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Jordan Tourism Guide |
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Natural Sites |
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 Bethany
Beyond the Jordan" |
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The Baptism Site at "Bethany beyond the Jordan"
(John 1:28) is one of the most recent
significant archaeological and religious
discoveries. In addition to its unique spiritual
and cultural aspects, the site harbours some
special natural values, which makes it a true
eco-tourism location.
"Bethany beyond the Jordan" includes a salt
marsh wetland, which is stretching along Wadi
al-Kharrar. The wadi is a tributary of the
Jordan River and is located within its larger
flood plain, between the monastic complex on
Elijah's Hill and the Jordan itself. The wetland
area is following the stream of Wadi al-Kharrar
and contains typical flora and fauna: tree frog
and marsh frog as well as several species of
hydrophilic dragonflies, water beetles and some
crustaceans.
In addition, a considerable number of migratory
and wetland birds are recorded at the site.
Birdlife International and Wetland International
have both declared the whole Jordan River basin
as significant bird and wetland areas; and many
birds, mammal and reptiles within the site are
on the IUCN Red List as regionally or globally
threatened or endangered species.
Taking into account vegetation type and water
availability, the Baptism Site wetland ecosystem
includes five distinguished habitats:
Dense Reed Beds:
Consisting mainly of Phragmites australis. These
beds provide the perfect feeding and roosting
area for many reptiles, birds, and mammals, and
are ecologically important for crustaceans and
dragonflies.
Tamarix Woodland:
Consisting mainly of Tamarix Jordanis. These are
important feeding and roosting areas for bird
species such as Turtle Dove, Palm Dove, Collard
Dove, White-breasted Kingfisher, Dead Sea
Sparrow and Black Francolin.
Salty and brackish water marshes:
These marshes are vital for migratory waterfowl
and are ecologically important for fresh water
and wetland animals and plants such as algae,
weeds, dragonflies, crustaceans, amphibians and
others.
Sediment Foothills:
These are dry sandy hills with scarce vegetation
and many small holes and caves. They provide
excellent grounds for many reptiles, birds and
mammals to occupy and colonize.
Jordan River:
The banks of the river are heavily dense with
semi-tropical and wetland vegetation, offering
refuge for many migratory birds and giving life
to a whole complex and interdependent biological
community. The river itself is full with fifteen
species of fresh water fish, some of which are
endemic to the Levant.
The Baptism Site at "Bethany beyond the Jordan"
has many values. On one hand it reflects the
diversity of the Jordanian tourism as an
archaeological, natural and religious site, on
the other hand Bethany's rediscovery was made
possible by the peace treaty with Israel, and is
considered a dividend of peace. The historical,
spiritual and ecological significance
necessitated a careful and comprehensive
planning of the newly opened archaeological park
and nature reserve, whereby the continuing and
almost daily uncovering of new treasures was
accompanied by the most thorough planning for
the safety and preservation of the antiquities
and the ecological system.
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