Wadi Musa Wastewater Re-Use Implementation Project



Wadi Musa Wastewater Re-Use Implementation Project

Progress Report on Landscape Design/ Interpretive Center

Report on March Travel to Jordan

Submitted by Erin Addison

April, 2004

Abstract:

March 15-April 1

I pursued objectives regarding the administration of the project, mapping, design and interpretive material. Some of these objectives were met, but most were waylaid by an intervention by UNESCO into the permitting process for the visitors center. March 24-April 1 were wholly devoted to producing a report on site activities requested by the UNESCO team. At the time of writing we are waiting for UNESCO to deliver their opinion regarding the proposed activities (the visitors center and associated landscape design) onsite. The occasion of the UNESCO report did, however, yield significant working information for landscape planning, which is included in the "Recommendations" section of this report.

Table of Contents

Objectives for Visit 3

Summary of Activities 4

Review of Objectives 6

Remarks and Recommendations 9

1. Overview of project status 9

2. Guidelines for landscape planting 9

3. Grazing control 12

4. Erosion control 12

5. Reforestation and trial species 13

Conclusions 15

Appendix I: text of report submitted to UNESCO 16

References cited 29

Objectives for Visit

a. Administrative

1, Conclude the contractual process with the architect, Sahel al-Hiyari.

2. Address the matter of the permit to build the visitors center.

b. Mapping

1. Obtain copies of Dr. Shatnawi's surveys (especially the "picnic wadi," which I

understand have already been done), as well as any surveys which are completed for Sahel.

2. Complete detailed survey and mapping of existing vegetation on picnic wadi.

3. Extend existing map (from Dec.-Jan.) north to include Jabal Ba'aja. Do preliminary mapping for Ba'aja trail.

4. Locate antiquities precisely on existing maps.

5. Complete thorough documentation of antiquities.

c. Design

1. Extend the present concept plan to include amphitheatre site, Jabal Ba'aja trail and detailed trails to antiquities sites. This element should be approved by BRDP in March so that I can progress with the design when I return to Tucson.

2. Confer with architect regarding the shade structures and site furniture for provisional approval by BRDP.

3. Produce drafts of shade structures and site furniture for provisional approval by BRDP.

d. Interpretive material

1. Interviews for historical material: begin interviews with various constituencies, especially the different sub-clans of the `Amareen.

2. Library research at ACOR.

3. Plant collection: collect specimens and do photodocumentation of existing plants species in order to familiarize myself with natives and document existing vegetation for future interpretive material.

e. Meetings

1. Meet with Dr. Shatnawi, perhaps walk the site.

2. Meet with Dr. `Alia Hattour Burgan (Minister of Tourism) and Dr. 'Amal Hijazi (USAID).

Summary of Activities

S-S March 13-14 Travel from Tucson to `Amman

M-Th March 15-18 Office set-up in `Amman:

re-establish internet and phone connections in anteroom office; priced and purchased color printer and scanner, office

supplies; met with Dr. Saad al-Ayyash and Eng. Mohammad Shahbaz organized trip to Wadi Musa; attempted to make appointments with Dr. Amal Hijazi and Dr. Shatnawi and Eng. Abu Hdaib (PRA); investigated issue of architect's contract.

F March 19 Library research at ACOR RE: plant species, esp, natives, and Nabataean archaeology, esp. water systems.

S March 20 traveled to Wadi Musa, visited Nabataean remains at Little Petra, between Tayyibeh and Petra; Islamic water systems at Udruh.

S March 21 Met with Eng. Isma'il at-Twaissi regarding remaining Nabataean sites on farm plots; met with Eng. Haydar ar- Rawajdeh regarding the scan of the WWTP and the issue of releasing water into wadi Umm al-Heiran on a consistent basis. Eng. Rawajdeh and I then consulted with Eng. at- Twaissi on this (see below). Began archaeological survey of Wadi Sidd al-Ahmar. UNESCO observers onsite.

Mr. Awad arrived from BRDP in the afternoon and we went to Qurayqira in the Ghawr to interview Sheikh Abu Shusheh, sheikh al-mushayakh of the `Amareen tribe.

M March 22 After waiting all morning for Mr. Awad, met with Bashar ar- Rawajdeh in Shobak re: tribal history of the area.

T March 23 Collected plants for most of the day. In the afternoon Eng. Twaissi took me up wadi Sidd an-Nimr to look at more cisterns and dams (see below) and a very different microclimate area, with substantially different vegetation.

Traveled to `Amman.

W March 24 Received office equipment, set it up. Met with Eng. Shahbaz to fill in gaps on the history and early planning of the project. UNESCO asks for meeting regarding permitting process.

Th March 25 Meeting with UNESCO's Eng. Lucio Cavazza (see report, appendix 1). After meeting met with Eng. Shahbaz and Dr. al-Ayyash to discuss results of meeting, approach to UNESCO requests. Met with Dr. Shatnawi at the University of Jordan regarding the survey of the "picnic wadi."

F March 26 Worked on UNESCO report.

S March 27 Traveled to Wadi Musa, early morning. Met with Engs. At- Twaissi and ar-Rawajdeh regarding their input into UNESCO report. Hiked Sidd al-Ahmar and Wadi Jabu documenting archaeological remains for UNESCO report.

S March 28 Finished hiking Wadi Jabu, Wadi Ba'aja documenting arch remains for UNESCO report. Met with Engs. Ar-Rawajdeh and at-Twaissi to collect their contributions to the report. Traveled to `Amman.

M March 29 In `Amman – worked on UNESCO report.

T March 30 With Dr. Sa'ad finished text for UNESCO report. Traveled to Wadi Musa.

W March 31 Collected plants, walked Jabal Ba'aja; with Eng. at-Twaissi visited Farsh, the one-time `Amareen village and grazing area west of Sidd al-Ahmar. Re-shot some documentation of archaeological sites.

Th April 1 Traveled to `Amman. Completed images for UNESCO report. Met briefly with Dr. al-Ayyash and Eng. Shahbaz.

F April 2 Traveled to Dubai.

Review of Objectives

a. Administrative

1. Architect's contract

At the time I arrived in `Amman the architect's contract had been written, but remained unsigned. Correspondence was exchanged between Dr. al-Ayyash, Dr. Tamimi and myself, and Dr. al-Ayyash consulted Eng. Shahbaz. After some bureaucratic negotiation, it was agreed that architect al-Hiyari's contract could be signed as soon as funds were transferred from IALC. Meanwhile nothing transpired, as al-Hiyari was out of the country.

When the issue with the permitting process arose, the above plans were put on hold. On Monday, April 12, Dr. al-Ayyash had spoken to Eng. Shahbaz about the situation. The plan at this time is that al-Hiyari was to be contacted by BRDP and apprised of the delay. If there is a positive response on the building permit, BRDP will contract him as planned (above). If the response is negative, BRDP will ask al-Hiyari to bill them and pay him for the services he has rendered.

2. Building permit for visitors center

For a set of reasons not entirely clear to me, UNESCO was called in to consult on the permitting process for the proposed visitors center. The UNESCO representatives Gaetano Palumbo and Lucio Cavazza met with Eng. Abu Hdaib (of Petra Regional Authority) and Eng. Isma'il at-Twaissi (of WMWRIP[1]) -- and perhaps others in Wadi Musa on March 21.

UNESCO representatives met with USAID and Eng. Shahbaz on Wednesday, March 24, and requested a meeting at BRDP on March 25. Eng. Shahbaz, Lucio Cavazza and I met at 10am on March 25, and we discussed every aspect of the project, from the water infrastructure and demonstration farm, archaeological remains and native plants species, to the proposed visitors center, interpretive trails and amphitheatre. Eng. Cavazza seemed fairly positive in his response to our discussion, and asked for a report on all the activities – past, present and proposed – for the site. The document produced for UNESCO is appended to this report (Appendix I).

We are presently waiting for UNESCO to give us their opinion on the proposed activities (the visitor center and the associated landscape) onsite. It is my understanding at this time that a positive response from UNESCO will allow Petra Regional Authority to go forward with the permitting process presently obstructed by the Department of Antiquities' professed concern for the antiquities onsite.

For reasons which are no doubt clear, this sequence of events seriously disrupted the activities I had planned to pursue on this trip. After March 24th nearly all my time was devoted first to preparing for the meeting and then to preparing the requested document.

b. Mapping

1. Survey of Picnic Wadi

I did meet with Dr. Shatnawi on Thursday, March 25. We had a useful discussion, and he copied one version of the survey of the picnic wadi (north fork of Sidd al-Ahmar). He sent me an electronic version of the final plot of the farm units, but I have so far been unable to open it, so we will resume that matter when I return in June.

No surveys have yet been completed for the architect, due to delays in the tender and permitting processes.

2. Complete survey of existing vegetation on picnic wadi

I began this process on the first trip to Wadi Musa (March 20-23), but had to defer this task to make time for the UNESCO report. However, over 80 species were sampled and pressed. They are stored presently in the office at the Higher Council of Research and Technology.

3. Extend existing map to include Jabal Ba'aja; preliminary map for Ba'aja trail

I was able to walk the Jabal Ba'aja area on the final visit to Wadi Musa (March 30-31), but this objective was also deferred to make time for the UNESCO report.

4. Locate antiquities precisely on existing maps

This objective was accomplished in full, though hastily, because it was required for the UNESCO document. The summary of the survey is included in Appendix I. In short, the site is fantastically rich in antiquities, and Eng. Isma'il has bee scrupulously careful in protecting them. See "Recommendations," below, for further discussion.

Once the photodocumentation of the archaeological remains has been processed and filed, some infill may be required. Apparently an earlier survey exists, but I was unable to obtain it.

5. Complete thorough documentation of antiquities

Due to the unexpected richness in the material record, this objective is still in process. Every observed instance was documented, but the digital files have yet to be organized and processed.

c. Design

1. Extend present concept plan

Due to the disruption of the schedule, the mapping of the Ba'a'ja area was not completed, and therefore the plan could not be extended.

2. Confer with architect

I do not feel comfortable conferring with the architect until someone from IALC or BRDP contacts him about payment for the services he has rendered.

3. Produce drafts of shades structures, site furniture

Due both to the permitting delays and the delay in contracting the architect and settling on a building design, we are quite a long way from the stage at which this objective can be met.

d. Interpretive Material

1. Begin interviews for historical material

This was initiated, and I had two very lengthy and productive interviews: one with Abu Shusheh, sheikh al-mashayakh of the `Amareen tribe, and the other with Dr. Bashar ar-Rawajdeh, a political geographer from Shobak. I also conducted many short, informal "interviews" onsite with various farmers.

This project requires a translator to work with me, as the dialect and the occasionally specialized subject matter is out of my range as an Arabic speaker. The translator needs, however, to be moderately well-educated and very competent in English. Mr. Awad was very kind (if very late) both days we were working together, but at the point where I started to have difficulty with the Arabic, the subject matter was equally difficult for him to translate into English. So we reached a bit of an impasse.

I have located (with Eng. Isma'il's help) two translators – one male and one female – both from the area, who can assist me. I will need to pursue the matter of their compensation, however, before I can engage them.

2. Library research at ACOR

I was able to spend one whole day and a few other afternoons doing research. This was especially fruitful in equipping me to assess the Nabataean (and later) materials onsite.

3. Plant collection

This project was initiated, but had to be put aside to make time for the UNESCO report. Unfortunately most of this will have now to wait until next spring, when plants are blooming again. Dr. Sawsan A. Oran's Botanical survey of the surround area of "Wadi Musa Waste Water Plant" (sic) has been very helpful, and when I return in June I intend to find out whether or not he collected specimens. Judging from his list he did not collect in the early spring, as many of the ephemeral species with short blooming seasons are not listed.

e. Meeting with Dr. Shatnawi, Dr. Hijazi, Dr. Burgan

I was able to meet with Dr. Shatnawi once, late in my stay. It was determined that this was not a good time to meet with Dr. Hijazi. Dr. Burgan was out of the country when Dr. al-Ayyash tried to contact her.

It would be more efficient and meetings would be more likely to take place if advance arrangements were made.

Remarks and recommendations

1. Overview of project status

It need not be emphasized that the project is at a critical juncture. Assuming, however, that UNESCO returns a positive response and the building permit is obtained, the project is well positioned to move forward. We have unanimous agreement on a preferred building design and two quality alternatives; the preliminary landscape concept has met with approval; the area for recreational development has been agreed upon; research toward the interpretive material is well underway. It is quite possible that UNESCO's involvement will give the project a more refined focus and a set of guidelines that all of the involved parties (USAID, IALC, BRDP, Department of Antiquities, WAJ, etc.) can look toward.

The UNESCO intervention in the process has already yielded at least one positive result: in the discussions leading up to the production of the report for UNESCO I became much more familiar with the detailed history of the project and the various interests involved from the beginning. This has given me, as a designer, a much stronger sense of the "program" – especially which aspects are flexible and which are fixed within the scope of the Terms of Reference.

I have asked Dr. al-Ayyash to provide me with the TOR's from Phase I and the proposed TOR's for Phase II. These will help me try to bring together the rather widely flung interests of USAID, IALC, the demonstration farm manager, the farmers' cooperative, BRDP, and – as far as possible – the environmental demands of a watershed area. The present overarching aim of the landscape design is to integrate these visions as far as possible while respecting the ecology of the watershed, the cultural history of the valley (this includes the present inhabitants as well as the antiquities), and the innate aesthetic of the landscape.

In our final meeting Dr. al-Ayyash recommended that I continue to work on the design on the assumption that the project will go forward. He also suggested that I make recommendations regarding off-farm planting (windbreaks, roadside landscape, etc.), so that they can be integrated into the larger picture. With all of this in mind, I would put forth the following initial recommendations. These are not intended to be exhaustive or final, but a list of suggestions to help begin to shape general guidelines.

2. Guidelines for landscape planting

The following recommendations are not exhaustive, but are preliminary and provisional, aiming to curb at least the broadest environmental abuse.

Recommendations:

a. Local native plant species only

Only native plant species typical to Sidd al-Ahmar should be planted in areas off the farm units (windbreaks, roadside landscaping, entrance area, landscaping around visitors center, recreational clusters and shade structures).

b. Structural diversity

These species should be selected with structural diversity in mind, i.e., a combination of low-growing plants, medium shrubs and trees.

c. Naturalistic massing

In "reforested" units trees should be planted in loose, naturalistic clusters, not in rows. This is strongly recommended for the whole area, if possible.

Rationale:

The aesthetic rationale for these guidelines is that we are working in an area of spectacular natural beauty into which we have already imposed enormous interventions. Naturalistic landscaping will accomplish two things aesthetically:

(1) Avoid further, conflicting aesthetic interventions. The water treatment plant and farm are already overwhelming visual statements – adding a third would be chaotic.

(2) Maintain the integrity of the architect's vision – minimal visual disruption of the landscape and direction of the viewer's gaze to the central activities of the project (farming and water treatment).

The ecological rationale is sixfold:

(1) Sidd al-Ahmar is a watershed-intensive area. The three wadis which transect the site from east to west empty into Wadi Umm al-Heiran and Siq Umm `Ilda, which lead directly into Wadi `Araba and the Ghawr. Our farming activities are already affecting the area in profound ways, and these connections with the larger ecosystem are reason for caution. All the species we introduce into Sidd al-Ahmar have the potential to be introduced into the entire watershed area every time it rains.

(2) The competition between species for nutrients and water in an arid environment is intense, even in the natural setting. When we introduce new species that competition is intensified: new species may potentially crowd out fragile natives. This might not, in certain contexts, be so troubling; but in an area protected for its natural beauty and thought to represent Jordan in a unique way the protection of native vegetation becomes more important. Several of our leading species are endangered, including the Mt. Atlas Pistache (Pistacia atlantica), the local Kermes Oak (Quercus coccifera), the juniper (Juniperus phoenica) and Zraiqa (Globularia arabica) (Oran 2003). This fact further deepens the importance of protecting them and propagating them.

(3) There is a functional advantage to using native, locally adapted species: they like an environment that many species consider harsh. They are adapted to the weather and the soils, require less water and less maintenance. Palm trees, for example, are not adapted to the cold winters typical at our elevations, and will fail to thrive. They may "live," but they will never be as healthy and attractive as they would be in their own native environment.

(4) Native species provide habitat for biodiversity. Native animal species of the region are adapted to eat and live in local plants. For this reason the structural diversity of plantings and the way we group them is important. Low-growing shrubs provide habitat and cover for land animals. Massing trees and shrubs provides better habitat than straight lines and inhibits erosion more effectively. Even along windbreaks it is possible to plant irregular strands of trees rather than rigid rows.

(5) An important aspect of the WMWRIP is to demonstrate water-wise practices. Water conservation will never be an irrelevant water practice in Jordan – we should not be sending a message that the availability of reclaimed water opens the door to abusive practices. Using aggressive non-native species like eucalyptus (kina) is sending the wrong message as well as seriously endangering the watershed.

6) Soil salinity is a problem endemic to re-use schemes. Long-term irrigation with reclaimed water will eventually raise the salinity of the soil to the point that the soil becomes unusable. In some contexts these saline soils can be "flushed" with fresh water periodically to rid it of salts. Jordan – and especially southern Jordan – doesn't have enough groundwater or rainwater to make this practicable. Native species can be started off on drip, creating a hospitable environment for germination and establishment – but then they can be weaned off of irrigation. Because they are drought-tolerant and locally adapted, they will continue to thrive. Meanwhile we minimize the salinity added to soils by minimizing the period of irrigation.

Once again, the plant of water-intensive trees sends a message that there is more water in Jordan than there is, and also turns a blind eye to the long-term salinity problems associated with the use of reclaimed water for irrigation.

One objection to using native plants is that they are slow-growing. Many of these species, however, will grow much faster on drip irrigation – fast enough to establish windbreaks before the irrigation is removed. While it is true that native species grow more slowly than some introduced species, in the Petra/ Wadi `Araba region especially it is necessary to think in the long term – we are not only creating a garden for ourselves to enjoy: we are protecting a heritage and ecosystem for many generations to come.

The following is a short working list of native, locally adapted species to work from -- the list will be lengthened as research progresses. The general criterion for selection is sustainability. The specific criteria include:

-- soil adaptability;

-- ease of propagation;

-- value by local population;

-- multiple use;

-- salt-tolerance;

Where the plant is sustainable according to the above-mentioned criteria, I am also considering whether or not the species is listed as an endangered species.

trees:

Kermes Oak Quercus Coccifera*

Juniper Juniperus phoenicia*

Palestinian Pistachio Pistacia palestina

Mt. Atlas Pistachio Pistacia atlantica*

Carob Ceratonia siliqua[2]

large shrubs:

Evergreen Pistachio , Pistacia lentiscus

Mastic Tree

Retam (Ratam) Retama raetam

low shrubs:

Zraiqa Globularia arabica*

Sheeh Artemisia herba-alba

Qaisum Achillea fragrantissima

*endangered species

3. Grazing control

Some balance needs to be sought between the scarcity of forage for livestock and the over-grazing currently characteristic on our site and in the Reserve in general. Grazing is contributing to the depletion of biodiversity, depletion of soils, erosion and desertification in general.

Recommendation

Grazing within the demonstration site should be restricted to farmed units and the lower slopes of Jabal Fidra and Wadi Ba'aja.

Rationale:

The steep banks of Wadi Jabu and other areas are extremely vulnerable to erosion. Wadi Sidd al-Ahmar has a treasure trove of mature trees that need to be protected from further degradation. Wadi Sidd al-Ahmar also has significant protected areas with enough soil to support significant biodiversity. It is hoped that the recreational area will also be a natural interpretive area showcasing native vegetation.

It should be noted that cultivation on the demonstration farm of forage feeds directly addresses all of the problems associated with desertification by providing feed for livestock. At the same time it relieves economic stress on the human communities associated with the region and promotes locally based food security.

4. Erosion Control

Human traffic, uncontrolled vehicular traffic, overgrazing and earth-moving have created a serious erosion problem at Sidd al-Ahmar. On the west side of the water treatment plant, on the slopes below pond 2 and the drying beds, some erosion control has been implemented using stone and cement to stabilize the slope. While this measure is effective for that area, it creates rapid runoff which diverts the problem elsewhere, at the same time preventing the absorption of moisture into soils.

Erosion control by means of terracing has been practiced effectively on the west-facing slope of farm unit 34, and this serves as a model for other agricultural areas. The question is how to inhibit erosion in the natural areas of the site or in areas unsuitable for terracing.

Recommendations

a. Restrict grazing

Rationale: See above. Erosion is promoted by overgrazing (devegetation), and worsened both by human and animal foot traffic associated with herding. By restricting grazing as described above both processes are mitigated.

b. Plant margins of ploughed fields with locally adapted native species

Rationale: Erosion depletes the soils of the farm units as well, and can be inhibited by planting structurally diverse natives along the margins of the fields. Eng. at-Twaissi and I discussed the possibility of planting rattam (Retama raetam ) immediately, because it is fast-growing and also helps to relieve the problem of deforestation for firewood.

c. Restrict vehicular traffic

Though this decision (and most others) should be made in consultation with Eng. at Twaissi and the Jama'ia Sidd al-Ahmar, it seems clear that a starting point would be to prohibit off-road traffic. After consulting with the user groups, some of the small, informal tracks used currently might also be closed off.

Rationale: Restricting vehicular traffic will have an immediate affect on erosion and the degradation of soils.

d. Use hand-fitted, loose-laid riprap or gabions for retaining walls, aprons

Rationale: Rock is plentiful and inexpensive, and riprap does not require highly skilled labor. Riprap allows water to drain between stones as it runs over the surface, slowing the speed of the water (and thereby lessening the downstream effects of runoff), and allowing moisture to penetrate the local soil instead of being lost entirely to the streambed. The head of all riprap installations should be planted immediately with locally adapted native species to prevent undercutting.

e. Construct stone tree-wells for threatened mature trees

Rationale: On several of the wadis existing mature trees are severely stressed by erosion. Roots are badly exposed, to the extent that some may fall in a heavy winter. Given the scarcity of mature trees in Jordan as a whole and the fact that most of the specimens observed are endangered Juniperus phoenicia, Quercus coccifera and Pistacia atlantica, some immediate emergency attention seems justified.

5. Reforestation areas and trial species

I am aware that I have been asked to make recommendations regarding the off-farm planting, and that the species to be tried out on the farm units have already been determined to a great extent by the TORs for Phase I.

It would be professionally irresponsible, however, not to remark at least briefly on the planting activities on other parts of the site. It would not be a surprise if UNESCO were to remark on these matters as well, so the following may prove to be timely.

All of the foregoing discussion of planting guidelines (Recommendation 2, above) applies elsewhere onsite. It is necessary to recognize, of course, that it is almost inevitable – though not necessary – that agricultural concerns will involve the planting of non-native varieties, especially vegetables. Most of these food crops, however, will not be potentially invasive species. In the case of windbreaks, however, eucalyptus have been suggested. As noted above, these are an egregious environmental abuse of the watershed.

The poplar that is being cultivated onsite (Iranian populus sp?) is a heavy water user, and sends out the mixed message mentioned earlier regarding the abuse of reclaimed water resources.

Aesthetically, species such as the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) or Canary Islands palms (Phoenix canariensis) are inappropriate to Petra. These are species which would never grow there naturally and are unsuited to the elevation and cold winters. In addition they – as well as the above-mentioned Iranian poplar -- will eventually interfere with the ridgeline stipulations of the Petra Regional Authority, if I understand this matter correctly – they are too tall for the context. I believe that this was an issue raised directly by UNESCO with Eng. at-Twaissi.

In "reforestation" areas the activity should be precisely that – re-forestation. To plant these areas with non-natives is to introduce a new crop, not to "re"-forest. Perhaps the rationale for foresting with non-natives will become clearer when I have a chance to read the TORs. Presently I can see no environmental or practical rationale for introducing non-natives in re-vegetation areas.

From the data gathered for the UNESCO document I gather (again, in absence of the TOR's I am working a bit on hearsay), that a substantial number of fruit trees have been purchased to plant on the farm units. It is as yet unclear to me what constitutes the rationale for fruit trees as trial crops on this site at this time. Fruit trees are heavy water users. I have not encountered a single farmer who mentions fruit trees in his personal vision for a farm plot. There exists all over Jordan a crying need for forage crops. There is also a crying need for cash crops, and fruit trees will not be economically viable for a decade. I am as yet unconvinced of the economic viability of fruit crops grown in this context. I am aware that these trees have already been written into Phase I, but I work under the conviction that almost all situations are flexible given the good will of those involved. As a landscape architect I would strongly urge that the fruit trees be reconsidered.

Conclusions

In summary the travel to Jordan in March, 2004, by the landscape architect for the Wadi Musa Wastewater Re-Use Implementation Project was a productive trip, if not necessarily in all of the ways anticipated. Some progress was made on all objectives except those concerning or dependent on the architect. The unanticipated meeting with UNESCO and the pressure to produce a document for them on short notice certainly generated information and perhaps helped to consolidate the overall vision of the project and underscore certain areas which may need discusssion.

Recommendations generated from this trip are detailed in the "Remarks and Recommendations" section. To summarize, this report recommends the following:

1. Use only locally adapted, native plant species for off-farm areas.

2. Where possible plant structurally diverse plants in naturalistic clustered forms.

3. Grazing should be restricted to farmed units and the lower slopes of Jabal Fidra and Jabal Ba'aja.

4. Vehicular traffic should be restricted to established roads, and consideration should be given to closing some of the roads onsite.

5. Loose-laid riprap and gabions should be used for erosion control.

6. Construct tree-wells for threatened mature trees.

7. Reconsider the planting of non-natives in farmed units.

__________

Appendix 1: text of report submitted to UNESCO

What follows is the section I wrote; it was preceded by a section written by Dr. al-Ayyash regarding past activities and the infrastructure of the demonstration farm and water treatment facilities. I am indebted to Dr. al-Ayyash for his comments and guidance in preparing this material.

[pic]

Other proposed activities:

I. Community Center

II. Picnic facilities

III. Outdoor meeting/ performance space

IV. Landscape design/ interpretive paths

[pic]

Introduction

In order to maximize the potential of the wastewater treatment facilities, demonstration farm and farming cooperatives, it has been proposed to create a community conference center and interpretive materials onsite. In additional to the water treatment plant and demonstration farm, the current vernacular uses of the site include grazing, rainfed farming and picnicking/recreational use. A comprehensive landscape design is being developed to articulate these disparate activities and to integrate them aesthetically.

The conceptual theme developed by the architect and landscape architect is Continuity + Change. The rationales for both the proposed structure and the landscape design concentrate on balancing the importance of the cultural and technological past, the present needs of local residents and users, and environmental planning for the future.

It should be noted that at the time of writing (March 2004) all of these activities are in the developmental phase and flexible to incoming information and suggestions.

I. Community center

We propose to build a community center that would serve three user groups:

1. local farmers and community;

2. visiting farming cooperatives & groups to be educated in water re-use;

3. general visitors to the site.

The proposed building has been approved at 150m2, limited to one floor. Its purpose is to host visiting groups of farmers, training courses, meetings of the cooperatives and community, and to orient visitors to the area.

Award-winning Jordanian architect Sahel al-Hiyari[3] has been engaged to design three concepts for the community center. At present all the concerned agencies have preferred Concept (a) (see below), but we are awaiting final permit for the building site before conducting the necessary geo-technical testing to make a final decision on the design.

Al-Hiyari proposes to create a space which will encourage people to move out into the spectacular natural landscape context and to enter physically into the context of the farm activities. The building will serve as the point of departure for a network interpretive paths leading into the farming and water treatment activities, recreation areas, and deeper into the natural and historical context (see Landscape Design, below). All three of the preliminary design concepts seek to be discreet and unintrusive; at the same time they provide a functional gathering space which expresses the continuity between past and present,

We propose to retain the existing vernacular structure that presently sits on the rock knoll, and to incorporate it into the design concept for the community center. Its role in the respective designs is described in the following summaries.

Concept (A)

[pic]

This structure would be excavated from the bedrock itself, scripting on the traditional dwellings carved into stone throughout Wadi Musa. The resulting structure will expose beautifully finished stone surfaces and use the bedrock itself – polished and sealed – as a floor. Quarried stone from the excavation is used as material for walls and details. Entrance is through an excavated "siq-like" hallway; the exit ascends a staircase into the existing vernacular structure on the knoll. The design effectively minimizes volumetric intrusion into the landscape at the same time that it minimizes importation of materials from offsite.

Concept (B)

[pic]

The primary integrating feature of Concept B is a wall which curves down the northeast slope of the knoll, connecting the existing vernacular structure with the new building. The wall employs traditional stone (like that of the existing structure) assembled with a more modern feel and finish, to form a line of visual continuity between the traditional and modern structure. The new building is set slightly away from the knoll, forming a courtyard space to the rear of the building. Openings are set into the east wall to frame specific views, underlining the four interpretive themes (geography, agriculture, water technology and socio-cultural history). The back courtyard connects the building spatially with the knoll as a viewing platform, and expresses the continuity between culture and nature.

Concept (C)

[pic]

Four stone walls emerge from the exposed rock surface of the knoll, like spokes from the hub of a wheel. Between the "spokes" is created a grid of indoor and outdoor spaces which communicate with each other and may be used for outdoor display areas as well. The walls which emerge from the natural bedrock convey the theme of connection and continuity between nature and culture, history and modernity, technology and parent material.

II. Picnic/ recreational clusters

[pic]

Sidd al-Ahmar[4] is a popular picnicking spot for locals from the Wadi Musa area. Presently this activity presents a waste management problem, and picnickers build fires which are unmanaged. Without established trails, human traffic further erodes the fragile hillsides and vegetation. By establishing a landscaped picnicking area with designated firepits, wastebins and tables, we propose to control traffic, fires and waste disposal.

The present proposed location for the picnic area is the north fork of (wadi) Sidd al-Ahmar, a steep, rocky wadi which runs east-west across the site. Some further sites may be established near the main road at Wadi Jabu and Wadi Ba'aja. Picnic sites will be established near existing mature trees. Paths will be demarcated from site to site.

It is presently our intent to include discreet educational signage along the pathways indicating the names of native plant species and interpreting the natural geography.

III. Meeting/ performance space

[pic]

Given that there is already significant recreational use of the site, we have proposed to build a small amphitheatre for outdoor meetings and perhaps performances. The latter might include equestrian demonstrations, performances of local music, plays, and ihtifalat – community gatherings which celebrate important events, guests, etc.

The amphitheatre design would be in keeping with the local vernacular architecture – a series of seating steps built from local stone. This would entail 3-4 steps, 50cm riser and 75cm seat-width (tread), each step measuring +15m, to seat about 50 people. The current proposed location of the amphitheatre is near the east end of wadi Sidd al-Ahmar.

IV. Landscape design/ interpretive pathways

[pic]

The landscape design focuses on creating aesthetic and conceptual coherence on a site which incorporates an unusual variety of programmatic elements (farming, water treatment, forage crops/ livestock, educational and recreational use). The design must also retain enough flexibility to accommodate future activities, e.g., a dairy.

The design is therefore based primarily on circulation. In keeping with the aesthetic that guides the architectural design, the landscape design – organized around a series of signed pathways – is minimal and unintrusive: it exists to guide the visitor through the present-day activities which animate the site and draw him into the historical context of the material remains of past agricultural and hydrological activity. The design does not introduce significant changes in the existing landscape, but rather draws the visitor into physical interaction with the site and articulates it.

The landscape design is organized into three zones and three tiers of interpretation:

Area (a) – entrance and community center;

Area (b) – the demonstration farm and water treatment facility;

Area (c) – the recreational clusters and surrounding landscape.

At the current phase of development decisions on materials, hardscape and site furniture depend on the choice of building design concept for the community center (see Section I).

Area (a)

The existing road will be cobbled. Interpretive pathways run down both sides of the road, but are separated from the street itself by channels to harvest rainwater runoff. Entrance and parking (and courtyards, if any) will be designed to suit the building design.

Stairways onto the knoll will either be cut into the stone or constructed of local stone to match the building design.

On top of the knoll the four interpretive themes will be suggested by signage mounted low to the ground, directing the visitor's gaze toward an overlook at a point of interest. For example, the southern signpost will overlook the water treatment facility and identify the various elements and activities associated with the plant; the eastern signpost overlooks the demonstration farm plots and suggests points of interest regarding the crops under cultivation. These interpretive stations also direct the visitor's attention to pathways that lead further into the site (see Area b, below).

Area (b)

From Area (a), pathways lead the interested visitor into the next, more detailed tier of interpretation. In the example above, the visitor could descend from the knoll station down a pathway to a demonstration farm plot, where the next tier of interpretation would offer signage with a more detailed discussion of the crop, soils, fertilization, water needs, etc. Shade structures shelter interpretive signs (and visitors) and frame views of the material discussed on the signs.

Pathways are constructed of pavers or cobbles as appropriate to the venue. Between roadway and farm plot, for example, the paths are cobbled; within the water treatment facility they might be scored and dyed cement. Paths are discreetly bordered so as to direct the visitor clearly from one station to the next.

Area (c)

As noted above, we propose to place tables, benches, firepits and wastebins at intermittent sites along the north fork of Sidd al-Ahmar streambed and the main road. Each of these "recreational clusters" would also house interpretive material on the natural environment hosted by the wadi.

Beyond the demonstration farm itself are several points of historical interest (see archaeological survey): Nabatean dams, a reservoir, cisterns, a wine presses and terraces, some more recent vernacular structures and so on. The third tier of pathways lead from the community center and farm through very attractive natural settings to points of historical interest.

This last set of paths will not be paved at all. Indeed, as the paths lead farther and farther from the built environment of the community center and water treatment plant, the pathways are less and less constructed. The third tier of pathways will simply be bordered with stone from the immediate context, and the only signage would be a discreet identifying plaque at the destination point itself, e.g., "Nabatean dam rehabilitated by the `Amareen tribe; used continuously since the first century B.C." Brochures available in the community center would provide a map and more interpretive detail.

Pathways connect all the areas of current and historical agricultural and hydrological activity

A comprehensive design builds in a measure of control over waste management, human recreational use, waste management, protection of antiquities (see archaeological survey) and grazing. Careful attention to the sensitive arid environment protects the watershed, provides habitat to encourage biodiversity and inhibits erosion from the farmed plots.

All plant materials in the landscape design will be species native to Sidd al-Ahmar. The demonstration farm necessarily tests plant species that are not natives, but all other plant materials, all revegetation and all erosion control are composed of natives specific to Sidd al-Ahmar area. Species include:

trees shrubs

juniper Retama raetam

carob `ilda

oak [oak]*

pistacia atlantica

pistacia palestina

pistacia vera

Hardscape – specifically the pathway pavements – are all permeable, allowing water to penetrate the topsoil and minimizing runoff and erosion. Via the use of consistent hardscape and plant materials a comprehensive design also imposes a sense of aesthetic coherence over the disparate activities taking place at Sidd al-Ahmar.

In appropriate areas (e.g., plot 18 and knoll where the community center is located), rainwater harvesting techniques will be incorporated into the landscape design.

References Cited

Abdel-Muti, M. Tellawi, ed. First National Report of the Hashemite Kingdom

2001 of Jordan on the Implmentation of Article 6 of the

Convention on Biodiversity. Amman

Oran, Sawsan A Botanical survey of the surrounding area of

2003 Wadi Musa Waste Water Plant (sic). Amman.

Syouf, Maha Q., Jordan: Country report to the FAO International

Duwaynir, Mahmud A. technical conference on plant genetic resources.

2001 Leipzig.

FAO Forestry in the middle east: Jordan.

2003 decrep/x5364e/x5364e03/htm

[accessed 17 April 2004]

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[1] Wadi Musa Wastewater Re-Use Implementation Project

[2] Carob is somewhat frost tender, but is known to grow in oak associations up to 1,700m. It is believed to have been abundant in the oak forests of the west-facing slopes over Wadi `Araba until about half a century ago (FAO 2003).

[3] Sahel al-Hiyari was chosen by Architectural Record as one of 2002's Design Vanguard, and for 2002-2003 was awarded one of the prestigious Rolex Mentor & Protege Arts Initiative Awards to work with Eduardo Siza. He is presently serving on the review committee for the Aga Khan Foundation Awards in Architecture.

[4] There is some debate over the name of the area; sadd means "dam;" sidd is a colloquial Arabic term for a small wadi; sadd(or sidd) al-ahmar is the name of the southernmost wadi configuration at the site, but it is also used for the region as a whole, and it is the name chosen by the `Amareen tribe for the non-government organization which operates their farming cooperative.

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