JORDANTV — broadcast 20260806 160000 UTC 461 transcript segments Google Cloud Speech-to-Text API (Chirp) + Gemini 2.5 Flash Non-Thinking Data courtesy of The GDELT Project (https://www.gdeltproject.org/), from the Internet Archive TV News Archive. Machine transcription. Treat it as a searchable index of what was broadcast, not a verbatim quotation record. [00:00:00] Jordanians themselves and from [00:00:17] species recorded in [00:00:21] does protecting the reserve [00:00:36] and many [00:00:38] In fact, it should start [00:01:01] this With us Kamal Nazzal and my colleague Reham. Good evening, Reham. Good evening, Kamal. How [00:01:04] are you? I'm great, thank God. Good evening to our viewers from wherever [00:01:07] you are watching us, from all governorates of the Kingdom, and certainly from inside [00:01:11] Jordan or outside Jordan. We will be with you in a new episode [00:01:56] conservation programs. We implement level. and its importance today at the archaeological stories in Jordan. Our episode today is diverse in its topics and stations, and we will accompany you with reports [00:02:00] and also efforts that reflect a side of the cultural [00:02:03] and environmental scene in Jordan. We will also [00:02:06] is, well, start from the Azraq Wetland Reserve to learn more about [00:02:09] its environmental importance and its role in preserving biodiversity [00:02:12] and the challenges facing [00:02:17] cutting them down, to preserve the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to this unique natural site and the efforts made to protect it, with our guest [00:02:20] Mr. Hazem Al-Hurayshah, Director of [00:02:25] with the reserve staff. of nature reserves in Azraq Wetland Reserve. Certainly, after that, we will have an appointment with the "A Story of an Artifact" segment from Khirbet Ataruz in Madaba Governorate, [00:02:29] to learn about the story of this archaeological site and its most prominent [00:02:33] features of historical and cultural value [00:02:36] with our colleague Tamam [00:02:39] of the Al-Khasawneh. And now, as [00:02:41] we have always accustomed you, let's watch together what the "What Happened" segment [00:02:43] will present to us today [00:02:56] does the reserve contribute I am with you at the opening of the Jordanian Children's Theater Festival [00:02:58] in its twentieth session. Let's see the atmosphere together. [00:03:17] same time, you can still get [00:03:24] the vision and mission of the Ministry of Culture, and based [00:03:28] on the directives of His Excellency the Minister, the Ministry [00:03:31] of Culture organizes many [00:03:36] one of the unique festivals, including [00:03:37] or vertebrates, or other the Children's Festival, as this [00:03:40] child should [00:03:43] starting with be given Beautiful. To your [00:03:44] heritage in great attention. Also, [00:03:47] the Ministry of Culture has established a directorate [00:03:50] concerned with children's culture. Through these [00:03:54] attraction for those who visit this festivals, we can showcase the creativity [00:03:58] and innovations of our children through what [00:04:02] they produce in [00:04:04] expressive and directed plays. Also, [00:04:09] treasure, as we have also rare this year, we focused on matters related to festivals, on [00:04:12] creatures, fish, or even the Jordanian narrative, the land and the people, [00:04:16] as this homeland has roots deeply embedded in [00:04:20] history. [00:04:26] that, well, [00:04:29] Now, it's a somewhat sensitive festival because [00:04:32] it deals with an age [00:04:34] first places, and how group that, let's say, [00:04:37] is easily influenced, easily [00:04:40] and healthy. Forget falls in love with theater, so we build inside them a love for theater, so that [00:04:43] when they grow up, [00:04:46] they might work in theater, become [00:04:48] these local communities, theater followers, [00:04:50] Maarouf or taking it seriously in a society that might still [00:04:53] view theater not with such seriousness, [00:04:58] the Azraq Reserve during spring or autumn. These are so to speak. The message of the festival, [00:05:01] in these types of as usual, was the educational message primarily, [00:05:04] and the delivery of many [00:05:07] national concepts to the child and the child's interaction with [00:05:11] for the Azraq Reserve, both from these national concepts, Hazem, how do you see the demand which we instill in the hearts [00:05:14] of children, who are the men of the future. I am Dana [00:05:18] Oudi, I am eight years old. I have been attending children's theater since [00:05:22] I was four years old, and I am very excited, and I hope [00:05:25] I will participate in it one day. I am thankful to Jamil Nayef, my age. I am [00:05:29] 12 years old, in the sixth grade. I [00:05:33] came for the first time to the children's theater, but [00:05:36] I liked it very much, and it has activities that develop [00:05:39] children, encourage them, build self-confidence. [00:06:05] All thanks to our colleague Mohammad Al-Jabari. We experienced beautiful moments [00:06:09] from the Children's Theater Festival, which emphasizes the importance of presenting art [00:06:12] to children in a way that is close to them, combining [00:06:15] entertainment and ideas, and opening up space for them to experience [00:06:19] and imagine. This is what we actually need for our children to [00:06:22] experience, especially these beautiful events that are emerging in our [00:06:25] country to truly make their summer [00:06:28] the best ever. Right? A special summer, God willing. Correct. Well, after [00:06:32] we followed the atmosphere of the Children's Theater Festival, we will [00:06:35] move to a distinctive environmental station in Jordan: the Azraq Wetland [00:06:39] Reserve, a site that holds great environmental value [00:06:42] and is an important stop for migratory birds [00:06:46] and many living creatures. To talk more about this [00:06:49] reserve and the challenges it faces, we are joined by [00:06:53] the director of the Azraq Wetland Reserve, Mr. Hazem Al-Hurayshah. Welcome. [00:06:56] Welcome, you've honored us. Welcome, Mr. [00:06:59] Hazem. First, we would like you to introduce us more and tell us more about [00:07:03] the Azraq Wetland Reserve [00:07:06] the national [00:07:08] First of all, good evening and thank [00:07:11] you to Jordan TV for this hosting and for shedding [00:07:15] light on the programs of the Royal Society for the Conservation of [00:07:18] Nature, represented by the Azraq Wetland Reserve. [00:07:21] In fact, the Azraq [00:07:24] Wetland Reserve is considered the second reserve [00:07:27] established in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, [00:07:31] and also within the national network [00:07:34] Jordan that are managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. [00:07:38] And this place is also considered one of [00:07:41] the most important migratory bird routes between Europe and Africa [00:07:45] and vice versa, both in Jordan and globally. Yes. [00:07:49] Also, Azraq is home to [00:07:52] the only habitat for the Azraq [00:07:56] Killifish. This species, the only vertebrate [00:07:59] endemic to this oasis, does not live in any other environment [00:08:02] in the world except in the Azraq area. Oh, wow. We [00:08:05] even have very rare aquatic animals that are not found [00:08:09] anywhere else. This is what distinguishes this place. The Azraq [00:08:13] Reserve, over time, played a role [00:08:16] in establishing the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature through, let's [00:08:20] say, the idea came from a group of hunters [00:08:23] who used to come to Azraq to practice [00:08:26] duck hunting in this area. [00:08:29] Therefore, when they felt a negative [00:08:33] impact on the number and types of migratory birds [00:08:37] as a result of hunting, they established the nucleus [00:08:40] of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature [00:08:44] in 1966. So, it was [00:08:47] the beginning of the launch of a national [00:08:50] institution concerned with protecting nature [00:08:53] and also the natural [00:10:03] So, Mr. Hazem, tell us about the most prominent types of birds [00:10:06] and living creatures found in the Azraq Reserve. In [00:10:10] fact, Azraq is rich [00:10:13] waterfowl, migratory birds, [00:10:16] and songbirds. All these [00:10:19] species pass through our beloved [00:10:22] Jordan, passing through one of the routes, which is the [00:10:25] Azraq area. And also, in this area, [00:10:29] we are talking about two-thirds [00:10:32] of Jordan's birds. We are talking about [00:10:35] approximately 330 bird species recorded in the Azraq [00:10:39] Reserve out of 442 [00:10:42] the Kingdom. Therefore, there is a great diversity in the number of birds [00:10:46] present in the reserve. Perhaps the most important of them is, of course, [00:10:50] the mallard, the duck, and also the shelduck, [00:10:53] and some species of herons [00:10:56] and species of wading birds, also waterfowl, [00:11:01] species that you can imagine, such as water hens, and also [00:11:06] diverse species, some resident, some migratory, [00:11:10] species of songbirds, like reed [00:11:14] warblers or some other species. [00:11:17] Nice, very beautiful. We actually have a diversity of bird species and animal [00:11:21] species that are present. So, what are the challenges facing [00:11:25] the reserve today, especially regarding water, [00:11:28] because the reserve needs a lot of water in this regard? [00:11:31] Thank you for this question. We actually [00:11:35] have a problem. Indeed, it is, we can say, [00:11:39] one of the most important problems today that Azraq faces, [00:11:43] like other, let's say, sites in [00:11:46] Jordan. We know Jordan is one of the poorest [00:11:49] countries in the world due to the per capita share of [00:11:52] water. Also, Azraq used to be a rich [00:11:56] place. It used to be described as a paradise [00:12:00] on this land due to the excessive [00:12:06] the Azraq groundwater basin. Today, we are talking about a decrease in water [00:12:10] levels to very [00:12:12] high degrees, which led to a decrease [00:12:16] in this level significantly [00:12:19] and clearly, [00:12:22] and also led to the drying up of the Azraq oasis in the early nineties. Yes, [00:12:26] the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature implemented a rehabilitation [00:12:29] program for these natural habitats [00:12:33] by, well, supplying water [00:12:37] through an agreement with [00:12:40] provide us with a water share that is between [00:12:44] 1.5 and 2.5 million cubic meters to restore [00:12:47] 10% of the oasis that existed before. So, the water [00:12:51] problem is one of the main challenges facing this [00:12:54] reserve. In addition to today, we are talking about [00:12:58] the phenomenon of climate change, which today we feel [00:13:01] through an [00:13:04] increase in temperatures or a decrease in rainfall. [00:13:08] All of this negatively affects [00:13:11] our natural habitats and our natural heritage [00:13:14] in the Azraq Reserve [00:13:18] and also in Jordan. So, how [00:13:21] to preserving biodiversity and the environment? Today, through [00:13:25] the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, [00:13:29] we are fundamentally working on, well, rehabilitation [00:13:33] programs. These programs are intended [00:13:36] to, well, create natural [00:13:39] habitats that restore part of what was [00:13:43] there, in order to provide these natural environments [00:13:46] for the biodiversity that visits this [00:13:50] area, either for nesting or during migration periods, [00:13:53] or for biodiversity in general, whether [00:13:57] mammals, birds, or even invertebrates, [00:14:02] types of existing diversity. Therefore, [00:14:06] the efforts made in the field of rehabilitation play [00:14:09] a significant role today in restoring a large [00:14:13] part of our biodiversity, and also a large [00:14:15] part of the tourist [00:14:19] place. The reserve has [00:14:22] a lot of diversity today, animal. [00:14:26] of all kinds, sweet. So, we consider the Azraq Reserve [00:14:29] to be an heritage and also a national [00:14:34] animals, whether aquatic [00:14:37] birds. Today, how does the local community maintain [00:14:41] and also ensure the reserve in [00:14:43] general? [00:14:46] The local community today does not feel [00:14:51] this place is not theirs. Today, let's say, [00:14:55] the sense of ownership plays a major role because [00:14:59] the reserve today does not constitute, well, [00:15:02] a bridge or, let me say, a transit area in their lives. [00:15:05] No, this is a historical and cultural [00:15:08] heritage that is linked to the conscience of [00:15:13] whether they are Druze of Bani [00:15:15] Chechen brothers or Arab Bedouins. We have [00:15:19] a beautiful cultural diversity in the Azraq [00:15:23] region. This diversity, well, plays a major role [00:15:26] also in the conscious cultural [00:15:30] thought through which we were able to [00:15:33] preserve this oasis, support its efforts, [00:15:38] and also today there are several [00:15:41] tools through which we were able to, even through local [00:15:44] communities, through an advisory committee [00:15:47] that was established to seek advice from [00:15:50] advisors and influential people in local communities. [00:15:53] We listen to their opinions and also [00:15:56] try to keep these recommendations in mind [00:16:00] in our planning for nature conservation and our planning also [00:16:04] for conservation programs in all their forms. [00:16:07] As we know, nature reserves today, [00:16:11] well, they serve as an alternative [00:16:14] economy for local communities. Correct. So, it is also, [00:16:17] today, the community [00:16:20] can contribute to spreading [00:16:24] awareness within, let's [00:16:26] say, this community. And also, we always strive [00:16:29] for all reserve [00:16:33] jobs to be exclusively for Azraq residents. That's great. This [00:16:36] idea is generalized across all reserves, so we [00:16:40] try as much as possible to maximize the economic benefit [00:16:43] within these areas adjacent to nature reserves. Very [00:16:47] nice. Okay, what about programs, for example, if there are awareness [00:16:50] or educational programs targeting school or university [00:16:54] students, or even visitors? Is there anything like that? Certainly. [00:16:58] Well, these nature conservation programs [00:17:01] must always be accompanied by [00:17:04] the concept of environmental awareness. So, through them, [00:17:08] we established nature conservation clubs in Azraq [00:17:11] schools. Great. And also, at the [00:17:14] society level, it was established in all schools of the Kingdom. In addition, [00:17:18] in 2013, [00:17:20] we established the Nature Knight program. [00:17:24] Yes, this is for ages 12 to 15 years old. [00:17:27] It aims to build a connected and aware generation [00:17:31] in nature [00:17:33] this program, and each reserve has its own theme. This theme that [00:17:37] distinguishes the Azraq Reserve is wetlands. So, [00:17:40] therefore, the program targets these [00:17:43] students to go through five stages, through which, of course, [00:17:47] they receive a certificate with the Azraq Killifish [00:17:50] stamp on it, which we consider a rare [00:17:54] fish for this place, and they also go through all these stages and become [00:17:58] specialized in this through different activities [00:18:02] So, this is part of [00:18:06] the awareness, in addition to us providing awareness to housewives [00:18:09] and also awareness to civil society organizations [00:18:12] in the region. We are keen on farmers and many [00:18:18] community groups. We try in one way or another to [00:18:22] increase awareness, either through social media or [00:18:26] through awareness sessions that are held, [00:18:28] let's say, directly, or even environmental celebrations that we [00:18:32] organize at the reserve. Very nice. So, [00:18:35] how does the reserve [00:18:37] welcome visitors today? What plan do you offer to tourists? [00:18:41] What activities or program can the visitor follow when they visit [00:18:45] the reserve, and what can they do during [00:18:48] the day to make their tourist experience in the reserve [00:18:51] unique? Certainly. Well, [00:18:54] we have a set of tourist programs [00:18:57] at the Azraq Reserve. Perhaps the most important of them is [00:19:01] the overnight stay program. We have the Azraq Lodge [00:19:04] located there, which is a hotel that provides food [00:19:07] and beverage services and overnight stays [00:19:11] for visitors to the Azraq Reserve and also for visitors to other reserves [00:19:15] like Shawmari and also Dhahik [00:19:18] Reserve and also to the eastern desert region. Yes. So, this [00:19:22] place is the starting point for tourist trips, [00:19:25] including the bicycle path and also we [00:19:29] have experience [00:19:31] tourism for local communities, as I mentioned, [00:19:34] Azraq has a unique cultural blend. [00:19:37] Yes, we work on connecting [00:19:40] them within the management of tourism activities [00:19:44] that showcase local cultures. Through these, [00:19:47] we also arrange visits through what is called experiential [00:19:51] tourism, and also we have several programs, [00:19:54] which is the hiking program that [00:19:57] takes place in the reserve, from [00:20:00] which, well, the most famous program we have is bird [00:20:03] watching, which takes place between spring and autumn, [00:20:07] coinciding with the bird migration period. So, during this [00:20:11] period, there are two blinds or [00:20:14] houses. Of course, these houses [00:20:17] are intended for you to sit and watch [00:20:21] birds through the windows, so you see [00:20:24] a great diversity and record many species during the migration [00:20:28] period, and this is something very unique or famous in the Azraq Reserve. [00:20:32] Nice. So you advise people to visit [00:20:35] perhaps the golden periods [00:20:38] for Azraq, during which, of course, you see a lot of biodiversity, [00:20:41] both animal and bird. Nice. So, Mr. [00:20:50] foreign tourists, compared to the northern reserves or the southern [00:20:53] reserves? Well, in fact, we [00:20:57] need to shed more light [00:20:59] on Azraq. We need to, well, today we are talking about [00:21:03] a place that has cultural [00:21:07] diversity, historical diversity. We have [00:21:09] archaeological palaces and also UNESCO sites. We [00:21:13] also have nature reserves today. We are talking about [00:21:16] the first reserve established in the region in [00:21:20] Jordan, which is the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in [00:21:24] 1975, and also the second reserve established is the Azraq [00:21:28] Reserve, which was in 1978. So today, we have [00:21:31] nature reserves in the Dhahik Nature Reserve as well, which [00:21:34] the Society is currently working on [00:21:37] to announce it as a UNESCO [00:21:41] geological park, and also Azraq [00:21:44] has, well, cultural and natural [00:21:47] diversity, as I mentioned. All [00:21:51] diversity, well, it's worth, [00:21:55] let's say, more light being shed on it through, [00:21:58] well, the media or through [00:22:01] influencers or, well, [00:22:05] all categories [00:22:08] of, let's say, visual, audio, and print media, etc. [00:22:11] Yes, very good. So, Mr. Hazem, how important do you think [00:22:15] the message needs to be conveyed to the Jordanian [00:22:20] the environment and protecting these properties, which I call [00:22:24] a natural environmental treasure in Jordan that [00:22:27] we all must protect? What message do you address to the citizen [00:22:31] regarding preserving the environment and these environmental resources that must [00:22:35] be available to us? Certainly. Well, regarding [00:22:38] our fellow citizens, I, well, [00:22:42] certainly, protecting [00:22:46] nature and protecting natural heritage [00:22:49] is not solely the responsibility of institutions. Yes, that's true. It is [00:22:53] a national effort. It [00:22:56] this spirit that we, well, call belonging to this [00:23:00] homeland, to the nature of this homeland and its natural [00:23:03] heritage, obliges us to preserve our trees without [00:23:07] and, well, rationalize water consumption. [00:23:11] Also, we are talking about [00:23:14] illegal hunting. These are also things that we [00:23:18] ask them to cooperate with us hand in hand, [00:23:22] so that we preserve this national natural [00:23:25] heritage for us and for future generations. And also, [00:23:28] I invite them to visit nature reserves and enjoy these natural [00:23:32] landscapes and also learn about them [00:23:35] and contribute to these sites because these [00:23:38] sites' financial returns also [00:23:42] contribute to their development and the development of nature [00:23:46] conservation programs. Very nice. Okay, if you allow us to ask you one last question before we [00:23:57] The Azraq Reserve has, frankly, during [00:23:59] the past [00:24:01] period, managed to reach 10% of its former oasis [00:24:05] despite the water scarcity and, well, [00:24:07] the water sources were very [00:24:11] scarce, and also [00:24:14] the great drought and lack of rain. [00:24:16] The reserve also managed to preserve the Azraq [00:24:20] Killifish, which was on the verge of extinction, and it is also [00:24:26] species of this oasis. [00:24:28] The reserve also received many international awards, [00:24:33] its inclusion in the Green List, which [00:24:37] is [00:24:39] in recognition of our efforts, let's say, [00:24:42] for practicing [00:24:44] or, let's say, for applying the best international [00:24:47] practices in managing nature reserves. Yes, and also [00:24:51] we received the award for the top 100 sustainable sites worldwide, [00:24:55] and there was also the Visitor Center [00:24:58] Star award for the best design for visitor centers, [00:25:02] and also for diversity in both biodiversity [00:25:05] and facilities. Wow, how [00:25:08] proud we are when we hear that our country, [00:25:12] with its breathtaking nature, and its [00:25:15] resources, whether natural resources, [00:25:18] fish resources, or even animals, how today it is [00:25:21] competing for awards and topping [00:25:24] beneficial this is for the country, economically [00:25:27] and also touristically. And Jordan [00:25:31] is always a known destination for all our [00:25:34] Arab brethren and expatriates. And God willing, we will reach global recognition in [00:25:38] this. Mr. Hazem, we want to move with you now to a segment [00:25:41] called "The Brief and Useful." Quick questions and we need short [00:25:58] Mr. Hazem, the biggest challenge for the reserve: water scarcity or [00:26:01] climate change? Water scarcity. [00:26:04] Is the reserve still a main stop for migratory [00:26:08] birds? Yes or no? Yes. Does ecotourism [00:26:11] contribute to protecting the reserve? Yes. [00:26:14] Who visits the reserve more: Jordanians or [00:26:18] foreign tourists? Currently, Jordanians. Excellent. So, [00:26:23] require greater community awareness? [00:26:26] Absolutely. Has the reserve seen the return of bird [00:26:30] species after conservation efforts? Yes or no? True, thank [00:26:33] God. Does environmental protection start with the individual [00:26:37] or institutions? [00:26:41] with the individual. An institution is [00:26:45] just part of its role. But it is [00:26:48] precisely a group of [00:26:51] say, it needs to start from the individual. [00:26:55] Can development and nature conservation be reconciled? [00:26:57] Absolutely. [00:27:00] What is the most unknown fact about the Azraq [00:27:03] Reserve? [00:27:06] Perhaps its area today, we are talking [00:27:09] about 74 square [00:27:15] the water buffalo [00:27:18] is not an indigenous species in this place. [00:27:21] It is not one of the indigenous species in this place. [00:27:25] It was introduced, but in an administrative way, to preserve the area. [00:27:29] Excellent. One word to describe the Azraq Reserve. Life [00:27:33] or heritage? [00:27:38] I can combine the two. Life [00:27:41] of Jordan. Life of Jordan. Excellent. Indeed. Mr. Hazem [00:27:44] Hareesheh, Director of Azraq Wetland Reserve. You were [00:27:48] with us today. You honored us. And surely all the best, God willing. [00:27:52] I am honored to be with you. Welcome. All thanks to you. And we are happy to have you with [00:27:56] us. And we hope that our natural resources will develop more [00:27:59] and become a global resource as well, and a destination. God [00:28:39] Did you know that you can now complete notary public [00:28:42] transactions electronically and remotely, without needing [00:28:46] to visit government departments from anywhere within the Kingdom, [00:28:49] and even Jordanians residing [00:28:53] electronic services? All you [00:28:55] have to do is activate your digital ID and your digital [00:28:59] signature through the Sanad app, because the amendments to the new [00:29:03] Notary Public Law adopted the digital signature [00:29:06] and considered it to have the same legal force as a regular signature, [00:29:10] under the highest security standards. In short, using [00:29:13] electronic means to provide services is 100% [00:29:16] legal, and at the [00:29:20] the service in person from any court you [00:29:22] want. [00:29:29] Good morning, the airport is beautiful. [00:29:33] North turn right. Beautiful, beautiful. You go down, [00:29:35] you continue. [00:29:38] Beautiful. health. [00:29:42] Let me see. [00:29:45] Oh, nice. [00:29:47] Just a moment. [00:29:51] We met today because the company's sales increased [00:29:55] by 30%. Very nice. Did you hear that [00:29:59] they say it will snow tomorrow? Nice. [00:30:06] Nice. Nice. We heard the word nice [00:30:09] a lot, but where is the real [00:30:11] nice? [00:30:14] The real nice is Al-Kaseeh Halawa, which we've had [00:30:17] for 100 years. Nice. 100 [00:30:21] years. 100 years of sweetening [00:30:24] the world. [00:30:26] The Military Consumer Corporation for [00:30:29] everyone. It looks like you really like concentration. [00:30:33] Don't worry, everything we have here at the Military [00:30:37] Consumer Corporation is concentrated, [00:30:40] effective, [00:30:56] different journey to the heart of the neighborhood.