Hamza Astronomical Eco-tourism Camp (GEF-JOR-98-G52-05)
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Country:
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JORDAN
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Grantee:
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Jordanian Astronomical Society - JAS (Non-government Organization)
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Focal Area:
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Climate Change
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Op. Program:
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Project Type:
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Full
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Operational Phase:
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Phase 2
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Dates:
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12/1999 - 12/2000
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Grant Amount:
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42 817,00 USD
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Project Status:
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Satisfactorily Completed
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Project Types:
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Demonstration,
Information Dissemination, Networking and Policy Dialogue
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Project Details & Results
The campsite is located in Al Azraq basin area, an important wetland close to the Saudi borders. This part of the Badia region hosts several important historical and archaeological sites. The project will serve as a demonstration in desert eco-tourism by promoting astronomical tourism. It will also serve as a research station for range land development and renewable energy applications in a hyper-arid zone to benefit the local community. The Badia Research and Development Programme and the National Energy Research Center are providing technical assistance and support to the project.
Notable Community Participation
Local community, who are moving beduins, are already benefiting from the project which is providing them with water for their animals. Water is pumped by a solar energy pump.
Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment
Once the camp is officially operational, it will host several activities including astonomical monitoring, environmental training and public awareness. Several monitoring activities have already taken place on site with the participation of scientists and experts from all over the world.
Project Results
Project activities are linked to a regular GEF project within the Azraq wetland reserve and provide an added benefit to the reserve activities. Water is pumped by a solar energy pump providing a demonstration site and supplying Bedouins community with water for their herds.
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