Aqaba: The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) renewed its cooperation agreement with the Aqaba Diving Association (ADA) on Tuesday to bolster efforts aimed at preserving the marine environment in the Gulf of Aqaba, reducing pollution, and protecting coral reefs.
According to Jordan News Agency, the agreement was signed by ASEZA's Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety, Nidal Ouran, and ADA's President, Khammash Yassine, in the presence of Aqaba Marine Reserve Director Nasser Zawaideh. Ouran emphasized ASEZA's commitment to developing sustainable environmental programs that enhance marine tourism and safeguard biodiversity. He noted the importance of marine waste management extending beyond collection to include sorting, processing, and recycling with community involvement to ensure resource sustainability and marine environment protection, crucial for tourism.
Ouran further highlighted the shared responsibility of preserving the marine environment, calling for integrated efforts from the public and private sectors and the local community to protect natural resources for future generations.
Yassine, representing ADA, stated that renewing the agreement demonstrates the association's ongoing dedication to marine environment protection and increasing environmental awareness among visitors and the community. This is achieved through specialized teams conducting sea cleaning and monitoring marine and coral life.
He stressed the importance of maintaining clean and safe diving sites as a priority for both environmental and tourism sectors, highlighting the Gulf of Aqaba's distinctive coral reefs as a global attraction for diving enthusiasts and marine conservation advocates.