Sub-Regional Action Program
for Combating Desertification
in the Aqaba/Elat - Jericho section
of the Jordan Rift Valley
Prepared by
INCD MIDDLE-EAST SUB-REGIONAL JOINT STUDY
commissioned by the Interim Secretariat of the Intergovernmental
Negotiating Committee - Desertification (INCD)
supported by the Government of Switzerland
Coordinators:
The
Palestinian Authority: Dr. Sufian Sultan
Palestinian
Institute for Arid Land and Environmental Studies (PIALES), Hebron
The
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan: Dr. Walid Abed Rabboh
Jordanian
Ministry of Agriculture, Amman
The
State of Israel: Prof. Uriel Safriel
Department
of Evolution, Systematics and Ecology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, and The Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Sede Boqer Campus,
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Team Leaders:
Palestinian
Authority:
Dr. Hani Daragma
Palestinian
Institute for Arid Land and Environmental Studies (PIALES), Hebron
Jordan: Dr. Talaat Zandaki
Jordanian
Ministry of Agriculture, Amman
Israel: Dr. Shani Kleinhaus
Consultant,
20, the 33 st. Ramat-Chen, Israel 52224, Email: knzmor@ccsg.ac.il
September 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BACKGROUND............................
RISKS OF DESERTIFICATION IN THE SUB-REGION AND THEIR CAUSES
Background...............
Pastoralism.................
Overgrazing leading to range degradation.................
Non-sustainable chopping of vegetation for fire wood and forage.......
Irrigated agriculture................
Irrigation-caused soil salinization
Range degradation and loss of biodiversity.................
Development of the tourism industry.
Conventional tourism - leading to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity.................
Ecotourism - leading to soil erosion
Regional development - transportation infrastructure........
Loss of forage, firewood and biodiversity - due to obstruction of runoff water........
Obstacles to migration and habitat partitioning.................
Lack of
awareness.....................
MEANS AND MEASURES FOR COMBATING DESERTIFICATION IN THE SUB-REGION............
Range management................
Determination of sustainable stocking rates.........
Management of desert trees.........
Runoff-harvesting for range improvement................
Afforestation - for rangeland and scenic improvement and for agricultural production
Sustainable arid land agriculture................
Water resource management..............
Treating wastewater...............
Land-use allocation by soil properties
Reducing evaporation by cropping in greenhouses...............
Alternative sustainable livelihoods - ecotourism and
biodiversity
conservation
Socio-economic aspects and public awareness programs...................
Removing obstacles to integrated sub-regional development, resulting from divergence in socio-economic perception
Increasing the socio-cultural readiness for accepting new concepts of sustainability.............
Establishment and maintenance of joint sub-regional
desertification
database
and monitoring program
Subregional exchange and dissemination of desertification information...............
Identification of gaps
in knowledge by use of the Joint Directory as a first ste
in program development
Environmental monitoring...............
APPENDIX - PROJECTS’ BRIEFS...........
Project # 1 - Subscribing Sustainable Stocking Rates
Across the
Jordan
Rift Valley
Project # 2 - Participatory Management of Rangelands
in the Jordan Rift Valley....
Project # 3 - Sustainable Use of Indigenous Desert
Trees.......
Project # 4 - Restoration of Runoff-Harvesting
Terraces...................
Project # 5 - Rangeland Improvement by Dryland
Afforestation.........
Project # 6 - Development of Agroforestry in The City
of Jericho...
Project # 7 - Water Management Based on a
Hydrological Model...................
Project # 8 - Treating waste water in the West Bank -
management
of a Palestinian-Israeli stream
Project # 9 - Land Use Allocation Based on Soil
Properties...................
Project #10 - Advanced Greenhouse for the Jericho
Region - a Pilot........
Project # 11 - Ecotourism as an Alternative
Livelihood in the Subregion...................
Project # 12 - Perception of Desertification by the
Local Populations..............
Project # 13 - Exchange of Concepts and Technologies
between
the
Jordanian and the Israeli ‘Azazme Bedouins
Project # 14 - An Internet Site for a Sub-regional
Desertification Database...................
Project # 15 - Desertification Watch in the
Sub-region....
Sub-Regional Action Program
to combat desertification
in the
Aqaba/Elat - Jericho section of the Jordan Rift Valley
The
breakthroughs and accelerated progress in the Middle East peace process
coincided with the deliberations of the U.N. Intergovernmental Negotiating
Committee for Elaborating a Convention to Combat Desertification (INCD). The
Secretariat of the INCD, striving for early implementation of the Convention to
Combat Desertification (CCD) and for promotion of international regional
cooperation, initiated a joint Jordanian-Palestinian-Israeli project, the
Middle-East Sub-Regional Joint Study (“the Joint Study”).
This
one-year study (1995-6) was supported by the Government of Switzerland. Human
and other resources of the Ministry of Agriculture of Jordan, the Palestinian
Institute for Arid Land and Environmental Studies in Hebron, the Hebrew
University of Jerusalem and the Blaustein Institute for Desert Research in Sede
Boqer Campus of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, were put at the service of
the Joint Study.
The
goal of the Joint Study was to survey and detect
desertification risks, and to propose future activities which will facilitate
the combat against desertification and will lead to sustainable development in
a region where cooperation between the three partners can yield better results
than if each of them acted separately. An important aim was to demonstrate that
peace in the Middle East has tangible economic fruits.
The
sub- region surveyed in the Joint Study is the southern section of the Jordan
Rift Valley, stretching from Jericho in the north (administered by the
Palestinian Authority) to the towns of Aqaba (Jordan) and Elat (Israel) at the
north coast of the Gulf of Aqaba (Elat). This area (the “sub-region”) is a part
of the Asia Region, one of the four regions (Asia, Africa, Latin America &
the Caribbean, and the Northern Mediterranean), covered by the United Nations
Convention to Combat Desertification (CCD).
In
preparing this sub-regional action program, the three participants of the Joint
Study were guided by the text of the United Nation Convention to Combat
Desertification, and especially Part III sections 1, 2 and 3 of this
Convention. In the following, the
risks of desertification identified by the survey of the teams of the Joint
Study will be described first. Then several elements for averting these risks
will be described, and backed by concrete project proposals, described in
detail in the Appendix.
In
the following, five desertification agents in the sub-region are identified,
pastoralism, irrigated agriculture, development of the tourism industry,
transportation infrastructures required for regional development, and lack of
awareness among planners, decision makers and the local communities. These,
jointly and separately, can cause desertification through soil erosion,
salinization, and loss of biodiversity. The aim of the Action Program is not to
hinder pastoralism, agriculture, tourism and transportation infrastructure, but
to point at means of developing these activities in a sustainable manner.
The
Jordanian team conducted a preliminary survey of pastoralists in the Jordanian
Wadi Araba and adjacent mountain areas. The results indicated that overgrazing
has increased over the last decade, causing pastoralists to travel further with
their herds. The Palestinian team identified severe land degradation due to
overgrazing of the mountains adjacent to the Jericho area. Livestock (cattle)
are grown intensively, totally independent on range, in the Israeli section of
the Rift Valley, except that in the Judean Desert (along the Israeli Dead Sea
section) pastoralism is practiced and its impact has to be assessed.
In
the past, the practice of chopping dead branches of trees for firewood and live
branches for forage, was carried out in a sustainable manner. Future population
trends and aspiration for higher standard of living in Jordan and the
Palestinian Authority may bring about overexploitation. This overexploitation
may cause reduced production, and reduction of other ecosystem services of the
trees (shade, ecotourism, cultural values, and the promotion of the associated
biodiversity - multitude of animals species associated with these trees. In
Israel, on the other hand, where pastoralism has been abandoned for the last
forty years, reintroduction of livestock, especially camels that promote the
germinability of the seeds they eat, should be considered for improving the
recruitment of new trees to the population.
All
agricultural development in a region that receives 20-60 mm of annual
precipitation, and in which
potential evapo-transpiration during continuous seven months of the year is in
the order of magnitude of meters(!), depends on irrigation. Most water sources
in the sub-region used for irrigation have a much higher salinity than
rainwater. The scarcity of the water and the high evaporation, pose risks of
soil salinization.
Rapid
development of agriculture in the sub-region involved an accelerated
intensive and extensive increase
in irrigated cultivated area. In a region with extreme potential
evapotranspiration the major risk is that of soil salinization, which is often
an irreversible type of land degradation, making it impossible to reclaim the
area for range, once cropping become non-economic due to salinization.
Overpumping
water from local resources may also jeopardize indigenous vegetation, and can
degrade rangelands. This pertains mainly to deep-rooted species, such as the Ziziphus
and Acacia trees, so important for livestock and for the production of
firewood. To circumvent soil salinization, Israeli and Palestinian farmers have
become aware that in arid regions sandy soil are the best agricultural land,
due to the their porosity. In sand,
drip irrigation easily leaches salts from the vicinity of root systems
and allows direct application of nutrients and systemic pesticides. Today, over
95% of the sandy soils on the western side of the Rift Valley are under
cultivation. Furthermore, farmers import sand far from their settlements, to
cover non-sandy soils next to the settlement, thus making them cultivable.
Sandy soils, however, are not common in the Rift Valley, and their use for agriculture
competes with the conservation of the unique biodiversity typical to this
rather rare habitat in the Valley. This biodiversity includes species of high
potential economic value, which may in the future turn out to bring more income
than irrigated agriculture.
Desert
tourism and recreation activities are developing rapidly in the sub-region.
Nearly 1.5 million tourists per year are expected in the Israeli Negev by the
year 2000, and plans are made to increase this number by creating joint package
deals for tourists, for visiting Jordan and the attractive sites in the areas
administered by the Palestinian Authority. Development of tourism requires
infrastructure (roads, urban development, water resource development,
airfields). It will impose severe demands on the scarce water sources in the
sub-region. It will also create problems of sewage. Wastewater will be treated,
and their use in agriculture will then exacerbate the salinization problem.
Increased
demand for recreational activities in desert areas may cause extensive damage
to the soil. In Israel, activities of all-terrain-vehicles (ATV) in natural
areas caused extensive damage to the protective biogenic soil crust. This
increases soil erosion, causes dust storms, and detrimentally affect range and biodiversity. The extent
of this type of tourism in the Jordanian and Palestinian areas is smaller, but
its forecasted increase will cause the same problem as already felt in Israel.
All
transportation infrastructure (roads, railroads, airfields, power lines,
canals) run in a north-south direction. All run-off sources, are either from
the east (Jordan) or from the west (Israel and the Palestinian Authority).
Thus, transpiration lines are bound to obstruct run-off to the Valley. Road
developers in Wadi Araba/Arava often neglect to consider natural vegetation,
which is concentrated in dry streambeds and washes and depends primarily on
runoff water for its existence. This again pertains mainly to the shrubs,
bushes and trees of the sub-region, an important resource for forage, firewood
and biodiversity products. As a result, appropriate culverts are not
incorporated in planning, and small watersheds are disconnected from their
upstream water sources. This causes mortality of plants, mainly trees, or at
least reduces their production. New roads, railroads and other linear
infrastructure elements are already planned, to support the expected expansion
of urban, rural, industrial and tourism development in the sub-region. Thus,
the threat to economically critical biodiversity is on the increase.
The
transportation infrastructures, and especially such planned projects as canals
(Red-Dead Canal) constitute an obstruction to migration of animals, be it
livestock or wildlife. Obstruction of migration of livestock is the recipe for
overexploitation and desertification. Habitat partitioning is the recipe for
local extinction of important biodiversity elements.
The
Middle East peace process made the development of the sub-region a high
priority for the governments involved (Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian
Authority). Therefore, the sub-region is already facing a bounty of prospects
of intensified economic and development activity, with a rapid increase in
infrastructure development, urban, agricultural, industrial and tourist
development, and growing populations (of residents, tourists and commuting
workers) with increased life standard expectations. The majority of the
subregions’ residents, planners, policy makers and entrepreneurs that were
interviewed during the Joint Study were oblivious to the risks of
desertification that are inherent to their current activities and future plans.
It seemed that most of these persons and groups prefer short term gains to long
term sustainability. To promote sustainable development of natural resources
and avert the risks of desertification in the subregion, it is high time now,
before it is too late, to develop public awareness programs for local
communities, planners and policy makers residing in the centers of power, away
from the sub-region.
Sustainable
development and improvement of rangeland is of ultimate importance for the
pastoral populations of the region. Improvement of rangelands by appropriate
management programs that includes runoff harvesting, reseeding, and determining
sustainable stocking rates, can prevent reduced productivity and soil
degradation.
High
stocking rates may provide short term benefits and bring about long term
disasters. Project # 1, Subscribing Sustainable Stocking Rates Across
the Jordan Rift Valley proposes to use grazing enclosures as a first step
in distinguishing between the effects of environmental conditions and of
current grazing pressures in the structure and composition of the vegetation.
Using already available knowledge on management of dryland rangelands, the
results of this assessment will form the basis for a subregional rangeland
management program whose major component is the subscription of appropriate
stocking rates for different regions in the different seasons. Joint R&D
sites will be established on a representative transect across the Jordan Rift
Valley, that will be used for demonstrations and training, and for a constant
evaluation of the results of the implementation of the management program.
Project # 2, Participatory Management of Rangelands in the Jordan Rift Valley
complements Project # 1. Its emphasis is on the implementation, in a
participatory approach, of management practices in the same area, on both sides
of the Valley.
Unlike
in non-arid lands, trees of arid lands constitute an important element of
pastoral practices. Trees are used for fodder, they provide shade for the
livestock during the hottest hours of the day so that animals can conserve
water, and their dead branches are used as firewood. Two groups of indigenous
Savanna-type trees dominate the drylands of the southern Jordan Rift Valley,
the Dead Sea Valley and Wadi Araba: three species of the genus Acacia in
Wadi Araba and the Dead Sea, between Aqaba (Jordan)and Elat (Israel) in the
south and Jericho (Palestinian Authority) in the north, and one (or two?)
species of Ziziphus in the southern Jordan Valley, from Jericho
northward. These four-five species dominate the landscape and apparently
constitute key biodiversity components of the dryland ecosystem in the region.
Most importantly, they play an important role in the local economy. They
provide wildlife and livestock with shelter, shade and forage (fruits and
foliage), and provide local people with firewood. In addition, Acacia
trees fix soil nitrogen, thereby increasing soil fertility and quality for many
other species of plants. Project #3, Sustainable Use of Indigenous Desert
Trees, proposes to study ecological and biological attributes of these
trees, their economic value and function, and their susceptibility to
desertification threats. The project will produce a sustainable management
program for Acacia and Ziziphus trees, and the project will work
together with the local populations on its implementation.
Traditionally,
runoff harvesting is used in drylands for irrigation. But this practice can be
developed for increasing the productivity of the land to the degree that it can
support forage in a reliable manner, more reliable than the same rainwater can
support agriculture. Project #4, Restoration of Runoff-harvesting
Terraces, is a participatory project for Bedouin pastoralists in the Negev
desert of Israel, designed to improve pastures by restoring ancient
terraces and construct additional, new terraces in Negev highland wadis
inhabited by Israeli Bedouins. The project will assess the impact of terracing
on pasture productivity and biodiversity, environmental conditions, rainwater
runoff, soil erosion and sedimentation. The project will develop methodology
for increasing pasture productivity and will provide for drought preparedness.
The implementation will reduce the effects of climatic uncertainty,
concurrently with a contribution to the conservation of soil, water and
vegetation (Articles 10.2d, 10.3b,d of the CSD). Based on the results, the
project will develop an economically feasible business program for grazing on
terraced and unterraced wadis. It will serve as a training and demonstration
facility for pastoralists from the Palestinian Authority and from Jordan, so
that the results can be implemented in the subregion.
Afforestation
programs should be designed cautiously so that they do not compete with agriculture
for land or water resources, deny plant and wildlife species of their habitat,
or alter landscape features in ways that degrade their unique values. On the
other hand, dryland afforestation can protect the land from degradation and
improve range quality Project #5, Rangeland
Improvement by Dryland Afforestation, examines
afforestation options along an ecological gradient that represents the semiarid
zone on the demarcation line between Israel and the West Bank. The project is
planned (a) to implement and test land management and dryland afforestation
options for the prevention of soil degradation, biodiversity conservation and
increased tree growth rate and biomass yield (in accordance with Article 10.4
of the CCD); and (b) to establish joint Israeli-Palestinian R&D sites along
this gradient in which joint training program will be conducted for
sylvi-pastoral and agroforestry methods along a steep environmental gradient in
the drylands of the region. A similar research and development site exists in the
Israeli Negev. The project is compatible with the recommendation for
international technical and scientific cooperation, and technology transfer between
the participants, in accordance with Articles 17 and 18 of the CCD. For a
regions that has a natural supply of spring water, but at the same time its
climate is harsh, as the case of Jericho is, planting trees can serve diverse
purposes. Project # 6, Development of Agroforestry in the City of Jericho
will use trees within the city and its vicinity for agricultural products (date
palms), for shad (Acacia), and for beutification and attraction of
tourists. At the same time this planting project will bring about an enrichment
of the soil with nitrogen (fixed by Acacia), the conservation of the
soil, and improving local climate.
Present
land use patterns in the Israeli Arava Valley focus on intensive agriculture,
using advanced technologies (such as drip irrigation to conserve water,
greenhouses) on sandy soils and artificial substrates to grow off-season
vegetables and flowers. In addition, Israeli farmers engage in intensive animal
production - dairy farming and aquaculture. In Jordan and in the Jericho
region, the land is used by pastoralists raising sheep, goats and camels. In
the Jericho oasis, orchards and vegetables are grown on spring water. All
agricultural development in the subregion depend on irrigation. Water resource
development is therefore critical. One source of water is the local run-off and
aquifers, and another - treated waste water.
Desert
flood water should be prevented from reaching the salt pans where it is lost,
and reduces the quality of groundwater. Water harvesting techniques can divert
this water for agriculture (as well as tourism). It may also promote rangeland
and biodiversity. Project #7, Water Management Based on a Hydrological
Model, proposes to establish a
joint hydrological database for Wadi Araba/Arava watershed. The database will
be used to devise a joint watershed model for the valley. A comprehensive
database and a model exist for the Israeli side of the valley, and its
expansion is in accordance with Articles 11 and 12 in section 1 of the CCD. The
watershed model will be used for early drought warning, for developing regional
water harvesting methods, and for the development of regional runoff water
harvesting and management programs. The project will enhance the area’s drought
preparedness by increasing hydrological capability to withstand variability in
rainfall, and provide drought early warnings (Articles 10.3a,b of the CCD).
Water harvesting programs will be initiated after identifying optimal locations
for reservoir construction (Article 10.2d of the CCD). This project will also
promote technology transfer between the two countries (in accordance with
Article 18 of the CCD).
Treating
waste water is the most viable option for irrigating drylands, especially for
cultivating non-edible products (fire wood trees and bushes, and orchards). It
also solves an environmental, aesthetic and health problem. The sub-region is a
valley into which waste water of urban centers on top of the mountains - drain.
Project # 8, Treating waste water in the West Bank - Management of a Palestinian-Israeli Stream, is
designed to restore the ecology of a stream flowing from the West Bank water
divide to the Mediterranean, and it can serve as a model for streams flowing
from the same water divide to the Rift Valley. The idea is to treat the waste
water generated mostly in the Palestinian territory upstream, and to use the
treated waste water there for agriculture. This will restore the lower reaches
of the stream in Israel, enabling the creation of a park for ecotourism and
biodiversity conservation.
Israeli
farmers prefer sandy soils in the Arava Valley, due to their water saving
properties, and for averting the risk of salinization associated with
irrigation in drylands. There is an increasing demand on sandy soils in the
Israeli side, and this demand may also become stronger in the Jordanian side.
Currently, sandy soils are not used by Jordanian farmers due to lack of
appropriate technology. Agriculturists on both sides of the Jordanian Israeli
border are currently interested in developing agriculture on sandy soils on the
Jordanian side of the border, and considering options such as technology
transfer, rental and cultivation of Jordanian land by Israeli farmers, and
purchase of Jordanian sand to cover rocky lands in Israel. This demand will
eventually put all sandy areas of the rift valley under cultivation. The
biodiversity assets of these lands (landlocked islands of fixed sands) will
then be lost. A more rational system of land use allocation must be performed.
Project #9, Land Use Allocation Based on Soil Properties proposes to harmonize soil
classification usage of the two countries, which will enable to jointly
evaluate and optimize the allocation of sandy and other soils for sustainable
agricultural development, rangeland and biodiversity conservation. The project
will pay particular attention to the conservation of lands that are not yet
degraded or which are only slightly degraded (Article 10.2c of the CCD). The
project includes technology transfer between Jordan and Israel, in accordance
with Article 18 of the CCD.
The
high evapotranspiration rates in the sub-region reduce the efficiency of
irrigation and also causes topsoil salinization. Cropping under cover such as
in greenhouses, considerably reduces evaporative water losses. However, ways of
cooling the ambient temperature in the greenhouse are required. Project #
10, Advanced Greenhouse for the Jericho Region - a Pilot, aims at
introducing high-tech but relatively low-cost technology for crop production in
the Jericho region. Greenhouses are very common in the Israeli Wadi Arava, as a
measure of reducing evapotranspiration losses. However, much energy is required
to cool these greenhouses. Novel technology now enables lowering the
temperature in a desert greenhouse at low cost. At the same time enrichment by
CO2 into the closed space is feasible, and this increases the tolerance of many
crops to salinity. The greenhouse technology also saves lot of space and thus
contribute to relieving the pressure on the diminishing soil resources of
populated areas such as the Jericho region.
Pastoralism
and agriculture in the subregion may be non-sustainable, given current
demographic and economic trends. Alternative livelihoods, that can be
sustainable yet not causing land degradation and desertification, should be
sought for the subregion. The subregion is rich in unique biodiversity. The Jordan
Rift Valley (JRV) is a part of the great tectonic rift that extends from the
Middle-east into Africa. The JRýV is located at the confluence of three major
biogeographical zones: the Palearctic, the Ethiopian and the Oriental. Such
location provides the subregion with a diverse fauna and flora concentrated in
a relatively small area. In addition, steep gradients of altitude and climate
along a short distance, augmented by local variability in geology, soils and
topography enrich the region’s biodiversity. Moreover, the area has global
importance as a resting stopover site for over 200 species of migratory birds.
These attributes are a strong incentive for the development of ecotourism. The
mechanism for a sustainable exploitation of biodiversity for ecotourism is the
Biosphere Reserve concept.
Biosphere
reserves are protected areas of representative environments which have been
internationally recognized within the framework of UNESCO Man and the Biosphere
(MAB) program for their value in conservation and in providing the scientific
knowledge, skills and human values to support sustainable development options
such as ecotourism. Project #11, Ecotourism as an Alternative Livelihood in
the Subregion will effect the necessary work which will lead to the nomination
of part of the subregion, and adjacent regions, as a binational
Jordanian-Israeli Biosphere Reserve.
to prepare a UNESCO nomination form, to initiate the establishment of a
Jordan Rift Valley Binational Biosphere Reserve on both sides of Wadi
Araba/Arava. The reserve will incorporate participatory programs of holistic
approaches to sustainable development and will offer alternative means of
livelihood. This will include sustainable ecotourism, which is already in great
demand in the region, development of organic vegetable farming (some organic
farming is already practiced in the region), and sustainable exploitation of
desert plants with medicinal, cosmetic and industrial potential. This project
will incorporate and expand existing protected areas (nature reserves and
national parks, such as Dana Nature Reserve, Petra National Park, Shezaf Nature
Reserve) and ongoing participatory socio-economic programs (as in Dana). The
project will address environmental impacts of touristic development that are not
addressed by current development programs. The binational biosphere reserve
will also create ample opportunities for joint and comparative research,
monitoring and development, as well as for education and training on a
subregional and international levels.
Comprehensive
understanding of socio-economy in local populations and communities in the
sub-region is a pre-requisite for sustainable development of human and natural
resources, and for envisaged changes in agricultural and pastoral practices
that are necessary in order to avert desertification risks. The new political
situation in the subregion creates a potential of using reciprocal influences
of Jordanian, Palestinian and Israeli groups in increasing the feasibility of
introducing changes to local populations and communities of pastoralists and
farmers.
Divergence
in perceptions of socio-economic aspirations and desertification risks on both
sides of the border may pose an obstacle for integrated development programs. Project
#12, Perception of Desertification by the Local Populations, will
conduct a comprehensive socio-economic survey in order to assess the ways in
which residents and communities in Wadi Araba/Arava perceive the interactions
between their occupations and desertification processes, and the economic
implications of desertification as expressed by increased investments. The
project will reveal the extent to which local residents may be willing to
change their means of production in order to combat desertification processes
and promote long-term sustainability (in accordance with Articles 10.2f; 10.3d;
104 of the CCD). Based on the results of the survey, the project will develop
public awareness programs for local residents, policy makers and developers (in
accordance with Articles 19.3a-f, 19.4).
Socio-cultural
readiness for change should precede attempts to implement new methodologies,
technologies and practices aimed at combating desertification. There are
Bedouins living on both sides of the Jordanian-Israeli border, that may diverge
in perceptions, though they belong to the same socio-cultural group. The
foundation of the State of Israel in 1948 divided the ‘Azazme Bedouins between
Israel and Jordan. Some characteristics of the ‘Azazme group in Israel
withstood the tremendous changes of the last 45 years, while new adaptations to
the specific situation (economic, political, technical) also developed. Yet, in
both countries pastoralism plays an important role in the ‘Azazme culture and
economy, and in both countries, ‘Azazme rangelands are overgrazed. Project
#13, Exchange of Concepts and Technologies between the Jordanian and the
Israeli ‘Azazme Bedouins, should lead to an eventual improvement of the
livelihood of ‘Azazme pastoralists in Israel and in Jordan. Based on surveys
that elicit demographic dynamics, socio-economic, cultural and political
opportunities and constraints, and on attitudes to changes among the ‘Azazme,
the project will evaluate the feasibility of sustainable development options
for pastoral groups in Jordan and in Israel. The project will develop
reciprocal and participatory program with ‘Azazme representatives from Jordan
and Israel, and will promote alternative, and economically viable livelihoods
for the ‘Azazme Bedouins in both countries (in accordance with Article 10.4 of
the CCD).
Dozens
of development projects are currently proposed, initiated or already carried
out in the Jordan Rift Valley, many of them within the sub-region. In order to
be able to assess the environmental impact of proposed development projects
(water resource development, agricultural development, industrial development,
tourism development, infrastructure development), there is a strong need for a
comprehensive, joint environmental and socioeconomic databases. Furthermore,
this information can be used for coordinated joint development that will
optimize the use of scarce resources and minimize environmental degradation.
The
most significant impediment to cooperation and to the development and the
implementation of programs to combat desertification in the subregion is the
absence of a unified database that will be accessible for the three parties and
form the basis for sustainable development programs. The Joint Project
constructed a Computer Mediated Joint Directory, listing relevant environmental
references (soils, water resources, climate, biodiversity, organizations and
institutions). The Joint Directory, is available to all three parties on
diskettes, in Excel Spreadsheet. It currently includes some 900 references on
natural resources, soils, hydrology, meteorology, geology, biodiversity,
wildlife, vegetation, agriculture, livestock, legislation, regional planning,
transportation, industry, tourism and settlements. These references were
assembled from sources in Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and Israel. The
highly-friendly and widely distributed software enables sorting by single or
multiple titles, and full cross-referencing of all items in this directory.
Most importantly, it is amenable for constant updating.
This
Joint Directory constitutes a dynamic tool for continuous collection and
exchange of relevant information. To this purpose, Project #14, An Internet
Site for a Sub-regional Desertification Database will construct an Internet
site for this directory. This will enable to continuously update the Joint
Directory by each of the parties to the Joint Study, independently of the other
one, yet for the benefit of all. The Internet site will also facilitate
communication among all interested in combating desertification in the
subregion ( in accordance with Article 12 and 16 of the CCD).
“Gap
analysis” of the Joint Directory, jointly carried out by the three teams, as
well as scanning and interviewing government offices and personnel, indicated
the following:
(a)
Language problem. Most of the relevant documents are in Arabic or in Hebrew. A
translation either to English or to Arabic and Hebrew, is necessary.
(b)
Harmonization requirement. Maps (soils, hydrology, vegetation, land use) of same areas vary in
the identification of legend items, scale and computer technology. In all the
projects presented in the Appendix the requirement for harmonization is
emphasized.
Environmental
monitoring is essential to identify long term environmental trends, to provide
early drought warning (in accordance with Article 10.3.a of the CCD), to
discern human impacts and climatic trends that are expressed in desertification
(in accordance with Article 17.a of the CCD), and to evaluate impacts of various
development projects on the environment. Project #15, Desertification Watch
in Wadi Araba proposes to develop a joint, Jordanian-Israeli, cost
effective digital data base of environmental parameters related to
desertification, to be distributed among government organizations, NGO’s,
planners and developers. A joint Jordanian-Israeli environmental monitoring
system will be developed for Wadi Araba/Arava, and its implementation will
include technology transfer and capacity building.
In
accordance with Articles 11 (International Cooperation) and 12 (Sub-regional
and Regional Action Programs) of the CCD, the project proposals in the Appendix
are designed to harmonize and complement national programs, as a basis for
joint programs for sustainable management of transboundary natural and human
resources and technical cooperation. All the projects included in the action
program emphasize reciprocal interactions and initiate systems for the
collection and exchange of information (Article 16 of the CCD), for joint
analysis of information (Article 16 of the CCD), for joint research and
development (Article 17 of the CCD), and for technology transfer among the
participants (Articles 12 and 18 of the CCD). When possible, the projects build
on existing successful programs with strong affinity to sustainable development
(Article 1 of the CCD).
A program based on an east-west transect
for evaluating range conditions
across Jordanian, Palestinian and Israeli territories
Dept. of Natural Resources, Agricultural Research Organization -
The Volcani Center, Bet
Dagan
Dept. of Geography, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan
Palestinian
Institute for Arid Land and Environmental Studies, Hebron
Jordanian
Ministry of Agriculture, Amman
Background/Justification
The
structure and composition of the vegetation are good indicators of
environmental conditions as well as of anthropogenic impact. In order to assess
ecological processes relevant for rangeland improvement along a transect across
the Jordan Rift Valley, and to develop rangeland management programs, the
distinction between natural and anthropogenic parameters should be established
in this region. The proposed project will address these issues with respect to
natural parameters (climate, geomorphology, natural processes of soil
degradation) as well as ecological processes (vegetative communities and
ecological succession) and the impact of human activities (grazing). R&D
sites will be established on a transect across the Jordan Rift Valley. This
transect represents three gradients: elevation, distance from the Mediterranean
Sea and its climatic influence, and aridity. It represents a much larger area
along the Jordan Rift Valley, that experiences similar conditions. Local
populations and users will be informed of the survey results, and will
participate in structuring a range-oriented range allocation and management
program for the regions affected by the same conditions as those of the
transect.
Objectives
1.
To assess quantitatively the vegetation across the transect, with emphasis on
plants with economic potential and pasture plants.
2. To quantitatively characterize environmental conditions (climate,
soil condition) along this environmental gradient.
3. To assess qualitatively and quantitatively the impact of grazing on
species biodiversity and range quality, as expressed by the structure and
composition of ecological communities and by ecological processes of
succession.
4. To identify plant species of economic value (for reseeding and
planting in rangelands and pastures, for medicine and for other industries).
5. To identify and operate joint demonstration and R&D sites for
range management along the environmental gradient across the Jordan Rift
Valley.
6. To involve local populations in using the survey results for the
construction and implementation of a range management plan.
Activities
The
study will be based on a comparative, quantitative biodiversity surveys in
joint R&D sites. In each site, a comparison will be made between currently
grazed and enclosures within which
there is no grazing. Four geomorphologic stations, equipped with climatic
monitoring equipment and enclosures are already established in the western part
of the transect, and we propose to continue this effort along the transect.
Year 1
1.
A field survey to identify representative locations for study sites and
for the construction of enclosures.
2.
Establishment of enclosures, equipment of the enclosures with measuring
instrumentation including meteorological equipment and data loggers.
3.
Initiate monitoring of environmental parameters (geomorphology and climate),
biological parameters (vegetation composition and diversity, biomass),
determining species richness and diversity.
Year 2
1.
Continue field monitoring of climatic and vegetative parameters.
2.
Comparative data analysis.
Year 3
1.
Continue
field monitoring of climatic and vegetative parameters.
2.
Participatory construction of land use and range allocation, based on the
analysis of the data comparing enclosures with grazed plots.
3.
Establishment of demonstrating and training program for assessment of rangeland
value, the impact of grazing on economically valuable plant species, and for
responding to findings in modifying range management programs.
Outputs
1.
A joint, harmonized data base of vegetative biodiversity inventory along the
transect.
2.
Joint R&D sites used for generating guidelines for management of in Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian
authority.
3.
Identification of plant species of economic value as pasture, medicinal,
aromatic and herbal uses.
4.
Implementation by local populations along the Jordan Rift Valley eastern and
western slopes, of a range management program based on constant inputs and
interactions with the transect’s R&D sites.
Budget(US$)
|
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technical
assistance |
85,000 |
80,000 |
80,000 |
|
Travel,
transportation |
21,000 |
21,000 |
21,000 |
|
Enclosures |
20,000 |
|
|
|
Meteorological
equipment |
50,000 |
|
|
|
Satellite
imagery |
8,000 |
|
|
|
Statistical
consulting, Software |
5,000 |
|
|
|
Communication |
3,000 |
3,000 |
3,000 |
|
PR
and awareness material |
1,000 |
1,000 |
3,000 |
|
Demonstration
and training workshops |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
-------- |
---------- |
---------- |
|
Sub-total |
193,000 |
105,000 |
152,000 |
|
Total |
450,000 |
|
|
Implementation
of livestock and range improvement program
Jordanian
Ministry of Agriculture, Amman
Palestinian
Institute for Arid Land and Environmental Studies, Hebron
Background
/ Justification
Misuse and
overgrazing are the common characteristics in the Western Jordanian slopes and
the eastern Palestinian slopes at both sides of the Jordan Valley. This caused
land degradation and accelerated desertification. Bedouins have restricted
access to rangelands due to the fact that range land was closed for military
purposes or not allowed for grazing by public agencies
.
In light of
the peace process, where less lands will be kept for military purposes and to
manage the rangelands on sustainable basis, users on both sides will be
encouraged to participate actively in the design, implementation and monitoring
and evaluation of the projects and activities related to rangeland and
livestock management in these areas.
Objectives
1. Surveying
the potentials, problems and constraints facing land use and management at both
sides. This will include technical, socioeconomic and environmental issues.
2. With the
participation of the people in the area, develop and methodology for managing
and sustaining the rangelands.
3. Select
pilot area in each side to be developed fully by the beneficiaries (water
harvesting, soil conservation, planting or seeding and grazing management).
4. Share
experience and knowledge between the beneficiaries and the technical people on
both sides.
5. Examine
the most cost-effective, socially acceptable and environmentally sound
activities that can be adopted in other areas.
Activities
The survey
and the pilot activities will be considered as a comparative research within
each side, but also between both sides. The survey content, the methodology
followed in the survey (PRA) and the technical measures to be implemented in
both sides will be harmonized, to achieve complementarity and coordination.
Year 1
1. The field
survey will be conducted.
2. Pilot
areas will be selected and surveyed.
3. Awareness
campaigns will be held.
4.
Institutional, legislative and managerial issues will be identified and plans
to overcome the problems to be developed.
Year 2
1. Prepare
land and soil conservation and water harvesting measures.
2. Plant
trees and shrubs.
3. Continue
awareness campaigning.
4. Agree with
the users on the management systems.
Year 3-5
1. Monitor
the vegetation biodiversity and the status of the flora and fauna.
2. Update
management system and agree with farmers on organized grazing scheme.
3. Offer
veterinary services and help farmers in milk processing techniques.
4. Integrate
and introduce new (improved) sheep breeds and feeding systems that maximize
farms income and protect environment.
5. Develop
and improve the rest of the pilot areas.
Outputs
1. Increasing
and improving the carrying capacity of the range areas.
2. Improving
the standard of living of the Bedouins.
3. Developing
a participatory mechanism to manage and sustain the rangelands.
4. Improving
the capabilities of the local people through training and awareness campaigns.
5. Developing
a model for rangeland management in the Region.
Budget (US$)
|
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries |
60,000 |
60,000 |
60,000 |
60,000 |
60,000 |
|
Equipment and tools |
40,000 |
30,000 |
20,000 |
- |
- |
|
Land preparation |
10,000 |
20,000 |
25,000 |
15,000 |
10,000 |
|
Training and workshops |
15,000 |
15,000 |
10,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
Reports and short-term consultant |
20,000 |
20,000 |
15,000 |
10,000 |
10,000 |
|
|
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
-------- |
-------- |
|
Sub-total |
145,000 |
150,000 |
130,000 |
90,000 |
85,000 |
|
Total |
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
Christ-thorn and Acacia
of the Jericho-Aqaba/Elat
Section of the Jordan Rift Valley
Palestinian
Institute for Arid Land and Environmental Studies, Hebron
Jordanian
Ministry of Agriculture, Amman
Mitrani Center for Desert Ecology, the Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Sede Boqer
Background/Justification
Two
groups of indigenous Savanna-type trees dominate the drylands of the southern
Jordan Rift Valley, the Dead Sea Valley and Wadi Araba: three species of the
genus Acacia in Wadi Araba and the Dead Sea, between Aqaba (Jordan) and
Elat (Israel) in the south and Jericho (Palestinian Authority) in the north,
and one (possibly two) species of Christ Thorn (Ziziphus) in the
southern Jordan Valley, from Jericho northward. These five species dominate the
landscape and apparently constitute key biodiversity components of the dryland
ecosystem in the region. They play a major role in the economy of local
pastoralists. They provide wildlife and livestock with shelter, shade and
forage (fruits and foliage). They also provide the local people with firewood.
In addition, Acacia trees fix soil nitrogen, thereby increasing soil
fertility and quality for many other species of forage plants and other plant
species of potential economic significance. The management of the desert trees,
and especially Acacia, is therefore critical for pastoralists of the
sub-region: they provide fodder, and also fertilize the range thus benefiting
other pasture plants.
Objectives
1.
Survey the interactions with other plants, soil microorganisms, wildlife and
livestock, and evaluate their economic significance of the interactions.
2.
Assess quantitatively the role of the trees in nitrogen fixation and generation
of “islands of fertility” in dryland regions.
3.
Evaluate quantitatively the economic value of fruits, fodder, shade and
firewood of the trees.
4.
Assess the as yet non-realized economic potential of: natural chemical products
of the trees.
5.
Determine the causes of tree mortality (such as the effects of absence of
culverts to allow runoff water to cross roads) and local of absence of
recruitment of young trees (such as the absence of large herbivores which eat
seed pods and enhance germination).
6.
Transfer the acquired knowledge to local communities, and policy makers.
7.
Construct, using a participatory mechanism, a management plan for sustainable
utilization of the trees by the sub-region’s local communities.
8.
Provide an initial follow up during the early stages of the implementation of
the management program.
Activities
Surveys
1.
A detailed survey of Acacia and Ziziphus populations in Wadi
Araba/Arava and surrounding the Dead Sea in Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian
Authority to determine population sizes, health of populations, associated
human effects such as road building, use of groundwater, agriculture,
pastoralism, harvesting and herbivory on number of live vs. dead trees, and
recruitment rates of young trees.
2.
Anthropological/socioeconomic survey to determine the importance of the trees
as a natural resource to local peoples.
3.
A survey of species biodiversity associated with Acacia and Ziziphus
trees, and their potential economic significance.
4.
GIS (Geographical Information system) analysis of sequential aerial photographs
and satellite imagery to determine long term changes in tree populations.
Field
monitoring and experiments
1.
Monitoring nitrogen in the soil to determine the importance of the trees to
other species occurring in the area as fixers of nitrogen.
2.
Monitoring rainfall to establish correlation between rainfall and recruitment.
3.
Monitoring of growth in individually marked trees in three representative sites
in the territories of each of the three participants (Jordan, Israel, The
Palestinian Authority), including the construction of enclosure around
individual trees to assess the effects of browsing on tree growth and health.
4.
Monitoring survival and growth of
tees transplanted trees from the nursery to utilized land.
Nursery
experiments
1.
Test the effects of water availability, salinity and nutrients on seedling
recruitment and tree viability.
Technology
transfer
1.
Meeting and workshops for community leaders.
Management
program
1.
Participatory construction of management program based on survey results.
2.
Consulting follow up of the initial phases of the implementation of the
program.
Outputs
1.
A management program for Acacia and Ziziphus trees, including
recommendations for sustainable use (instructions for constructing water
culverts under roads, sustainable cutting for firewood, promotion of
germination and recruitment).
2.
Follow up of implementation of the management program, providing consulting and
necessary revisions.
Budget (US$)
|
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technical
assistance |
18,000 |
18,000 |
18,000 |
|
Travel/transportation
and training workshops |
5,000 |
15,000 |
25,000 |
|
Laboratory
and nursery experiments |
|
15,000 |
10,000 |
|
Satellite
imagery and air photography |
12,000 |
6,000 |
6,000 |
|
Equipment |
35,000 |
5,000 |
|
|
Software |
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
|
Subtotal |
75,000 |
59,000 |
59,000 |
|
Total |
193,000 |
|
|
Sustainable Development of Bedouin Pastoralism in a changing
socio-economic environment
Social Studies Center, the Mitrani Center for Desert Ecology and Albert Katz Agrobiology Center of the Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Sede Boqer
Background/Justification
This
project does not address directly the sub-region. However, it involves
watersheds that drain to the Jordan Rift Valley, and it is beneficial for the
indigenous peoples of the Middle Eastern deserts, the Bedouins, which reside
both in the Jordanian and the Israeli regions in and adjacent to the Wadi
Araba. The project will serve for demonstration to Bedouins of the Palestinian
Authority and Jordan.
Extensive
livestock rearing is practiced by nomadic pastoralists in the arid regions of
the near east for thousands of years, and it involved migration as an adaptive
strategy to cope with climatic uncertainty and with the low carrying capacity
of the land. Political, geographic and demographic changes over the last five
decades caused considerable changes in land-use and in socio-economic
conditions and have practically
curtailed the free movements of nomadic and semi-nomadic Bedouin pastoralists
in the Negev desert of southern Israel. This increased grazing pressures on
remaining rangelands and often led to soil degradation and further reduction of
forage.
To
avert further desertification of rangelands in the Negev desert, pastoral systems
should be developed which are based on intensified and more efficient resource
management within the smaller resource base. This goal can be achieved by the development of rainwater
harvesting techniques to increase the productivity of natural pasture. In this
model project traditional Bedouin pastoral systems will be enhanced with
natural pasture and sown pasture through rainwater harvesting in terraced
wadis. Bedouins of the ‘Azazmeh and Janabib tribes of the Negev highlands will
actively participate in this development project.
Objectives
1.
To restore ancient terraces and construct additional, new terraces in Negev highland wadis inhabited by Bedouins,
for increasing soil moisture of the rangeland by runoff harvesting, and for
reducing the loss of soil, thus increasing pasture productivity.
2.
To reseed the reconstructed terraces with pasture plants, to expedite the gain
in productivity.
3.
conduct a socio-economic survey of Bedouin pastoralism in the selected wadis,
aimed at a facilitation of an effective participatory mechanisms for the
implementation of a range management program.
4.
To qualitatively and quantitatively assess the impact of terracing on pasture
productivity and species biodiversity, as expressed by changes in plant community
structure.
5.
To determine, for demonstration and training purposes, the differences in range
productivity, between reconstructed and reseeded terraces, and neglected
non-managed, and overexploited range in the same climatic and soil conditions.
6.
To determine, for demonstration and training purposes, the effects of terracing
on environmental conditions climate, hydrology, soil erosion and sedimentation.
7.
To improve the economic conditions of a group of Israeli Negev settled yet
pastoral Bedouins, that will serve as model for other Bedouin communities,
living under the same conditions.
Activities
Year 1
1.
Detailed socio-economic survey of Bedouin pastoralists in the Negev highlands.
2.
Selection of wadis to be terraced and of control wadis (without terraces).
3.
Detailed ground survey of vegetation, geomorphologic and soil parameters in all
of the selected wadis.
4.
Emplacement of ground benchmarks in each site to establish long-term monitoring
of erosion and sedimentation.
5.
Purchase of aerial photographs, infra-red and radar satellite images of wadis
prior to the construction of terraces.
6.
Emplacement of rainfall gauges.
7.
Emplacement of hydrological equipment for measuring the flow of runoff and
sediment in each terrace and in control sites.
8.
Emplacement of access tubes for insertion of neutron probes to monitor soil
moisture and to demonstrate the use of this equipment to the Bedouins.
9.
Photographs of reference points for monitoring changes in the vegetation.
10.
Use of Geographical Positioning Systems (GPS) to make precise measurement of
the monitoring points, so that photographs can be taken from the same point
each year.
11.
Construction of wadi terraces, which involve stone check-dams, spillways,
leveling of selected terraces. The work will be carried out by the local
people, who will directly benefit from the project.
12.
With Bedouin participation, devise rangeland and pasture policies for terraced
and un-terraced wadis.
13.
Reseeding of selected pasture plants in selected terraced wadis.
14.
With Bedouin participation, develop an economically viable business plan for
herding in runoff-improved rangeland.
Year 2-5
1.
Monitoring of vegetation biodiversity, production of natural pasture and
reseeded pasture, meteorology, hydrology, soil moisture, rainfall, runoff,
erosion and sedimentation in terraced wadis and control sites.
2.
Ground photography and analysis of aerial photographs, infra-red and radar
satellite images of terraced wadis and control sites.
3.
Data analysis and data input into Geographic Information System (GIS).
4.
In an iterative participatory process, update rangeland and pasture grazing
policies and business plan.
5.
Conduct Demonstration and Training workshops for Bedouin pastoralists from
Jordan and the Palestinian Authority.
Outputs
1.
Procuring the involvement of Bedouins of the Negev highlands in a participatory
model of rangeland improvement.
2.
Development of methodology for increasing pasture productivity and reducing the
effects of climatic uncertainty, concurrently with a contribution to the
conservation of soil, water and vegetation.
3.
An economically feasible business program for grazing terraced and un-teracced
wadis.
4.
Recommendations for government programs and policies, provided to the
appropriate agencies in Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, for
Bedouin participatory pastoral development in the region.
5.
Training workshops and demonstrations for pastoralists from Jordan and the
Palestinian Authority, leading to transfer of the technology and the approach
to the two other parties in the Joint Project.
Budget (US$)
|
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technical
assistance |
53,000 |
53,000 |
53,000 |
53,000 |
53,000 |
|
Salaries
for Bedouin participants |
20,000 |
7,000 |
7,000 |
7,000 |
7,000 |
|
Construction
of terraces |
27,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Hydrological,
meteorological equipment |
40,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Aerial
Photos, satellite imagery |
10,000 |
3,000 |
10,000 |
3,000 |
10,000 |
|
GPS,
GIS software |
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
Equipment
for benchmarks |
10,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Transportation |
10,000 |
10,000 |
10,000 |
10,000 |
10,000 |
|
Training
and demonstration |
|
|
5,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
|
--------- |
-------- |
-------- |
-------- |
-------- |
|
Subtotal |
177,500 |
73,000 |
85,000 |
78,000 |
85,000 |
|
Total |
498,500 |
|
|
|
|
Afforestation R&D, Demonstration and Training Facility
along the Dahariya-Shoqet
Semi-arid Ecological Gradient
Dept. of Natural Resources, Agricultural Research Organization - The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan
South Region Forestry Dept., Jewish National Fund, Gilat
Palestinian Institute for Arid Land and Environmental Studies, Hebron
Background/Justification
This project
pertains to an area outside the sub-region. But its concept was developed
during the deliberations within the Joint Study teams, it addresses problems of
desertification that are of much concern to the Palestinian Authority, and it
promotes regional cooperation between the parties of the Joint Study, the
Palestinian Authority and Israel. Thus, it is a legitimate “offspring” of the
INCD Joint Study.
Drylands do
not support natural forests. But runoff harvesting techniques can increase
productivity and support trees even in drylands. The stands, however, can not
be dense. Rather, a savanna type landscape can be created. These trees improve
the range - they can serve as fodder, they contribute to cessation of soil
erosion, and they improve conditions for indigenous forage plants.
Daharyia is a
Palestinian township at the southern edge of the dry-subhumid belt of the West
Bank, at a 700 m elevation. Shoqet is a road junction in Israel, close to the
arid region of the Negev, at 200 m elevation. Thus, the 50 km long 700-200 m
elevation and 500 to 250 mm rainfall Daharyia-Shoqet ecological gradient,
comprises a semiarid region. The project will establish a joint
Palestinian-Israel R&D site for dryland afforestation aimed at prevention
of soil degradation, promote biodiversity and forage and contribute to economic welfare and quality of life of
the communities living on both sides of the demarcation line between the
Palestinian Authority and Israel. It is noteworthy that in both sides of this
demarcation line, many of the local communities are Bedouins of several tribes.
Israeli involvement will be effected by R&D experts from the Blaustein
Institute for Desert Research and the Jewish National Fund, operating a similar
R&D site near Ofakim, a semiarid region some 50 km from the project sites.
Objective
1. To
establish joint Israeli-Palestinian R&D sites to test and implement
semi-arid afforestation, at various climatic conditions within the semi-arid
dryland category, for implementation of other regions of the Palestinian
Authority with conditions falling within certain sections of the range of the
gradient available within the R&D sites.
2. To
acclimate local and imported species of trees and to develop biological methods
(i.e. application of mycorrhizae) and hydrological methods (i.e. runoff
harvesting) for the improvement of tree survivorship, growth and production in
this semiarid region.
3. To test
technologies for integrated land uses - afforestation, pasture, biodiversity
conservation and recreation activities.
4. To train
experts, extension officers and community leaders in afforestation,
agroforestry and sylvi-cultural technologies.
5. To
implement land management practices which avert desertification in the
high-risk semi-arid area Between Daharyia and Shoqet, by afforestation.
Activities
Year
1
1. Carrying
out range quality, biodiversity, land use, and socio-economic survey along the
gradient.
2. Identification of R&D field sites
along the gradient, one of which on the demarcation line, to be a joint
Palestinian-Israeli site.
3. Planning
and physical preparation for water harvesting and planting in the R&D
sites.
4. Selection
of local and imported trees and acquisition of saplings from nurseries in
Israel and the West Bank.
5. Surveying
of strains of mycorrhizae adapted for semiarid conditions, to be used for
improving tree production.
6. Planting
trees at the R&D sites.
Year
2
1. Monitor
tree survival and growth, and the effects of development operations on range
quality and biodiversity.
2. Conducting
a training and demonstration program.
Year
3 - 4
1. Continue
monitoring activities.
2. Controlled
introduction of livestock.
3. Conducting
a training and demonstration program.
Year
5
1. Continue
monitoring activities.
2. Laboratory
analysis of the nutritional value of foliage as fodder for livestock.
3. Assessment
of biomass production for firewood.
4. Assessment
of the effect of afforestation on soil degradation processes.
5. Production
of recommendation for afforestation practices in other regions of the
Palestinian Authority.
Outputs
1.
Afforestation in the Dahariya-Shoqet region for achieving:
a) Soil conservation
b) range improvement
c) biodiversity conservation
d) firewood production
e) fodder production
f) recreation facilities.
2. Use of the
R&D sites for demonstration and training, and transfer of the technologies
for other affected regions of the West Bank.
Budget (US$)
|
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technical
assistance |
96,000 |
96,000 |
51,000 |
51,000 |
105,000 |
|
Land use and
properties survey |
30,000 |
30,000 |
30,000 |
30,000 |
60,000 |
|
Equipment,
seeds, nursery |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
|
|
|
Travel |
5,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
5,000 |
|
Laboratory
services |
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
Operational
expenses |
2,000 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
2,000 |
|
Workshops,
PR materials |
|
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
--------- |
|
Sub-total |
153,000 |
153,000 |
88,000 |
88,000 |
205,000 |
|
Total |
687,000 |
|
|
|
|
Planting trees for agricultural products and
improvement of the environment
Palestinian Institute for Arid Land and
Environmental Studies, Hebron
Background/Justification
Palestine is a
dry land country with most of the land is classified as arid. It is suffering
from severe risk of desertification, especially towards the eastern part of the
West Bank (the Eastern slopes and the Jordan valley). This has been attributed
to the neglect of the forest sector and mismanagement over the last centuries.
the degradation of vegetation cover and the agricultural land has significantly
contributed to the quality of life in the region and has resulted in
desertification. A key factor in achieving an environmentally sound development
in the Jordan Valley is the ability to promote, conserve and maintain
afforestation and agroforestry programs.
The plantation
of orchard trees such as date palm in the Jordan Valley has a major agricultural
revenue to the region. Acacia albida, A. tortilis, A. laeta,
Prosopis fract, Ziziphus and other indigenous trees are important
for firewood, shelter and shade. Acacia is particularly known for soil
nitrogen fixation.
This proposal
aims at planting forest trees, date palm and other environmentally adapted
orchards which will benefit the agricultural sector and should improve the
quality of life in the Jordan Valley. The project will represent an
environmentally sound activity that will help reduce pollution risks and will
add to the touristic attraction of the area. It will also provide an
opportunity for job creation in the city of Jericho and will supply work to
many nurseries and the local council.
Objectives
1. The
development of an environmentally sound activity that will enhance touristic
attraction to the region and combat environmental degradation.
2.
Identification of tree species of high economic importance for planting in the
degraded area in the region.
3.
Establishment of forest and agroforest using adopted forest and Orchards trees
that fit the harsh environment of Jericho.
4.
Contribution to the establishment of forest recreated areas, parks and shaded
areas along the main roads of the city.
5.
Contribution towards increasing opportunities for job creation in the City of
Jericho.
Activities
Nurseries will
be contracted for providing the project with both agricultural productive
seedling such as the date palm as well as seedlings of important forest trees
that fit the Jericho climate.
Based on
assessments of types and numbers of trees needed successful nurseries provide
necessary seedlings. Workers will be involved in the plantation and protection
of transplanted there seedlings. A system should then be put in place for the sustainable
development and exploration of the area, including tourism, harvesting of wood
and strategies for reforestation.
The program
will also undertake reforestation of areas a long main roads of the city of
Jericho in cooperation with municipality, Ministry of Local Affairs and
Ministry of Agriculture. These organization will share responsibility for
protection and future maintenance of seedlings, and a permanent labor staff
will be requested.
The project
should be completed within 18 months period. It will involve seedling
preparation in nurseries and green houses: Site selection and land preparation
for plantation of seedlings. Plantation will be carry out just before the
winter season so as to make great benefit from the winter rainfall. In the second
year, the project team members from PIALES, in cooperation with the Department
of Agriculture and the Local Municipality, will manage, monitor and maintain
the planted seedlings. The time table is as follows:
1.
Formulation of task force July
1997
2.
Preparation of seedlings August
- October 1997
3.
Selection of sites October 1997
4.
Land preparation November
- December 1997
5.
Plantation December
1997
6.
Maintenance January
1998 - end of project
Output
1. Improving
the current standard of the people living in the area.
2.
Establishing forest recreated area, parks and shaded places that will
contribute to the improvement and development of the touristic sector.
3. Enhancing
agricultural revenue and production in the region.
4. Increasing
and improving the land carrying capacity for forest (shrubs) development.
Budget (US$)
|
|
Number |
Cost per
unit |
Total
cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Labor force |
10 |
400/month |
72,000 |
|
Agriculture
engineer |
1 |
600/month |
10,800 |
|
Landscape
engineer |
1 |
750/month |
13,500 |
|
Project
manager |
1 |
1200/month |
21,600 |
|
Date palm
seedlings |
10,000 |
20/seedling |
200,000 |
|
Forest
seedlings |
50,000 |
3/seedling |
150,000 |
|
Transportation |
|
1100/month |
50,000 |
|
Machinery
rent |
|
|
100,000 |
|
Irrigation
& maintenance |
|
8/seedling |
|
|
|
|
|
----------- |
|
Subtotal |
|
|
637,900 |
|
Administrative
costs |
|
3% |
19,137 |
|
|
|
|
------------ |
|
Total |
|
|
657,000 |
Development of a
Subregional Watershed Hydrological Model - A Participatory Approach for a Joint
Sub-regional Water Management Program
Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture, Amman
Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, Soil Erosion Research Station,
Midreshet Rupin
Jewish National Fund, South Region Forestry Dept., Gilat
Palestinian Institute of Arid Land and Environment Studies, Hebron
Background/Justification:
Rainfall in
the Subregion’s watershed varies between 100 mm in the north to 30 mm in the
south. Rainstorms are rare and often intense, resulting in flush floods flowing
into valley. These floods can be harvested for sustainable uses and for
combating desertification in the sub-region.
Recently, the
Jewish National Fund and the Division of Soil Conservation and Drainage
(Israeli Ministry of Agriculture) initiated an investigation of the Arava
valley watershed as a basis for optimal planning of infrastructure for runoff
harvesting. To study rainfall/runoff relations, a network of hydrological
stations and rain gauges was established in the Israeli side of the Arava
valley watershed. The data are presently incorporated into a hydrological
model.
This project
will extend these activities to include the Jordanian Wadi Araba watershed and
the Jericho region, in order to produce a joint, comprehensive model that will
serve planning for subregional water harvesting program, for increasing
productivity, pasture quality, agriculture, and biodiversity. This by
constructing reservoirs and flood control measures. Based on the predictive
power of the model, the program will also address mitigation measures for the
effects of drought in the sub-region.
Objectives
1. To
establish 20 hydrological stations and 120 rain-gauging stations in Wadi
Araba/Arava and Jericho watershed area.
2. To
determine the sub-regional rainfall/runoff relations, flow hydrographs,
probable flow volumes and peak discharge.
3. To develop
a regional runoff model for probable annual flow volumes and peak discharge.
4. To develop
and implement regional water
harvesting methods for optimal water use.
5. To
construct a water management program used to promote sustainable land uses and
the mitigation of the effects of drought in the sub-region.
6. To train
planners in the use of the model, to demonstrate the features of the model to
community leaders, and to involve local communities in the planning process,
based on the hydrological model.
Activities
Year
1-2
1.
Establishment of 20 hydrological stations and 120 rain-gauging stations.
2.
Harmonization of existing Jordanian, Israeli and Palestinian hydrological
databases.
3. Conducting
the survey of rainfall/runoff relations, flow hydrographs, probable flow
volumes and peak discharge.
Year
3
1. Finalize
the joint data base.
2. Develop a
joint, unified hydrological model of the Sub-regional watershed.
3. Develop
rainwater harvesting technologies and initiate their implementation.
4. Initiate a
participatory construction of the sub-regional water management program.
5. Conduct
training and demonstration workshops.
6. Initiate
the development of Sub-regional water management, including rainwater
harvesting techniques such as reservoirs and other flood control measures.
Outputs
1. Joint
hydrological database.
2. Joint
hydrological model of the Sub-region’s watershed to be used as a tool for
mitigation of the effects of drought and for Sub-regional planning of
agricultural development, infrastructure, tourism and biodiversity
conservation.
3. A joint
water resource management Sub-regional plan.
4. Technical
personnel and local communities aware of the innovations and participate in the
planning process.
5. Initiation
of joint binational and regional water planning, regional rainwater harvesting,
construction of reservoirs and flood control measures.
6. Long term
use of the monitoring stations for regular assessment of climatic trends,
events, and preparations for drought conditions.
Budget (US$)
|
|
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
20
Hydrological stations |
170,000 |
|
|
|
120
Raingauging stations |
120,000 |
|
|
|
Communication |
3,000 |
3,000 |
3,000 |
|
Watershed
model |
10,000 |
10,000 |
10,000 |
|
Harmonization
of databases |
10,000 |
10,000 |
10,000 |
|
Planning
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
Workshops |
15,000 |
15,000 |
35,000 |
|
Initial
construction |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|