The Ministry of Environment on Monday requested an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of a project under way in Ajloun Governorate’s Bergesh Forest to establish a military academy. The ministry's request for an EIA follows objections by several environmental organizations beginning last week on the construction of the academy in Bergesh Forest, which is home to centennial evergreen oak trees and rare fauna and flora.

"The government will not grant a license to any facility that does not adhere to environmental laws and regulations and meet required provisions for protecting the environment," Minister of Environment Nasser Shraideh said yesterday in a statement released by the ministry.

He underscored that the ministry's approval for establishing a military academy in Bergesh Forest was conditional on carrying out an EIA of the project.

"An environmental impact assessment will be carried out during the near future for the project at the proposed site," the minister said.