Aqaba:Jordan and Canada are collaborating on a project aimed at protecting marine and terrestrial biodiversity in Aqaba, announced during a meeting between Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Chief Commissioner Shadi Majali and Canadian Ambassador to Jordan Louis-Martin Aumais. The project, titled Enhancing Biodiversity and Resilience in Aqaba's Coastal Ecosystem (EmBRACE), is funded by Canada.
According to Jordan News Agency, the collaboration emphasizes the role of international partnerships in safeguarding Aqaba's natural resources and advancing the blue economy to generate sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Majali highlighted the importance of environmental preservation as a key factor in regional growth and climate change mitigation efforts, in partnership with Canada and the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Ambassador Aumais praised Aqaba's growing importance as an economic and tourism hub, noting the recent inclusion of the Aqaba Marine Reserve on the UNESCO World Heritage list. He reiterated Canada's commitment to supporting local ecosystems through a JD6 million investment, in conjunction with UNDP, ASEZA, and community partners.
UNDP Resident Representative Randa Aboul-Hosn stated that the EmBRACE project takes an integrated approach, connecting Aqaba's marine and coastal habitats with desert and mountain environments. The initiative aims to leverage blue and circular economies for inclusive development, particularly benefiting women and youth.
During his visit, Ambassador Aumais toured key conservation sites, including ASEZA's plant nursery, the Aqaba Bird Observatory, and the Aqaba Marine Reserve, demonstrating Canada's continued support for environmental efforts in the region.