Jordan environmental profile : status and abatement

This report examines Jordan"s capacity to protect and develop its water supply and other natural resources. Following a description of the nation"s climatology, the report assesses the status of surface and ground water, storage reservoirs, and wastewater treatment plants. The legal and institutional framework for water management is also described. The report then examines major problems and conservation measures associated with the following resources: land, minerals, marine/coastal ecosystems, inland fisheries, forests, and air. Additional chapters assess the status of the country"s protected areas and discuss environmental issues related to cultural resources (i.e., archaeological sites and artifacts) and occupational safety and health. The report also cites indicators of environmental awareness within the Jordanian government and presents recommendations for further action. The full texts of six major environmental laws are presented in the appendices.