Amman, July 9 (Petra) – The Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday
launched the Green Jobs Project to plant 300,000 forest seedlings
over four years and create 4,300 direct job opportunities.

Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat, in the presence of
representatives of the German Development Bank (KfW) and the company
implementing the project, said 30 percent of the jobs will be
allocated to women, and 6 percent to persons with disabilities. He
said the project aims to support sustainable development and create
economic and social impact in local communities.

The first phase will begin with afforestation work in Irbid’s Koura
and Bani Kinanah districts, specifically in Rahmeh and Yarmouk, as
well as the Deir Alla and Iqaba nurseries, before expanding to other
locations in later stages.

Khraisat said afforestation projects are a key pillar of water
security, helping protect soil, reduce erosion, and improve land
capacity to retain rainwater.

He added that expanding forest areas is an important tool for
addressing climate change by increasing carbon absorption, improving
biodiversity, reducing desertification, and strengthening ecosystem
resilience.

The minister said the project goes beyond tree planting by empowering
local communities, especially in rural areas, through decent
employment opportunities, specialized vocational training, and career
paths that support long-term job sustainability and improve national
expertise in forest management and afforestation.

He said the ministry is working with donors and implementing partners
to develop integrated plans to ensure the sustainability of
afforested sites through maintenance, monitoring, protection
programs, and stronger local community participation.

Khraisat reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing all
necessary support for the project, mobilizing the resources outlined
in the project agreement, and addressing any obstacles to
implementation to achieve its environmental, water security, climate
adaptation, and rural development goals.

//Petra// AO