The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Saeb Abdel Halim Al-Khreisat, emphasized that the protection of forests and wooded areas is a national priority that brooks no compromise. He stressed that the government, under the direct guidance of Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan, is moving forward with firm and proactive measures to combat forest fires and preserve forestry resources.
اضافة اعلان
These remarks came during a meeting held at the Jerash Governorate headquarters, attended by the Governor of Jerash, Dr. Malik Al-Khreisat, the Chairman of the Greater Jerash Municipality Committee, Mohammed Bani Yassin, MP Badr Al-Harahsheh, directors of official departments, and members of the governorate's security and executive councils.
Proactive Methodology and Accountability
The Minister stated that the upcoming period requires the highest levels of readiness and coordination among various authorities. He pointed out that handling the forestry file must follow a proactive methodology based on early detection, rapid response, and the strict application of the law against anyone who encroaches upon forest wealth.
He noted that the government is committed to strengthening collaborative efforts between official institutions, security agencies, and municipalities to ensure the protection of vegetation cover and reduce fire triggers. He emphasized that environmental preservation is a collective national responsibility requiring awareness and responsible behavior from everyone.
Jerash as a Model for Collaboration
The Minister praised the efforts of Jerash Governorate and its various cadres, commending the high level of readiness and advanced field coordination. He noted that these efforts serve as a model for effective participatory work at the governorate level.
In turn, the Governor of Jerash, Dr. Malik Al-Khreisat, confirmed that the governorate operates according to an integrated participatory approach. He explained that plans are being implemented within a specific timeframe under the direct supervision of the Executive Council and with the participation of security agencies. He highlighted the creation and activation of firebreaks in forested areas as a key proactive measure to limit the spread of fires, alongside enhancing field readiness and rapid response efficiency.
Legislative and Local Support
Mohammed Bani Yassin, Chairman of the Greater Jerash Municipality Committee, reviewed the municipality's role in supporting these joint efforts, noting that the municipality has dedicated its resources to waste management, preventing illegal dumping, and participating in awareness and monitoring campaigns.
MP Badr Al-Harahsheh (referred to as Zayed in the latter part of the text) stressed the importance of the legislative and oversight role in supporting national forest protection. He pointed to the need for strengthening deterrent laws and legislation to end any practices that harm vegetation.
Security and Technological Integration
Security agencies and Civil Defense representatives reviewed their plans to intensify patrols in forested areas, activate emergency protocols, and utilize modern technology for monitoring.
The Minister of Agriculture concluded by describing forest wealth as "Jordan's lungs" and a pillar of national environmental security. He ordered the expedited opening of firebreaks in all high-risk forested areas within a set timeline. He also announced that the introduction of drone technology for monitoring rugged, hard-to-reach areas marks a qualitative leap in early detection systems. This technology will enhance rapid response efficiency and ensure immediate intervention to prevent the spread of fires.
He reaffirmed high-level coordination with the Ministry of Interior and all government institutions to implement proactive plans to curb arson and take all necessary legal actions against offenders.
