Aqaba breathes through two lungs: one blue, stretching into the depths of its clear gulf, and the other golden-yellow, beating within the embrace of the vast desert.
اضافة اعلان
Between the blue of the sea and the warmth of the desert, a unique environmental landscape takes shape, centered around the Aqaba Bird Observatory, standing like a vigilant guardian, silently watching the passage of thousands of migratory birds that have chosen this natural corridor as a stopover on their long journeys between continents.
In this meeting point of sea, desert, and sky, the concept of eco-tourism gains its deepest meaning, where nature harmonizes with human efforts to preserve it. Birdwatching and exploring biodiversity become a distinctive educational and tourism experience that enriches visitors and reinforces Aqaba’s status as a unique eco-tourism destination.
In this context, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Dr. Thabet Hassan Al-Nabulsi, confirmed that the Aqaba Bird Observatory represents a leading model of sustainable eco-tourism in Jordan and the region, and contributes effectively to strengthening Aqaba’s position as an advanced destination for birdwatching tourism at both regional and global levels.
He explained that the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, in partnership with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, continues to work on developing the observatory and promoting it internationally, enhancing its presence within global eco-tourism routes and making it a major attraction for birdwatching enthusiasts and those interested in biodiversity.
He pointed out that these joint efforts resulted in significant achievements, most notably the Aqaba Bird Observatory being included among the world’s top 100 sustainable tourism destinations during its participation in a global tourism exhibition in Berlin, Germany, in addition to winning second place globally as a sustainable green destination in the environment and climate category.
He emphasized that these results reflect Aqaba’s commitment to promoting sustainability concepts within the tourism sector.
He added that the success story of the observatory also contributed to Aqaba receiving the Green Destinations certificate in 2023, reflecting the city’s direction toward adopting responsible and environmentally friendly tourism practices.
Regarding the observatory’s development, Al-Nabulsi explained that cooperation with the observatory’s management focused on several key areas aimed at improving the visitor experience and enhancing the site’s tourism value.
This includes the installation of around 40 informational and directional signs distributed across carefully selected locations, enabling visitors to obtain simple and comprehensive information about birds and the natural environment of the observatory without the need for a guide.
He added that tourism marketing receives special attention, as efforts have been made to promote the observatory as a specialized eco-tourism product at international conferences and exhibitions related to birdwatching tourism, alongside cooperation with the Jordan Tourism Board in participating in specialized global exhibitions.
This has helped open communication channels with a number of international tourism offices interested in this type of tourism.
He also noted cooperation in preparing and printing a special guide for the birds of Jordan and Aqaba, along with producing specialized promotional materials to introduce the biodiversity of the region and strengthen the observatory’s presence on the global eco-tourism map.
He explained that work is also underway to organize tourism and environmental events inside the observatory to stimulate tourism activity and link the site to global environmental occasions, including the celebration of World Migratory Bird Day, held in the second week of October, as well as attracting introductory trips for international birdwatchers and specialized tourism offices.
He stressed that the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority views eco-tourism as one of the drivers of sustainable growth in the city and seeks to expand it by utilizing Aqaba’s unique natural assets.
He noted that birdwatching tourism is among the fastest-growing types of eco-tourism globally, making the Aqaba Bird Observatory a promising platform for strengthening Jordan’s presence on the international eco-tourism map in the coming years.
For his part, Director of the Aqaba Bird Observatory and climate change specialist at the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, Eng. Firas Al-Rahahleh, confirmed that the observatory represents a qualitative added value for the eco-tourism sector in Jordan.
He explained that this is based on Jordan’s unique geographical location along the world’s second most important migratory bird route, through which millions of birds pass annually.
He added that the observatory serves as a major resting station for these birds during their long migration journeys, allowing them to restore their energy and continue their natural path, while at the same time offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness this exceptional natural scene.
He pointed out that this strategic location has made the Aqaba Bird Observatory a prominent destination for birdwatching tourism both inside and outside the Kingdom.
Around 265 species of migratory and resident birds have been recorded in the area, with visitors able to observe nearly 70 different species during a single visit lasting only a few hours during peak migration seasons.
This reflects a rich biodiversity that places the observatory among the most prominent specialized birdwatching tourism sites in the region.
He added that joint efforts led by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Aqaba Development Company, Aqaba Water Company, and the U.S. Agency for International Development, have contributed to strengthening الحيوية البيئية داخل المرصد through pioneering projects based on nature-based solutions.
He noted that the Aqaba Bird Observatory is considered one of the leading models for adapting to water scarcity challenges and climate change impacts in Jordan by preserving the sustainability of artificial wetland environments and employing them to support eco-tourism.
He emphasized that the management of the Aqaba Bird Observatory continues to work on developing eco-tourism, especially birdwatching tourism in Aqaba and Jordan, in line with the Economic Modernization Vision and the strategy of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, while strengthening the position of Aqaba and Jordan as a distinguished regional and global destination in the field of eco-tourism. – (Petra)
