PIMS- 9706-Support and build a more Sustainable Blue Economy in Aqaba through Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) and effective management of the first marine reserve in the country

About this project

Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority lacks a sustainable blue economy (SBE) framework resulting in competing activities adding pressures on vulnerable marine resources. The project shall develop a Marine Spatial Plan within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone for official adoption. It shall act as a tool for conservation, restoration and sustainable management, to build resilience of Jordan’s marine ecosystem. This shift from the business as usual approach will support more sustainable investments, benefitting peoples well-being, and contributing to the GEF8 Focal Area Biodiversity strategy and GEF CI 5, 6 and 11. It shall enhance coral and seagrass management for carbon sequestration, generating ecosystem services, protecting wildlife, and securing local economies. The project will benefit 188,160 people living in Aqaba, 50% being women. It will contribute to the CBD goals and the KM GBF targets 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 19 and 20 whilst supporting SDG 14 and delivery of GEB for biodiversity and climate change. Expected results include: i) a formally mandated SBE institutional, policy and legislative framework strengthening capacities and private sector engagement ii) improved business partnerships supported by financially innovative incentive mechanisms iii) improved marine ecosystem resilience to climate change/disasters and iv) a new research agenda created with M&E processes to assess project related performance.

Goals

Sustainable Development Goals this project works towards

• 14Life Below Water

Published by

United Nations Development Programme · Multilateral

Countries

Jordan

Sectors

Biodiversity

Funded by

Global Environment Fund Truste

Implemented by

Aqaba Special Econom Zone Auth

Accountable

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Published by United Nations Development Programme to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), last updated 5 Oct 2026 and imported automatically. IATI identifier: XM-DAC-41114-PROJECT-01004670.

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