"E T A E R C " Eco-Tourism And Environmental Research Center

WHY THIS PROJECT ?
-Most visitors and residents have a a negative impression about the King Talal Dam area, as an affected area not suitable for agriculture and visit. but on the contrary, it is an area with stunning views and rare plants and fresh air need some special care. Mainly to increase the awareness of visitors and residents of the region towards the natural . The need for scientific field research for different kinds of organisms, methods of growth, development and production. and use them without harming nature. • the Need to provide a recreational areas for residents and tourists. • Put an end to abuse against animals, plants and aquatic environment • change the misconceptions that spread in the local community and the tourist about natural locations and that need attention and to take care of.
-tow of the major sectors that support the jordanian economy are the agricultural secor and tourism sector. hese two sectors offer housands of job opportunities and support the livlihood of so many jordanian families because of the simplicity of these jobs compared o industries and manufacturing and mining works. this thesis tries to develop the agricultural and the touristic sectors.

STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE:
Country: This project will have several benefits for the country especially in the tourism sector.
Place: Jerash is a target area for the tourist; it has a good view and historic area, so tourist can enjoy their time in area. Ecologically the Zarqa Valley became an important passage, a side corridor that linked the Jordan Rift Valley with the eastern desert.
Users: The centre will be a destination for those seeking a unique experience, creating a full experience for the visitor, and will educate students and visitors about the geology of the area and it will be a good entertainment area for residents.

PROBLEMS STATEMENT:
1- The lack of interpretation and presentation in KTD is one of the major problems facing the proper management and utilization of this unique site.
2- .Lack of awareness about the natural life and the wrong use of agricultural production. people usually go to unsuitable areas around for journeys to dangerous areas.
3-Most visitors and residents have a negative impression about the king talal dam area ,as an affected area not suiable for agriculture and visit.
4-In jordan,many of cultural sites lack for a clear interpretive methods,sparkle,excitemen,fun,experience and benefits to the visitor.visitors leave the site without a full understanding,experience,communication and involvement within the site.

WHY CHOOSING THIS SITE?
1. A journey to king talal dam is a journey to another world. A vast, silent place, timeless and starkly beautiful. King talal dam is one of Jordan main tourist attractions being the most stunning landscape in Jordan. The King Talal Dam is the largest dam in Jordan and a very important source of water and energy. The Dam is named after the King Talal for dedication to be a resemble of an iconic Symbolic of king talal.
2. It is a historical site.
3. The site of Zarqa River and king talal dam has to be a well-known landmark in Jordan and touristic.
4. Very high biodiversity and environmental system that offers the best location for environmental center.
5. The outstanding views and nature around, and also the agriculture movement near the site.
6. In the other hand the weaknesses and issues in the site increase the opportunity to establish this project and that problem can characterize in:
7. Lack of awareness about the natural life and the wrong use of agricultural production. People usually go to unsuitable areas around for journeys to dangerous areas.
8. Taking the “Royal Botanic Gardens” Concept into a new exciting approach to be described as Natural Operetta. Where every architectural element and detail play an essential role in completing natural scenery, this approach allows us to emerge the whole project, compose and recompose it from the raw natural material, sculpting to formulate a serene architectural interface by using the site’s forces.

USERS:
-Tourist:
From around the world in search of :
A-new knowledge about the place and the tradition there
B-experience a new adventure based on he available activates of the area
-Scientist and researchers:
Who are doing some sort of research about the KTD land and how to protect the area
-Visitors:
From Jordan who never visited KTD site before to Know about their
-Workers:
People how work in the building like administration,cleaners,secretaries and assistance

INTRODUCTION:
E T A E R C Eco-Tourism And Environmental Research Center , it’s a project that is located at the KTD in the eastern side of the river and overlooking the valley from one side and them river from the other side. it contains a gallery which introduces you to the site and the historical artifacts and has accommodations to prolong
the period of the tourist to the site and specially to introduce the tourist to the places found in the site the methodologies followed to reach this project which is a solution to the economic problems and it is investment in the tourism sites in Jordan.

The site:
-Capital: Amman and largest city.
-This is situated in the north of Jordan, 48 kilometers (30 mi) north of the capital Amman towards Syria. Jerash Governorate’s geographical features vary from cold mountains to fertile valleys from 300 to 600 metres above sea level, suitable for growing a wide variety of crops.
-King talal water dam is supplied by As Zarqa River and Wadi al Za’tari and Yarmouk River it flows rapidly to Jordan valley’s lands.
- Area Total
89,342 km2 (112th) 35,637sq
Mi Water (%) 0.8
-Population
July 2014 estimate 9,930,491 July 2004 census 5,611,202 Density 111.2/km2

The project consists of three main parts:
1-interpretation center: to introduce a place for learning and adding knowledge about the king talal dam in addition to entertainment and mostly to serve tourist.
2- Environmental research center: is to improve the KTD land and do research about water, flora and fauna, soil, climate and weather control.
3- Lodges: to receive tourist and researchers.

This project was designed by Amani Bqaeen as graduation project for Bachelor Degree from University of Petra Supervised by Dr. Rania Abu-Ramadan .

"E T A E R C " Eco-Tourism And Environmental Research Center by amani bqaeen in Jordan won the WA Award Cycle 28. Please find below the WA Award poster for this project.