Latest news with #GulfOfAqaba
Jordan Times
4 hours 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.
