Jordan: 2006 Request for Science Fellows

UNCLAS AMMAN 002740

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

Commerce for NOAA/International/Ware-Harris
State Pass National Science Foundation

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TSPL SENV APER KSCA JO
SUBJECT: Jordan: 2006 Request for Science Fellows

Reftel: (A) State 35305
(B) 2005 State 52318
(C) 2005 State 52339
(D) 2005 State 166610
(E) 2005 State 166574
(F) 2004 State 8087


1. Summary: Embassy Amman would like to request Embassy
Science Fellows (ref A) for 1) an assessment of the marine
ecosystem, 2) environmental law enforcement, 3) further work
on managing industrial wastewater, and 4) developing
Jordan's research sector. End summary.

Marine Ecosystem Assessment - NOAA or Smithsonian
-------------- --------------


2. Jordan has a small but high quality coral reef ecosystem
at its southern port of Aqaba that is the centerpiece of a
growing tourism industry. Aqaba is also the site of several
large real estate developments, a container port, a bulk
commodities port, and other commercial facilities, all
jammed into a small coastline. In addition, the Israeli
port of Eilat adjoins Aqaba, so international coordination
on environment and conservation is an additional critical
element.


3. There are several institutions with a role in marine
protection. Yarmouk University operates a small Marine
Science Station in Aqaba. Aqaba is governed by the semi-
autonomous Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA),
which maintains marine parks and reviews marine
environmental impact assessments. The Royal Marine
Conservation Society is a Jordanian NGO that focuses on
marine conservation.


4. Post requests a marine survey specialist, most likely
from the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration or from the Smithsonian
Institution, to work with these institutions on the
scientific procedures for collecting, assessing,
disseminating and updating information on Aqaba's coral reef
ecosystem. Credible scientific data will be key to
effective legal processes to conserve and sustainably use
Aqaba's marine resources.

Regional Environmental Law Enforcement - EPA
--------------


5. EPA, with MEPI support, has been at the forefront of
strengthening environmental law enforcement in the Middle
East through workshops on the principles of environment law
enforcement (refs B, C),on principles of pollution
prevention (refs D, E),and in upcoming workshops on
environmental impact assessments. EPA has worked with the
NGO the International Network for Environmental Compliance
and Enforcement (INECE) in strengthening environmental law
enforcement capacity and networking in the region. Post
would like to request a specialist in international
environmental law enforcement, most likely from EPA, to
undertake an Amman-based program to develop Jordanian
capacity in environmental law enforcement which could be
networked into a regional outreach program. The seeds for
this network have already been sown through EPA's activities
in the region over the past two years. The presence of a
Science Fellow would make a major contribution towards
institutionalizing and strengthening that investment.

Industrial Wastewater Specialist - EPA
--------------


6. Post is fortunate to have engaged an EPA Science Fellow
from the 2005 cycle to work with Jordan's Ministry of
Environment on industrial wastewater assessment and
remediation. Industrial wastewater in Zarka and its
pollution of Jordan's fresh water resources were identified
in the September 2004 Action Plan from the Statement on the
Environment associated with the US-Jordan Free Trade
Agreement, as a major bilateral priority (ref F).
Wastewater treatment is a major Strategic Objective of
USAID's Jordan Country Plan. The upcoming work by the 2005
Science Fellow is expected to be a major step forward in
assessing the full scope of the industrial wastewater
problem. Post requests a specialist in industrial
wastewater prevention, most likely from the EPA, to follow-
up on the initial assessment work being undertaken in summer

2006. This follow-up work might include creation and
implementation of a manifest system, advising on appropriate
company-level treatment processes, and other mechanisms to
prevent and mitigate industrial wastewater pollution.

Scientific Cooperation and Research - NSF
--------------


7. Post hosted an Embassy Science Fellow from the National
Science Foundation in March - April 2006. That Fellow's
work focused on promotion of innovation within Jordan.
Development of science and technology both within the
university system and in the private sector is a strong
priority of Jordan's top leadership. As Jordan moves to
expand its innovation and S&T capabilities, it will
encounter structural obstacles that will require the
knowledge of an experienced research manager. These might
include development of incentives for promoting university
research, expanding linkages with international funding
mechanisms, fine-tuning grant program management systems,
and other tasks. Post requests a Fellow from the National
Science Foundation who can address these and related issues
in close collaboration with professional colleagues in
Jordan's research and educational sectors.

Post's Commitment to Resources
--------------


8. Post is an enthusiastic and experienced supporter of the
Embassy Science Fellows program, and understands post's
commitments with respect to housing and other logistical
support (ref A). Post has hosted three Science Fellows over
the past three years, and two more are expected in summer

2006. Participants have had access to top-level Jordanian
officials and have made major contributions to environmental
solutions, water resource management and scientific
research. Jordanian institutions have been engaged and
appreciative of the contributions made by the Fellows.
Jordanian colleagues are almost universally highly educated
and fluent in English, so Arabic language skills are not a
requirement. Fellows should be self-motivated, flexible,
and collaborative to maximize the impact of their work. In
addition to challenging and rewarding professional work,
Fellows have also enjoyed the warm hospitality of their
Jordanian colleagues and the cultural and natural
attractions readily available in Jordan such as the Dead
Sea, Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and the Gulf of Aqaba.

HALE