Update on the Azraq Oasis, Jordan
(posted to the Ramsar Forum, 14 February 1998) (version française)
Hi all,
Below is an update on current and planned activities at Azraq Wetland Reserve (Jordan), plus a little background information. The site is surely one of the most infamous of all Ramsar sites, and faces many problems common to wetlands in arid regions. But great efforts have been made to restore the natural values of the site, and a number of exciting projects are planned. Please contact me if you have any comments (or offers of support!). Thank you.
All the best, Des
Des Callaghan
Wetland Management Advisor
Restoring a desert oasis: progress and plans at Azraq Wetland Reserve (Jordan)
Located in the heart of the Syrian Desert, Azraq Wetland Reserve was until recently a stunning oasis with few parallels anywhere in the world. However, recent over-exploitation of groundwater has seriously degraded most of the site, to the detriment of both wildlife and people. With the principal aim of restoring and developing biological and cultural values within the reserve, an UNDP/GEF funded programme was initiated in 1994. This message provides a summary of current achievements and future plans of this challenging effort.
FORMER VALUES Until recently, two artesian springs continually discharged an abundance of water into Azraq Wetland Reserve, creating a rich mosaic of shallow pools and marshland extending up to 800 ha. This was the only permanent water within 12,000 km2 of desert, and in 1922 Colonel R. Meinertzhagen described it as "a perfect paradise......having all the characteristics of an island". The site subsequently received a great deal of attention from international expeditions, and soon became one of the worlds most famous wetlands.
The area was a hotspot for wildlife, and supported a tremendous abundance and diversity of species. Waterbirds were particularly noteworthy, and no less than 21 species occurred in internationally important numbers. Also, it is the only home for the endemic Azraq Killifish (Aphanius sirhani), and two plant species which may be new to science have been found recently.
The wetland has also been a focal point for human development. Occupation dates back to at least the early Stone Age (250,000 B.P.), and it seems the permanent water supply from the springs was a key factor allowing habitation of the region. Furthermore, the wetland seems to have been a pivotal link in the development of nomadic and pastoral systems within the neighboring desert. Other than water, the wetland was an important source of other natural resources. Arundo, Phragmites and Typha were cut for mat-making, basket-making, fodder and roofing. Pools were used for fish-farming and the marshes provided high quality forage for livestock.
The importance of the site was recognised formally in 1977, when Azraq Wetland Reserve was created and included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Ironically, shortly afterwards degradation of the site escalated.
DEGRADATION The two springs that supplied the reserve with water were fed by an underground aquifer which has been heavily over-exploited. Extraction from the aquifer has exceeded the natural recharge rate every year since 1983, and in 1996 was over twice as high. About 50% is pumped to supply Amman and Zarqa, while the remainder is used locally for irrigation. Discharge from the springs that fed the reserve fell rapidly during the 1980s, until June 1992 when both ceased to flow and the wetland dried out completely. The peaty soil became dry subsequently and slow-burning, underground fires began to spread through the site. The groundwater level continues to drop at a rate of 0.5-1m/yr and salinization is increasing. Regardless, excessive extraction continues owing to the desperate shortage of water in Jordan.
Concern over the degradation of Azraq wetland was expressed at the 3rd Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention, held in Regina, Canada, in May/June 1987. In March 1990, a Ramsar Monitoring Procedure Mission to Jordan visited the oasis and discussed the situation with Government Ministers and officials, NGO representatives and local people. A report was produced, containing thirteen specific recommendations for action. In addition, the National Environment Strategy for Jordan, published in 1991, identified the rehabilitation of the wetlands of Azraq as one of the highest national priorities in the conservation of wildlife and habitats.
INITIAL RESTORATION ACTIVITIES In 1992, a three-year project was submitted by the Government of Jordan for funding through the Global Environment Facility (GEF), of which a principal objective was the rehabilitation and management of Azraq Wetland Reserve. The project was approved and work began in January 1994.
Five staff were recruited and daily patrols of the reserve commenced in order to control illegal grazing and fires. An on-site rangers' station was developed, and large amounts of rubbish were removed. The main highlight occurred in June 1994, when water was returned to the wetland. This was pumped from a Government well field north of the site, and currently amounts to c. 1.5 MCM/yr (c. 10% of the original input). A new perimeter fence was erected during 1994-1995, and feral grazing animals were removed. Wetland communities soon established, but reed (Phragmites) has come to dominate the entire wetland area (owing to an absence of grazing).
Two relic spring pools were dredged and enlarged, and a management plan for the site was finalised in 1996. In addition, the construction of a visitors center began in 1997, which is due to open in autumn 1998.
CURRENT & PLANNED ACTIVITIES An independent evaluation of the project in 1996 highlighted the need for further funding in order to consolidate achievements and address new and unforeseen developments. Thus, a further application to GEF was made, and in January 1997 a two-year extension to the project commenced. The principal aims were to: (i) increase the level of benefit sharing with local communities; (ii) upgrade and expand the management of available water and water harvesting activities within and around the reserve; (iii) develop research and monitoring of the rehabilitation of the reserve; (iv) establish a public awareness programme; and (v) revise the reserve management plan accordingly.
All of these activities are currently being developed, and it is envisaged that the reserve will be open and functioning fully by the end of 1998. A community officer has been appointed recently, who will be responsible for developing education and awareness programmes within the reserve and the local community. Programmes will aim to highlight the value of Azraq wetland and the need for wise water use. Key activities will include: (i) working with local schools to develop wetland education programmes and nature clubs; (ii) re-establishment of traditional crafts (e.g. mat-making and basket-making) amongst local people and using the reserve center as a product outlet; and (iii) development of local conservation groups, such as the "Friends of Azraq".
Management of the current wetland habitat will be greatly improved during 1998. In particular, management will aim to restore open water and low marsh communities, both of which are virtually absent from the site currently owing to the dominance of Phragmites. These communities were critically important for sustaining the abundance and diversity of species within the reserve, particularly waterbirds such as waders and dabbling ducks. Hides will be built over-looking the wetland, and a nature trail will be developed. In addition, an evaluation of potential sources of further water for the reserve is currently being conducted. Potential options include abstraction from underground aquifers, harvesting from seasonal rivers (wadis) adjacent to the site, re-cycling locally used domestic water and pumping from a nearby seasonal lake.
Research and monitoring at the site are in the early stages of development. A reserve ecologist will be employed shortly, and a workshop to discuss priorities will be convened in February 1998. Key activities could include surveys of inadequately known groups of organisms (e.g. aquatic insects and plants), hydrological research to improve water management on-site, research in to the conservation biology of key species, and experimental studies of the impact of grazing on wetland communities.
In the short-term we plan to have established a wetland reserve which offers many of the biological and cultural values of the former wetland in addition to developing new values, for example concerning education, tourism and the local economy. This is a challenging project, but one that is essential if future generations are to benefit from the many values of Azraq Wetland Reserve.
FUTURE FUNDING The long-term success of the reserve is critically dependent on adequate funding, since UNDP/GEF funds end in December 1998. Ideas of potential sources of funds for any of the activities outlined above would be greatly appreciated. We look forward to hearing from you.
CONTACT ADDRESS Des Callaghan, Wetland Management Advisor, Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, PO Box 6354, Amman 11183, Jordan. Tel: + 837931 or 837932; Fax: + 847411; E-mail: rscn@nets.com.jo
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Posted 15 February 1998, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.
