AMMAN — A recent scientific study by a team from the Azraq Wetland Reserve, managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), has revealed the success of environmental conservation efforts in restoring natural vegetation cover within Azraq Basin area.

 

The achievement comes less than 10 years after the area was integrated into the reserve's boundaries and subjected to specialised ecological management, including fencing and strict protection protocols, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

The study, conducted by reserve director Hazem Hreisha and environmental researcher Tamer Aqaily, used remote sensing techniques and satellite imagery analysis via the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to compare the area’s vegetation cover between 2015 and 2025.

 

Results showed that the total vegetation cover expanded significantly from 2.30 square kilometres in 2015 to 14.83 square kilometres in 2025.

 

This marks an increase of 12.53 square kilometres, or 54.5 per cent, corresponding with an equal decrease in arid lands.

 

The RSCN noted that the study recorded a “substantial” rise in scattered plants, shrubs, and grasslands, indicating widespread natural regeneration and an improved ecosystem within Azraq Basin area.

 

This recovery enhances habitats for migratory and resident birds, combats desertification, stabilises soil, and elevates the area’s ecological and tourism value.