Aqaba marine reserve to support environmental tourism

AMMAN — The Ministry of Environment said in a statement on Sunday that establishing the Kingdom’s first marine reserve in the Gulf of Aqaba will contribute to supporting the country’s national economy.

The economic benefit would be materialised through increasing revenues of environmental tourism, creating job opportunities related to the preservation of marine life and practising water sports, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

This achievement consolidates Jordan’s fulfillment of international commitments, including the agreement pertaining to protecting biodiversity and marine life. The marine reserve was announced in partnership with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and the United Nations Development Programme, after receiving approval from the Cabinet.