Project Title:

Our Beaches are Not for Sale

Project Duration:

2011 – 2013

Project Objectives:

In 2001, a total of 15 kilometers of Aqaba’s shoreline were still publicly owned, out of the 27 Km coastline area in Aqaba. However, a rapid decline in public beach areas has been seen after the establishment of ASEZA–the management authority for development in Aqaba–for investment purposes by private ownership. Now only 5 kilometers of public access beachfront remains.

Therefore, this project was initiated by JREDS to act quickly to conserve the public’s access to the beachfront, which will in turn contribute to the conservation of the fragile marine habitats at Aqaba. A total of 136 organizations and over 2,600 adults, youth, women, students and persons with disabilities have participated in the campaign under the title “Our Beaches are NOT FOR SALE”, which succeeded in including “Public Beaches” in Aqaba’s master land use plan.

Partner Organizations:

USAID – Jordan Civil Society Program

Outstanding Achievements:

• The approval of adding “Public Beach” in the Aqaba Master Plan, by ASEZA Board of Commissioners and issued in the Official Gazette by the Cabinet.
• The outstanding collaboration between project partners, stakeholders and volunteers to carry forward an environmental advocacy movement on a national level.