1. The Restoration of the Lower Jordan River
1.1 The Jordan River
The River Jordan is one of the most striking symbols of the Land of the
Bible, and deeply permeates the history and cultures of the region. As John
McCregor described in the end of the 19th century: " There is no other river
whose name can be found on the tongues of so many, over solong a time period
and geographic breadth, as the River Jordan". Hiswords accurately expressed
the feelings of many who view the river as the most important and famous
river in the world. These sayings are, in fact, reflected in the bedrock of
the collective western consciousness: The People of Israel crossed over the
River Jordan upon entering the promised land; and the covenant signed with
its waters and banks symbolize their transition and entry into the Holy
land. Christianity chose the Jordan River as the site for baptismal and
purification ceremonies. In light of the river's profound religious,
historical andcultural heritage, it seems a natural and optimal focal-point
for cooperation between Israel, the PA and Jordan along their northern
defined by the river's waterway.
1.2 The present situation
The River Jordan has always served as a meeting point between nations and
countries. During the years of relative calm along the border, wide expanses
of land were made into agricultural lands on both sides of its banks. Due to
the regional political tension, the area remained a highly sensitive
security zone, which was in fact declared off-limits to the public -
including the local public on both banks and international visitors.
Practically speaking, the river's inaccessibility to the public during the
recent decades impacted favorably on the river banks, leaving them
relatively immune to the intense development projects initiated within
Israel and Jordan. In addition, most of the agricultural development which
wascarried out in the region can be identified as 'low-pressure' or
secondary development, which will accommodate future re designation of the
areas.
1.3 The landscape
The River Jordan in its described section - from Naharayim till the Bet
She'an Valley - flows through approximately thirty kilometers. The Jordan
Valley is divided into two longitudinal landscape units: The upper level
termed Kikar Ha-Yarden, or Ghur and the lower level - the Gaon Ha-Yarden, or
Zore through which the riverbed winds. The two levels are separated by a
range of marl slopes (El-Katara), of about 60 meters high. In the lower
level on the western side of the river, several thousand of dunams are
cultivated agricultural lands. The remaining area is covered with indigenous
flora which has not yet undergone cutting, or has been felled in the past
and has renewed itself. The flora in the lower section forms a habitat
unique to the region, because of its special conditions: the abundance of
water, humidity and heat. The overgrowth on the lower level includes the
Poplar (populas eurphratica), and Tamarisc (tamaracis nilotica), common
reeds, willows, orleander and saline plants.
The lower level spans approximately 1,000 meters, but the river meanders
along its enclosing banks, lapping at the hill-cliffs and creating upright
walls at increasing distances from the water-line. The hills of marl do not
support any growth, and thereby form a stark contrast to the abundant growth
and agriculture found in the upper and lower levels of the Jordan valley.
The unique landscape of the winding riverbed in the lower level, together
with the surrounding hills of limestone - comprise the areas prescribed by
the proposed program.
1.4 The potential
The Jordan River geomorphic characteristics are unique amongst the world's
rivers, as its course traces the Syrian-African Rift until laying claim to
the title of the world's lowest river, upon reaching its outlet at the Dead
Sea.
The special serpentine route and marl slopes separating the two sections
of the river valley have given rise to natural and landscape values that
are unique to the area. The flora and fauna of the lower level were known
in the distant past for their pristine nature.
The area's charm and the mystery enveloping the river's course served in
present and past times as a background for countless pilgrimages and places
of abode carved out by people seeking a life of solitude and asceticism
within monasteries and hidden sites alongside the riverbank and its
surroundings. The features inherent in the area bind the unique natural,
historical and cultural heritage of the area together with the emerging
reality and future development plans. The area's potential can be realized
through cooperation of Israel and Jordan, and the resident inhabitants on
both sides of the river.
1.5 Proposed project
The River Jordan, flowing along the common borders of Israel, the PA and
Jordan, will be designated as a 'special multi-purpose planning zone'
(SMPZ), combining nature and landscape units, cultural and historical
heritage and present-day human activities. The unique landscape area
characterizing the Jordan will be renovated and restored; including the
flora and fauna of the lower river valley, and the riverbanks and marl
slopes. Wild animals residing in the indigenous undergrowth will be
protected . Water quality will be improved, based on adequate standards
agreed upon by all parties concerned. Treated or fresh waters will be
returned to the river, to ensure a steady and non-polluted flow.
Agricultural areas will continue to be cultivated in the upper river valley
and in monitored sections in the lower level, combining and contingent upon
natural and landscape features. The River's water-flow can be utilized for
farming or other uses before reaching the Dead Sea.
Convenient access to the river and recreational activities will be
ensured. Plans will be considered to enable row-boating and small
steam-powered crafts along the river, to allow for possible reconstruction
of historic voyages along the river course (such as the Lynch and Costigen
voyages).
Sacred sites serving as baptismal points along the river and its environs
will be restored to enable renewed pilgrims-travel. Necessary infrastructure
for tourism will be built according to the original characteristics of the
area. A network of hiking paths enabling access to the waterways and
view-points of the area's flora and fauna, will be constructed; including
the reconstruction of archaeological sites and other attractive sites in the
Beit Shean region and north of the JRV, as part of a comprehensive plan for
tourism in the area. The existing economic framework, wherein the valley's
eastern and western residential populations rely mainly on agriculture, will
be remodeled, to include regional tourist activities.
1.6 Planning principles
- The defined area
The section of the river outlined in this project includes the one
beginning from Naharayim till the Beit She'an Valley. The designated area
will include all the lands from the lower river valley; including its
agricultural lands and areas of undergrowth and natural forest, as well as
the marl hills, and the slopes descending from the upper to lower sections
of the river.
These borders - the ridge connecting the marl slopes with the upper and
lower river valley - define the heartland of the proposed special planning
zone. The associated areas and sites of interest beyond these lines along
the Jordan Valley, and the Beit She'an Valley will be referred to as well,
to the extent necessary for assuring the plan's coherence.
Human - environment habitats
The Jordan River Special Planning Zone will incorporate reserve areas and
regulations to ensure the protection of natural and historical and cultural
values, while combining and facilitating existing population patterns, and
particularly resident agriculture. The communities on both sides of the
Jordan will both support and be supported by the designated 'special Jordan
River planning zone', as an economic, agricultural, and tourist resource,
which will be managed by way of a harmonious balance of the interests of the
human and natural environments. Tourism access to the river and its
accompanying sites will also be negotiated along these lines, accenting the
exposure and presentation of the area's values, while ensuring minimal damage
to these resources.
The water
The essence of the river evolves around the flow of water through its
banks. At present, effluents from Israel's national saline water carrier,
as well as waste waters, are directed to the waters. The River Jordan is
thus primarily composed of flood-waters and the described effluents. Due to
the flow of sewage and saline waters, the water quality in most sections is
very poor, to the extent that it is unable to sustain agriculture.
The restoration of the Jordan River will entail the allocation of water
for a variety of uses, such as agriculture, nature and tourist activities;
by ensuring a steady flow of water - whether pure or treated - along its
course. The waters channeled through the Jordan can be utilized for
agricultural purposes, prior to their discharge into the Dead Sea.
Pilgrims and tourism
The baptising of Jesus Christ in the Jordan waters is the basis for the
baptismal ceremony in Christianity. The River Jordan has deep religious
relevance as a symbol for purification and solitude, and has always drawn
pilgrims to it - from the Byzantine period, during which the monasteries at
the 'baptismal site' in the vicinity of Jericho were constructed, until
present times. The described section of the river can be developed by
Israel, the PA and Jordan to serve the needs of pilgrims to the area.
Tourism, nature and the environment
The river's unique geomorphic, biological and landscape values serve, in
and of themselves, a focal point of attraction for ecotourism, from both
resident and international populations.
The development of the area's tourism potential must be facilitated
through the construction of access-paths, parking lots, and appropriate
road-signs, which observe and protect the interests and requirements of the
environment's values. The river's attractiveness will also be enhanced by it
being an axis for bird migration along its winding course through the Jordan
Valley; which would include the construction of several bird-watching sites.
Another potential inherent in the river involves possible crossing-points,
which would either entail renovating existing bridges in keeping with the
style and nature of the area; or be embarked upon at convenient low points
of the river. These bridges would undoubtedly emphasize and fortify the
renewed connection and cooperation between Israel , the PA and Jordan.
International status
The Jordan River is a border of peace and should become a focal-point for
international cooperation - including Israel, the PA and Jordan. The project
in its entirety will serve a powerful financial interest, involving the
interests of tourism, water and land resources, and nature and environmental
values - which are both part of the respective countries' common heritage;
and also serve as a source of obligation prevailing upon the parties to
cooperate in order to protect these interests.
Implementation
In order to further advance the project, the following steps are
suggested:
Establishment of a joint working group to promote the project and take the
necessary steps for the project's implementation, including:
- Elaboration and approval of a conceptual program for the project;
- Preparation of Terms of Reference (TOR) for planning;
- Financing sources;
- Data gathering on the inventory, status and the potential of the
region's resources;
- Selection of planning-team;
- Act as steering committee for the project.
2. Cooperation in Fauna Conservation
2.1 Protecting endangered species
Countries in the region share conservation problems and concerns, and
regional cooperation could make a vital contribution to addressing these
issues. Many avenues for cooperation exist, from animal exchanges for
genetic management to bi- and multi-lateral conservation projects.
Leopards. Though leopards once ranged through much of the Middle
East,
today they are extinct throughout most of their former range, and survive
only in small, fragmented populations in their few remaining habitats. In
Israel probably no more that 15 exist in the wild, and there is concern
about the future viability of this population.
There appears to be similar concern for the future of this species in
other countries of the Middle East and much could be gained from sharing
data and opinions by interested parties.
Cooperation in conservation of this animal could be achieved by enhancing
the leopards' genetic viability through the capture and exchange of males
who naturally live only a few score kilometers apart but who are
artificially separated by national borders.
Lappet-faced vulture. This vulture once thrived in Israel, but today
only two pair survive in the Negev. The species is distributed throughout
neighboring countries, and cooperation with other countries could serve to
enhance the conservation of the species in Israel and throughout its entire
range.
Houbara bustard. Recognized world-wide as a seriously endangered
species, the bustards thrive in Israel where a fairly good wild population
exists
and where the species has been successfully bred for reintroduction.
Here too information exchange and cooperation could serve to enhance the
populations in neighboring countries.
Ungulate conservation. Israel supports an excellent population of
several ungulates which number in tens of thousands (Dorcas gazelles - 1,800;
Nubian ibex - 1,300). In several neighboring countries these animals are
either
extinct or critically endangered. Joint conservation projects could entail
the live capture of some of these animals and their translocation to
neighboring countries which have appropriate protected habitats within the
former ranges of these species. Working together, it will be possible to
re-establish these species.
Reintroductions. Israel has suffered local extinctions of wild
species, and an on-going program exists for the acquisition, breeding,
rehabilitation and reintroduction of species such as the white oryx, Asian
wild
ass, Persian fallow deer and ostrich. Considerable experience has been
accumulated in the restoration and reintroduction of depleted species such as
griffon vultures.
Ecological data base. A regional ecological data base for long term
monitoring, conservation planning and evaluation should be constructed, so
that efficient conservation in the Middle East/ East Mediterranean region
may be achieved.