Amman: The inclusion of the Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR) on UNESCO's World Heritage List "marks the beginning of a new era" focused on shared responsibility and resource sustainability, a senior environmental official said on Sunday.
According to Jordan News Agency, Nedal Ouran, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority's (ASEZA) Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety, highlighted that the Prime Minister's recent visit to the site indicates strong political backing for Jordan's sustainability and environmental campaign. The inclusion of AMR brings Jordan's UNESCO tally to eight, with AMR being the Kingdom's first "purely natural" listing among six cultural landmarks and one mixed site.
Ouran emphasized the significant responsibility of managing the reserve and expressed confidence in ASEZA and AMR's management team. With over a decade of experience in managing Wadi Rum and collaborating with overseers at other heritage sites, they are well-prepared for the task. Operational plans are already underway to ensure effective management and maintain the reserve's world-class standing.
The achievement is attributed to a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including local fishermen, glass-bottom boat operators, divers, research centers, environmental police, security forces, and international organizations, underscoring the importance of collective action in achieving such a milestone.