On the Dibbin controversy

I have noticed a concerted campaign going on to “save” the Dibbin forest from a development planned by Dubai Capital. Environmental groups have been pushing for a serious environmental impact study in order force DC to build its resort on the fringes of the forest. They did not like an earlier one that was submitted to the ministry of environment. They ask the public to sign a petition here, but I have not found the petition itself. What does it say? No project, move the project, EIA, what? I am amazed that people are signing a petition that they did not read. If anybody can give me a link to the actual petition, I will gladly read it and consider signing it.

A year ago, I wrote about the need to view ecotourism development as an approach towards sustainable use of our precious natural sites. Such development will take into consideration the economic and social needs of the local community and at the same time provide adequate stewardship to the forest and the ecosystem it sustains.

My post at the time complained about the elitist approach to ecotourism in Jordan. Not enough people are aware of the many great sites in the country, and those which are developed for tourism are designed to cater mostly to foreigners or affluent Jordanians. This inevitably leads to a sense of disenfranchisement and resentment on the part of most average Jordanians.

Thus, it is of little surprise that large segments of Jordanians show little interest in the issue. On the other hand, the local community is looking for improving its economic state through the project. The discourse of the local population in Jarash seems to swing between supporting the project, in the hope of creating jobs and economic opportunity, and rejecting it on the basis that it will do nothing of the kind. Most Jarashis view the archaeology of the city as a burden, and providing little to the local economy. Many feel that the Dubai Capital project will be the same. The environmental aspect of the debate is of little interest to them.

Now, not doing anything will not mean that the forest will be safe and protected. The rising cost of heating fuel the last couple of years has provided added incentive for people to illegally chop down trees for firewood. This year has seen increased firewood collection from forests all over Jordan. It is a safe bet that poor economic conditions, cold children, and the lack of economic incentive to protect the forest will ultimately lead to severe damage to the forest. This is not rocket science.

So, while I for one would feel much better if the DC project is moved to outskirts of the forest, I also feel that some development should take place there which would include the needs of the local population as well as of the natural ecosystem. Simply wishing that DC and their project will go away will do little for the people or for the forest.