Jordan Times
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
PM calls for expediting
national initiative
AMMAN (Petra) - Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit on Monday said the government is
keen on preserving agricultural lands and implementing environment-friendly
investments in the country.
Bakhit made the remarks during a visit to the Ministry of Environment yesterday
to check on its three-year strategy and projects designed to preserve the
environment while boosting the national economy.
During the visit, Minister of Environment Khalid Irani briefed the premier on
the progress of an initiative to preserve tourist and environmental sites, which
was launched upon directives by His Majesty King Abdullah.
The initiative, Irani said, focuses on Ajloun Governorate to conserve its green
cover and establish investment-friendly ventures to ensure the sustainability of
its resources.
Ajloun is home to several wild animal species because 34 per cent of its total
area is covered with forests which spread over 140,000 dunums, according to
official figures.
Bakhit underlined the importance of expediting measures to implement the
national initiative, which will help develop the area and create job
opportunities for local residents.
The premier also was briefed on the ministry’s achievements, including creating
department for inspection and law enforcement and the Environmental Police
Department (EPD).
The EPD, created last year, is tasked with protecting the environment by
inspecting factories, industrial zones and picnic areas and tracking violators
of environmental laws.
Irani also briefed Bakhit on the ministry’s efforts seeking to enhance
coordination with environmental civil society institutions.
The ministers of municipal affairs, planning, justice, labour, tourism and
finance were present at yesterday’s meeting.