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Littering Challenges in and around Jordan’s Tourism Sites

 
 

Introduction

Litter accumulation at tourism sites in Jordan, particularly along roadways and popular picnic areas, significantly undermines the natural and cultural allure of these destinations. This problem is most acute on weekends when local visitors, enjoying their leisure time, inadvertently leave behind waste. Sites like Wadi Rum are particularly problematic as waste management systems are not in place and the remoteness of the site makes it a burden for camp sites and jeep ride operators to dispose of their garbage appropriately. A similar circumstance is present in Ajloun which attracts a large number of hikers exploring natural or archeological sites. Additionally, littering along highways, where municipal jurisdiction is often unclear, leads to substantial trash buildup, marring the scenic beauty and posing severe threats to local wildlife and ecosystems.

 
 

Challenges

This negligence not only spoils Jordan's pristine image but also threatens its cultural richness, potentially deterring eco-conscious travelers and hampering efforts to promote sustainable tourism. The visibility of waste discourages responsible waste disposal practices among both locals and tourists, exacerbating the problem further. Two campsites in Wadi Rum (Al Zawaydeh and Aisha Memories) together produce 400 kg of waste everyday, and are 10 km away for the nearest garbage disposal point rely on private vehicles to transfer waste on a daily basis1. According to reports by King Abdullah II Gardens officials in Irbid, about 7 tons of waste were collected from the Gardens in one week2.

 
 
 
 

Suggested Approaches

To tackle these challenges, introducing mobile recycling units would significantly enhance waste management capabilities in remote or heavily trafficked areas, encouraging both tourists and locals to engage in recycling efforts. Furthermore, local entrepreneurs could innovate eco-friendly tourism products that incorporate environmental education. Initiatives such as guided tours that include participatory clean-up efforts, or workshops that highlight the impact of litter, could cultivate a culture of sustainability among visitors. The development of digital platforms could also facilitate greater civic engagement by enabling tourists and locals to report littering incidents and participate in organized clean-up events. This would improve the coordination of waste management efforts and enhance community involvement in preserving the environment.

Implementing these solutions would offer numerous benefits including the preservation of Jordan’s natural habitats and biodiversity, ensuring landscapes remain unspoiled for future generations. Clean and well-managed roads and tourist sites would reinforce Jordan’s reputation as a top-tier tourist destination. These recycling and eco-tourism initiatives would also open up new economic avenues for local businesses, contributing positively to the local economy. By involving local communities in these efforts, these strategies would promote sustainable practices and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment, and position Jordan as a regional model for environmental stewardship. Through collaborative and innovative approaches, Jordan can effectively mitigate the impacts of littering and enhance its sustainable tourism practices. By turning waste management challenges into opportunities for growth, local entrepreneurs can help create a cleaner, more sustainable future for both the local environment and the tourism industry. These efforts will not only preserve the country’s natural beauty but also ensure it remains an attractive destination for environmentally conscious travelers.

 
 

Ideation Hub

We have offered viable solution approaches for each of the four sectors to spark your creativity, but we highly encourage you to bring your originality and unique perspectives to the table.

You can use these ideas as a starting point, but we urge you to think outside the box. Let’s come up with pioneering ideas to transform Jordanian industry.
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1 Ammar, Maryam. “Tourism’s Litter Plagues the “Valley of the Moon” in Jordan.” Arij.net, 14 Aug. 2022, arij.net/projects/Who-is-responsible-en/reports/rep46.html. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.
2 Subeihat, Sally. “انتشار النفايات بالمناطق السياحية ينذر بالخطر والحلول غير مجدية.” AlAnbat News, 20 Mar. 2023, alanbatnews.net/article/400365. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.