Wadi Rum is arguably Jordan’s
most precious natural treasure,
a sandstone desert of smooth, dusty pink sands and dunes, towering mountains and an ethereal silence that is simply spellbinding. Just as fascinating as the desert are those who make it their home, the local Bedouin. In a landmark initiative that sets out to encourage tourists to visit this magical place and take the time to experience Bedouin culture as well as interact with and benefit the local communities, Siyaha recently launched a comprehensive eco-tourism development program that aims to develop authentic desert and Bedouin experiences by improving tourism services and creating new products provided by tourism-oriented community-based organizations (CBO).

The launch took place on October 4th during a ceremony held at the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. The ceremony saw the official signing of a $1 million project, including USAID grant agreements amounting to almost half a million USD, which were awarded to five CBOs in Wadi Rum by Siyaha. The grants will be used to create new authentic tourism experiences and improve existing ones by supporting product development and production, and providing technical assistance to the organizations.

The Grants
The grants will support members
of local communities in offering services such as camel rides, desert camping, traditional foods and production of handicrafts that reflect Wadi Rum’s environment. The grants will thus be used to focus on developing the camel treks and related experiences, improving handicraft products, creating authentic Bedouin cultural experiences, such as musical performances and painting henna tattoos, and improving camping inside the nature reserve. Siyaha is also building the capacity of local cooperatives to ensure the successful development of these projects, in addition to spurring the development of micro and small enterprises and empowering the community in general, and women in particular.

The CBOs that received grants are the Wadi Rum Cooperative, Diesseh Cooperative, Burda Women’s Association Cooperative, Productive Village Cooperative and Wadi Al Qamar Cooperative.

The Event
The event took place under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Nader Al-Dahabi, Chief Commissioner of ASEZA (Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority), and drew in a number of high profile personalities from the tourism sector, Aqaba development community, and senior ASEZA officials, in addition to USAID/Jordan Mission Director. Most importantly, over 300 leaders and community members of the local Bedouin tribes and clans were represented at the event and the subsequent Iftar, including 40 women.

Dr. Bilal Bashir, Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner for Environment at ASEZA, who has been personally involved in the Wadi Rum program since its inception, spoke at the event and voiced ASEZA’s support for the community projects. “Through the Siyaha project, and with support form USAID, local tourism services will be developed by supporting Community Based Organizations. It is important to systemize such services, especially the camel experience project,” said Dr. Bashir. In regards to the effects of this program, he added, “Quality products will be produced, there will be an increase in tourist numbers and local community organizations will be supported.” Anne Aarnes, USAID/Jordan Mission Director, also spoke at the ceremony, saying, “Showcasing the natural wonders and also celebrating Bedouin culture in an appropriate manner provides a special opportunity for visitors while also generating economic gains for the community.”

Addressing the local communities and involved organizations, Aarnes added, “USAID is very pleased to work with you through the SIYAHA project to enhance the range of tourism products, protect the environment, and ultimately extend the length of tourist visits.”

The Effect
The CBOs aim to enhance the tourism experience in Wadi Rum by leveraging the cultural appeal of the unique way of life in the desert. The allure of the Bedouin experience, traditional handicrafts, and other products that come with it will be used to create economic opportunities for the local Bedouin community. The purpose is to increase job opportunities for the local community and increase local tourism receipts in order to equally benefit all residents of the area. This will be done through financial support to residents and by systemizing the tourism process in the area in order to increase the number of visitors, the amount spent by them and their duration of stay.

Over the course of one year, the project anticipates that close to 300 job opportunities will be created in the various areas of camping, musical and cultural experiences, handicraft development and guiding.