![Introducing Solar Energy to Reduce Carbon Emissions and Woodcutting near the Dibeen Forest Reserve, Jordan](/joomlatools-files/docman-images/jordan_cs_solar energy_forest 11-12-14 final.jpg)
Deforestation is a serious issue in Jordan where only 1% of land enjoys forest cover. In support of Jordan’s National Strategy for Renewable Energy, SGP supported a four-project cluster initiative to encourage communities to transition from firewood to solar energy powered water heaters. One such project, located in the Sakeb village between Jordan’s Dibeen Forest Reserve and the Ajloun Nature Reserve, is discussed in more detail here. The project combined various strategies for sustainable forest management, including creating financial access to solar power through micro-finance, and educating community members in forest management and reforestation techniques. Due to the successful demonstration of the four projects, the initiative is currently being up-scaled with US $1.5 million in funding by the Jordan River Foundation (JRF) in communities across Jordan.