This study analyzes the problems and opportunities of the Jordan Valley to create a preliminary land use plan for the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA). JVA’s mandate was planned to change in 2004 rendering JVA dependent on its own sources of operating income, involving the private sector through construction, operations, or management of resources and economic ventures. At that time, the results of this study were meant to serve as guide to JVA and the Parliament in approving the lands that will be retained by JVA to support its future operations and the lands that will be returned to the National Treasury or private sector for their use.

Ecologically, the land use plan protects the unusual ecological attributes of the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley, and it recognizes that the Valley (also known as Ghor) as part of the Great Rift Valley is one of the world’s most important ecological corridors, acting as a geological navigational system and land bridge for thousands of migratory birds who annually journey from Africa to Europe. While ensuring the Jordan Valley’s ecological properties and seeking to protect its dwindling water supply, the proposed Plan also protects existing investments, including agricultural, potash and related industry, and tourism related development.