Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
RSCN: A BYWORD FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Teamwork is a good way of describing the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) policy of environ-
mental management. The RSCN employs 330 Jordanian people. Its role includes getting corporate business in-
volved to back eco-ventures (such as the chic Wild Jordan Café within the RSCN headquarters building in Amman).
Crucially it also involves local communities, such as those of Ajloun or Dana, through income-generating projects
that complement rather than threaten traditional lifestyles. Thanks to the combined interests of all these 'stakehold-
ers', the RSCN's work is surprisingly high-profile in Jordan, with Jordanian nationals comprising a high proportion
of the annual 60,000 visitors to the country's nature reserves.
Despite being clearly passionate about what he describes as the 'golden triangle of ecotourism' (Dana, Petra and
the Rift-edge landscape of Jebel Masuda), the president of RSCN, Chris Johnson, is no tree-hugging eco-warrior:
'You can't protect wildlife without thinking of economic development,' he explains. 'Tourism is the main tool being
used to sustain our reserves; by visiting us, tourists make a direct contribution to preserving Jordan's natural herit-
age.'
With fantastic accommodation serving wonderful food in beautiful places; walking, hiking and scrambling trails
to suit all legs; and a series of shops that make you wish you'd packed a bigger suitcase, the RSCN's flagship re-
serves are a highlight of a 'sustainable visit' to Jordan.
Impact Neutral Checklist
If you'd like to know how to minimise the negative impact of your visit, then you may
like to use the following checklist to inform the choices you make on the road.
Save water
Jordan has a critical water shortage.
Use local guides and services
This is an opportunity to learn about a unique way of life
and help preserve local traditions.
Buy wisely
Profits are returned to local communities from specialist craft centres.
Dress and behave respectfully
The liberalisation of customs and manners is seen by
many Jordanians as a bad habit caught from the West and an erosion of their cultural and
Islamic heritage.
Pay your dues
Entrance fees are the lifeline that helps to maintain Jordan's reserves.
Spend money…
This will help make your visit count more positively than surviving on
muesli you brought from home.
…but don't give it away
Tips should only be given for services rendered (such as buying
a souvenir from kids at Petra) to discourage the counterproductive activity of begging.
