World Heritage Identification Number: 1742
World Heritage since: 2026
Category: Natural Heritage
WHE Type: Protected Areas & National Parks
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇯🇴 Jordan
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Arab States
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Aqaba Marine Reserve: A Unique Tropical Coral Reef System
The Aqaba Marine Reserve (AMR), situated in the Aqaba Governorate of Jordan, is a testament to the rich marine biodiversity found within the Red Sea. Established in 1997, this 2.8 square kilometer nature reserve has been instrumental in preserving and showcasing the unique marine ecosystems it harbors.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
The property, located at the northernmost tip of the Red Sea, comprises a mosaic of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mesophotic reefs that sustain diverse marine life and ecological processes. Recognized as the world’s northernmost tropical coral reef system, the property is notable for its thermally resilient corals, which have adapted over the last 10,000 years to marine heatwaves, high salinity, and elevated summer temperatures. The reserve safeguards important marine genetic resources and supports exceptional biodiversity, including more than 150 species of hard coral, over 500 species of fish, and 1,000 species of molluscs. Its coral endemism is globally significant, supporting approximately 61% of all Red Sea endemic hard coral species, while more than 80 fish species are endemic to the Red Sea or Gulf of Aqaba.Encyclopedia Record: Aqaba Marine Reserve
Aqaba Marine Reserve is a nature reserve located in the Aqaba Governorate, Jordan, established in 1997, covers an area of 2.8 square kilometers. This reserve is considered a habitat for important marine life, such as seagrass. It is known for its distinctive fish diversity and coral diversity. The marine park has numerous recorded waterbirds, especially gulls, terns, and skuas.Additional Site Details
Area: 701 hectares
Number of Components: 1
(x) — Contains most important habitats for biodiversity
Coordinates: 29.42972 , 34.97556
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© ASEZA/AMR. Used with permission.
