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ICARDA News International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria Phone: (963-21) 2213433, 2213477, 2225112, 2225012 Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105; E-mail: ICARDA@CGIAR.ORG Website: www.icarda.org
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Workshop
on "A framework for sustainable
management for Jabbul agro-ecosystem" |
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| The
Jabbul Sabkha, a saline wetland surrounded by agricultural villages
in north-western Syria, is located 40 km southeast of Aleppo city.
The natural resources of the Sabkhat Al-Jabbul - including the Jabbul
salt, surface water, groundwater and shoreline rangelands - have always
been considered a significant economic asset. In the recent decades, the burgeoning population and the accompanied economic development have exerted enormous pressure on the natural resources base and posed a serious threat to the fragile Jabbul ecosystem. Environmental pollution, hunting and fishing, land degradation, land-use changes and lack of awareness about the wetlands' values and institutional complexity have all compounded the problem.
ICARDA and its partners have worked together for several years to combat desertification, mitigate the effects of drought, and reduce poverty in marginal dry areas. ICARDA's earlier focus on purely technological interventions has given way to integrated natural resource management (INRM) - which includes new technologies as well as ecosystem analysis and active engagement of all stakeholders at each stage in the research-for-development process. It was with this in mind that ICARDA became involved with the Jabbul Agro-Ecosystem (JAES). To find sustainable solutions for JAES, an innovative approach was used, involving all relevant stakeholder institutions such as the Governorate of Aleppo, the concerned Ministries, research organizations, NGOs and most important, the local communities. ICARDA's role has been to provide scientific support to analyze the complexities of this dynamic agro-ecosystem, and to facilitate the multi-stakeholder, interdisciplinary process. A core group of Jabbul enthusiasts worked together via the newly established JAES Consultative Committee and subject-focused task forces. This collaboration resulted in a framework for sustainable agro-ecosystem management of JAES. ICARDA in collaboration with the Governorate of Aleppo organized a two-day workshop on "A framework for sustainable management for Jabbul agro-ecosystem" on February 13 and 14. On the first day the participants visited the Jabbul and had animated interactions with the leaders of the communities inhabiting the area, and between different technical experts. On the second day, all the stakeholders actively participated in the framework workshop held at the Governorate of Aleppo. H.E. Mr Tamer Fuad Al-Hajjeh, the Governor of Aleppo, in his opening remarks at the workshop, said that the Governorate had recognized the utmost importance of the Jabbul agro-ecosystem for biodiversity conservation and for sustainable and healthy rural development since June 2005. He pledged full support to the sustainable development of this fragile ecosystem. Dr Theib Oweis, Director of ICARDA's Integrated Water and Land Management Program (IWLMP), representing the Director General of ICARDA, stressed the importance of the JAES and pledged ICARDA's support for its sustainable management. He commended the initiative of the multiple-stakeholders' commitment for the sustainable management of this unique agro-ecosystem, and wished that it should evolve as a model for future ecosystem research and development in the entire region.
Dr Francis Turkelboom, ICARDA's Land Management Scientist and the Coordinator of the JAES Framework Project, presented the theme of the workshop and initiated the discussions. The participants discussed at length on issues such as public awareness and resource mobilization strategies, environmental management, legal enforcement of existing bans, new legislations, socioeconomic development, and the need for further research. About 60 participants including policy-makers, donors, community leaders, scientists and experts of executive agencies representing various ministries attended the workshop. |
About
ICARDA: Established in 1977, ICARDA (www.icarda.org) is one of the 15
international research centers supported by the Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). ICARDA serves the entire
developing world for the improvement of barley, lentil, and faba bean;
and dry-area developing countries for the on-farm management of water,
improvement of nutrition and productivity of small ruminants (sheep and
goats), and rehabilitation and management of rangelands. In the Central
and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) region, ICARDA is responsible for
the improvement of durum and bread wheats, chickpea, pasture and forage
legumes and farming systems; and for the protection and enhancement of
the natural resource base of water, land, and biodiversity.
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
(www.cgiar.org) is a strategic alliance of countries, international and
regional organizations, and private foundations supporting15 international
research centers that mobilizes cutting-edge science to promote sustainable
development by reducing hunger and poverty, improving human nutrition
and health, and protecting the environment.