AMMAN -- The first guidebook to highlight the rich biodiversity of Petra was launched this week by the Petra National Trust (PNT).
The nongovernmental organisation hopes the publication of the Field Guide to the Plants and Animals of Petra will showcase not only Petra's archaeological heritage but its ecological significance and the need to protect the area's biodiversity.
"The Petra region is quite often regarded as barren and this couldn't be farther from the truth. Petra has a rich biodiversity, as seen in this guidebook," said HRH Princess Majda, speaking on behalf of her husband, PNT President HRH Prince Raad, at the launch.
She explained that Petra needs conservation and preservation efforts not only for its archaeological heritage, but for its ecosystems as well.
PNT Executive Director Aysar Akrawi echoed these sentiments.
"Petra possesses outstanding and unique archaeological, cultural and ecological values, significant not only to Jordan, but to the world at large. Through this publication, PNT strives to raise awareness about, and protect, one of Petra's key values: The natural ecosystem," she said.
The guidebook features in-depth descriptions of the flora and fauna found in Petra. It also includes information on the most visible species of plants and animals, illustrating and describing over 360 species as well as the medicinal value of plants and their traditional uses.
Isabella Ruben, who co-authored the book with Ahmad Disi, said the guide was based on a study of Petra's biodiversity by PNT in 1995 and took two years to complete with a team of contributors.
"It's a general aid to educate people while in the environment [Petra] and to encourage them to see more than just the archaeology. If they go walking in Petra they can recognise what they see, especially in the spring with the flowers. It's meant to be a pocket field-guide to carry with you," she said.
The project also involved the production of a multimedia CD for primary school students in which a Rock Hyrax, an endangered species in Jordan, guides them through Petra's fragile ecology and informs them on how they can help protect and preserve the flora and fauna.
Funded by the Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme and the Royal Netherlands embassy in Amman, the Field Guide to the Plants and Animals of Petra can be a useful tool for the amateur naturalist, an additional aid to the professional naturalist and a boost for eco-tourism.
The book will be on sale in various bookstores, hotels and various institutions across the country. The PNT also hopes to see distribution in the UK and the United States.
By Grace Peacock
© Jordan Times 2006
