AMMAN, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Jordan will host the Eco-Cities of the Mediterranean Forum 2008 scheduled to open on Oct. 18 with aims to tackle urban environmental issues and promote environment-friendly practices across the Mediterranean region, local daily The Jordan Times reported Wednesday.

    "Our region's energy, water, air and environment are all facing significant and complicated challenges that are affecting the quality of our lives today and will continue to affect the quality of future generations if they are not addressed," Minister of Environment Khalid Irani was quoted as saying.

    According to the official, more than 250 experts and officials from all over the world will attend the forum held on the shores of the Dead Sea, who are expected to suggest policies, strategies and programs bringing together the relevant authorities in the public and private sectors.

    The forum is expected to act as a regional environmental institution and to be held every two years in capitals across the region to follow up on joint achievements in the field, said Irani.