Earth Day Event Kicks–off on the Southern Beach of Aqaba

Under the patronage of H.E Minister of Environment, Khaled Irani, and USAID Mission Director, Jay Knott, The Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan (JREDS) held the annual Earth Day event on the beaches of Aqaba on Saturday, April 19, 2008. The event was attended by over 500 people, representing Aqaba community members, officials, and many other participants who came from Amman to take part in this activity.

The clean up started at the Southern Beach of Aqaba, and while participants cleaned the beach (some walking, some snorkeling and some even diving), many accompanying younger children enjoyed environmental games.

The Aqaba Community and Economic Development Program and the Aqaba International School joined forces to bring 50 participants to this event in order to encourage the local community to have a bigger part in preserving the unique Marine Environment of Aqaba.

As its name implies, this USAID-funded Aqaba Community and Economic Development Program seeks to model behaviors it is supporting in the community and businesses in Aqaba, increasing their awareness of the importance of a clean environment and raising the commitment levels to life and business practices that are environment-friendly.