A group of researchers from NARC, Jordanian Universities, and Local Associations visited the Royal Botanic Garden and Dibeen Forest Reserve in Jerash Governorate.

الملف الإخباري-
A group of researchers from the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Jordanian universities, and representatives of local associations visited the Royal Botanic Garden and Dibeen Forest Reserve in Jerash Governorate, as part of the Cross Border Living laboratories for Agroforestry (LIVINGAGRO) project.

Dr. Salam Ayoub, Director of the Horticultural Research Directorate at NARC, and the project coordinator, stated that this visit aimed to get know the Royal Botanic Garden and Dibeen Forest Reserve facilities, as well as exchange of information and experience among the researchers.

During the visit, Dr. Mustafa Al-Shudiefat, manager of programs and projects at the Royal Botanic Garden, presented the activities and the accomplishments of the Royal Botanic Garden in the field of biodiversity conservation, protection of rare native plants, seed conservation, rangeland rehabilitation, in addition to environmental awareness, research conducting and sustainable forest management.

AL-Shudiefat added that the Jordan Plant Red List, the Plants of Jordan and the Sustainable Management of Forests are the major publications issued by the Botanic Garden. In addition, the Royal Botanic Garden had a major role in supporting the local community, building their capacities, and diversifying their sources of income. This was followed by a tour to the plant nurseries, the National Herbarium, and the Seed Bank.

During the visit to Dibben Forest Reserve which belongs to the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN), the participants were briefed about the reserve activities related to conservation of Aleppo pine and oak forests, wild olives trees, wild pistachio, as well as endangered plants. The Reserve also had an important role in supporting the local community through the implementation of multiple productive projects run by the RSCN, as well as regulating grazing activities at the reserve.

It worth to be mentioned that Dibeen Forest Reserve ecosystem supports the presence of 517 plant species and hosts at least 17 endangered species, such as the Persian squirrel and many important species at the global biodiversity level.