Women in Jordan have saved the seeds of endangered trees and planted them in the Wadi Rum Nature Reserve
The project 'Restore Endangered Native Trees' in and around the Wadi Rum Nature Reserve has been carried out by the Disi Women's Cooperative in Jordan's southern Badia region for six consecutive years. Each year, the cooperative plants 10,000 seedlings of endangered native species at the beginning of the year. Bedouin women collect seeds from various areas in the Wadi Rum desert, often traveling long distances—some exceeding two hours—and navigating challenging mountainous terrain where access is difficult even for animals like camels.
The importance of these trees, such as ghada, talh, and ratam, lies in their role as long-lived species that stabilise sand dunes, provide safe habitats for wildlife and birds (some of which have become extinct in the region), and serve as resources for medicinal plants like sagebrush, baitharan, qasium, and adhaer. These plants are vital for Bedouin communities, offering various medicinal uses.
Through this initiative, the cooperative raises awareness about the importance of preserving these trees and combating unsustainable practices like overharvesting firewood, which has contributed to their decline. The project also creates employment opportunities for three women, helping alleviate poverty and unemployment while training them in modern agricultural techniques.
This nursery is the only one in the area and is operated by Bedouin women without external support. Despite the harsh desert conditions, they continue planting these trees and medicinal plants as part of their national duty to ensure a better future for their children. The cooperative has planted over 20,000 seedlings in Wadi Rum and other areas while selling some to institutions like the Royal Botanic Garden to partially cover project expenses.
Additionally, the nursery has introduced a new tourism product in Wadi Rum—a region known primarily for tourism but considered remote and impoverished. This effort has helped improve local livelihoods and promote environmental conservation.
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