Dibeen Forest Reserve – April 18, 2026
Young participants, environmental experts, and community members gathered at Dibeen Forest Reserve for a hands-on “Living Lab” focused on forest biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Spanning 8.5 km² of mountainous terrain, Dibeen is home to one of Jordan’s last pine-oak ecosystems, dominated by Aleppo pine and oak species. Known as the driest natural habitat for Aleppo pines globally, the reserve receives about 400 mm of annual rainfall and has been protected since 2004.
Organized by Desert Bloom as a dissemination event under the PeakED Project, the event took learning beyond the classroom. Participants worked in teams during a guided field hike, studying native species such as Aleppo pine, oak, carob, hawthorn, and the Greek strawberry tree. They examined each tree’s ecological role, including carbon storage, soil stabilization, and wildlife support.
Key findings highlighted the Aleppo pine’s role as a carbon sink, oaks as vital habitats for wildlife, and fruit-bearing trees as essential for birds and pollinators. Drought-resistant species like the Palestinian pistachio illustrated how native plants adapt to climate stress.
The activity also fostered teamwork and critical thinking, following the “Living Lab” model of participatory, real-world learning. It aligns with global sustainability goals by promoting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
Organizers see the initiative as a model for future programs, aiming to expand similar experiences across Jordan. As one participant noted, experiencing the forest firsthand deepens the sense of responsibility toward protecting it.
