IUCN, Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA)

A protected area review and design for Palestine was conducted during 2021-2022 with the aim of reviewing and updating the current protected areas using systematic conservation planning principles and The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) protected area design criteria to establish a connected, representative, efficient, and climate-resilient network of protected areas. This was done through a project funded by The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).

Jordan is situated at the intersection of three continents and is home to a variety of ecosystems and rich biodiversity. Maintaining this  biodiversity in the face of climate change and human land use will require a representative and well-connected system of protected areas.

This report evaluates the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and local communities across six protected areas (PAs) in Jordan, as part of IUCN’s project “Enhancing Climate Resilience for Biodiversity Hotspots in Jordan.” The assessment integrates climatic data from ground stations, global climate models, and satellite sources with field observations and stakeholder consultations to provide a comprehensive analysis of climate-related threats and socio-economic vulnerabilities in the sel

This baseline assessment represents a scientific decision-supporting source of information that aids the participatory planning process for the RNBWS interventions. It is a vital component of comprehensive implementation through highlighting the context-specific opportunities as well as challenges.

This baseline assessment serves a crucial purpose in providing a comprehensive understanding of the existing conditions in Al Qaa, Ras Baalbeck, and Fekha, particularly regarding water resources, agriculture, and climate change impacts. It aims to establish a baseline of the socio-economic, demographic, and environmental factors in the region, which are essential for justifying and supporting the planning of interventions.