At JREDS, we believe that only through partnership with the private sector, other national, regional and international environmental and development institutions, can we achieve our mission of marine conservation. To this end, JREDS diligently works to nourish its relationships, partnerships and networks in order to promote marine conservation.

JREDS worked diligently and professionally to maintain its partnerships. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the German organization Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF) the Middle East Office – Ramallah as a strategic long-term partner for the awareness program on the national level, whereas, HBF funds and builds the capacity of JREDS in this field.

Moreover, JREDS became the national organization for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), where JREDS is implementing the following three international eco-labeling programs:

• The Green Key is an eco-label for tourism facilities that aims to contribute to sustainable tourism by awarding and promoting good initiatives. The Green Key aims to change the practices and behaviors of tourism actors including enterprises, authorities, guests, local communities, and to involve them in taking up the responsibility towards their own environment.

• Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through publicly awarding sites that meet strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. A few of the issues covered in the criteria include cleanliness, provisions for waste and recycling, zoning of activities, and environmental education activities for a variety of people. The program has also recently started a voluntary scheme for private boat owners called the Individual Blue Flag, where boaters can fly the flag if they have signed and agreed to follow an environmental code of conduct.

• Eco-Schools is a program for environmental management, certification, and sustainable development education for schools. Its holistic, participatory approach and combination of learning and action make it an ideal way for schools to embark on a meaningful path for improving the environments of schools and their local communities, and for influencing the lives of young people, school staff, families, local authorities and civic society.

Nationally, JREDS is hosting the Global Environmental Fund Small Grants Program (GEF, SGP) – a UNDP program since 2004. This partnership with GEF Small Grants has enabled JREDS to network with GEF, SGP's beneficiaries and local counterparts.

JREDS also represents the civic society as member of the advisory committee for the Minister of Environment. In addition, JREDS represents the Aqaba civic society in the board for the Aqaba Marine Park.


At the regional level, JREDS is expanding its presence and increasing its national and regional interest in conservation of the environment in general and the marine environment in particular. We are also working with regional NGOs on capacity building programs, with the aim of establishing a regional network of environmental institutions.

At the international level, JREDS recognizes the importance of its role as a liaison with the international community, and is actively involved with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) programs and networks. Besides JREDS international partner, the Quebec Labrador Foundation (QLF) plays a major role in expanding its horizon and opening new opportunities for stakeholders.