MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT DISCUSSES ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES WITH

UNCLAS AMMAN 000279

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ELA, NEA/RA, AND OES
STATE PASS TO USAID
EPA FOR INTERNATIONAL
USDA FOR FOREST SERVICE/INTERNATIONAL
INTERIOR FOR INTERNATIONAL/WASHBURNE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV ETRD EAID PGOV JO
SUBJECT: MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT DISCUSSES ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES WITH
MRS. BODMAN

REF: A) AMMAN 233
B) 07 AMMAN 3565

(U) SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION


1. (SBU) Summary: In a January 17 meeting with environmental
attorney Diane Bodman (wife of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman),
Minister of Environment Khaled Irani provided a historical
perspective on Jordan's environmental issues, the strong
relationship of the government with environmental NGOs, the
challenges of institution building at the young Ministry of
Environment (MOE),and future MOE efforts to privatize management of
medical, hazardous and domestic waste. Mrs. Bodman and Irani
exchanged notes on inspections, licensing, and self-audit
experiences from the U.S. Irani shared his views on the water
crisis that faces Jordan, and thanked the USG for its continued and
significant support to the MOE. End summary.


2. (SBU) In a January 17 meeting with Diane Bodman, wife of Energy
Secretary Samuel Bodman(a former law professor and author of legal

SIPDIS
articles on environmental issues),Minister of Environment Khaled
Irani praised the many facets of USG support for environmental
issues over the years. In particular, he highlighted the
USAID-supported "Wild Jordan" program where a scenic restaurant and
meeting venue provide a lovely backdrop, while promoting
conservation and sustainable development by helping local
communities develop and sell their products.


3. (U) Irani, previously the Director General of the Royal Society
for Conservation of Nature (RSCN),an environmental NGO with a long
history of cooperation with the USG, also noted the strong tradition
in Jordan for environmental NGO's such as RSCN to have government
responsibilities, particularly in "green" issues such as
bio-diversity and protected areas. NOTE: The MOE continues to have
the lead on "brown" issues such as pollution prevention, waste
materials management, licensing, and compliance. END NOTE. RSCN
currently has the mandate for managing Jordan's protected areas and
supporting eco-tourism.

Environmental Challenges, Inspections, and Audits
-------------- --------------


4. (U) A critical challenge facing the MOE is developing and
institutionalizing the work of the young organization. Irani noted
the recent focus on strengthening legislation, developing
appropriate organizational structures, setting up an inspection
division, and supporting enforcement and compliance with the help of
the Environmental Rangers (ref B).


5. (SBU) Irani welcomed Mrs. Bodman's suggestions that it would be
advantageous for new industries to implement licensing procedures
and undertake inspections upon start-up rather than bear significant
costs to later retrofit their plants to satisfy regulations. As an
example of such a challenge, Irani reported that the Zarka
industrial area, classified as an environmental hot-spot, has seen
50 years of rampant industrial activity with no licensing; bringing
those industries into compliance now will be prohibitively costly.
Mrs. Bodman further highlighted that in the U.S., companies often
undertake self-reporting based on internal audits. Rather than
using the "stick" of criminal penalties, USG agencies often work
with the company to develop a remediation plan. Irani responded
that while environmental audits are currently not included in
Jordan's environmental laws, the MOE gives Jordanian organizations
six months for remedial action before imposing fines. NOTE: USAID
has been promoting this approach through its work with Environmental
Management Systems in key Jordanian industries. An environment
award program was initiated in 2007 to recognize progressive firms.
END NOTE.

Need for National Water Committee
--------------


6. (SBU) Noting that Jordan is the fourth driest country in the
world, Irani suggested an annual debate on water use to allocate
water resources - similar to the process for the national budget.
In his view, such an open discussion would help reduce water use in
agriculture, while promoting water efficiency. He also suggested a
National Committee for Water be established, similar to the recently
established National Committee for Energy.

Privatization
--------------




7. (SBU) Irani also reviewed for Mrs. Bodman efforts to privatize
the collection and disposal of waste materials to limit pollution
and increase conservation. He noted discussions with the Mayor of
Amman on privatization of domestic waste management, and said that
many private-sector organizations are interested in managing this
process where at least 60% of the organic waste can be converted
into methane, fertilizer or electric energy, while reusing glass,
cans, and plastics. Irani estimated that landfill usage could be
reduced by 95%, and commented that the proposal was under review by
the cabinet and the Executive Privatization Commission. He added
that the MOE is already in the process of privatizing the collection
and disposal of medical and hazardous waste. NOTE: USAID had
previously supported a medical waste facility at the Jordan
University of Science and Technology which is run as a private
enterprise. END NOTE.


8. (U) Secretary Bodman's party cleared this message.

Visit Amman's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/amman

RUBINSTEIN