Jordan’s Ministry of Social Development just approved the first coalition of the kingdom’s environmental protection societies.
An underlying message of the Arab uprisings is that there’s strength in numbers and power in unity. The voice of Jordan’s disparate nature and environmental entities is about to change, when they join up as the kingdom’s new Environmental Societies Union (ESU).
Members will participate in setting national environment policy, work to raise public awareness, and seek to institutionalize the kingdom’s environmental work.
They include:
- Jordanian Society for Organic Agriculture
- Royal Marine Conservation Society
- Jordan Environment Society
- Jordan Green Building Council
- Society of Energy Saving and Sustainable Environment
- Jordanian Society for Desertification Control and Badia Development
- Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature
- Arab Society for the Conservation of Nature
Spokesperson Omar Shoshan said, “The ESU seeks to unite organizations working in environment-related fields when rallying support for an environmental cause.” The union can amplify support for shared interest initiatives.
The nascent coalition has already proved influential Last December, they held a press conference to oppose government plans to merge the Ministry of Environment with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. That plan was intended to reduce state expenditure.
“The campaign bore fruit as the government rescinded the decision to merge the two ministries earlier this month,” said Shoshan.
Specific missions and plans are under development: the coalition will be officially launched later this year, Shoshan told The Jordan Times.
