Aqaba, Sept. 22 (Petra) – A meeting was held at the Aqaba Marine Reserve, under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), to debate an effort to support the reserve’s nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in line with royal directives to protect the environment and promote sustainable development in the Gulf of Aqaba.

ASEZA Chairman Shadi Ramzi Majali, who chaired the meeting in the presence of Aqaba Governor Ayman Awaysheh, said the nomination is a strategic step with an environmental, economic, and tourism value for Jordan and Aqaba. He urged public and private stakeholders to unify efforts to ensure success, benefiting the local community and strengthening Aqaba’s status as a regional and international destination.

Awaysheh affirmed the governorate’s support through coordination with ASEZA and relevant parties to ensure joint efforts, stressing alignment with the national vision to preserve the marine environment and promote Aqaba as a hub for tourism and development.

ASEZA Commissioner for Environmental Affairs and Public Safety Nidal Al-Oran presented the main points of the dossier submitted to UNESCO, highlighting the role of Aqaba’s institutions in protecting marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Aqaba.

//Petra// NQ