Yemen, Jordan Sign Environmental Protection Agreement

Yemen and Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding on environmental protection in Amman on Sunday, the news agency of Yemen's internationally recognised government Saba (Government) reported.

Yemen's ambassador to Jordan, Jalal Faqira, and Jordanian Environment Minister Ayman Abdullah signed the document.

The agreement provides for the exchange of policies, expertise and technologies to protect air, water and soil, promote clean technologies, and manage waste and hazardous materials soundly.

It also covers cooperation on ecotourism, marine environmental protection, nature reserve management and efforts to combat desertification, along with joint studies and research to protect biodiversity.

The memorandum further provides for cooperation on climate change through adaptation and mitigation measures, the exchange of expertise in environmental impact assessment, and the inclusion of environmental considerations in national development plans.

Under the agreement, a joint technical committee will be set up to oversee its implementation, coordinate cooperation programs and activities, and propose new areas of partnership between the two countries.

Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, which makes water and soil protection a long-standing concern for its government.

Yemen has also faced serious environmental pressures, including water shortages and land degradation, which are among the challenges that bilateral cooperation of this kind is meant to address.