Jerash, Feb. 15 (Petra) -- Dibeen Forest Reserve continues to expand its eco-tourism and community development initiatives, combining forest conservation with economic opportunities for local residents. The reserve has launched new projects that support traditional crafts, create jobs, and attract visitors, strengthening both the environment and the local economy.

Bashir Ayasrah, Director General of the Royal Scientific Society for the Conservation of Nature, said a new beeswax candle workshop has opened in the forest, joining long-established embroidery and pottery workshops. These projects use natural materials and traditional techniques to produce heritage-inspired products while offering hands-on experiences for visitors.

The workshops currently provide at least 28 jobs for local residents, predominantly women, with the Society supplying equipment, training, and marketing through its network of "Nature Shops" and tourism outlets. Products are designed to meet the needs of national institutions, the private sector, and visitors, with the candle workshop adding an environmentally friendly and creative dimension to the reserve’s offerings.

Ayasrah emphasized that these initiatives aim to integrate the local community directly into eco-tourism, allowing tourists to engage with heritage crafts such as embroidery, pottery, and candle-making. This experiential approach aligns with modern tourism trends, encouraging visitors to participate rather than observe.

The reserve’s efforts coincide with a surge in tourism driven by a strong rainy season that has revitalized trails, forests, and vegetation. More than 35,000 visitors arrived during the summer, boosting demand for eco-friendly services such as guided trails, food, and lodging, which remain priorities for future development.

Dibeen Forest itself features a diverse ecosystem shaped by elevation. Aleppo pine dominates lower areas, mixed pine-oak forests cover mid-levels, and evergreen oak thrives at higher altitudes. The reserve is home to over 500 plant species, including maple, pistachio, wild olive, orchids, and more, highlighting its rich biodiversity.

The reserve also maintains strict protection and monitoring programs. Last year, 1,500 patrols prevented fires and minimized violations despite challenging conditions. Environmental monitoring tracks forest regeneration, evaluates the impact of tourism, and maps wildlife such as the Persian squirrel.

Future plans for 2026 focus on enhancing forest protection, expanding environmental education, improving visitor management, and supporting civil society in conservation and development projects. Ayasrah stressed that safeguarding the forest is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation between authorities and the local community, as the forest remains vulnerable to fires and slow natural regeneration.

//Petra// WH