Ranger sacrifices Ramadan family time to protect Balqa forests

AMMAN — At the time when people are breaking their fast with their families, forest ranger Yousef Arabiat is roaming one of Balqa Governorate’s forests to protect trees from loggers.

Before sunset, and as most families prepare the tables for iftar, Arabiat sets off with his team of forest rangers to stop violations on trees.

“As the sun starts to set, violations on the forests start. Illegal loggers work under cover of darkness to avoid being seen or caught and that’s why we spread out in teams from sunset in the forests,” Arabiat, who is head of Balqa’s forestry directorate, told The Jordan Times.

He said the work of forest rangers is around-the-clock, noting that their responsibility in protecting Jordan’s few forests is their priority.

“You never know when a wildfire might rage or where and when illegal loggers are cutting down trees,” Arabiat said.

Despite the difficulties they may face in Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, forest rangers must always be in the field, he added.

“We dealt last week, along with the Civil Defence Department, with a wildfire near Wadi Husban. We broke our fast by drinking water from the hoses we were holding to extinguish the fire,” Arabiat said, laughing.

But despite missing the gathering with his family for iftar, Arabiat said breaking his fast under the trees of Balqa forests is “also a beautiful thing”.