Jordan secures UNESCO World Heritage status for Aqaba Marine Reserve

Jordan secured the inscription of the Aqaba Marine Reserve on the UNESCO World Heritage List on Saturday, 26 July, granting the site international protection status following a vote by the World Heritage Committee. The designation recognises the reserve as a site of universal natural value, known for its high concentrations of endemic coral species and marine biodiversity. Global recognition for marine biodiversity The Aqaba Marine Reserve, located at the northern tip of the Red Sea, contains 157 species of reef-building coral, 120 species of soft coral, and more than 1,000 species of fish. Jordanian officials confirmed the inscription during a ceremony in Amman, following years of technical preparation to meet UNESCO's rigorous criteria for natural heritage status. The reserve covers approximately 2.8 square kilometres and includes a coastline of roughly 7 kilometres. The UNESCO designation matters because it mandates strict conservation protocols and monitoring, which Jordanian authorities stated will enhance the long-term protection of the Red Sea ecosystem against climate change and coastal development. Marine scientists from the University of Jordan’s Marine Science Station have historically documented the resilience of Aqaba’s corals to rising sea temperatures, a factor that contributed to the successful bid. Implications for tourism and conservation This decision is timely as it follows the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, where new global sites are…