Latest news with #GulfOfAqaba
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Announces New Ocean Innovation Hub in Partnership with Innovative Blue Technology Company Voyacy Regen
Located in the Gulf of Aqaba, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , the Aqaba Marine Park will focus on building climate-resilient coastal marine infrastructure at an unprecedented scale NICE, France , June 9, 2025 /CNW/ -- Today, His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein announced a new partnership with blue technology company Voyacy Regen, cofounded by Philippe and Ashlan Cousteau, to build a new ocean technology accelerator and innovation hub in Aqaba, Jordan . Under the Aqaba Marine Park (AMP) initiative, this groundbreaking project will focus on regenerating coral reefs and critical coastal marine infrastructure at scale to create a climate-resilient world where people and the ocean can thrive. "Today's announcement marks a pivotal step forward in our effort to embed sustainable practices and climate actions as an integral part of Jordan's economic growth, while establishing safeguards that will protect the kingdom's environment and natural resources for future generations," said Hussein Al-Safadi , CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). "The Aqaba Marine Park will play a vital role in regenerating coral reefs, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting the sustainable use of ocean resources, in alignment with His Majesty King Abdullah II's vision for Aqaba, and with the guidance and support of the AMP's International Honorary Advisory Board." Coral reefs absorb up to 97% of storm surge and are critical barriers against increasingly catastrophic storms that already cause billions of dollars of damage and threaten millions of lives. However, coral reefs are disappearing at an alarming rate – it's estimated that half of the world's corals have disappeared since the 1950s, with 14% vanishing between 2009 and 2018 alone. "This partnership with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is deeply meaningful to me, and I am honored to be working with His Majesty King Abdullah II," said Philippe Cousteau, Co-founder of Voyacy Regen and Aqaba Marine Park International Honorary Advisory Board Member. "Coastal communities are on the front lines of our rapidly changing world, and we couldn't think of a better partner than Jordan to scale the tangible solutions we need to solve this crisis." Located within the Aqaba Marine Nature Reserve, under ASEZA's supervision, and home to one of the Red Sea's most vibrant coral reefs and marine ecosystems, the Aqaba Marine Park, in cooperation with Voyacy, will focus on large-scale coral reef regeneration and coastal marine infrastructure to help create a climate-resilient future where both people and the ocean can thrive. Traditional methods of coral restoration, which involve growing small batches of corals and planting manually, cannot be implemented at the scale and speed needed to meet this crisis. Utilizing Voyacy's approaches, the Innovation Hub in Aqaba represents a nexus of action that will see the development and implementation of new, best-in-class technologies. The core technology combines 3D-printed reef structures, designed to absorb wave energy, with aquacultured heat-tolerant corals and AI technology. This allows for the rapid and cost-effective deployment of infrastructure that can protect coastal communities against destructive storms while promoting biodiversity. Voyacy and Jordan have mobilized a coral propagation farm and deployed a best-in-class commercial-scale 3D printer in Aqaba to accelerate this technology. About the Aqaba Development Corporation The Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) is the government's investment arm for Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), owning and managing key assets including ports, airport, and land. ADC drives sustainable growth by enabling investment and infrastructure across six priority sectors: tourism, manufacturing, green energy, logistics, creative industries, and education, and leads multiple initiative to support the blue economy. About the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) Launched in 2001, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) is designed and developed to embody and emphasize His Majesty King Abdullah II's vision for Aqaba. The Royal Vision is committed to transforming Aqaba into a world-class business hub and leisure destination, while putting the community's welfare and preserving the city's environmental and cultural heritage at heart. As Aqaba's transformation plans were set in motion, over the past 24 years, enormous milestones were achieved by mobilizing the Zone's government institutions, community, and the private sector. About Voyacy Regen Founded by Philippe and Ashlan Cousteau, Voyacy Regen is a pioneering blue tech company that combines human ingenuity, breakthrough technology, and innovative partnerships to solve one of the biggest problems facing coastal communities around the world; the collapse of the natural ocean systems that protect us. Voyacy's core technology combines 3D-printed reef structures, designed to absorb wave energy, with aquacultured heat-tolerant corals and AI technology, resulting in a commercially viable solution that will protect coastal communities, build the blue economy, and increase biodiversity. Learn more:
Arab News
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab News
King Abdullah II urges global ocean action at UN conference, holds key talks on Middle East stability
LONDON: King Abdullah II delivered Jordan's national address at the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice on Monday, underlining the urgent need for global action to protect oceans and marine life, the Jordan News Agency reported. The week-long conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, has brought together hundreds of international leaders, officials, and experts to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the world's seas. In his remarks, King Abdullah described oceans as 'a vital shared resource, sustaining billions of lives,' but warned that they are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and biodiversity loss. 'This is a critical moment in time for action,' the king added, stressing the need for international collaboration to preserve marine ecosystems. King Abdullah highlighted Jordan's embrace of science as a tool for transformation, noting that the Gulf of Aqaba's coral reefs show exceptional resilience to extreme temperatures. This unique feature, he said, positions Jordan as a global hub for marine research that could help save coral reefs worldwide. To advance this vision, he announced the launch of two key initiatives: Aqaba Blue Ventures and the Global Center for Ocean Regeneration. These projects will provide platforms to test new technologies that can be scaled up for global application, he added. On the sidelines of the conference, King Abdullah held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, during which he affirmed Jordan's readiness to strengthen cooperation with France across various sectors, JNA reported. The leaders stressed the importance of maintaining coordination on regional issues and called for immediate international efforts to reinstate a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid. The king warned of the dangerous consequences of continued escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem, reiterating that granting Palestinians their full legitimate rights remained the only path to lasting regional stability. He also commended France's role in promoting peace in the Middle East, particularly through its upcoming international conference in New York from June 17-20, organized in partnership with Saudi Arabia. The meeting was attended by Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Jordan's ambassador to France Lina Al-Hadid. Also on Monday, King Abdullah held additional high-level meetings with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, Prince Albert II of Monaco, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The talks were part of the king's broader diplomatic efforts to mobilize international support for the rights of the Palestinian people. During the discussions, King Abdullah again stressed that a two-state solution was the only viable route to regional peace and highlighted the importance of the forthcoming New York conference. He also reiterated the need to restore the ceasefire in Gaza, guarantee unimpeded delivery of aid, and put an end to unilateral measures in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Jordan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Jordan Times
King delivers Jordan's address at 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference 09 June 2025
AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah delivered Jordan's address at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice on Monday. The week-long conference is co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, with hundreds of international leaders, officials, and experts attending from around the world, according to a Royal Court statement. In the address, His Majesty said that bodies of water are a vital shared resource, sustaining billions of lives. However, threats such as climate change, pollution, overexploitation and loss of biodiversity directly imperil them, with His Majesty emphasising that this is a critical moment in time for action on behalf of the world's oceans and seas. The King shared how Jordan has embraced science as a tool for transformation, noting that studies indicate that coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba are exceptionally resilient in the face of extreme temperatures, which gives hope for their survival and makes them a unique laboratory that can help to save coral reefs around the world. During the speech, His Majesty announced the launch of Jordan's Aqaba Blue Ventures and Global Centre for Ocean Regeneration, which will provide opportunities to test new technologies that can be scaled up for global use, the statement said . Following is the full text of the King's speech: 'In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful Monsieur le Président, President Chavez, Mr. Secretary-General, Your Excellencies, It is a pleasure to join you today. And let me express my deep appreciation to the United Nations, and to the co-hosts, France and Costa Rica. This is a critical moment for action on behalf of the world's oceans and seas. They are a vital shared resource—sustaining billions of lives. Yet threats like climate change, pollution, over-exploitation, and the loss of biodiversity, directly imperil them. My friends, Let me focus on one of the most critical concerns—the health of coral reefs worldwide. Coral reefs are a crucial first-line defence for blue biodiversity and stability. They protect coasts, support fisheries, and generate trillions of dollars of socio-economic value. Yet, in a single human lifetime, nearly two thirds of the world's coral reefs have been lost. Reversing this loss is imperative. In Jordan, we have embraced science as a tool for transformation. Studies show that corals in the Gulf of Aqaba are exceptionally resilient to extreme temperatures. And this offers hope for their survival—and makes them a unique laboratory to save reefs around the world. That is why I am pleased to announce Jordan's launch of the Aqaba Blue Ventures and Global Centre for Ocean Regeneration. This Centre will be a proving-ground for new technologies that are scalable for global use. A next-generation coral propagation farm is already active. And we have in place a large-scale 3D printer for reef restoration. In developing this project, we have benefited tremendously from our partnership with my friend Philippe Cousteau, and other international collaborators. We are working to provide a pioneering model of regenerative blue economy—one that can be replicated for coral reefs world-wide. These collaborations reflect the importance of joint efforts. Technology will not be enough. We need inclusive partnerships. Global innovators. Cutting-edge scientists. And most importantly, local communities who are deeply connected to the ocean. Their experience is vital to lasting stewardship. My friends, Jordan has long chosen the path of stewardship and healing, despite challenges in our part of the world. We have vital national priorities to improve the lives of Jordanians. Some may see ocean or climate policy unrelated to these goals. We, like so many of you, know better. When nations choose to protect nature—even amid hardships—they strengthen their own resilience. When collective action regenerates ecosystems, we create new opportunities for all to thrive. Now is the time to make nature-positive solutions a mainstream part of global investment. Let us protect our planet's beating blue heart—and ensure our oceans and our seas thrive for generations to come. Thank you very much.' The King is participating in the conference as part of Jordan's commitment to supporting initiatives related to environmental and sustainable development issues, as well as the Kingdom's efforts at the international level to promote sustainable management and preservation of shared natural resources. The conference presents an opportunity for Jordan to showcase its achievements as well as the challenges facing the Gulf of Aqaba's marine ecosystem, in addition to building partnerships and attracting investments to support preservation of the Kingdom's marine environment, and promoting investment in the blue economy.
Jordan Times
13-05-2025
- Jordan Times
Al Azraq beach in Aqaba awarded 2025 "Blue Flag" certification for third consecutive year
Aqaba's Al Azraq Beach earns the prestigious "Blue Flag" certification for 2025 (Petra photo) AMMAN — Aqaba's Al Azraq Beach has once again earned the prestigious "Blue Flag" certification for 2025, marking the third consecutive year the beach has met the international eco-label's rigorous environmental and quality standards. During a flag-raising ceremony held on Monday, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Nayef Fayez described the achievement as a testament to ongoing efforts to preserve the Gulf of Aqaba as a sustainable natural "treasure" and a leading ecotourism destination, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Fayez noted that the award reflects the successful implementation of ASEZA's 2024–2028 strategic plan, which aims to promote responsible tourism, safeguard marine biodiversity, and position Aqaba as a regional model for sustainable coastal development. The ceremony, held at the Aqaba Marine Reserve, also included the participation of 40 students from the Ninth Elementary School for Boys as part of the "#Know_Your_Reserve" environmental awareness programme. The initiative, run by the reserve, engages students in marine conservation efforts and fosters a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting the coastal ecosystem. The Blue Flag Programme is a global initiative of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that recognises beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria related to water quality, environmental management, education, and safety. The Royal Marine Conservation Society (JREDS) is responsible for implementing the programme and overseeing the evaluation and qualification processes.
Jordan Times
11-05-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
Aqaba Marine Reserve passes first phase of UNESCO World Heritage bid
Director of the Aqaba Marine Reserve Naser Zawaydeh on Sunday announces the completion of the first phase of the reserve's nomination for inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List (Petra photo) AMMAN — Director of the Aqaba Marine Reserve Naser Zawaydeh on Sunday announced the completion of the first phase of the reserve's nomination for inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage List, having passed the initial technical evaluation. Speaking during a meeting chaired by Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Chief Commissioner Nayef Fayez, Zawaydeh said the reserve has entered a strategic partnership with the Red Sea Transboundary Centre to develop advanced coral reef monitoring tools. The initiative includes the use of artificial intelligence-supported 3d imaging and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to enhance scientific understanding of the Gulf of Aqaba's marine ecosystem, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Zawaydeh highlighted the reserve's continued efforts to preserve the region's unique biodiversity, noting several scientific and field achievements that 'strengthen' its reputation as a model for environmental management locally and internationally. As part of its conservation work, the reserve has launched the second phase of its coral farming project in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), including the establishment of new nurseries and the creation of three artificial reefs. He added that the reserve's visitor centre and beach facilities have recently been upgraded, including the installation of new entry gates, the construction of an accessibility ramp at Al Azraq Beach, and the renovation of public halls. In a move to enhance ecological value and visitor experience, the reserve also expanded green spaces and planted 160 new palm trees at Palm Beach. To protect fish stocks, the reserve has implemented, for the third consecutive year, a seasonal fishing ban during the breeding period of endemic species, from January 1 to April 30. The measure, based on the 2020 regulations for fishing and marine life in the Gulf of Aqaba, is supported by financial compensation for licensed fishermen to balance environmental protection with community livelihoods. Zawaydeh also noted the daily efforts of monitoring teams to prevent ecological violations, including some 80 underwater cleanup campaigns along the central beach area, which have led to a noticeable reduction in marine debris. He also announced that Al Azraq Beach has earned the 2025 "Blue Flag" certification, an international eco-label awarded for adherence to high environmental and quality standards.
