Jerash, May 4 (Petra) -- Minister of Agriculture Saeb Abdul Halim Al-Khreisat has declared the protection of Jordan’s forests a "non-negotiable national priority," announcing a surge in high-tech surveillance and proactive enforcement to combat seasonal fires and illegal logging.

During a high-level coordination meeting held at the Jerash Governorate headquarters on Monday, the Minister outlined a new preemptive strategy designed to safeguard the Kingdom’s "green lungs." Flanked by Jerash Governor Malik Al-Khreisat and local security council members, the Minister emphasized that the government is moving away from reactive firefighting toward a model of early detection and rapid intervention.

A key technical shift in this year’s strategy is the integration of drones to monitor rugged, inaccessible terrain. This aerial surveillance will be coupled with the aggressive expansion of firebreaks – strategic clearings designed to halt the spread of flames – across all high-risk forested areas. The Minister stressed that these measures are being implemented under a strict timeline to ensure full readiness before the peak of the dry season.

The strategy also carries a heavy legal weight. Al-Khreisat warned that the government, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and security agencies, will apply the law with "full firmness" against anyone found intentionally starting fires or encroaching on forest lands. "The preservation of our vegetation cover is a collective national responsibility that demands accountability and responsible behavior from everyone," he stated.

Jerash Governor Malik Al-Khreisat confirmed that the governorate’s executive council is overseeing a specialized field plan that integrates the capabilities of the Civil Defense and security patrols.

Meanwhile, the Greater Jerash Municipality has mobilized its resources to manage waste disposal in forested zones, a move aimed at eliminating potential fuel sources for accidental fires.

Supporting the executive push, MP Badr Al-Harahsheh highlighted the legislative necessity of strengthening deterrent laws. He noted that the parliamentary role will focus on ensuring that legal frameworks are robust enough to permanently end practices that jeopardize Jordan’s environmental security and natural heritage.

//Petra// AA