Environmental policy and administrative management

In Wadi Rum area, known for its unique natural, aesthetic and demographic characteristics, the GEF SGP is supporting a cluster of projects aiming at building the capacities of local CBOs, supporting models for alternative livelihood strategies, introducing new technologies that would contribute to the conservation of the special ecosystem of the area, and enhancing the impacts of previous GEF SGP supported interventions there. This project aims to promote alternative livelihood activities that would decrease pressure on the fragile and unique ecosystem of Wadi Rum Protected Area and help in the conservation efforts there. This will be achieved by supporting quality production, promoting and marketing of environmental-friendly products that respond to local and international market demands, and that are linked to tourism in Wadi Rum, in a bid to support the local female economy and family production. The project will undertake the following: 1.Develop natural olive oil soap production, as an environmental-friendly product. 2.Develop a marketing and promotion programme for the natural soaps and other handmade products produced by the Cooperative. 3.Build the capacities of the Cooperative in the areas of management, marketing and competition. 4.Develop an integrated local strategy with other projects managed by other cooperatives in Wadi Rum to learn from similar promotional and marketing activities.

Jordan