Annual Environmental School Day 2019

Zero Waste in 2022

Jordan BirdWatch participated in the annual Environmental Day hosted on 2 April 2019 byThe Ahliyyah School for Girls and Bishop’s School for Boys.

This year’s theme was “Zero Waste in 2022”. The main objective was to involve students in taking actions towards achieving a better and greener world.

Jordan BirdWatch presented books and bird-watching tools, and had lively discussions with students about bird diversity in Jordan, and the negative impacts of solid waste pollution on birds and the eco-tourism sector in Jordan.

MoU with Jordan Photography Society

November 2018

JORDAN BIRDWATCH and Jordan Photography Society signed a memorandum of understanding to extend their efforts in promoting bird watching and use of photography in spreading environmental awareness.

The agreement includes joint events for members of both societies in addition to logistical and technical cooperation.

A Special Conservation Area

Wadi Gharaba bird habitat

Wadi Gharaba becomes a Special Conservation Area

Wadi Gharaba, Jordan Valley, was announced as a “Special Conservation Area” by the Ministry of Environment upon the request of JORDAN BIRDWATCH and after obtaining the approval of various stakeholders.

An SCA includes management of important habitats and ecosystems to conserve biodiversity while allowing limited or traditional use by local communities.

The nearly 5 Km² area is adjacent to the River Jordan and 7 km north of the Dead Sea. It is around 35 km (half an hour drive) from Amman. It includes a narrow, shallow wadi with marsh-like conditions and Tamarisk thickets, suitable breeding habitat for Little Bittern, Blue-cheeked and Little Green Bee-eater, White-throated and Pied Kingfishers, Clamorous Reed and Cetti’s Warblers and Dead Sea Sparrow.

The management plan was prepared by JBW during 2018, and includes activities for preparing the site for visitors and minimizing threats, namely overgrazing, encroachment by an invasive shrub, hunting of birds and waste management.

Soon after the management plan was prepared, however, new plans to invest within and around the SCA have been announced. Nonetheless, JBW along with supporters is determined to protect the natural bird habitats along the wadi which flows into River Jordan. GIZ and SGF/UNDP are supporting JBW in carrying out two projects at the site in 2019-2020 (see projects for more information).

For information on how to reach the site and for organized birding trips please contact JBW.

Important surveys in Jordan

Herds, wild grazing

2015-2019

National breeding surveys of rare, poorly known and geographically restricted species in Jordan are shedding light on current distribution and threats to bird habitats, such as windfarms in the southern highlands and unsustainable farming and overgrazing in Wadi Araba and the Jordan Valley.

Birding trips are also constantly adding information about various bird species.

JBW updates the national bird list and its members publish significant records, such as the colonization of Black-winged Kite in Sandgrouse (vol. 39, 2017).

JBW becomes member in the NWP

Jordan BirdWatch, becomes member in the National Wildlife Protection Committee as from 2017.

JBW, represented by Dr. Fares Khoury, became member of the national committee which recommends and modifies the hunting regulations and other matters related to wildlife hunting, persecution and introduction of game species.

The committee members, appointed by the Minister of Agriculture, include academics, representatives of various conservation and hunting associations, as well as the ministry of agriculture and the environmental police (Rangers).

Hunting (legal and illegal) is regrettably becoming a widespread sport in spite of an alarming decrease in many wildlife species. Law implementation is still undeveloped and current regulations are not yet based on real data. JBW is generally requesting a comprehensive plan which ensures regulated and sustainable hunting.

Levant Birds

People and Birds in the southern Levant

JBW participated in June 2017 in a workshop and field trips to various areas in Jordan as part of the project “People and Birds in the southern Levant“.

In cooperation with the University of Reading, U.K. and the Faculty of Science, American University of Madaba.

Participants included (zoo-) archeologists, biologists and bird-watchers from the U.K., U.S.A. and Jordan who shared their knowledge about the importance of birds in the present and past.

For more information please see our projects page and visit the web site: People and Birds in the Southern Levant .

Bird Watcher’s Guide to Madaba

Publication and launching of the Bird Watcher’s Guide to Madaba, 15th March 2017

A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Madaba was published by Jordan BirdWatch. This guide describes 15 sites in the extended Madaba region which comprises a variety of bird habitats and scenic landscapes overlooking the Dead Sea.

The guide includes a map, site coordinates, accommodation details, habitat descriptions, systematic checklists as well as explaining why the Madaba region is a definite place for a birder to visit and spend a few days in.

The author is the ornithologist and co-founder of JBW, Dr. Fares Khoury. Printing of the book and a launching event on 15th March 2017 in Madaba city were supported by GIZ (German Agency for Technical Support) and carried out in cooperation with Madaba Tourism Development & Heritage Preservation Association.

Copies can be obtained by contacting us through our contact page

Agreement with the Queen Alia International Airport

March 2017

JBW signed an agreement with QAIA Environmental Department to cooperate in bird monitoring and training in and around the airport area during 2017-2018.

The cooperation is expected to continue in 2019 and beyond.

Exhibition 16th February 2017

Beyond COP 21 Symposium,

JBW participated in an exhibition as part of the full day “Beyond COP 21 Symposium” held at Al Ahliyyah School for Girls (CMS) on Thursday, 16th February 2017 and in partnership with Bishop’s School for Boys and Mashrek International School.

Material with information about bird-watching activities and the current threats to birds and their habitats was displayed to school children and educators.

JBW presented PowerPoint slides about birds in Jordan, in addition to bird guides, bird watching tools, and posters and other material tackling problems such as excessive hunting, habitat destruction and wind farm developments, and engaged in discussions with curious students and school teachers.

Useful Applications

Digital applications for Birdwatchers

  • JBRC form is available for all bird-watchers in Jordan on this web site, see our page “Bird records form” in the JBRC category under Birds in Jordan. This form serves to keep track of your observations and help in gathering information especialy concerning rare birds.
  • Field Guide to the Birds of the Middle East – free application available in Arabic language for iPhone and Android (دليل الطيور في الشرق الاوسط). NatureGuides Ltd.
  • Collins Bird Guide. NatureGuides Ltd.

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