Design 21: Social Design Network

Programs

The future for the RSCN looks bright ahead. As the importance of environmental protection is recognized all over the world, the Society is poised to have a much greater and influential role in Jordan. Among the projects in RSCN's pipeline are:

Five major new protected areas.

Restoration of an internationally recognized important wetland at Azraq.

Establishment of a nature center 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.

History

The Royal Society for The Conservation of Nature is an independent voluntary organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan's natural resources. 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 1200 square kilometers. 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.

Setting up over 1000 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.