Event marks recognition of Regional Migratory Soaring Birds Project

AMMAN — The Ministry of Environment on Monday celebrated featuring the Regional Migratory Soaring Birds Project, implemented by BirdLife International and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the UN Development Programme, on the list of best practices for GEF projects 2022-2023.

The project is implemented through two five-year phases, focusing on the five main aspects affecting birds, namely agriculture, energy, fishing, tourism and waste management, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The project seeks to provide a hospitable and friendly environment for soaring birds, thus increasing populations of soaring birds across three continents.

Representing the ministry, Assistant Secretary-General for Technical Affairs Abdelmajeed Khabur highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships with private companies, non-governmental, governmental and international organisations in implementation of the project.

Representing the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, Nashat Hmeidan indicated that the project shed light on the importance of vultures in maintaining environmental balance in Africa and the Middle East as well as the role of birds in combating agricultural pests by consuming food waste and attracting ecotourism from all over the world.

Regional Director of BirdLife Middle East Ibrahim Khader briefed attendees on the project’s 11 phases.

Deputy Regional Representative of UNDP in Jordan Nidal Oran said that listing the project among GEF projects’ best practices is indicative of the project’s success in achieving its objectives.

Project Manager Osama Nouri delivered a detailed presentation on the project.