AMMAN, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Sunday announced its first marine reserve in the Red Sea port city of Aqaba with the object of preserving coral reefs and marine ecosystems as well as promoting sustainable development.
The cabinet has recently approved the declaration of the reserve, which is also hoped to promote tourism and underwater activities in the southern city, according to a statement by the Environment Ministry published by the state-run Petra news agency.
The ministry described the declaration as a national achievement that will help Jordan honor its international commitments, namely the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
The ministry added that the declaration was made in cooperation with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and United Nations Development Program in Jordan.