Jordan Valley Oasis Project Ecology Center in Deir Alla, Jordan This center, which is part of an Integrated Waste Management Project, is designed to teach programs related to: ecological land management, integrated waste mamagement, ecological agriculture and horticulture, and ecological bulding design.

The buildings, which are designed in the Islamic style, illustrate ecological design principles by integrating: energy efficient construction, solar energy for hot water, natural ventilation (wind scoops), regional design principles, water collection and storage, and a community recycling program. The wasterwater treatment facility uses a biological process to reclaim nutrients from sewage and wastewater and to produce fertilizer. The 100-acre site also serves to illustrate experimental cropping areas, experimental agricultural plots and landscaped gardens. Special techniques of water harvesting, soil building crops and agriforistry are used to restore this desertified valley to productive land. Back...