The Green Caravan on Its First Journey in Balqa’ Governorate | The Arab Group for the Protection of Nature
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القافلة الخضراء تحط رحالها في عيرا في محافظة البلقاء- الأردن

APN green caravan has embarked on its first journey into Eira forest in the Balqa’ governorate on a mission to plant thousands of tree saplings in the area. The mission is part of a three year working plan for sustainable agriculture involving cultivation of fruit and forest trees.

Five hundred carob trees saplings were planted in an initial phase of the project, due to their economic, nutritional and medical benefits, along with a minimal amount of water as well as intensive care needed for their growth.

APN’s volunteers carried out the work on February, 7th, 2015 supported by the Bank of Jordan and in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, Salt municipality and Al-Beerah Charity Society.

Enthusiastic groups of volunteers, Bank employees and community members took part in the cultivation work.

Carob powder has recently been used as a substitute to chocolate and its flour can be mixed with grain to produce bread and pastries. Carobs can also be used in food industries and weight loss medications. The carob gum is an important component in paper, textiles, hair and facial creams industries as well as in food products such as ketchup, mayonnaise and ice creams. Traditionally, carob pods have been used as animal fodder, which is important to Jordan since most of it, is being imported.