Jordan Times
Thursday, May 3, 2007
US supports efforts to
protect environment, develop tourism in Aqaba
American Ambassador David Hale on Wednesday visited the Aqaba Marine Science
Station and Marine Park, which have received grants from the US Agency for
International Development (USAID). The agency has also provided technical
assistance to train operators of glass-bottom boats and to improve their incomes
by maintaining environment-friendly practices. . Since 1999, Aqaba has received
more than $160 million in direct technical assistance and infrastructure
projects, according to an American embassy statement. The ambassador also
boarded a glass-bottom boat to view the marine coral and fish along the Aqaba
coast, accompanied by Fadi Sharaiha, executive director of the Royal Marine
Conservation Society. Today Ambassador Hale is scheduled to inaugurate the Al
Darb Urban Landscape Project, the first project of its kind to use reclaimed
wastewater. By reclaiming wastewater via treatment using advanced technologies,
the Aqaba Special Economic Zone reserves other potable water resources for
drinking and future development, the statement said.