Jordan, from 20 to 25 August 2021
The International Youth Camp 2021 on Sustainable Tourism was co-organized by Dr. May Al-Hendi, Desert Bloom and the South Badia Center for Training, Awareness and Voluntary Work. The camp was a serious attempt to promote the concept of sustainable tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts while addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. About 50 people from Asia, Africa and Europe participated in this camp.
The camp provided many experiential learning opportunities related to personal development and sustainable tourism.
First day:
We visited Alia Ecovillage in Al Salt, a sustainable retreat house built from natural stones and recyclable materials. We learnt how to build eco-friendly houses made with natural materials and recyclable stuff. Then we did a hike at Wadi Daam forest and cooked our lunch. Then we did team building exercises in the forest. At night, we visited Prophet Joshua Cemetery where we listened to the Prophet Joshua story from the adherent Mosque Imam.
Second day:
We visited Madaba, a living example of Christians- Muslims cohabitation. It is known as the “City of Mosaics” where the cultural epicenter for Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics. We visited St George’s Church & Mosaic Map, Church of the Beheading of John the Baptist and Mount Nebo where we enjoyed the panoramic views of the Holy Land. Then we headed to Karak, where we organized a “kids Carnival”; an entertainment program for orphans. Afterwards, we visited the Karak castle. Then we went to Dana Biosphere Reserve for camping.
Third day:
We enjoyed a yoga session overlooking Dana valley. Then we moved to Udhruh Visitors Center, where we visited Al-Hawashim Tent and the House of Hamad AlJazi. Then we were hosted by a Bedouin family where we had an authentic Bedouin hospitality experience. Afterwards we headed to Wadi Rum, where we enjoyed a jeep safari tour, night walk and a reflection session in the desert of Wadi Rum. Late at night, we moved to Aqaba.
Fourth day:
We started our day with Yoga eye exercises, followed by a workshop on Biogas. We learnt how to build our own simple environmentally friendly, renewable energy source from food waste, animal manure and agricultural byproducts. Then we had two workshops on leadership and grant management.
Fifth day (optional)
About half of the participants visited Petra and the rest went back to Amman.
More, photos and videos are available on the below link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1I7IrUKgRho5U9p2mt4RWvdt8vCm4T0CU?usp=sharing
