Jordan's Green Economy, Waste Management Progress In 2024

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Jordan, Feb. 9 (Petra) -- Jordan made significant strides in advancing its green Economy and waste management infrastructure in 2024. The number of waste disposal sites and transfer stations connected to the National Monitoring Information System for Waste increased to 10, while the total number of waste management legislations reached 16 in the same period.
According to the 2024 Annual Report on the Executive Program of the Economic Modernization Vision 2023-2025, within the green economy sector, a total of 7,000 tons of waste were segregated for recycling across three pilot projects. The Al-Sha'air station demonstrated a daily capacity to process 3,500 tons of waste. However, waste recycling and reuse rates in the informal sector ranged between 10-12%, while the formal sector achieved less than 1%.
The report further highlighted the government's work in the waste recycling field, including a study on construction and demolition waste in Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid. Additionally, the government signed memorandums of understanding with two environmental organizations to promote waste segregation at source, distribute sorting containers, and conduct awareness workshops in northern governorates.
In line with the implementation of the Waste Management Framework Law No. 16 of 2020, the government developed a guide for businesses on creating waste management plans. It also initiated environmental awareness campaigns, distributing 500 metal containers (1,100 liters) and 3,000 hanging metal bins nationwide, alongside purchasing 50,000 biodegradable waste bags for distribution during cleaning campaigns.
Under the National Monitoring Information System for Waste project, the government expanded the number of connected waste disposal sites and transfer stations from 5 to 10. Air quality monitoring was conducted at the Ekaider and Al-Ghabawi landfill sites and through a mobile lab, and emissions from the landfill cells at Al-Ghabawi were measured using portable devices (CH42).
The government also completed the design and installation of 351 photovoltaic systems, with 155 systems installed across various locations, including infrastructure such as concrete foundations, metal structures, photovoltaic panels, inverters, and all necessary electrical connections.
Moreover, Jordan made progress in fostering green initiatives within the industrial sector. The establishment of the first national information center for electric vehicle battery waste at the German-Jordanian University marked a milestone, alongside the launch of Jordan's first industrial symbiosis program. This program, developed in partnership with the Jordan Chamber of Industry, enables industrial facilities to repurpose waste products from one factory as raw materials for another.
In 2024, the Green Finance (GREEFIN Forum), organized by the Association of Banks in Jordan, took place with significant participation from key stakeholders. The conference included four green finance training workshops for 120 banking professionals, focusing on topics such as climate risks, green loans for the industrial sector, and green marketing strategies.
Additionally, 10 innovative green business ideas were selected from industrial entities, independent experts, and academic institutions as part of a nationwide call for green entrepreneurial proposals. These ideas will now be developed into viable, fundable projects.
Despite these achievements, the report pointed out challenges, particularly with the tendering process, which has often caused delays. Multiple re-bidding is sometimes required to meet the necessary specifications, affecting the overall project timeline.
In the area of green urban development, the report emphasized the government's work to enhance climate change adaptation, particularly in improving water efficiency in agriculture. The government approved and implemented plans for the construction of rainwater harvesting wells and water storage ponds for reclaimed wastewater in Madaba, Muta, and Tafileh.
Tenders were issued for the construction of 115 rainwater harvesting units in the Bseira region, with an additional 79 units in the Shoubak and Tafileh regions. All necessary plans and tender specifications were completed.
Furthermore, the government carried out comprehensive assessments of climate risks and water management strategies for the Ma'an Governorate, with similar reports developed for the Karak, Madaba, and Tafileh regions. The "Innovation" virtual application project was also launched to support climate change adaptation through smart guidance tools and informational messages.
However, delays in obtaining donor approvals for environmental and social management plans have slowed the progress of key projects, including the construction of rainwater harvesting units.

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