In 2006;; the Sultanate of Oman undertook a project that aimed to support the implementation of the country’s vision towards conservation of biological diversity in the Sultanate of Oman. This report serves as an “evaluation and assessment of capacity building in the field of traditional knowledge related to biodiversity.” The report aims to describe the state of traditional knowledge on biodiversity in Oman;; assess capacity-building requirements in relation to traditional knowledge;; and provide a set of recommendations with a strategy for the protection and maintenance of traditional knowledge on biodiversity conservation. Various topics related to biodiversity are covered;; including irrigation;; tree cultivation;; crop improvement;; livestock management;; and soil and water conservation. The methodology used depends on three sources of information;; including a review of secondary data;; in-depth interviews;; and a participatory workshop.

Attacks and harassment amidst the security vacuum in Iraq forced refugees and other foreigners to flee the country and become refugees again;; this time in Jordan. Based on research in Baghdad and Jordan;; this 22-page Human Rights Watch report details the abuses against refugees and foreigners in Iraq;; as well as their treatment upon arrival in Jordan. Housing is frequently the pretext for the violence and harassment. Many landlords;; forced by the previous government to take Palestinian tenants at discounted rates;; are taking advantage of the breakdown in law and order to evict Palestinian tenants from their homes or to extort unrealistic rent increases from them. In other cases;; violence and threats have come from individuals who seem to have no legitimate claim to the property. Human Rights Watch criticized Jordanian authorities for limiting refugees' entry to Jordan and recommended that Jordan provide immediate protection and assistance to all refugees;; including those currently trapped near the Jordanian border in accordance with international refugee law standards.