Empowering Women in Marine Conservation - Aqaba, Jordan

Over four days, a group of five women from the Naval Force and the Royal Department for Environment Protection successfully completed the Open Water Diving Course at South Beach, Aqaba—marking a significant milestone in advancing women’s participation in marine conservation and environmental protection in Jordan.

The training, held in one of Aqaba’s most important coastal areas, equipped the participants with essential diving and underwater monitoring skills, enabling them to take on more active roles in safeguarding marine ecosystems. By mastering the fundamentals of open water diving, these women are now better prepared to support field-based monitoring, reef assessments, and routine surveillance activities.

This initiative comes as part of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme, implemented in partnership with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR). The programme aims to enhance the resilience of coral reefs while strengthening national capacities to protect marine biodiversity. A core element of this effort is promoting gender inclusion by integrating women into monitoring and surveillance programmes and expanding their role in overseeing marine activities both inside and outside the Aqaba Marine Reserve.

The completion of this training reflects a broader national commitment to empowering women in environmental fields, especially in sectors traditionally dominated by men. By investing in female officers and equipping them with hands-on technical skills, Jordan is paving the way for a new generation of women leaders in marine conservation.

As pressures on marine ecosystems continue to grow—from climate-related threats to coastal development—such initiatives demonstrate the importance of building a skilled and diverse team capable of supporting long-term environmental stewardship. The success of this cohort sets an inspiring example for future training programmes in the region.

This achievement not only strengthens the country’s environmental protection efforts but also reinforces the vital role women play in shaping a more resilient and sustainable marine future for Jordan.