Tafilah, Sept 14 (Petra) – The Tafilah Directorate of Agriculture has embarked on the construction of experimental water catchment structures in forests to maximize the utilization of rainwater and measure the impact of water harvesting on improving tree growth and enhancing resilience against drought and water scarcity.

The experiment, implemented by the Directorate’s Forestry and Rangelands Division, involves creating watersheds in the forests to store rainwater to nourish the soil, while the project studies how forest trees respond to these measures and evaluates the structures' efficiency in retaining and utilizing water during low rainfall periods, said Bilal Haloul, Director of the Tafilah Directorate of Agriculture.

The measures are part of broader efforts to preserve forest vegetation, ensure its sustainability, and mitigate the impacts of drought and water scarcity, he pointed out, adding that results will be monitored in the field and evaluated periodically to assess the experiment's success.

Haloul said the initiative covers several forest areas, including the Tafilah entrance, as well as the Al-Barnis, Abil, and Aima forests, with plans to expand to other regions pending assessment of results.

He stressed the importance of employing water harvesting techniques as a practical solution to support forests, protect natural resources, and bolster their ability to survive and regenerate amid growing climate challenges.

Haloul noted that Tafilah abounds with natural forests with a variety of tree species, notably cypress, oak, juniper, and pine, making the preservation of the forest wealth and enhancement of its resilience to climatic conditions and rainfall scarcity an environmental priority.

//Petra//SS

14/09/2026 14:48:25