Jordan River Valley

The Jordan Valley is "a lush, wetland ecosystem that is the biological heart of the region at large. In addition to the flora and fauna along the ground, the valley is one of the world’s most important crossroads for migratory birds, 500 million birds migrate each spring and autumn season, an attraction to birdwatchers from across the globe. Additionally, the Valley is part of the globally significant Great Rift Valley, containing the lowest point on earth and numerous unique geophysical formations. Sadly, in the last 50 years, the River Jordan’s annual flow has dropped from more than 1.3 billion cubic meters per year to less than 30 million cubic meters. With Israel, Jordan and Syria, each grabbing as much clean water as they can, it is ironically the sewage that is keeping the river alive today. Since much of the river is a closed military zone and off limits to the public, most people simply do not know that the river is drying up."