Aqaba Hosts Validation Workshop for the Final Draft of the National Blue Economy Strategy
Aqaba Hosts Validation Workshop for the Final Draft of the National Blue Economy Strategy
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) within GFCR Programme, held a validation workshop on Thursday, 14 May 2026, to review the final draft of Jordan’s National Blue Economy Strategy. The workshop brought together representatives from government entities, national institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations, experts, and partners concerned with marine and coastal development in the Kingdom.
The workshop was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Nedal Al-Ouran, Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety at ASEZA, and forms part of the national efforts aimed at promoting sustainable development and integrated management of marine and coastal resources. Discussions focused on reviewing the final draft of the strategy, including its main pillars and strategic directions, in support of Jordan’s transition toward a sustainable blue economy capable of achieving economic growth while safeguarding the marine environment of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Participants emphasized the importance of the strategy as an integrated national framework that seeks to advance marine and coastal sectors, enhance economic competitiveness, support investment opportunities, and create quality jobs, while ensuring the protection of globally significant marine ecosystems and coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba.
The workshop also featured a presentation on the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme (GFCR), in addition to an overview of the strategy’s key thematic areas, including governance, sustainable tourism, fisheries and aquaculture, ports and logistics, renewable energy, marine environmental protection, innovation, coastal infrastructure, and sustainable blue finance.
In addition, the workshop included thematic discussion sessions and specialized working groups aimed at reviewing the final draft and providing recommendations and technical feedback. These discussions will contribute to finalizing the strategy ahead of its submission to the ASEZA Board of Commissioners and subsequently to the Prime Ministry for official endorsement.
The National Blue Economy Strategy represents an important national milestone toward strengthening Jordan’s position as a leading regional hub for blue economy development and sustainable coastal management, in alignment with the Economic Modernization Vision and national priorities related to climate action and environmental sustainability.
The strategy was developed through a comprehensive and participatory technical process in cooperation with an international expert consultant and with the engagement of a national team representing various relevant ministries and institutions. This collaborative approach aims to ensure alignment with national priorities and international best practices in blue economy and sustainable coastal development, under the framework of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme (GFCR).
