Desert Bloom

Youth and Experts Explore Biodiversity at Dibeen Forest Living Lab
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 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.

🌍 *Desert Bloom at Erasmus+ Training Course on Inclusion*

Desert Bloom was proud to be represented at the Erasmus+ Training Course *“Inclusion in ESC and Youth Exchanges: Addressing Challenges in EU Youth Programmes”*, organized by ANDCTR and facilitated by Sergiu Mir in Side, Türkiye (15–21 February).
The training brought together 50 youth workers, project managers, and NGO representatives from across Europe and neighboring countries, including Spain, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Ukraine, France, Estonia, Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, Finland, Moldova, and Serbia.

The course focused on strengthening inclusion and diversity within Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects by equipping participants with practical tools, strategies, and non-formal education methodologies.

Key themes explored included:

* Addressing structural and invisible barriers in youth programme
* Promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect
* Encouraging active participation of underrepresented youth
* Designing accessible and inclusive learning environments
* Strengthening collaboration among youth organizations

For Desert Bloom, participation in this training reflects our continued commitment to inclusive youth development and equitable access to international opportunities.

We return with strengthened competencies, expanded partnerships, and renewed dedication to creating spaces where all young people can meaningfully participate and thrive.

We look forward to integrating these insights into our future Erasmus+ initiatives and community projects.

The project was Co-funded by European Union under Erasmus Plus programme.