The United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), in collaboration with the Greater Amman Municipality and the Ministries of Water and Irrigation and Environment, launched the project “Smart Urban Water Management: Enhancing Adaptive Capacity and Urban Resilience through Green Infrastructure” on Monday.
Spanning two and a half years, the Dutch-funded project addresses the escalating challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanization in the capital. Its primary goal is to bolster Amman’s adaptive capacities against the rising risks of flash floods caused by urbanization and inadequate rainwater drainage systems.
The project aims to introduce innovative and sustainable solutions for water management, including rainwater harvesting, to help alleviate water scarcity in Jordan, which is among the world’s most water-scarce countries.
During the launch, Greater Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh emphasized the project’s significance in enhancing the city’s resilience to water-related challenges, includi
ng flash floods and water insecurity.
He underscored the importance of developing and implementing smart water management systems through green urban infrastructure, focusing on enhancing adaptive capabilities and promoting sustainable water practices.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s Economic Modernization Vision and its goals for sustainable water management, as well as the Greater Amman Municipality’s strategic plan for 2022-2026, which prioritizes infrastructure improvements to tackle climate change and minimize disaster risks.
The project also corresponds with the “Amman Resilience 2017” plan and the city’s first climate action plan, which was launched in 2019 and recently updated. It represents a significant step towards creating a sustainable, prosperous city committed to fulfilling the objectives of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the related Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 (“Clean Water and Sanitation”), Goal 11 (“Sustainable Cities and Communitie
s”), Goal 13 (“Climate Action”), and Goal 17 (“Partnerships for the Goals”).
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan, Harry Verweij, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in tackling climate change challenges. He remarked that climate change is a critical global issue affecting both Jordan and the broader world and can only be effectively addressed through collaborative efforts to enhance best practices.
Verweij added that the project offers an opportunity to leverage Dutch expertise in water resource management and flood mitigation, affirming that the Netherlands will continue to partner with Jordan to strengthen its capacity to combat climate change.
UN-Habitat Coordinator in Jordan, Dima Abu Diab, reiterated that the project is a response to climate challenges and a genuine attempt to adapt through flexible and sustainable solutions.
She emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering collaboration among partners to develop smart and sustainable rainwater management solut
ions that mitigate flood risks in Amman, especially in vulnerable areas.
The project builds on the findings of a prior collaboration between UN-Habitat and the Greater Amman Municipality, funded by the Japanese government, which identified 120 flood-prone sites in need of urgent intervention. It also seeks to replicate successful models, such as the “Green Flower Triangle” project, to promote environmental sustainability throughout the city.
Ultimately, the project presents a crucial opportunity to ensure the sustainability of Amman’s water resources while reducing environmental risks for residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as Syrian refugees and at-risk communities.
Source: Jordan News Agency
