Royal directives: Agreement signed to implement third phase of ‘Roots’ project

AMMAN — Upon Royal directives, Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Environment Minister Muawieh Radaideh, and Director General of Al Haq Agricultural Corporation on Saturday signed an agreement to implement the third phase of the “Roots” project to plant 3,000 dunums of forest and fruit trees in Karak.

Under the project, approximately 327,000 forest and fruit trees were planted in the first phase, while the second phase included the planting of 367,000 forest and fruitful trees, while the total area of the first and second phases amounted to 19,5000 dunums, Petra reported. 

Issawi, who is also head of the follow-up committee for the implementation of Royal initiatives, said that the project is vital and aims to transform barren lands into green lands and provide job opportunities for local residents and raise environmental awareness.

He referred to His Majesty's directives to develop the agricultural sector and improve the standard of living for farmers. 

The King also directed the implementation of exemplary agricultural projects with high added value, taking into account the characteristics of each region, and contributing to providing job opportunities, supporting and empowering families in local communities, Issawi noted. 

Radaideh said that the Ministry of Environment seeks to protect environmental systems and promote sustainable development by integrating international concepts within national policies and strategies related to the environmental sector.

Issawi also inaugurated, in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Administration Tawfiq Krishan and Minister of Labour Nayef Steitieh, a set of Royal initiatives in Karak.

Issawi inaugurated a public park in the New Moab area, which includes children’s play units and other facilities. The Jubilee Forest in Karak was also provided with high quality playground materials and fixtures to serve parents and children. 

The implementation of these gardens came as part of Royal initiatives in cooperation with the Zaha Cultural Centre.

Also on Saturday, Issawi inaugurated multi-purpose halls in two areas of the Shehan municipality, in addition to another hall in Karak’s Southern Mazar District.

These multi-purpose halls were built with the aim of serving the people of the targeted communities for their various social occasions, and for holding cultural activities aimed to empower and train young people, as well as empowering community and voluntary institutions.

The signing of the agreement and the inauguration of the projects, which were attended by the Governor of Karak and the Director General of the Zaha Cultural Centre, were conducted with full adherence to COVID protocols.