The Department of Statistics released its 2024 report on ecosystems, biodiversity, and forests in Jordan, showing an increase in the area of existing terrestrial nature reserves over the past ten years, reaching 4,767 km², in addition to the marine reserve, marking a 2.3% increase during the last decade. This brings the overall protection of ecosystems in the Kingdom to 5.4%, while the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommends that at least 17% of terrestrial ecosystems and 10% of marine ecosystems be protected.
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The report also indicated that forested lands in Jordan cover 1,070 km², or 1.2% of the Kingdom’s total area. Balqa Governorate ranks first in forested area with 164 km², followed by Irbid and Ajloun with 145 km² and 139 km², respectively.
Regarding forest fires, the report noted that in 2024 there were 55 fires that damaged 4,168 trees, 38% of which were completely burned, affecting an area of 6,132 dunums. Forest fires are considered the most significant and dangerous threat to forested areas, causing habitat loss, destruction of vegetation cover, and increased soil erosion. Figures 2 and 3 in the report illustrate the number of fires, trees affected, and the area impacted by fires from 2014 to 2024.
On firewood production, the report stated that total firewood production in Jordan reached 5,060 tons in 2024. Jordan is not a major firewood-producing country and relies on imports to meet its wood needs, with the value of wood imports reaching 156 million Jordanian dinars in 2024, marking a 1.1% increase over the past ten years.
