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HRH and Queen Rania of Jordan visit a pioneering nature reserve in Ajloun

28th October 2004

The Prince of Wales joined Queen Rania of Jordan at a pioneering nature reserve in Ajloun.

After a welcoming song from local children, The Queen and The Prince toured some of the 12 square kilometres of Ajloun wetland nature reserve, 75km north west of the capital Amman.

Inaugerated by Queen Rania in September this year, the initiative aims to promote tourism and sustainable community development whilst preserving the cultural, historical and ecological elements of the area.

Her Majesty told The Prince as they visited several of the 10 accommodation cabins, how goods such as silver jewellery and organic jam from local villages are being marketed through tourism.

Ajloun is a haven of rolling hills covered by dense woodlands of evergreen oak and scattered pistachio, carob and wild strawberry trees. It is rich in natural, agricultural and human resources and known for its historic and religious importance.

The nature reserve has 10 cabins, a restaurant with a scenic view of the reserve, a visitor information centre, a research centre and a handicraft production centre whose designs are inspired by Ajloun's natural beauty and reflect its culture and heritage.

On their tour, The Prince and The Queen watched local children playing Jordanian monopoly adapted to include nature reserves and card games, and Her Majesty admitted: “I play that game with my children.”

The Prince told project director Chris Johnson, 45, originally from East Harptree near Bristol, that he would love to walk through another of Jordan's reserves.

“He said he would love to hike along the Mujib river if he had time,”

Chris said. “It runs through spectacular canyons where there are warm springs and kingfishers.”

Later, The Prince took a private stroll to the Roe Deer enclosure where 25 deer have been bred after years of extinction in Jordan.

Earlier in the day, The Prince visited another of Queen Rania's projects, this time at Jebal Al Natheef.

The Jordan River Foundation (JRF) acquired the land at Jabal Al Natheef to empower local women by providing them with income-generating opportunities.

The Prince toured four projects within the centre, including a computer training workshop and the Al-Karma kitchen where women from a disadvantaged neighbourhood were encouraged to make their favourite specialities. After a little training, the result is a successful catering service.

His Royal Highness also toured the Karma nursery, which provides proper child care services for women who want to work.