18 water management pilots by Jordanian entrepreneurs in Jerash, Mafraq

The Jordanian start-ups that participated in “Scaling up Water Innovation for Climate Security” project installed 18 water management pilots in northern governorates of Mafraq and Jerash to consolidate sustainable development goals and water conservation. The Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA)-funded project is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in cooperation with the Royal Scientific Society (RSS). The project is part of “The Climate Facility to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals: Climate Action for Human Security in the Arab Region” regional project. The project aims to produce replicable and expandable environmental models for long-term sustainable development. To realise the Sustainable Development Goal SDG 9, “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure,” RSS and UNDP seek to build resilient infrastructure, stimulate inclusive sustainable local manufacturing enabling environment and encourage innovation for local hosting communities in consultation with the hosting communities and refugees. The contribution to food security and promoting sustainable agriculture is one of the priorities of the project through enhancing ways to preserve agriculture and improve crops. The project contributes to achieving gender equality and women empowerment by targeting and empowering women and youth associations in the targeted host communities as change agents carrying out activities under the project. It supports climate change adaptation measures by leveraging water efficiency and smart agriculture technologies contributing to the achievement of sustainable water management. Climate security may be achieved indirectly by supporting opportunities for youth, as one of the change agents, so as to contribute to addressing the scarcity of water resources that would cause additional tensions between local communities and between refugees and host communities, said the project team. Small-scale innovative water solution technologies were piloted in Mafraq and Jerash by small-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs in water innovation, under the supervision of the project team. These SMEs were empowered to contribute to addressing water and climate change challenges in their communities, added the team. The project will create job opportunities for Jordanian host communities and Syrian refugees in Mafraq and Jerash. Founded in 1970 as a national organization to actively advise and support the development of Jordan with sound technical and policy advice, and consultations, the RSS undertakes specialized and accredited testing, research work with local industries and universities, consultations for the private and public sectors, and works in partnership with regional and international organisations. The RSS strives to support entrepreneurship and develop awareness and training programmes to engage national institutions and local communities in addressing national challenges, particularly water and agriculture. UNDP is the UN global development network advocating change. It assists countries to acquire knowledge, experience and resources to support people build a better life. Through its activities, UNDP focuses on sustainable development, democratic governance and peace-building, building resilience to climate and disasters, women empowerment, knowledge societies, energy, the environment and youth.

Source: Jordan News Agency