Azraq , December 22, 2024 – Leaders International, in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), proudly hosted the Azraq Entrepreneurial Ideas Competition as part of the NatureWorks Project funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jordan. This pitching competition aims to encourage innovation and empower local entrepreneurs in Al Shaumari Wildlife Reserve and Al Dahek Reserve through financial support, Capacity Building opportunities, and project development tailored to the tourism sector.
Over two days at Azraq Lodge, 20 participants shortlisted from an initial pool of 41 applicants, presented their innovative ideas to a judging panel of experts. The judging panel, comprising representatives from Leaders International, RSCN, the Ministry of Interior – Azraq District Governorate, the New Azraq Municipality, and a technical expert, assessed the participants’ innovative project ideas. Ultimately, 10 finalists were awarded grants of up to, along with comprehensive business development support to bring their initiatives to realisation.
The presented projects focused on advancing eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and wellness experiences, aligning with broader objectives such as conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable economic growth, and empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups. Key themes included wellness tourism initiatives, such as yoga and meditation sessions in Al Azraq’s tranquil desert landscapes; eco and adventure tourism offerings, including stargazing experiences and camel trails showcasing the region’s natural beauty; and cultural tourism projects celebrating Bedouin, Druze, and Chechen traditions through cuisine, arts, and performances.
The competition is expected to achieve several impactful outcomes. It aims to empower underrepresented groups by creating socio-economic opportunities for the local community. Additionally, it promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging eco-friendly practices that conserve natural resources and offer environmental guidance. Furthermore, the competition focuses on building local capacity by equipping finalists with tools and support to enhance Al Azraq’s tourism potential and strengthen linkages with the RSCN.
“At Leaders International, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable and alternative tourism in Jordan by empowering local entrepreneurs,” said Mrs. Nadeen Salameh, Project Manager of NatureWorks at Leaders International. “This competition showcases Al Azraq’s vast potential for eco-friendly tourism initiatives that drive economic growth while celebrating and preserving the region’s cultural and natural heritage. Through tailored support and capacity-building efforts, we aim to create lasting opportunities for local innovators to thrive.”
Mr. Hazem Al-Hreisha, Project Manager at the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, said, “The NatureWorks project exemplifies the power of community-driven initiatives in promoting sustainable tourism and conserving biodiversity. We are grateful for projects like NatureWorks that support the local community in Al Azraq, especially initiatives that empower youth and women. While working on this project, we discovered many successful entrepreneurial ideas and youthful energies that contribute to promoting sustainable tourism in the nature reserves managed by the RSCN.”
Dr. Hisham Al-Dahisat, Director of the Local Communities and Initiatives Department, participated as a member of the evaluation committee, reaffirming the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature’s role in empowering local communities and providing sustainable economic and social opportunities. This aligns with the Society’s ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships with local communities and support initiatives that contribute to improving livelihoods while preserving and sustaining natural resources.
The two-year “NatureWorks” project is dedicated to promoting sustainable development in Jordan’s Eastern Badia region by conserving nature and biodiversity, improving tourism experiences and empowering local communities.
“NatureWorks” aspires to open doors to a range of economic opportunities, including job creation and the establishment of sustainable agribusinesses aligned with the region’s rich natural resources. By creating economic opportunities such as job creation and sustainable local projects, the project positions Jordan as a premier ecotourism destination, attracting both local and international travelers while safeguarding the country’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
