/Foo Code Impact (Cumulative, tprint, (low, (Positive, (Direct, (Permanent, (Reversible, Not extended zone, medium, Negative) Indirect) Temporary) Irreversible) Cumulative) highly high) dispersal) P.9 Generated solid wastes as a result the influx of tourists Negative Direct Cumulative Foot print Permanent Low-Medium Reversible extended zone P.10 Ensure the consideration of the physical environment within the Positive Indirect Cumulative Foot print Low-Medium feasibility studies for the planed sustainable development projects extended zone and private sector projects in the JRV area. Biological Environment (B) Establishing Natural Reserves Planning and Construction Phase Habitat B.1 Deterioration and fragmentation of fragile biological habitat Negative Direct Not Localized Temporary Low Reversible cumulative B.2 Alteration of surface morphology and water runoffs schemes Negative Localized Temporary Low Reversible B.3 Increased human access to remote areas Negative Direct Not Localized Temporary Medium Reversible cumulative Species B.4 Removal of vegetation cover Negative Direct Not Localized Temporary Medium Reversible cumulative B.5 Persecution of wildlife Negative Direct Not Localized Temporary Medium Reversible cumulative B.6 Disturbance to breeding and migratory bird species Negative Direct Not Localized Temporary Medium Reversible cumulative Implementation, Operation and Adaptation Phase Ecosystem B.7 Enhancing ecosystems balance and integrity Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent High X and extended zones Indirect B.8 Strengthening and enhancing the protected areas network Positive Direct Cumulative Localized Permanent High X B.9 Conservation of local geomorphology and landscape Positive Direct Not Localized Permanent High X cumulative B.10 Conservation of natural water flow Positive Direct Not Localized Permanent High X cumulative B.11 Encourage research and field surveys and improve our knowledge Positive Direct Cumulative Localized Permanent High X

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 8-2 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Impact Impact Impact Type Nature Cumulatively Reversibility Dispersal Duration Significance (Localized/Foo Code Impact (Cumulative, tprint, (low, (Positive, (Direct, (Permanent, (Reversible, Not extended zone, medium, Negative) Indirect) Temporary) Irreversible) Cumulative) highly high) dispersal) about the ecosystem, biological diversity and ecology of the Jordan Rift Valley B.12 Improve local community groups and visitors environmental Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent High X awareness extended zones Habitat B.13 Preserving biological habitat, in particular fragile and sensitive Positive Direct Cumulative Localized Permanent High X ones B.14 Implement habitat protection and wise use of biological resources Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent High X through management of grazing extended zones Species B.15 Conservation of native species Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent High X and extended zones Indirect B.16 Improving the conservation status of threatened species Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent High X and extended zones Indirect B.17 Prohibition of hunting and direct animal persecution Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent High X extended zones Implementing "IEM" Concept Implementation, Operation and Adaptation Phase Ecosystem and Habitat B.18 Reducing human-introduced pollutants through IEM Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent Low-Medium X and extended zones Indirect B.19 Conservation of natural resources (water and soil) by IEM Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent Medium-High X and extended zones Indirect B.20 Conservation of vegetation resources Positive Indirect Cumulative Localized Permanent Low-Medium X B.21 Conservation of genetic resources Positive Indirect Cumulative Localized Permanent Low-Medium X B.22 Improve local community participation in nature conservation and Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent High X gain more support for nature conservation in the project area and extended zones Indirect

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 8-3 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Impact Impact Impact Type Nature Cumulatively Reversibility Dispersal Duration Significance (Localized/Foo Code Impact (Cumulative, tprint, (low, (Positive, (Direct, (Permanent, (Reversible, Not extended zone, medium, Negative) Indirect) Temporary) Irreversible) Cumulative) highly high) dispersal) B.23 Encourage research and field surveys and improve our knowledge Positive Direct Cumulative Localized Permanent High X about the ecosystem, biological diversity and ecology of the Jordan Rift Valley B.24 Promote changes and environmentally not-sound livelihoods and Positive Indirect Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Medium X encourage environmentally sound ones B.25 Integrate nature conservation into land use planning and Positive Indirect Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Low-Medium X management Species B.26 Conservation of native species Positive Indirect Cumulative Localized Permanent Low X B.27 Improving the conservation status of threatened species Positive Indirect Cumulative Localized and Permanent Low X extended zones B.28 Reducing unsustainable hunting and direct animal persecution Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent Medium-High X extended zones B.29 Reduce to certain extent risks associated with migration Positive Direct Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Low X especially for juveniles and elderly birds Socio-economic Conditions (S) Establishing Natural Reserves S.1 Creating employment opportunities for the local communities Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent Medium-High X extended zones S.2 Increasing local communities' participation in the project Positive Direct Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Medium-High X activities S.3 Raising environmental awareness for the local communities Positive Direct Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Medium-High X S.4 Infrastructure improvement and upgrading welfare assets Positive Direct Not Localized and Permanent Low-Medium X cumulative extended zones S.5 Encourage international and national funding organizations to Positive Indirect Not Dispersal Temporary Low-Medium X build on the achievements made by the establishment of protected cumulative areas and by implementing participatory IEM through funding similar or pilot IEM activities S.6 Limiting the opportunity for developing mining and other large Negative Indirect Not Localized and Permanent Low-Medium X scale industrial activities in the project area cumulative extended zones S.7 Increased noise level Negative Direct Not Localized Temporary Low X cumulative

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 8-4 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Impact Impact Impact Type Nature Cumulatively Reversibility Dispersal Duration Significance (Localized/Foo Code Impact (Cumulative, tprint, (low, (Positive, (Direct, (Permanent, (Reversible, Not extended zone, medium, Negative) Indirect) Temporary) Irreversible) Cumulative) highly high) dispersal) Implementing "IEM" Concept S.8 Creating employment opportunities for the local communities Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent Medium-High X extended zones S.9 Increasing local communities' participation in the project Positive Direct Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Medium-High X activities S.10 Raising environmental awareness for the local communities Positive Direct Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Medium-High X S.11 Development of sound tourism and encouragement of Eco- Positive Direct Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Medium-High X Tourism in the project area S.12 Developing local communities social concepts Positive Indirect Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Low-Medium X S.13 Encourage international and national funding organizations to build on the achievements made by the establishment of protected areas and by implementing participatory IEM through funding similar or pilot IEM activities S.14 Achieving economic stability through diversification of crops that Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent Low-Medium X will reflect on higher prices and greater net incomes extended zones S.15 Increasing economical projects and activities in the project area Positive Indirect Cumulative Localized and Permanent Low-Medium X extended zones S.16 Enhancing women participation in the project activities Positive Indirect Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Low-Medium X S.17 Negative impacts of the foreign cultures on the local Negative Indirect Not Localized Permanent Low X communities' culture cumulative S.18 Increasing traffic density in the area during tourism seasons Negative Direct Not Localized Permanent Low X cumulative S.19 Encourage international and national funding organizations to Positive Indirect Not All Temporary Medium X build on the achievements made by the establishment of protected Cumulative areas and by implementing participatory IEM through funding similar or pilot IEM activities S.20 Enhance and maintain rural communities that enjoy acceptable Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent Low-Medium X standards of living and welfare extended zones Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Resources (A) A.1 Enhance protection of archaeological and cultural heritage sites Positive Direct Cumulative Localized and Permanent Medium-High X located within the proposed protected areas extended zones A.2 Promoting the integration of CRM programs into IEM/LUP Positive Indirect Cumulative Dispersal Permanent Low X

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 8-5 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 8-6 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

ANNEX 9 MITIGATION MEASURES

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Annex 8: Mitigation Measures Institutional Comments Potential Responsibilities Project Project Cost Environmental and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Includes Phase Activity Estimation (e.g. Secondary Social Impact Enforcement & impacts) Coordination) Establishing Changing local All construction activities should avoid changing local The construction Provisional Natural morphology, landscape morphology, and whenever unavoidable, it should be kept to contractor Reserves and natural drainage the absolute minimum. This can be ensure through proper system and the site selection of construction sites and proper delineation of consequent deterioration construction zones. and fragmentation of Avoid unnecessary excavation fragile biological habitat No quires are allowed within the proposed protected areas, and all construction materials should be obtained from licensed quires outside the reserve.

All trees and natural vegetation must be conserved and protected from any expected damage from the construction activities. No tree or natural vegetation should be cut down for construction purposes. Ensure correct selection of construction zones and avoid sensitive and fragile habitat Restore as possible changing surface morphology to maintain natural water flow.

Planning & Construction Phase Phase Construction & Planning Generated fluid wastes Construct temporary impermeable cesspit in each The contracting 5,000$ construction site. company with the This cesspit must be discharged regularly and transferred via supervision of the tankers to the closest and approved liquid waste disposal ESMP Management facility. Unite and MOE Ensure efficient performance of excavation machinery and ensure their mechanical condition is excellent to avoid leakage of liquid wastes from construction machineries

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 9-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Institutional Comments Potential Responsibilities Project Project Cost Environmental and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Includes Phase Activity Estimation (e.g. Secondary Social Impact Enforcement & impacts) Coordination) Periodic maintenance for the machines is prohibited within the project sites and in particular at sensitive biological habitat either located within the project boundaries out of it. Those machines and vehicles should be maintained at appropriate and specialized maintenance stations.

Solid wastes dumping Cut materials should be used in the construction activities The contracting 1,000$ whenever applicable. company with the Temporary solid wastes collection area should be supervision of the assigned/constructed in each site to collect the other types of ESMP Management solid wastes. Collected wastes should be emptied on a Unite and MOE weekly basis, and transferred to the nearest approved solid waste disposal facility.

Avoid unnecessary burning and accumulation. Permanent or prolonged disposal of generated waste at the proposed protected areas and/or sensitive biological habitats is prohibited.

After the completion of each phase the temporary solid waste dumping site should be rehabilitated.

High Noise Levels. Working night shifts should be prohibited or at least reduced The contracting as much as possible. company with the Apply the Jordanian Regulation for ambient noise levels supervision of the during this phase, especially in designing the construction ESMP Management activities schedule. Unite and MOE

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 9-2 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Spraying water on service roads to avoid accumulation of debris and dusting. Air pollution by Ensure efficient performance of excavation machinery. The contracting construction vehicles company with the supervision of the ESMP Management Unite and MOE Accidental kill of fauna Avoid wildlife persecution The contracting Avoid or minimize to the extent possible night activities. company with the supervision of the ESMP Management Unite and MOE Disturbance to wildlife Synchronize spatially and temporally excavation activities to The contracting avoid disturbances during breeding and migration seasons company with the through developing an activity programme. supervision of the ESMP Management Unite and MOE Locals and Employees Installing, operating and maintaining all required temporary The contracting No additional Public Safety signing, signals, barriers and other safety measures, that can company with the cost assist in conserving the public and the workers safety. supervision of the ESMP Management Unite and MOE

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 9-3 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Institutional Comments Potential Responsibilities Project Project Cost Environmental and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Includes Phase Activity Estimation (e.g. Secondary Social Impact Enforcement & impacts) Coordination) Employment of locals Ensure maximum employment of people from local The contracting No additional communities. company with the cost supervision of the ESMP Management Unite and MOE Contribute to the Promote the conservation of local morphology, landscape PFT & ESMP No additional conservation of local and natural water flow systems Management Unite cost morphology, landscape and natural drainage systems Contribute to restoring groundwater recharge rates Contribute to the Implement and promote scientific and sustainable PFT & ESMP conservation of management of generated waste Management Unite groundwater quality Promote organic farming and the need to reduce the use of agrochemicals Inappropriate Disposal of Upgrade the constructed cesspit in each reserve site to cover PFT & ESMP 30,000$ Fluid and solid Wastes the expected fluid wastes from the reserve visitors. Management Unite

Empty the content of these cesspits on a regular basis (every one or two weeks) and transport it to the nearest approved fluid waste disposal facility via fluid waste tanker.

Implementation, Operation and Adaptation Phase Phase Adaptation and Operation Implementation, Produce and distribute awareness materials to the site visitors and to the employees encouraging them to practice waste source reduction at the reserves

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 9-4 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Institutional Comments Potential Responsibilities Project Project Cost Environmental and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Includes Phase Activity Estimation (e.g. Secondary Social Impact Enforcement & impacts) Coordination) Provide the reserve area with solid waste collection containers. The solid waste containers should be emptied regularly and transferred to the nearest approved solid waste disposal facility. Source separation is highly recommended.

Implementing Participate in reducing The participation of experts from the Ministry of Agriculture PFT & ESMP 10,000$ The cost represent "IEM" soil and water and from other ongoing projects in the same field in the JRV Management Unite fees for those experts Concept contamination through area. implementing the Sustainable Agriculture Program Participate in reducing Conduct an environmental review for each composting PFT & ESMP 25,000$ 20000$ is the cost the generated agricultural project to define the expected impacts on the physical Management Unite for EIA specialists to wastes through environment and more specifically on the surface and conduct the implementing groundwater resources. recommended composting projects environmental reviews Specialists in this field from the Ministry of Agriculture While the 5000$ is should participate in design and supervise the the fees for the implementation of each composting project. composting specialists Generated solid wastes Develop and maintain effective interpretation and awareness PFT & ESMP Provisional due to Eco-Tourism tools addressing solid waste management and littering at the Management Unite Implementation, Operation and Adaptation Phase Phase Adaptation and Operation Implementation, project sites

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 9-5 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Institutional Comments Potential Responsibilities Project Project Cost Environmental and Proposed Mitigation Measures (Includes Phase Activity Estimation (e.g. Secondary Social Impact Enforcement & impacts) Coordination) Eco-tourism sites should be equipped with solid waste PFT 15,000$ collection containers. These containers are to be emptied regularly and transfer the collected wastes to the nearest approved solid waste disposal facility “and/or” to any recycling project after conducting the appropriate separation processes.

Environmental impacts Establish, operate and maintain the IEM sub-projects PFT & ESMP are not assessed for screening procedures Management Unite intended IEM sub- projects Limiting the opportunity Promote alternative economical activities with less PMU No additional for developing mining environmental impacts and equal or favorable economical cost and other large scale benefits and the macro economy and micro economy levels industrial activities in the project area Negative impacts of the Address cultural related issues in the public awareness PFT & ESMP No additional foreign cultures on the programs targeting local communities Management Unite cost local communities' culture Address cultural related issues in the interpretation programs PFT & ESMP No additional targeting foreigner tourists Management Unite cost

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 9-6 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

ANNEX 10 MONITORING MEASURES

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Annex 9: Monitoring Measures Cost Project Proposed Mitigation Parameters to be Measurement (Includes Frequency of Responsibilities (Includes Location Phase Measures Monitored Methods & Equipment) Measurement Review and Reporting) (Equipment & Individuals) Establishing Natural Reserves All trees and natural - The vegetation The four Visual inspection On weekly basis RSCN+MOE vegetation must be conserved cover within the proposed during the and protected from any proposed reserve reserves sites construction expected damage due to the sites. period construction activities. No tree should be cut down for construction purposes.

Construct temporary - The construction The four Visual inspection Every two weeks RSCN+MOE impermeable cesspit in each process. proposed during the construction site. reserves sites construction Cesspits discharged and - The Cesspit period transferred via special tanker status. to the closest approved liquid wastes disposal facility. Periodic maintenance for the - Any indication of machines is prohibited within cesspits overflow. the project sites. It is to be done in a specialized maintenance stations.

Planning & Construction Phase Phase Construction & Planning Cut materials usage in the - The overall status The four Visual inspection Regular visits to RSCN+MOE construction activities at each of the construction proposed the construction site. sites. reserves sites sites Construct temporary solid - The presence of wastes collection area in each the temporary site to collect the other types dumping area. of solid wastes. Collected wastes should transferred on a weekly basis to the nearest approved solid waste disposal facility

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 10-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

Cost Project Proposed Mitigation Parameters to be Measurement (Includes Frequency of Responsibilities (Includes Location Phase Measures Monitored Methods & Equipment) Measurement Review and Reporting) (Equipment & Individuals) Implementation, operation

and Adaptation of Natural Reserves - Upgrading the cesspits - The over all The four Visual inspection Regular visits to RSCN+MOE carrying capacity to cover the status of the proposed the reserve sites expected fluid wastes from cesspits in the reserves sites the management team and the reserve sites. reserve visitors. - Emptying the cesspits content and transport it to the nearest fluid wastes disposal facility via fluid wastes tankers. - Providing the reserve areas - The overall with solid wastes collection cleanses status in containers. These containers the four reserve should be emptied and sites struction) Phase struction) transferred to the nearest solid waste disposal facility. Implementing “IEM” Concept - Participation of the - The number of Sustainable The project core teams and sustainable agriculture experts framers interested agriculture pilot MOE offices in the Jordan in this program in this program and sites Valley participate in the Implementation (Con program activities - Conducting environmental - Review the The area around MOE Quarterly basis WAJ labs for analyzing In kind reviews for each composting environmental the composting for water the collected water contribution from project, to define the expected reviews for the projects sampling samples WAJ labs impacts on the physical project sites environment. - Experts participation in the - Odour - For Odour level: Field implementation of each inspection. composting project.

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 10-2 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

- NO3 - For NO3 Concentration: concentration in Collecting and analyzing the nearby wells water samples and springs - Providing ecotourism sites The level of The Eco- Visual inspection RSCN+MOE with solid wastes collection cleanliness tourism sites containers. Emptying these containers regularly and transferring their content to the appropriate solid waste disposal facilities “and/or” to a recycling project. - Interactions with the Number of The project core governmental decision maker, meetings and teams private sector working in the workshops, JRV area and the local attended by the community in the JRV project core teams Total 0 Cost

Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 10-3 Consolidated Consultants / IMI

ANNEX 10 REFERENCES

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

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Bensada, A. 1995. Dana Nature Reserve Forestry Research Program.

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Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 11-1 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

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Khoury.F. and Al-Faqeer.M. 1999. Dana Nature Reserve Survey of Key Breeding Raptors.

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Final ESA & ESMP Report Annex 11-3 Consolidated Consultants / IMI ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT (ESA) AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP) FOR INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN THE JORDAN RIFT VALLEY PROJECT

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