Annex IV

Environment

Jordan and Israel acknowledge the importance of the ecology of the region, its high environmental sensitivity and the need to protect the environment and prevent danger and risks for the health and well-being of the region's population. They both recognize the need for conservation of natural resources, protection of biodiversity and the imperative of attaining economic growth based on sustainable development principles.

In light of the above, both Parties agree to cooperate in matters relating to environmental protection in general and to those that may mutually effect them. Areas of such co-operation are detailed as follows:
A. Taking the necessary steps both jointly and individually to prevent damage and risks to the environment in general, and in particular those that may affect people, natural resources and environmental assets in the two countries respectively.
B.

Taking the necessary steps by both countries to co-operate in the following areas:

  • Environmental planning and management, including conducting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and exchanging of data on projects possessing potential impact on their respective environments.
  • Environmental legislation, regulations, standards and enforcement thereof.
  • Research and applied technology.
  • Emergency response, monitoring, related notification procedures and control of damages.
  • Code of conduct through regional charters.

This may be achieved through the establishment of joint modalities and mechanisms of cooperation to ensure the exchange of information, communication and coordination regarding matters and activities of mutual environmental concern between their environmental administrations and experts.
C.

Environmental subjects to be addressed:

  1. Protection of nature, natural resources and biodiversity, including cooperation in planning and management of adjacent protected areas along the common border, and protection of endangered species and migratory birds.

  2. Air quality control, including general standards, criteria and all types of man-made hazardous radiation, fumes and gases.

  3. Marine environment and coastal resources management.

  4. Waste management, including hazardous wastes.

  5. Pest control, including house flies and mosquitoes, and prevention of diseases transferred by pests, such as malaria and leishmaniosis.

  6. Abatement and control of pollution, contamination and other man- made hazards to the environment.

  7. Desertification: combating desertification, exchange of information and research knowledge, and the implementation of suitable technologies.

  8. Public awareness and environmental education, encouraging the exchange of knowledge, information study materials, education programs and training through public actions and awareness campaigns.

  9. Noise: reducing noise pollution through regulation, licensing and enforcement, based on agreed standards.

  10. Potential co-operation in case of natural disasters.
D.

In accordance with the above, the two Parties agree to co-operate in activities and projects in the following geographical areas:

  1. The Gulf of Aqaba

I.1

The Marine Environment:

  1. Natural resources.

  2. Coastal reef protection.

  3. Marine pollution:
  • Marine sources: such as oil spills.
  • Littering and waste disposal and others.
  • Land-based sources: e.g. liquid waste, solid waste and littering.
  • Abatement including monitoring and emergency response actions.
I.2 Coastal Zone Management - The Littoral:
  • Nature reserves and protected areas.
  • Environmental protection of water resources.
  • Liquid waste.
  • Solid waste.
  • Tourism and recreational activities.
  • Ports.
  • Transport.
  • Industry and power generation.
  • Air quality.
  • Hazardous materials.
  • Environmental assessments.

  1. The Rift Valley

II.1 The Jordan River

Jordan and Israel agree to cooperate along the common boundaries in the following aspects:

  • Ecological rehabilitation of the Jordan River.
  • Environmental protection of water resources to ensure optimal water quality, at reasonably usable standards.
  • Agricultural pollution control.
  • Liquid waste.
  • Pest control.
  • Nature reserves and protected areas.
  • Tourism and historical heritage.
II.2

The Dead Sea

  • Nature reserves and protected areas.
  • Pest control.
  • Environmental protection of water resources.
  • Industrial pollution control.
  • Tourism and historical heritage.
II.3 Wadi Araba/Emek Ha'arava
  • Environmental protection of water resources.
  • Nature reserves and protected areas.
  • Tourism and historical heritage.
  • Agricultural pollution control.