Government decides to declare Al-Maghtas a nature reserve spanning 10 square kilometers
Amman1 min read
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The Council of Ministers decided to include the Al-Maghtas site within the national network of protected areas, declaring it a nature reserve with an area of 10 square kilometers, coinciding with the start of preparations to celebrate the second millennium of the baptism of Jesus Christ in 2030, and completing the necessary procedures in accordance with governing legislation.
The decision comes in view of the site's exceptional environmental value, alongside its global religious, cultural, and historical importance, as it encompasses an integrated ecosystem including riverine, wetland, valley, and plain environments, serving as a habitat for a large number of living organisms.
The proposed reserve area includes the Al-Maghtas site, its natural areas, valleys, and associated habitats, including Wadi Al-Kharrar, Wadi Gharaba, and areas connected to the Jordan River.
Declaring the site a nature reserve aims to protect biodiversity and the surrounding environment of the site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, support scientific research and environmental monitoring, and sustainably develop eco-, cultural, and religious tourism, thereby providing economic opportunities for local communities without conflicting with current land uses.
