Intentional Desertification (3)

Over two earlier posts of mine, I have discussed a controversial project in Jordan; one that would have coasted Jordan 2200 trees in order to build a military academy in one of the few green areas of Jordan. I have requested your support and help in signing a petition asking for sparing Jordanian trees by moving the project to another area. Our petition was actually considered, and the project was decided to be moved to another area; Barkash.

It was reported that the academy in concern has nothing to do with Sandhurst academy as previously reported, and that the one to be built will be totally environment friendly.

We have to acknowledge that there was a huge effort to lessen the amount of damage that was about to be conducted earlier. However, here is a quick summary on the area: Barkash. Barkash is actually another one of the few green areas in Jordan. It is called Barkash woods, and the removal of one tree in these woods approximately coasts around 1000 Jordanian dinars if we consider the trees’ ages and features according to Dr. Fakher Al Okour, who wrote an amazing article on the subject.

ajloun woodland vhw5M 19369

I have to say that those in charge of the project have reported that “only” 300 trees will be cut down, which is a good drop in number of trees to be cut if we compare it to the old plan, where 2200 trees where to be cut if the project was set up in Ajloun. However, if we forget what we were about to lose earlier, and think of it objectively (no comparison with old numbers): Is 300 a small number of trees to lose? How come it is acceptable for the government to cut down 300 trees in a country that is already suffering from a serious case of desertification, yet the same government sets rules against the popular act of tree-logging during winters. Should not our government act the laws it preaches? Can we really not build this academy in one of the already deserted areas in Jordan?

Those in charge of the project have been presenting reports on the great benefits of such a project to the local community in the area, which I totally understand considering the fact that the project will also include a school and a hospital, as it will definitely give more work opportunities as well as open new academic pathways for those interested… But what kind of educational messages are we sending to those who will study in this academy/school, knowing that their education was worth 300 Jordanian trees?