Irbid, April 29 (Petra) -Minister of Environment, Dr. Ayman Suleiman, urged Jordan's environmental associations to coordinate their priorities within a clear and comprehensive action plan for the next five years.
He said Jordan has a "strategic opportunity to become a "major platform for regional projects, benefiting from its security and stability." During an open dialogue held by the Ministry of Environment on Wednesday at the Yarmouk Forest Reserve, Suleiman said the ministry is working to organize a "comprehensive" national conference for environmental associations in the coming period to orchestrate efforts and exchange experiences.
He also called for activating a fund to support environmental activities to enable associations to implement "quality" programs that serve national priorities.
He noted the next phase requires a development-driven mindset, with a focus on the sustainability of environmental projects to ensure a direct developmental impact and provide job opportunities for young people.
On its role, he said the ministry is committed to strengthening "institutional" environmental work and establishing "effective" partnerships with various entities, in line with royal directives.
He pointed out that 2026 will be the year for raising the level of public cleanliness and promoting responsible ecological behavior, within a comprehensive national strategy.
Suleiman underscored the importance of the initiative of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II in promoting fieldwork and consolidating a culture of environmental conservation.
He said the meeting comes within the framework of activating the associations' role and strengthening partnerships with the private sector and local communities.
He stressed the importance of direct dialogue to develop mechanisms for joint action and build a relationship based on coordination and integration to serve environmental issues.
The discussions featured an open dialogue with the associations' representatives in the northern governorates, discussing ways to enhance partnerships and activate the community's role in protecting the environment.
Meanwhile, the associations' representatives presented multiple demands, mainly increased financial support for environmental projects, engagmenet in policy-making, and launch of federations to organize their work, as well as reinstating Environmental Media Award to raise awareness on environmental issues.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the ministry conducted a cleanup campaign in Umm Qais tourist area, emphasizing the importance of volunteer work in supporting ecological efforts.
//Petra// AG
