Ammon News - Jordan's first marine reserve has been declared in the Red Sea port city of Aqaba with the aim of protecting marine ecosystems and coral reefs and pushing sustainable development efforts forward.

The Ministry of Environment said in a statement Sunday that the cabinet has recently approved the declaration of the reserve which is also hoped to propel tourism and underwater activities in the southern city.

The ministry described the declaration a national achievement which will help the Kingdom honor its international commitments, namely the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

It noted that the declaration was made in cooperation and coordination with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Jordan.