Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR) is Jordan’s first marine protected area extending over approximately 7 kilometres (in length) representing 27% of the total length of the Jordanian coastline and a total area of 2.8 sq km (before counting the surrounding buffer zone). The reserve’s terrestrial boundary lies 50 meters east of the Mean High-Water Mark (MHWM), while the marine boundary extends 350 meters west of the MHWM.
AMR is home to a diverse coral reef system known for its high-latitude reef formations, which include two key morphological reef units: the coral reef flat and the outer reef slope. The Gulf of Aqaba contains 157 hard coral species composed of 153 scleractinian corals, one organ pipe coral, and 3 fire corals. Among these, 15 endemic species of the Red Sea were recorded within AMR. The terrestrial ecosystem is less rich, but the area was declared as an IBA with 250 different species, and up to 1.5 million birds flying over it. Despite global environmental challenges, the coral reefs in the AMR have demonstrated significant climate resilience, showing no major effects from bleaching, thanks to the unique conditions of the Gulf of Aqaba, which buffer the area from high waves, strong currents, and potential seismic events like tsunamis, in addition to the effective conservation efforts that date back to 1997.
Conservation
Good governance
Community benefits
Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR) is Jordan’s first marine protected area extending over approximately 7 kilometres (in length) representing 27% of the total length of the Jordanian coastline and a total area of 2.8 sq km (before counting the surrounding buffer zone). The reserve’s terrestrial boundary lies 50 meters east of the Mean High-Water Mark (MHWM), while the marine boundary extends 350 meters west of the MHWM.
The AMR was established and managed as a Marine Park during the period (1997- Dec. 2020) with clear governance arrangements, institutional arrangements and an active and periodically updated management and zoning plans. Active programmes included the conservation of the coral reefs and fish as key natural values for establishing the park, patrolling and surveillance programme, environmental awareness and a monitoring programme. It was declared as a Marine Reserve in 2020 to enhance and continue the conservation efforts that started in 1997, in alignment with the National Protected Areas bylaws that govern the network of PAs in the country.
MEWA EAGL recommends adding Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR) to the IUCN Green List as it demonstrates overall strong alignment with the IUCN Green List Standard.
AMR was established in 2020, however, its conservation history dates back to 1997 when it was established as a marine park with a dedicated governing bylaws, active management plan, active patrolling, awareness and monitoring programmes.
With the commitment and support of King Abdullah II, who considers it to be an outstanding national priority, the site was designated as a marine reserve in 2020, following a participatory process and with a new bylaw and a new management plan that fulfils the requirements of the new designation and aligns with its management category. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) was appointed as its management authority.
In addition to the political support, ASEZA adopted a participatory approach engaging all stakeholders in key issues related to AMR, like zoning, management of tourism activities, fishing regulations, etc. Partnerships were developed with entities, like the navy, environmental police, marine science station, development agencies, private sector, hotels, and CBO’s.
Conservation: Monitoring reports provided by the marine science station demonstrate that AMR , and (previously Aqaba Marine Park AMP) is succeeding to conserve the globally significant marine ecosystem, and one of the world’s most resilient coral reef systems with stable and positive trends and successful coral rehabilitation programmes.
The site is recommended for the Green List with the following recommendations to be achieved by the Green List mid-term review:
Recommendation 1: It is recommended that the site conducts an economic valuation of the ecosystem services provided (terrestrial – marine) to link the economic values with the identified thresholds and support management decisions. Recommendation 2: To conduct a carrying capacity study for the diving sites to be used to take the necessary actions needed and to support in establishing thresholds for the ecosystem services. (The re-submission was lead by Dr. Tamer Khafaga , The EAGL chair)
