Dana, Jordan’s most popular natural reserve, is getting ready to be added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes more than 850 protected sites.

When added, Dana will become the Kingdom’s first natural reserve to be on the list, and will join 3 archaeological sites: Petra, Um Al-Rasas, and Amra Castle. Dana is one of four Jordanian natural reserves that are also expected to be added to the UNESCO list, along with Al-Azraq, Al-Mujib and Wadi Rum reserves.
 
Dana was Jordan’s first attempt at eco-tourism, which paved the way for six other protected areas. The breath-taking reserve has received 17,000 tourists in the first half of 2008, is home to 216 bird species, 38 types of mammals and 833 plant species

Plans are in place to develop more environmental and tourism projects within the reserve and adjacent village. The reserve recently opened the Feynan Eco-lodge, near the west border of the 320-square-kilometre protected area. Designed as a retreat for tourists wishing to explore an archaeologically rich area through hiking, stargazing and interacting with the local Bedouin community, the lodge received the “Best Overseas Tourism Project” award from the British Guild of Travel Writers last year.