Irbid: Interior Minister Mazen Faraya launched the national "Safe Summer for Forests" campaign Sunday at the Kufr Abeel afforestation project in the Koura District of Irbid Governorate, organized in coordination between the governorate and the Irbid Agriculture Directorate.
According to Jordan News Agency, Faraya stated that governors had been directed early this year to convene executive council meetings and local civil defense committees, tasking agriculture, public works, and municipal bodies with fire prevention preparations ahead of summer. These measures include building firebreaks and opening dirt access roads to limit the spread of any blazes.
The minister emphasized the environmental, touristic, and natural value of Jordan's forests, urging all stakeholders to unite efforts to protect the country's vegetation cover and forestry resources. He called on civil defense and relevant agencies to assess their operational needs for summer risk management and develop access plans for forests in challenging terrains.
Acting Irbid Governor Raed Jaafreh highlighted that the campaign reflects national priorities and royal directives on environmental protection, describing it as a collective responsibility toward nature and forest wealth. The campaign signifies a national commitment to preserving the environment and its resources.
Irbid Agriculture Director Abdul Hafez Abu Arabi briefed attendees on the campaign's components, focus areas, and key objectives. The initiative also included awareness lectures for schoolchildren on forest protection and waste reduction as part of the national cleanliness strategy.
The campaign saw participation from around 1,000 volunteers and 51 government and civil society bodies, including civil defense committees, universities, schools, and community organizations. This turnout is indicative of the strong public awareness and national commitment to environmental preservation.