RBG Programmes at a Glance

 

BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH PROGRAMMES 


Community-Based Rangeland Rehabilitation (CBRR) 

Research to determine optimum grazing procedures, for the benefit of livestock, herding families and the environment, particularly biodiversity
Medicinal Plants

 

Ethnobotanical research on native medicinal plants, traditional knowledge on natural healing and practical applications
Mushrooms

Identification of all Jordanian mushroom species, publication of mushroom guides, and development of protocols for producing edible mushroom
Research Facility

Establishment of a national biodiversity research centre and library

 

 

CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES

Habitat Re-Creation

 

 Re-creation of five Jordanian habitats at the RBG, based on “home habitat” models elsewhere in Jordan
The National Herbarium of Jordan
 

Collection and preservation of dried specimens of native plants of Jordan, and creation of the National Virtual Herbarium
Seed Bank
 		 Collection and preservation of the seeds of native plants
Plant Nursery

 

 Propagation of native plant species, including rare plants, for use in the RBG and by the public
National Plant Strategy
 		 Development of a comprehensive strategy for the conservation of plant biodiversity in Jordan, including establishment of the Jordan Plant Red List
Green Corridor
 		 Preparation for the planting of millions of trees in a sustainable agro-forestry project, from Aqaba to the north of Jordan

 

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Natural Materials Programme

 

 Research into local natural materials and ancient clay-based techniques, to produce earthen pipes, bricks and mortars for water harvesting infrastructure, as well as set up a pottery workshop
Eco Building
 		 Building with natural materials, keeping harmful concrete to a minimum.
Water Harvesting
 		 Traditional methods to capture water runoff and store water for plant irrigation
Soil Rehabilitation Restoring the soil without resorting to chemicals

 

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Dairy Production

 Pilot project for the production of sundried jameed from sheep milk

Artisanal Workshop

Courses for local women in sewing, handicrafts and other income-generating skills, leading to the sustainable production of unique items inspired by nature and using natural components
Honey and Beekeeping
 		 Preparation for courses in beekeeping, honey and the production of bee-related products
The Green Pages Compilation of an online directory of ecological organizations and green companies in Jordan

 

Butterfly on Morning Glory, Convolvulus althaeoides