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Ammon News - The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have signed an agreement to support management of the Aqaba Marine Park (AMP) and to develop designs for Aqaba Marine Science Station (MSS).

This cooperation comes within the framework of European Green Deal, with the EU's support for Jordan, to work on promoting sustainable economic development with a focus on measures to address climate change impact, and support "green" growth and economic development, according to an ASEZA statement.

The agreement focuses on the implementation of Indicator No. 8 of the Green Deal, related to the establishment and management of Aqaba's AMP and MSS, the statement said.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, ASEZA Chairman, Nayef Bakhit, stressed the importance of continuous cooperation and partnership with UNDP and the European Union in the eco-protection field.

His Majesty King Abdullah II directed in 2020 to conserve Aqaba Gulf's unique marine environment and promote scientific research to benefit from its "distinguished" features, including establishment of the first marine reserve in Jordan, Bakhit added.

The project, he noted, will help advance efforts to put the Aqaba site on the list of biosphere reserves affiliated with UNESCO and other global protected networks (IUCN Green List), and will also include an exhibition of marine life and scientific research facilities.

The AMP project is in line with Jordan's continuous efforts to counter climate change effects and contribute to international efforts in this regard, he said.

In turn, EU to Jordan, Maria Hadjitheodosiou, lauded ASEZA's efforts to ensure preservation of Aqaba marine ecosystem and its readiness to follow the Royal directives to establish a marine reserve and an affiliated research center.

Hadjitheodosiou stressed the importance of partnering with the UNDP to implement this initiative, as the UNDP has made continuous efforts in supporting Jordan in facing environmental and climate challenges.

For her part, the UNDP resident representative, Randa Abul-Hassan, said the agreement is a continuation of the distinguished partnership with ASEZA, which dates back more than 10 years, and has contributed to making many achievements in the field of preserving the marine and coastal environment.