Antalya:Jordan's Environment Minister, Ayman Suleiman, held discussions with Iraqi Environment Minister Sarwa Abdul Wahed to enhance environmental and climate cooperation between the two nations. The talks aimed to expand regional partnerships for environmental protection, address climate challenges, and mobilize sustainable financing.
According to Jordan News Agency, these discussions took place during the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Antalya, Turkey. Suleiman emphasized the importance of Iraq's participation in the regional dialogue with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) scheduled in Amman from December 13 to 15 and highlighted Jordan's potential role in fostering regional partnerships in climate finance and joint investments.
The ministers also focused on the need for trilateral cooperation among Jordan, Iraq, and Syria to combat the risks posed by dust and sandstorms. Suleiman proposed developing a regional project to mitigate these impacts through improved coordination and integrated efforts, underscoring the significance of early warning systems supported by Jordan's decade-long air quality monitoring data.
The Iraqi representatives showed interest in collaborating with Jordan in this area, aiming to exchange environmental data and information, with coordination from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), to support the development of monitoring, forecasting, and early response mechanisms.
Both parties discussed adopting nature-based solutions through afforestation projects to enhance vegetation cover and reduce dust encroachment. Suleiman shared Jordan's experience in rehabilitating the Azraq Oasis, referencing a recent initiative to plant 1,200 palm trees to boost the oasis's ecosystem and resilience to climate challenges.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the importance of expanding joint action and regional partnerships to tackle environmental and climate challenges. Coordinated efforts among regional countries were noted to offer greater opportunities for mobilizing climate finance and securing the resources necessary for implementing sustainable projects and enhancing countries' capacity to cope with climate change impacts.