UN-Habitat and Permaculture Research Institute launch a pilot Permaculture project

Amman – UN-Habitat Jordan signed an agreement of cooperation with the Permaculture Research Institute for the "Increasing the resilience of both displaced persons and host communities to climate change-related water challenges in Jordan" project that is funded by the Adaptation Fund which will be hosted within the premises of Jerash University.

In this context, Dr Mohammad Al-Tarawneh, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, underscored the project's importance in its focus on students and the local community. The enhancement and advancement of sustainable agriculture perfectly resonate with the university's educational objectives, which encompass diverse agricultural study tracks and farming techniques within master's degree programs. Additionally, the university is exploring incorporating permaculture as a dedicated course or practical training opportunity for students pursuing agricultural studies.

Ms. Deema Abu Thiab, National Programme Coordinator of UN-Habitat Jordan, highlighted the program's focus on two main projects in the Jerash Governorate. These projects involve developing a permaculture demonstration site in collaboration with Jerash University and the Permaculture Research Institute and rehabilitating and expanding the Al-Mearad Wastewater Treatment Plant in Jerash. The director emphasized the vital role of the university in achieving project goals by engaging students and the local community in promoting and developing the concept of sustainable agriculture.

The project's core initiatives in Jordan will primarily be located in Irbid and Mafraq. These endeavors encompass implementing rooftop rainwater harvesting systems across residential structures and educational institutions like schools and mosques. Furthermore, the plan involves integrating graywater systems within schools and mosques, enhancing wastewater treatment facilities, introducing innovative and effective irrigation methods for treated water, and establishing a permaculture demonstration site.

Mr. Hussein Muhsen, Regional Project Coordinator, underscored the project's significance, considering it a crucial first step in promoting and implementing Permaculture in Jordan in Jordan and Lebanon on a larger scale. He emphasized the project's potential to provide valuable lessons for future development and expansion of this agricultural approach.

On the other hand, National Project Coordinator Mr. Jawad Dukhgan highlighted the project's educational importance, noting that sustainability is a central objective. The project aims to involve not only students but also the local community. He affirmed the role of the Permaculture Research Institute (PRI) in collaboration with Jerash University and the UN-Habitat Jordan's office readiness to support the project implementation.

Mr. Sam Davies, representative of the Permaculture Research Institute (PRI), expressed the institute's team's readiness to execute the project in collaboration with Jerash University. He highlighted the availability of accumulated knowledge and the institute's preparedness to offer workshops, training courses, and educational sessions for the local community, students, and stakeholders.