Which country launched the Sahara Forest Project near the southern port city of Aqaba to turn desert land into farmland?

Introduction / Context:

Modern environmental projects that aim to combat desertification and climate change often appear in current affairs and geography based general knowledge. The Sahara Forest Project is an innovative initiative that combines solar energy, desalination, and greenhouse technology to make barren desert land productive. A pilot version of this project was launched near the port city of Aqaba, and identifying which country hosted it helps link environmental technology with regional geography.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The project name is Sahara Forest Project.
• The location mentioned is near the southern port city of Aqaba.
• The options include Jordan, Iran, Iraq, and Libya.
• Aqaba is a well known coastal city on the Red Sea.

Concept / Approach:

Aqaba is the main port city of Jordan on the Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea. When the Sahara Forest Project was discussed in international news, it was described as being implemented in Jordan near Aqaba to test large scale greening of desert lands. Iran and Iraq lie to the east of Jordan without a city named Aqaba, and Libya is in North Africa facing the Mediterranean Sea. Thus, the country that launched the Sahara Forest Project near Aqaba is Jordan.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

International environment and technology reports on the Sahara Forest Project state that demonstration facilities were set up in Jordan close to the city of Aqaba, combining seawater greenhouses with solar power. Maps of the Middle East show Aqaba at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba in southern Jordan. Iran and Iraq share coastlines with the Persian Gulf but not with this gulf, and Libya lies across the Mediterranean from Europe. This confirms that Jordan is the country that launched the project near Aqaba.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:

Because the project name includes the word Sahara, some learners might associate it directly with North African countries like Libya and answer incorrectly. Others may confuse Red Sea and Persian Gulf locations and think of Iran or Iraq. To avoid such mistakes, focus on the city name Aqaba, which clearly points to Jordan, and then recall the environmental project linked to that country.

Final Answer:

The Sahara Forest Project near the port city of Aqaba was launched by Jordan.