Amman: The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) has initiated the Dana Orchards project at the Dana Biosphere Reserve as part of the RES-MAB project. This initiative is funded under the European Union-supported Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA).

According to Jordan News Agency, Hisham Duhisat, RSCN Director of Local Communities and Initiatives, stated at the launch ceremony that the project aims to support local communities in the Dana region, located in Tafilah Governorate. The project will promote sustainable natural-resource management through the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus approach. Duhisat emphasized that this integrated approach would assist the communities in Dana in addressing the impacts of climate change.

Busaira District Governor Asaad Samasmeh noted the project's significance in aiding sustainable development in Tafilah's Busaira District via environmental and community-focused interventions. Meanwhile, RSCN Director of Protected Areas Amer Rfou mentioned that the project's field activities would enhance integrated natural-resource management and implement nature-based solutions, while also protecting the ecological value of the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

Sultan Hanafi, RSCN Director of Administration and Legal Affairs, underscored the importance of establishing legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks for the effective implementation of environmental projects, ensuring their sustainability, and coordinating with partner organizations.

The RES-MAB project aims to strengthen the climate resilience of Mediterranean biosphere reserves by testing WEFE-based solutions at seven pilot sites. It seeks to facilitate the exchange of expertise, develop sustainable business models, engage the private sector, and support inclusive economic development and ecological resilience within local communities.