Nestled in the heart of Jordan, the Azraq Oasis Ramsar Site is a true natural wonder, boasting unique geography and rich history. Managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), the site exemplifies responsible conservation and community development. The RSCN is dedicated to preserving the area's natural beauty while providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for the local community, making Azraq Oasis a site worth visiting.
The Ramsar Site is situated at the lowest point of the Azraq Basin, covering 36,000 square kilometers, with an aquifer extending from Syria through Jordan to Saudi Arabia. Historically, the Oasis has been vital in providing freshwater and resources like reeds, fish, and wild game to the Bedouins. Recognizing its importance, the RSCN designated a 73 square kilometer area as a Ramsar Site in 1977 and a 12 square kilometer area as the Azraq Wetland Reserve in 1978. The RSCN, the oldest environmental NGO in the Arab region, manages the site.
In the mid-1980s, intensified water pumping for agriculture and urban use caused a significant decline in the aquifer's water levels, impacting surface springs and resulting in water shortages. This severely affected the region's flora and fauna. The site was placed on the Montreux Record in 1990, highlighting international concern. Various projects, including Ramsar Advisory Missions, were initiated to address the issue. An agreed-upon solution was to pump water from the aquifer at a reduced rate of around 1.3-1.5 million cubic meters per year, later further decreased.
The RSCN recognized the importance of involving the local community to address over-abstraction issues. They launched awareness campaigns, developed livelihood projects like handicraft production, and employed local staff. This approach proved successful and was adopted in all ten RSCN-managed protected areas in Jordan, including the recently designated Fifa Nature Reserve Ramsar Site. The RSCN's strategy includes producing annual socio-economic beneficiary reports, detailing the financial benefits of conservation efforts to the local community. These reports ensure that conservation efforts not only preserve the environment but also contribute to sustainable community development.
