Protecting Marine Biodiversity in Aqaba

The Protecting Marine Biodiversity in Aqaba project aims to enhance the resilience of marine and land ecosystems in the region against the threat of climate change and human activity. On land the project aims to introduce native plants near dams along the coast to preserve essential habitats for birds mammals and reptiles. These dams were initially constructed to mitigate the impact of flash floods and have unintentionally become important ecosystems for animals. In the sea the project aims to install artificial coral reefs to provide additional habitat for marine life serving as nurseries and feeding grounds for fish and other organisms. At the same time the project seeks to remove solid waste from the protected areas through clean-up dives and relocate vulnerable corals developed on this waste.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) enhanced resilience of Aqaba’s ecosystems through adaptive technologies and practices; and (2) increased community engagement in Aqaba’s gender-responsive conservation efforts and sustainable development.