AMMAN — Jordan's newly inscribed Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR) is entering a new phase in which global recognition must be matched by stronger conservation, scientific monitoring and responsible tourism.

 

According to the UNDP’seditorial piecereleased last week, The seven-kilometre marine site, Jordan's first World Heritage property inscribed solely under natural criteria, was recognised for the global significance of its coral reefs and marine ecosystems, as well as the management systems protecting them.

 

In a recent interview with the Jordan Times, Manager of the Aqaba Marine Reserve Naser Zawaydeh said strong management and engagement with local communities were among the factors behind the site's recognition.

 

"One of the strongest reasons for UNESCO's consideration was the engagement of fishermen, the diving sector, the conservation management committee and local communities," Zawaydeh told The Jordan Times.

 

He said management of the reserve is based extensively on scientific research, with decisions guided by data collected by the Department of Marine Research, Monitoring and Control of Marine Areas.

 

"We have more than 10 locations to measure temperatures during summer and winter, and our management decisions are based on scientific research," Zawaydeh said.

 

The reserve is also expanding the use of technology in conservation and monitoring, including artificial intelligence and marine biology DNA analysis, he added.

 

Following the UNESCO designation, Zawaydeh said the reserve's responsibilities have increased, prompting work to update its management approach and prepare a new management plan.

 

The plan will be aligned with the land-use plan and marine spatial planning, helping organise activities along Aqaba's limited coastline. Diving, scuba boats, glass-bottom boats and visitor boats are allocated different areas and entrances to reduce overlap and pressure on sensitive ecosystems.

 

Zawaydeh also stressed the importance of ensuring that tourism facilities within and around the reserve remain compatible with conservation objectives, citing Tala Bay as an example.

 

With UNESCO recognition secured, the reserve is seeking to strengthen responsible and sustainable tourism. Zawaydeh said Aqaba could attract more regional visitors, including from Saudi Arabia, through programmes combining diving in Aqaba with visits to Wadi Rum, Petra and other destinations.

 

Such programmes could extend visitors' stays and link marine tourism with Jordan's wider tourism product, while ensuring activity remains within the reserve's environmental capacity.

 

(Photos Courtesy of UNDP)

 

Years of partnership

 

The UNESCO-Aqaba Reserve Editorial piece mentioned that The management system supporting the reserve has been built over more than a decade, with international donors and development partners contributing to planning, scientific research, institutional capacity and community engagement.

 

Between 2011 and 2015, a Global Environment Facility (GEF)-UNDP programme helped establish key foundations for the reserve's management, including marine park, coastal-zone management and ecotourism plans. It also supported community engagement, the relocation of more than 7,000 coral colonies and capacity building for more than 200 staff.

 

In 2022, European Union funding through UNDP and ASEZA supported a new management programme integrating conservation, biodiversity monitoring, sustainable tourism and community engagement.

 

Norwegian support between 2022 and 2024 contributed to clearer land and sea boundaries, stronger monitoring, a GIS-based marine database, joint patrols and closer engagement with fishers, scientists and communities.

 

The Global Fund for Coral Reefs has supported research on seagrass beds, coral resilience, ecosystem services and sustainable financing, while the Global Affairs Canada-funded EmBRACE project is supporting nature-based restoration, monitoring, institutional strengthening and community livelihoods.

 

Together, these partnerships helped build the scientific evidence and management systems that supported Jordan's World Heritage nomination.

 

(Photos Courtesy of UNDP)

 

From recognition to responsibility

 

The focus is now shifting from preparing Aqaba for international recognition to ensuring the long-term protection of its marine ecosystems.

 

The World Heritage Committee has identified priorities including monitoring pollution, desalination outflows and changes in temperature and salinity, while calling for stronger environmental impact assessments and protective controls.

 

For Zawaydeh, continued scientific monitoring and cooperation with local communities and economic sectors will be essential.

 

For international donors, this creates a new phase of cooperation, with support increasingly focused on restoration, climate resilience, scientific monitoring, sustainable financing and livelihoods.

 

The UNESCO inscription marks a major achievement for Jordan, but its lasting value will depend on maintaining the reef's ecological health while allowing Aqaba's communities and blue economy to develop sustainably.