AMMAN — HRH Princess Basma, member of the advisory council of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, on Wednesday highlighted the importance of the “opportunity of this decade: ‘the generation of restoration’”, to preserve habitats and prevent climate change.
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During a virtual meeting to highlight this mission in the region for the years 2021-2030, Princess Basma called for enhancing regional and international cooperation to reform and sustain ecosystems.
She also referred to the importance of the mission being carried out in this part of the world in light of the impact of climate change and the accompanying humanitarian challenges, which can severely damage ecosystems, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
The princess also referred to the “promising efforts” of Jordan to revive wetlands in Azraq, preserve forests in Ajloun, and support local communities and create jobs, highlighting the efforts of regional countries, like Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq, in allocating hundreds of hectares to restore ecosystems.
Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) in the Near East and North Africa Abdulhakim Waer said that the decade marks the beginning of continuous national and international efforts to combat the major environmental challenges facing the region and prevent the deterioration of ecosystems around the world.
HRH Princess Basma bint Ali of Jordan is an advocate of biodiversity conservation and has a strong connection with the environment. Among a long and impressive list of awards for her work in the field of conservation, she was honored as a Hero for the Planet by Time Magazine in 1998, the first Arab woman to be featured. In 2002, she was elected as a laureate of the Global 500 Roll of Honor for Environmental Achievement (UNEP). Years ago, Princess Basma bint Ali decided to create the Royal Botanic Garden of Jordan to preserve native plants and ecosystems, and promote biodiversity research and environmental learning.
The Princess served in the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). In 1995, she received the King Hussein Gold Medal for Excellence, along with other decorations from JAF in 1995 and 1998. In 1995, she co-founded the Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan (JREDS) for which she has served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors since.
In 2000, Princess Basma bint Ali retired so as to dedicate herself to the environment. In 2005 she founded the Royal Botanic Garden in Tell Ar-Rumman, Jordan. In 2011, she was awarded the Henry Shaw medal by the Missouri Botanical garden for her pioneering work in founding the Royal Botanic Garden, raising awareness among Jordanians about the urgent importance of conserving plants, and protecting the environment. She also serves on Boards of several Environmental and social Charity organizations as well as chairing national committees.
Thus, I truly believe that with the dedication of the Black Jaguar Foundation Team, which includes partners, staff, volunteers, sponsors and ambassadors alike, we can make it happen, and I only hope that we can inspire others to have similar restoration projects as this one in each of the 7 continents. it will be our greatest gift for the future generations.’
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