The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20040811144041/http://www.usaidjordan.org:80/press_display.cfm?id=206
USAID home skip repetitive navigation
USAID in Jordan Mount Nebo - Mukhayyat. Church of Saint Lot and Procopius.
Intranet Contact Us Site Map
About Jordan About Us Features Press Media Gallery On The Map Business Opportunities FAQs Links
  Press Releases  |   Speeches  |  Mission Headlines  |  Articles
 

August 11, 2004

Quwaysmah - Lower church Sectors
  Economic Opportunities
  Water Resources Management
  Democracy & Governance
  Education
  Health
  Cash Transfer
 
Amra Desert Castle
  Amra Desert Castle

 

Home> Press> Speeches > Details

Umm Ar - Rasas. Church of Saint Stephen Search
 
  Go

Press - Speeches


June 28, 2004
Back

Remarks by USAID Mission Director Ms. Anne Aarnes At the Inauguration of RSCN's "Wild Jordan"

At the Amman Nature Center (Wild Jordan)
Amman, Jordan


Your Majesty, Excellencies, Distinguished Guests:

About two and a half years ago Ambassador Gnehm, my predecessor and USAID staff gathered on the street out front to launch the construction of Amman’s first and only center devoted to promoting Jordan’s natural environment. This center is the vision of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, and it represents the optimism and dynamism that are weaving themselves throughout the fabric of Jordanian society. My government is especially proud to help Jordan make this vision a reality.

I know that Ambassador Gnehm, who could not be with us today, has been a keen supporter of RSCN and its mission. He is an enthusiastic admirer of Jordan’s natural wonders. He is particularly fond of taking “volunteers” from the embassy and USAID along on his many RSCN hikes, scrambling over boulders, rappelling down vertical mountain faces, and wading through refreshing pools. On a Sunday morning, back in the office, it’s not uncommon for USAID staff to be showing each other their bruises, scrapes, and pictures from their weekend hikes with RSCN. I know the hikes have been among the highlights of the Ambassador’s three years in Jordan.

And, of course, there is an equally important social mission to RSCN’s work here, as well. A fundamental pillar of RSCN’s conservation work and of American support of its program is to link local communities with their natural environment. RSCN’s projects provide conservation incentives for villagers to preserve their habitat (such as the crafts for sale in the RSCN shop), rather than degrade it. By doing these projects, RSCN is successfully attacking poverty with solutions that are environmentally sustainable over the long term.

This Center is one important piece of a larger plan whereby Jordanians will not only learn to appreciate the country’s wonderful natural environment, but they will also be a part of its preservation. RSCN is ensuring that the Kingdom’s citizens – particularly those in rural areas – have a stake in seeing that wetlands are preserved, that historic sites maintained, that flora and fauna are protected, and that culture is cherished. And by doing this, RSCN is ensuring that generations of Jordanians will understand the cultural, social, and economic value of their environment.

Wild Jordan will be the starting point for many of those seeking to explore Jordan’s eco-tourism sector. As they visit the Center, foreign and local visitors will be able to take advantage of the many tour opportunities available to them. From Wadi Feynan to the Azraq Oasis, from Wadi Mujib to the Ajloun Forest, exciting and diverse destinations await the eco-tourist. Wild Jordan will be their first stop.

Jordan’s environment is a key part of a larger picture. Tourism is Jordan’s largest single economic sector. Directly and indirectly, it contributes nearly 18% of the nation’s GDP and employs 16% of its labor force. And there is great potential for even more growth in Jordan’s tourism sector. The Government of Jordan recently announced an ambitious new multi-year tourism strategy designed to double tourism revenue within the next five years. Eco-tourism plays a central role in that new strategy.

Eco-tourism worldwide accounts for approximately 20% of all international travel. Annual growth rates in eco-tourism are projected at 17% over the next few years. Eco-tourists are typically young, well-educated, and are willing to spend more money than many other tourists. Getting Jordan added to their destination list is critical for doubling Jordan’s tourism receipts.

With the opening of this Center and as the central hub for eco-tours throughout the country, Wild Jordan will be a key component to the overall growth of the nation’s economy.

It’s not just foreign tourists who will enjoy and use this Center. Indeed, the word is already out in Amman that Wild Jordan is THE place to see and be seen. The café is full almost every evening, with people willing to wait nearly an hour for a table, and the store is introducing new products every week. As a result of the draw to the Center, RSCN is seeing a sharp increase in local bookings for their eco-tours.

In closing, the United States Government continues to be a steadfast supporter of RSCN. We share the society’s vision that economic development, if it is carefully planned, can encourage environmental conservation.

Years of hard work and a focus on strengthening the partnership between the community and the environment have borne the fruit of a vision. RSCN is one of the top nature conservancy organizations in the world Its vision is promoting and conserving the stunning natural wonders of this country. And in addition, Wild Jordan is already being recognized as the intellectual center for environmentally-friendly economic innovation in the Middle East.

Congratulations to RSCN and congratulations to Jordan.





    Last updated on: July 19, 2004
Mount Nebo - Siyagha. Memorial of Moses

    The U.S. Agency for International Development  |  Privacy and Security