BAU and Germany’s BORDA Forge Partnership to Boost Jordan’s Environmental Infrastructure

BAU: Al-Balqa Applied University (BAU) has signed a cooperation agreement with the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) from Germany to enhance Jordan's environmental infrastructure, focusing on sustainable sanitation solutions. According to Jordan News Agency, the partnership aims to address challenges in Jordan's water and sanitation sectors by developing innovative solutions to water scarcity and pollution. The agreement involves training and capacity-building efforts to support sustainable development goals. Laura Singh, BORDA's Regional Director for West and Central Asia, emphasized that the collaboration would also involve the transfer of knowledge and skills to Jordanian professionals, particularly in sustainable sanitation system management. The initiative will be managed through BAU's International Center for Water, Environment, and Energy Research, which will coordinate closely with BORDA. The partnership includes practical training and site visits, notably to the decentral ized wastewater treatment facility in Fuheis, managed by the center. This hands-on approach aims to enhance the expertise of local specialists in decentralized sanitation systems. Hiba Al-Kharabsheh, Director of BAU's international center, stated that the project prioritizes strengthening decentralized sanitation solutions in Jordan, reflecting shared values like transparency and mutual benefit. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and forms part of BORDA's regional initiative to enhance local sanitation infrastructure across West and Central Asia. Singh detailed the development plans under the agreement, which include constructing two new decentralized wastewater treatment facilities and upgrading the existing Fuheis plant. The project will also enhance three additional sanitation sites and provide specialized training for local operators to ensure the sustainability of these systems. Moreover, community outreach programs will be implemented to incre ase public awareness and engagement with decentralized sanitation solutions.