Dana Biosphere Reserve

Dana Biosphere Reserve is a protected reserve in south-central Jordan in Tafilah Governorate, established to conserve a large range of desert and montane habitats. The protected area encompasses roughly 308 square kilometres and supports community-based conservation initiatives.

A network of hiking routes down the Wadi Dana canyon, traditional mountain villages, and community-run eco-lodges that provide access and interpretation. The reserve is valued for habitat diversity across strong elevation changes and for opportunities to see regional fauna and plant communities.

The reserve was set up by Jordanian conservation organizations in the late 20th century and was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in the early 1990s to balance conservation with local livelihoods. Management emphasizes sustainable tourism, pastoralism and protection of archaeological and natural features.

The reserve sits in the Dana area of Tafilah Governorate, occupying steep plateaus and deep wadis in southern central Jordan. The nearest major city is Amman to the north; the reserve is reached by regional roads from towns in southern Jordan.

• Size: Covers an area of roughly 308 square kilometres and was established and managed by Jordanian conservation bodies to protect a wide elevational gradient of habitats.
• Biosphere status: Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the early 1990s to promote conservation alongside sustainable local development.

What to See #

• Dana Village: A traditional mountain village at the reserve's northern edge that serves as a gateway for trekking and community-based tourism.
• Wadi Dana (hiking trail): A steep canyon trail that descends from the plateau into a deep, rugged wadi and is the reserve's most frequented hiking route.
• Feynan Ecolodge: An eco-lodge established to support low-impact tourism and local employment, offering accommodation and guided walks in the reserve.