Ajloun, Jan. 24 (Petra) - Environmental experts and officials stressed that protecting forests and ensuring the sustainability of green cover is a shared national responsibility that requires coordinated efforts by government institutions and local communities, particularly in forest-rich governorates such as Ajloun.

Director of Ajloun Agriculture Directorate Rami Adwan said that all government institutions have responded to the national afforestation campaign, which aims to plant 10 million trees across the Kingdom. He noted that, in coordination with the Ministry of Local Administration, the Ministry of Youth, Ajloun Governorate, and municipalities, the Ministry of Agriculture launched a comprehensive planting campaign in all municipalities, with designated sites selected for phased afforestation.

Adwan added that forestry staff continue to monitor violations against forest resources. He said 106 forestry violations were recorded in 2023, 91 in 2024, and 97 in 2025, noting that around 90 percent of these cases resulted in judicial rulings and deterrent penalties.

He pointed out that Ajloun’s vegetation cover faces several environmental challenges, including frost waves affecting trees and seedlings, overgrazing that limits natural forest regeneration, and human encroachments such as illegal logging and forest fires. He stressed that protecting forests requires collective national efforts to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

Meanwhile, Head of the Jordanian Environmental Society Ali Freihat said that forest protection is not limited to tree planting but also includes reducing pollution and environmental violations. He noted that the National Executive Program to Reduce Random Waste Dumping, launched under the patronage of HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, represents a major national step toward environmental protection and sustainability.

He said the program directly contributes to preserving green cover, natural sites, forests, and public parks by reducing pollution and raising public awareness about the importance of cleanliness and protecting green spaces.

For his part, agricultural expert Motasem Deek said that Ajloun’s forests represent an important national asset due to their role in protecting soil from erosion, improving air quality, and preserving biodiversity.

He emphasized that safeguarding forests and ensuring sustainable green cover is a shared national responsibility that will help preserve natural resources for future generations.

//Petra// AF

24/01/2026 21:04:31