The environmental public awareness program is the backbone of JREDS’ programs and part of the reason for its existence as an organization. JREDS works to raise the awareness of the general public regarding the importance of marine life with a goal to achieve a lasting positive change in their behavior towards the environment.

In coordination with the Environmental Commission of Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ), JREDS works as the focal point for marine environment awareness activities of ASEZ in close cooperation with the Aqaba Marine Park (AMP).
JREDS plays an important advocacy role by coordinating with all stakeholders in Aqaba, particularly concerning marine-related issues. JREDS aims to influence the decision makers in Aqaba by encouraging ASEZ and other governmental bodies to introduce deterrent penalties for polluters. Through JREDS’ project "Aqaba Watch", an army of volunteers actively monitor all ongoing environmental issues in Aqaba. JREDS considers this as the foundation of any needed intervention.

JREDS strongly believes that its public education and outreach programs are establishing a good foundation for success and that the community will support the enforcement of regulations and will be part of the process of maintaining a sustainable and healthy marine environment.

• Multiple Awareness Functions
  JREDS developed awareness packages for targeted sectors; industries, students, youth and local and international tourists. These informative packages are scientifically prepared in a participatory approach using real-life examples and include thematic educational publications to meet all levels of targeted sectors.
  Tremendous efforts are placed on our awareness activities, which are directed to intensify the general knowledge of our youth about the environment in general and the marine life in particular.
  
• “We Care for our Future” project
  Environmental protection was on top of the agenda when the Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF) the Middle East Office – Ramallah and JREDS joined their forces to conduct a pilot project that aims to support environmental education and awareness in Jordan.
  “We Care for our future” project aims specifically at increasing the environmental awareness and knowledge of environmental rights.
  
  All activities are carried out through our knowledge Center at the Aqaba Marine Park visitors’ center. The center was established in 2007 in cooperation with HBF to support all awareness functions in Aqaba.
  
• “Aqaba Watch” project
  Involving and empowering the community in marine conservation is the goal behind establishing this community-based “Aqaba Watch” network.
  Hundreds of volunteers were recruited to lead this initiative. The involved associates received special kind of training on marine conservation, Aqaba marine biodiversity, environmental protection, Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) environmental polices, the Aqaba Marine Park (AMP) rules and regulations and incidents reporting.
  A warning system was established in close cooperation with key officials within ASEZ and the AMP. The recruited volunteers are the eyes of JREDS observing any violations or incidents and would raise a red flag for JREDS to take prompt actions.
  
• School Environmental Clubs
  With a long term strategic objective to incorporate marine life within the school curricula and extracurricular activities, JREDS established school environmental clubs within Aqaba and around the Kingdom schools.
  The initiative is supported by Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF) the Middle East Office – Ramallah. Activities implementation is conducted with close coordination with Aqaba Marine Park (AMP).
  These clubs follow a participatory approach within the education process which proved that the community and the youth are great catalysts in spreading the desired awareness and intended message.
  
• The Knowledge Center at the AMP Visitors’ Center
  JREDS believes in the role of children and youth in protecting the marine environment. This center at the Aqaba Marine Park (AMP) was designed to include interactive educational tools and games to educate visitors on the importance of protecting our marine life. Visitors can also enjoy the thematic exhibitions on various marine and environment-related issues. Voluntary research initiatives have a fertile soil in that knowledge center.
  
  The establishment of the knowledge Center was funded by Heinrich Böll Foundation (HBF) the Middle East Office – Ramallah.
  
• The Seashell Museum at the AMP Visitors’ Center
  HRH Princess Wejdan Hashim generously donated her personal collection of rare seashells to JREDS. These beautiful seashells have been classified and displayed at the Aqaba Marine Park (AMP) Visitors’ Center for the public to enjoy. An additional awareness tool (a video display) is available to explain more about the seashells and their importance to our marine heritage.
  Saraya Aqaba has been leading a pioneering example in Aqaba of integrating corporate social responsibility into the way they do business every day. In addition, the environment is a core concern to Saraya, which believes in its importance for the people and investments as well. Out of this belief, Saraya Aqaba has supported JREDS to redesign the Seashell Museum to give the people visiting Aqaba a chance to appreciate such beauty.
  
• The Shell Museum at the Marine Science Station
  Some of the Seashell Museum collection was placed at the Marine Science Station as another educational tool to enhance visitors’ knowledge about seashells and to draw their attention to the importance of conserving such rare species.
  
• Awareness in the Old Town of Aqaba
  JREDS works with the Red Crescent Society to reduce the adverse impact of human activities on the marine environment by instilling a sense of guardianship among locals and through joint awareness workshops and activities.
  
• Eco-Tourism Awareness
  This initiative strives to educate Aqaba visitors about the nature of their recreational impact on the marine environment and to provide tips on environmentally-sound techniques. Awareness workshops, together with the use of specialized publication materials, are designed and targeted towards the tourism sector users such as employees and local and international tourists. These materials are available in different languages focusing on the overall objective of the project.