Jordan and UN-Habitat Initiate Groundbreaking Water Management Project in Amman

Amman: The United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat), in partnership with the Greater Amman Municipality and the Ministries of Water and Irrigation and Environment, officially launched the "Smart Urban Water Management: Enhancing Adaptive Capacity and Urban Resilience through Green Infrastructure" initiative on Monday. This Dutch-funded project, set to run for two and a half years, aims to tackle the increasing challenges of climate change and rapid urbanization in Amman by enhancing the city's resilience against flash floods and improving water security. According to Jordan News Agency, the project is designed to introduce innovative water management solutions such as rainwater harvesting, which are crucial for addressing the severe water scarcity in Jordan, one of the world's most water-stressed nations. During the project's inauguration, Yousef Shawarbeh, the Mayor of Greater Amman, highlighted its significance in bolstering the city's defenses against water-related challenges, including the r isks of flash floods and ongoing water shortages. The mayor emphasized that implementing smart water management systems through the development of green urban infrastructure is key to enhancing the city's adaptive capabilities. He pointed out that the initiative is in line with Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision and the strategic goals of the Greater Amman Municipality for 2022-2026, which focus on infrastructure enhancements to combat climate impacts and reduce disaster risks. The initiative also aligns with Amman's "Resilience 2017" plan and the city's climate action plan, initiated in 2019 and recently updated, marking a significant step towards fulfilling the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to clean water, sustainable cities, climate action, and partnerships. Harry Verweij, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan, underscored the critical role of international cooperation in addressing climate change. He stated that the project not only addresses immediate challenges but also leverages Dutch expertise in water management and flood mitigation to support Jordan's long-term climate resilience efforts. Dima Abu Diab, UN-Habitat Coordinator in Jordan, described the project as a proactive response to climate challenges, aiming to foster partnership-driven solutions for effective rainwater management and flood risk mitigation in Amman, particularly in areas most vulnerable to flooding. The project builds on previous collaborations, such as a Japanese-funded initiative with UN-Habitat and the Greater Amman Municipality, which identified 120 flood-prone sites in urgent need of intervention. It also aims to replicate successful models like the "Green Flower Triangle" project to promote environmental sustainability across the city, ensuring the long-term viability of water resources and reducing environmental risks for all residents, especially vulnerable groups like Syrian refugees.