Jordan steps up clean-up drive ahead of spring season at tourist and natural sites
13/04/2026 | 22:30:45
Amman, April 13 (Petra) -- Ministers of Environment Ayman Suleiman and Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazin chaired on Monday a coordination meeting of the technical team formed by the ministerial committee overseeing the executive program for the national cleanliness strategy and efforts to curb random waste dumping.
The meeting, held at the Department of Antiquities and attended by all relevant stakeholders, reviewed mechanisms to implement a work plan aimed at improving public cleanliness and strengthening infrastructure in parks, forests, and tourist and archaeological sites across the kingdom in preparation for the spring outing season.
Suleiman said the environment ministry is fully prepared for the season through a comprehensive plan implemented in cooperation with partner entities, including intensified field campaigns and clean-up drives at recreational areas, forests, and tourist sites. The plan also includes increased inspection campaigns to address violations related to illegal waste dumping, alongside boosting infrastructure by distributing containers and metal bins in high-traffic locations.
He stressed the importance of enforcing legal measures against violators in parallel with nationwide awareness and media campaigns and on-the-ground initiatives targeting visitors to promote positive environmental behavior and entrench a culture of cleanliness.
Suleiman added that maintaining cleanliness and ensuring its sustainability is a shared responsibility between government entities, local communities, and the private sector, noting that the success of the executive program depends on effective partnerships and continued cooperation, particularly in sites that witness increased footfall during the spring season.
For his part, Hijazin said the tourism ministry is pressing ahead with intensive campaigns to enhance cleanliness at tourist and archaeological sites across the kingdom. He noted progress achieved through a series of field and regulatory measures, including improving service levels and readiness at several locations, such as Umm Al Naml and Barqash, among others.
He said specialized technical teams continue to carry out regular field visits to assess needs and set priorities, with a particular focus on northern sites as part of a plan to raise cleanliness and service standards. The ministry is also expanding community participation by engaging tour guides and volunteers in initiatives under the "Urdun Jannah" program, in addition to cooperating with media outlets and content creators to document and promote these efforts.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the executive work plan and operational programs prepared by relevant government bodies, covering the next three months, with the aim of ensuring coordination and unified efforts among all stakeholders.
A list of tourist and natural sites across the northern, central and southern regions was also reviewed, which will be included in upcoming cleaning and rehabilitation plans to enhance their readiness to receive visitors and provide a clean and safe environment.
//Petra// AF