Abstract

Two types of halophytic vegetation in Jordan are recognized: (1) Saline (halophytic) vegetation which occurs in the desert (saharo-arabian). The leading species of this kind of vegetation are mainlyTamarix nilotica, Beta vulgaris, Plantago spp, Lycium shawi, Aeluropus littoralis Anabasis spp, Atriplex halimus, Arthecnemum strobilicum, Stipa spp and Halopeplis spp. Such vegetation occurs around the Dead Sea region. (2) Water (halophytic) vegetation which occurs mostly next to streams and river banks. The leading species of this kind of vegetation here are Phragmites communis and Typha spp. The results are based on consolidated data from the survey that sampled in several villages and provinces. This review study is intended as a useful tool for policy makers, and local community institutions and researchers to advocate for modifications in national legislation and policy aimed at conservation and facilitating the sustainable use of plant species for the improvement of local community livelihoods, combating desertification and sharing the benefits of biodiversity as well as other sustainable development principles. The survey concluded that conservation and sustainable utilization can be achieved through the development of appropriate legislation and laws to improve local community participation in decision-making, regulating access and utilization of rangelands, increasing research and extension, regulating access to credit and the distribution of incentives in a fair and equitable manner and guaranteeing local community property rights. In addition, information and dissemination systems, and cooperation and coordination mechanisms should be established among national institutions. The study has provided a clearer vision and recommendations to researchers and policy makers with regard to underutilized species and the importance of exploiting the potential of same in the future.

Key words: Jordan, halophytic, vegetation, conservation.