Amman, Aug. 16 (Petra) — The Environment Protection Fund has
approved financing for a package of environmental and development
projects covering sustainable agriculture, nature reserve
rehabilitation, water harvesting, recycling and green spaces, as part
of efforts to expand investment in environmental sustainability and
community development.

The approvals were issued by the Fund’s Board of Directors during a
meeting at the Ministry of Environment chaired by Minister Ayman
Suleiman.

The new funding package targets projects designed to empower youth
and women in rural communities, strengthen food security, support
environmentally sustainable production, conserve ecosystems, expand
water harvesting and increase green spaces.

Several community organizations will receive support under the
program. Projects include the Petra Springs Environmental Society’s
“Petra Biscuit House,” a water harvesting and home garden initiative
by Basmat Al-Khair Women’s Cooperative Society, the “Map and Fabric”
project by Himmet Nisaa Al-Balqa Charity Society, and a Jordan
Environment Society initiative aimed at strengthening rural community
participation in environmental justice.

Funding was also approved for Ayadi Al-Badia Agricultural Cooperative
Society to develop a project for drying fruit and vegetables using
renewable energy.

The Fund approved financing for the rehabilitation and development of
several protected areas and natural sites, including Yarmouk Nature
Reserve, Mujib Biosphere Reserve, Azraq Wetland Reserve, Dana
Biosphere Reserve and Birkat Al-Ara’is.

The projects are designed to strengthen biodiversity protection,
improve the management of natural resources and enhance the long-term
sustainability of the sites.

The board also backed the rehabilitation and operation of the Mujib
agricultural project, with plans to develop it into a national model
for modern farming.

An applied agricultural academy specializing in non-traditional
farming will be established as part of the project to provide young
people with practical training in innovative, environmentally
friendly agricultural techniques and improve their access to
employment opportunities.

The funding package includes two new environmental parks, one at the
Pilgrims City, or Al-Waha, in Ma’an Governorate and another at Aqaba
University College, aimed at expanding green spaces and promoting
environmental awareness within local communities.

The Fund also approved a circular-economy project to manufacture
outdoor benches and waste containers from recycled plastic for use in
public parks and recreational areas.

The initiative is intended to increase the reuse of plastic waste,
support recycling-based industries and innovation, and promote more
efficient use of resources.

The Ministry of Environment said the projects are part of the Fund’s
approach to financing initiatives that combine measurable
environmental benefits with sustainable development, while supporting
local communities, creating opportunities for youth and women,
protecting natural resources and advancing Jordan’s green economy.

The ministry said applications for the Environment Protection Fund’s
2027 project cycle are expected to open during the fourth quarter of
2026. Application requirements, eligibility criteria and funding
mechanisms will be announced at a later date.

//Petra// RZ