His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday visited Juthoor, the Kingdom’s largest afforestation project, launched upon Royal directives in 2012 in Karak Governorate to increase green spaces in Jordan.

During the visit, which marked Arbour Day, King Abdullah commended progress on the project, stressing the need for it to be financially and administratively sustainable.

Highlighting environmental conservation as a public duty, His Majesty called for expanding forestation and planting native vegetation suitable for the country’s climate.

The King said expanding green spaces has a positive impact on the environment and public health, and will bolster domestic tourism.

His Majesty was briefed by Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, who heads a committee to follow up on the implementation of Royal initiatives, on the project’s various stages, which covers 22,500 dunums in the first two stages, and an additional 3,000 at a later stage.

The Juthoor project provides permanent and temporary job opportunities for the local community, and promotes active citizenship. Over 22,000 volunteers from schools, universities, and All of Jordan Youth Commission have participated in planting trees for the project.

Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat, Minister of Environment Muawieh Radaideh, Karak Governor Mohammad Al Fayez, and King Abdullah II Fund for Development Director Saeb Al Hasan accompanied His Majesty on the visit.