Karak, Aug. 13 (Petra) -- A specialized training program on assessing the age of ancient olive trees has been launched in Karak to strengthen technical expertise in documenting and preserving trees of agricultural, environmental and historical significance.

The course, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture's Olive Directorate, combines theoretical and field training on methods used to determine the age of ancient olive trees and forms part of the ministry's efforts to safeguard Jordan's longstanding olive-growing heritage.

Opening the program, Karak Agriculture Director Mamoun Adaileh said ancient olive trees constitute an important national agricultural and historical legacy, underscoring the need to identify their locations, document them and accurately assess their age.

He also stressed the importance of studying the trees' genetic characteristics and developing programs and conservation plans to ensure their protection for future generations.

Agricultural engineer Abdulrahman Tarawneh provided participants with detailed instruction on the technical principles and procedures used in age assessment, combining theoretical guidance with practical applications aimed at strengthening the capabilities of specialized personnel.

Field training was conducted in the Taybeh area of the Southern Mazar District, where participants applied the assessment techniques to a number of ancient olive trees.

//Petra// RZ