Dana Biosphere Reserve

Declared in 1989, Dana is the largest nature reserve in Jordan and takes in four distinct climatic zones — from Mediterranean mountain woodland to arid desert — across a drop of more than 1,600 metres within a relatively compact area. Run largely by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature of Jordan, it combines conservation with community ecotourism and small local enterprises, and stands as a regional benchmark for sustainable development in the Middle East.