Aqaba, Jan 11 (Petra) — The Aqaba Marine Reserve has joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas.

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) said it received certification after a six-month evaluation of the Aqaba Marine Reserve by the IUCN last year, based on such criteria as effective governance and management, sound design and planning and quality of nature conservation program outcomes.

“This remarkable international and national achievement is an embodiment of His Majesty King Abdullah’s vision and his royal directive in 2020 to establish the Aqaba Marine Reserve as part of the network of national reserves in Jordan, and file for its nomination for both the IUCN Green List and the UNESCO list of world heritage sites,” commented Nayef Al Fayez, ASEZA chief Commissioner.

Al Fayez said the certification is a declaration of the Aqaba Marine Reserve as an international reserve for its programs in the management and protection of the marine environment, as well as the unique biodiversity of its ecosystems, including coral reefs, he added.

“It reflects ASEZA Environment and Natural Reserves Commission’s support for the reserve’s programs and providing the resources and means for this excellence,” said Al Fayez, thanking partners, namely the Ministry of Environment, Aqaba Governorate, Royal Department for Environmental Protection, Naval Force and Royal Boats, Civil Defense, Jordan Maritime Commission, civil society institutions and marine environment protection volunteer associations, hotels and tourist resorts and Marine Science Station.

He also mentioned the European Union and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) – Jordan Office, for their technical and material support, working with ASEZA to file and support the reserve’s nomination.

The aim of the IUCN Green List Standard aims “to provide a global benchmark for protected and conserved areas to assess whether they are achieving successful conservation outcomes through effective and equitable governance and management.”

//Petra//SS

11/01/2025 17:13:00