Aqaba, Sept. 10 (Petra) -- The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has launched consultations on proposed amendments to the Environmental Protection Regulation No. 21 of 2001, with officials stressing that the update aims to modernize oversight mechanisms and align the framework with global best practices in sustainability and environmental governance.

Opening the first workshop on Tuesday, ASEZA Commissioner for Environmental Protection and Public Safety, Nidal Al-Awran, underlined that the review of the regulation should not be viewed as a weakness in the current system but rather as a strategic necessity. "The update is essential to keep pace with environmental, technical, and technological developments, and to introduce new projects that will enhance the effectiveness of monitoring and compliance," he said.

Al-Awran emphasized that the revised framework is designed to support not hinder investment, by safeguarding environmental resources that constitute a key form of economic capital. Protecting marine biodiversity and coral reefs, he added, is integral to Aqaba’s identity and to the Royal directives on promoting the blue economy and advancing scientific research.

He noted that the amendments come at a pivotal time, coinciding with ASEZA’s 2024–2028 strategy, the updated 2024–2040 master plan, and the executive program of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision.

Al-Awran stressed that the amendment process will be participatory, involving stakeholders from government agencies, the private sector, civil society, academia, and research institutions. "This workshop is only the beginning," he said, "as a series of sector-specific sessions will follow to ensure in-depth discussion and consensus before the amendments are finalized." Taghreed Al-Maaytah, Director of Environmental Protection and Sustainability at ASEZA, explained that the workshop’s goal was to establish a collaborative dialogue ensuring stakeholder alignment on the proposed reforms.

She highlighted that the amendments aim to expand the scope of environmental responsibility to include activities and facilities not previously regulated, while also addressing new legal and regulatory challenges that have emerged during implementation.

The session included interactive exercises allowing participants to provide input and propose recommendations, which will inform the drafting of a comprehensive regulatory framework responsive to Aqaba’s rapid development and environmental priorities.

Officials stressed that the updated regulation will reinforce Aqaba’s role as a model for sustainable urban and economic development in Jordan. By aligning with international standards, the new framework is expected to enhance environmental resilience, strengthen investment confidence, and support the city’s long-term growth trajectory.

//Petra// RZ