Mission
"RSCN will create, manage and advocate for a national network of protected areas to conserve Jordan’s biodiversity and support local community development, while promoting wider public support and action for the protection of the natural environment within Jordan and neighboring countries.”
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature is an independent national organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan's natural resources. RSCN was established in 1966 with His Majesty the late King Hussein as Honorary President. RSCN has the mission of protecting and managing the natural resources of Jordan, for it is responsible for protecting wildlife and wild places. Thus, it is one of the few voluntary organizations in the Middle East with such a public service mandate.
As a result of its pioneering conservation work, the RSCN has achieved international recognition and acclaim. Managing the nature resources of Jordan is done by setting up protected areas to safeguard the best wildlife and scenic areas as well as breeding endangered species to save them from extinction. In addition, enforcing governmental laws to protect wildlife, control illegal hunting, and raise awareness of environmental issues through educational programs, ultimately promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
In its short but rich history, RSCN has many achievements. The foremost of which is establishing 10 protected areas covering over 1,200 square kilometers. These areas comprise of wild plants, animals and other natural resources, while encompassing some of the finest natural landscapes in the country.
The successful captive breeding of the magnificent endangered Arabian Oryx, gazelle and ibex and their re-introduction into the wilderness is considered a pioneering step of conservational activity in the region. Hence, controlling the illegal hunting throughout the Kingdom to preserve these wondrous creatures.
Setting up over 1,000 Nature Conservation Clubs in schools raises children's awareness of environmental issues by providing them with practical involvement in conservation activities and projects.