Israel–Jordan Peace Treaty/Annex IV

ISRAEL–JORDAN PEACE TREATY

ANNEX IV

ENVIRONMENT

Israel and Jordan 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 recognise 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 co-operate in matters relating to environmental protection in general and to those that may mutuallyeffect 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:

o Environmental planning and management including conducting         Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and exchanging of data on          projects possessing potential impact on their respective          environments.

o Environmental legislation, regulations, standards and enforcement         thereof.

o Research and applied technology.

o Emergency response, monitoring, related notification procedures         and control of damages.

o Code of conduct through regional charters.

This may be achieved through the establishment of joint         modalities and mechanisms of cooperation to ensure 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 radiations, 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         manmade hazards to the environment.

7. Desertification: combatting 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          programmes 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:

I. The Gulf of Aqaba

I.1 The Marine Environment:

o Natural resources.

o Coastal reef protection.

o Marine pollution:

+ Marine sources: such as oil spills, littering and waste                   disposal and others.

+ Land-based sources: such as liquid waste, solid waste                   and littering.

+ Abatement, including monitoring and emergency response                   actions.

I.2 Coastal Zone Management - The Littoral

o Nature reserves and protected areas.

o Environmental protection of water resources.

o Liquid waste.

o Solid waste.

o Tourism and recreational activities.

o Ports.

o Transport.

o Industry and power generation. o Air quality.

o Hazardous materials.

o Environmental assessments.

II. The Rift Valley

II.1 The Jordan River

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

o Ecological rehabilitation of the Jordan River.

o Environmental protection of water resources to ensure              optimal water quality, at reasonably usable standards.

o Agricultural pollution control.

o Liquid waste.

o Pest control.

o Nature reserves and protected areas.

o Tourism and historical heritage.

II.2 The Dead Sea

o Nature reserves and protected areas.

o Pest control.

o Environmental protection of water resources.

o Industrial pollution control.

o Tourism and historical heritage.

II.3 Emek Ha'arava/Wadi Araba

o Environmental protection of water resources.

o Nature reserves and protected areas.

o Pest control.

o Tourism and historical heritage.

o Agricultural pollution control.