Royal Navy Divers Complete Specialized Coral Reef Monitoring Training in Aqaba
Royal Navy Divers Complete Specialized Coral Reef Monitoring Training in Aqaba
Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Nedal Al-Ouran, Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), a milestone training program in marine conservation concluded today, 28 August 2025, after five days of intensive sessions held from 24 to 28 August. The course, titled “Reef-Check Eco Diver,” was organized in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) initiative.
Dr. Al-Ouran emphasized that the training represents a significant step forward in building the capacities of Jordan’s national teams and highlighted the value of collaboration between national institutions and international partners. He noted that empowering the Royal Navy with skills in environmental diving and scientific monitoring strengthens their role in protecting coral reefs and conserving marine resources. These joint efforts, he added, reflect Jordan’s commitment to sustainability and ensure that the marine environment remains a renewable treasure for future generations. He further explained that the program equips participants with the ability to apply globally recognized reef monitoring protocols, thereby enhancing national efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems, increase their resilience, and improve adaptation to climate change and human pressures.
Organizers of the training stressed that the cooperation between ASEZA, the Royal Navy, and UNDP serves as an inspiring model for effective partnerships in biodiversity protection. They explained that such collaborations are not only about skills training but also about fostering a culture of stewardship and ensuring the long-term sustainability of natural resources.
The program combined classroom instruction with practical fieldwork, including three full days of diving in the Aqaba Marine Reserve. The divers underwent both practical and written examinations designed to measure their mastery of internationally accredited reef-monitoring methodologies. The practical modules focused on essential skills such as underwater communication, buoyancy control, safe movement techniques, and scientific data collection methods specific to coral reef ecosystems, while the theoretical tests assessed participants’ understanding of environmental monitoring standards widely used around the world. To ensure adherence to the highest standards, the training was supervised by a certified expert from Reef Check International, the organization that pioneered this methodology and oversees its application across the globe. The program was led by Prof. Dr. Mohamed M. Kotb, Reef Check Course Director and Regional Coordinator for Egypt and Jordan, with operational support from Mr. Mohammad Al-Tawaha of UNDP-Jordan.
By preparing a cadre of environmental divers within the Royal Navy, Jordan is strengthening its frontline defenses for marine conservation. These newly trained divers are expected to play an important role in ongoing reef monitoring, supporting national policies, and contributing valuable data to regional and international conservation efforts. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy under the GFCR programme, which seeks to blend conservation with sustainable development, ensuring that coral reef ecosystems—vital for fisheries, tourism, coastal protection, and biodiversity—remain resilient in the face of mounting climate and human challenges.
