The Ministry of Environment (MoEnv) wishes to develop a modern environmental licensing
system that ensures environmental protection and at the same time is consistent with
growing investment and robust economic growth. The European Union (EU) concluded an
18-month consulting project in 2007 with comprehensive recommendations to MoEnv,
including for an integrated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental
Licensing regulation. This report discusses the reasons that MoEnv’s Licensing Department
decided not to implement the EU’s recommendations and, in response, presents
recommendations for an alternative, step-by-step approach to developing a practical
environmental licensing system in Jordan.