For travelers who care about the environment, local communities, and authentic experiences, Feynan Ecolodge in Jordan is the perfect accommodation choice. Located in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Jordan’s largest biosphere and home to the country’s highest biodiversity, Feynan offers more than just a stay—it provides a model for sustainable tourism.
Funding Conservation
A portion of Feynan’s income is dedicated to conservation efforts in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, managed by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). Established in 1989, the Reserve covers 320 km² of rugged and beautiful terrain along the Great Rift Valley. Its management balances environmental protection with the needs of local communities through a carefully designed zoning system, defining areas where specific activities are allowed or restricted.
Revenue from Feynan guests supports a wide range of conservation initiatives, including:
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Patrolling and law enforcement to minimize threats to species and habitats, such as hunting or illegal tree cutting.
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Research and monitoring of biodiversity and animal populations, using techniques like photo trapping to track species, some of which are only known to exist through this method.
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Reducing over-grazing by providing alternative income opportunities, including jobs in ecotourism, handicrafts, and as Reserve rangers.
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Ecotourism initiatives that generate income for nature conservation while involving local communities in sustainable, culturally respectful activities.
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Awareness and education campaigns for visitors, local residents, and national audiences to raise support for conservation efforts in Jordan.
Empowering Local Communities
Feynan Ecolodge benefits around 80 families (400 people) through employment, local sourcing, and cultural experiences. All staff are hired from surrounding communities, and onsite workshops in candle-making and leatherwork provide opportunities for women and men to earn a living.
Other initiatives include:
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Local transport: Bedouin drivers provide shuttle services using their own vehicles, supporting over 45 families.
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Food sourcing: Bread comes from a local baker, and most food is purchased from nearby villages.
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Cultural experiences: Activities like the ‘Bedouin experience’ or a day with a shepherd support 17 families.
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Crafts and artisan goods: Handmade products from lodge workshops and surrounding communities are sold onsite, promoting local art and culture.
Minimal Environmental Footprint
Feynan Ecolodge is designed to operate in harmony with its habitat, employing technologies and practices that minimize environmental impact.
Energy:
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Solar power: The lodge is off grid, generating 100% of its electricity via rooftop solar panels. Only essential appliances are used, all certified for low energy consumption. Daily electricity use is 16–18 kWh, less than a typical two-bedroom apartment in Amman.
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Solar heating: Hot water for guests, kitchen, and laundry comes entirely from solar energy.
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Heating: During winter evenings, fireplaces use olive pit charcoal (a by-product of local olive harvesting), preserving trees and using renewable energy.
Water:
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Water is sourced from a local spring near Wadi Dana, with strict control in kitchens and aerators on faucets to limit usage in this water-scarce region.
Waste:
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Composting: Food waste is transformed into organic fertilizer.
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Recycling: Recycling bins are available for guests, and most paper and plastic waste is recycled.
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Eliminating PET bottles: Feynan provides water in locally produced clay jars, reusable bottles for guests, and a complimentary refill station. This policy prevents 13,000–15,000 disposable plastic bottles from entering the environment annually.
Education and Guest Engagement
Sustainability at Feynan is not just about operations—it’s about awareness. Guests participate in guided eco-tours, cultural activities, and daily presentations that explain the lodge’s practices and ethos, promoting responsible travel behaviors.
Why Book with Zaman Tours
By choosing Feynan Ecolodge through Zaman Tours, you enjoy a unique, authentic Jordanian experience while supporting conservation, local livelihoods, and sustainable tourism. From exploring the Dana Reserve to engaging with Bedouin culture, your stay makes a meaningful impact on people, nature, and the future of sustainable travel in Jordan.
