Experts: Jordan Advancing On Path To Inclusive Green Economy

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, July 21 (Petra) – Environmental and green economy experts stressed on Monday that the dedicated session on the green growth sector, held as part of the second phase of the Economic Modernization Vision workshops at the Royal Hashemite Court, offers a crucial platform for assessing Jordan's progress in establishing a climate-responsive green economy.
They emphasized the importance of transitioning toward a sustainable development model that strengthens public-private partnerships and generates green job opportunities across key sectors.
Former Minister of Environment Khaled Irani said that green growth and the green economy are now national imperatives rather than optional paths. "The environment is no longer detached from the economy it has become one of its primary drivers," he noted.
He explained that waste management has evolved beyond reducing landfill use to becoming a source of raw materials for new industries, including composting organic waste into fertilizers and energy, and recycling plastic and glass into industrial inputs.
Irani highlighted Jordan's robust infrastructure in renewable energy, with renewables now accounting for approximately 27% of the country's electricity generation. He added that Jordan has been a regional leader in biodiversity management and eco-tourism, noting that nature reserves have become economic hubs supporting local communities true components of the green economy.
Shada El-Sharif, Founder and CEO of SustainMENA, said Jordan has launched its National Green Growth Plan, affirming that "the green economy is not just about environmental protection; it is a comprehensive framework encompassing economic growth, resource efficiency, biodiversity, climate action, and social equity."
El-Sharif pointed out that Jordan currently ranks first in the broader Middle East in the Climate Change Performance Index, and has advanced four spots in the global Environmental Performance Index over the past two years clear indicators of the country's commitment to transformative environmental change.
She emphasized the cross-sectoral nature of green growth, which intersects with transportation, water, agriculture, and tourism, and called for increased youth engagement to unlock new career paths in engineering, technology, and smart agriculture.
Ammar Abu Durais, Director General of Green Plans Environmental Consultancy, identified renewable energy, water treatment, solid waste management, smart agriculture, and scientific research as key enablers of green growth. He noted that Jordan is making tangible progress in these areas, supported by a strong institutional and legislative framework.
Abu Durais said smart agriculture methods such as hydroponics and aquaponics are increasingly used in rural areas, benefiting small-scale farmers, particularly women, and creating sustainable opportunities in the face of climate and economic challenges.
He added that Jordan's traditional circular economy practices like household waste reuse and agricultural byproduct recycling could be institutionalized into a modern, tech-enabled economic model backed by updated legislation.
The green growth sector rests on a solid institutional foundation, an advanced private sector, qualified human capital, and the active presence of environmental organizations and national funding bodies for green initiatives.
Its objectives include boosting climate resilience, reducing carbon emissions across sectors, transitioning to a sustainable energy system, developing low-carbon public transport, and transforming waste into a productive economic sector.
Experts agreed that the current comprehensive review of the vision is a form of self-assessment to identify bottlenecks and re-energize momentum.
They concluded that Jordan is on the right track toward a just and inclusive green economy, supported by strong political, legislative, and community will. They stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure lasting progress.

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