The Women Committee in Damia, Jordan Valley the first women group to be established in Damia is implementing this project, which will contribute to the improvement of living conditions of the local community in the town which suffered greatly after the closure of the border facilities following the peace treaty with Israel. The activities will involve women and their families in income-generating activities that contribute to the comprehensive management of land and water resources in the Jordna Valley. Activities include herbal plant production and bee-keeping. Awareness activities will also be conducted to promote the significance of proper natural resource management practices that can be implemented at the local community level. The project will test the use of "water gel", a substance that prolongs water retention in the soil after irrigation. This experiment will be undertaken with support from the Water Efficiency and Public Information for Action (WEPIA). The Women Committee will be supported by the Damia Youth Social Club that has been implementing a successful palm plantation project since 1998 with support from the GEF/SGP.