Technical Workshop in Aqaba to Discuss Coral Reef Studies and Sustainable Financing for the Marine Reserve

Aqaba will host a specialized technical workshop from 22 to 24 June 2026 to present and discuss the key results achieved under the cooperation agreement between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), implemented within the framework of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme (GFCR).

The event aims to showcase and review the project’s scientific and technical outputs with the participation of representatives from government institutions, academia, environmental organizations, and stakeholders involved in marine resource management and biodiversity conservation in the Gulf of Aqaba.

The workshop will begin on its first day with a specialized training session on the IUCN Green List Self-Assessment Tool (GL-SAT), delivered by experts from IUCN Headquarters. The training is designed to strengthen national capacities in applying internationally recognized standards for the effective management and conservation of protected areas.

The second day will focus on presenting and discussing the project’s main technical findings, including the assessment of coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba as one of the world’s most promising potential climate refugia for coral reefs. Participants will also review the results of ecosystem services valuation studies for coral reef and coastal ecosystems, as well as sustainable financing options and the business strategy developed for the Aqaba Marine Reserve, supporting its long-term management and sustainability.

The workshop will further introduce the concept and applications of the MIMES model in integrated marine ecosystem planning and management. Interactive discussion sessions will provide an opportunity for partners, experts, and stakeholders to share technical feedback and contribute to the validation of the project’s final outputs.

The event will conclude on the third day with a field visit to selected marine and terrestrial sites included in the project’s studies and activities. Participants will gain first-hand insight into conservation efforts, marine reserve management practices, and the project’s achievements on the ground.

This event reflects the importance of national and international partnerships in advancing sustainable marine resource management, strengthening scientific knowledge, and developing practical tools to protect the unique ecosystems of the Gulf of Aqaba and ensure their resilience for future generations.