Jordan Daily – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Ministry of Agriculture launched the “Green Cities Initiative (GCI): flagship cities for integrated green oases and food systems” on Monday, a project aimed at promoting urban forestry and greening in Jordan.
In a statement sent to Jordan Daily , the initiative, funded by Italy through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), was introduced at an inception workshop attended by selected stakeholders and government partners.
The global project, with Jordan as a partner, seeks to bolster urban forestry and greening to enhance the resilience, health, and wellbeing of urban communities in drylands. It aligns with the FAO’s Green Cities Initiative, identified as a priority by the FAO Director-General, and contributes to the strategic objective of a better environment.
The GCI initiative allows the FAO to coordinate efforts with partners, provide integrated technical responses, and pool financial contributions. It works in close collaboration with FAO decentralized offices and aligns with FAO Country Programming Frameworks and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
Project activities in Amman will include the rehabilitation of children’s parks, Green Roof Initiatives in collaboration with local communities and schools, and technical and capacity building for stakeholders to promote urban agriculture.
FAO Representative in Jordan, Eng. Nabil Assaf, said the project is a continuation of their partnership with AICS and will contribute to strengthening community resilience to climatic, health, food, and economic crises, and reducing the impact of urbanization on biodiversity and the surrounding natural environment.
Giorgio Bassotti, First Secretary and Head of Economic, Cultural and Scientific Section at the Italian Embassy, stated that climate change is a common challenge requiring a common response. He sees the initiative as an opportunity to further strengthen the ties between Italy and Jordan.
Eng. Khaled Al-Haisa, delegate of the Minister of Agriculture, appreciated the initiative, emphasizing its urgency in achieving sustainable development and addressing challenges associated with urban expansion and population growth.
The project’s activities will commence in May 2024 and continue until December 2024, training local communities and stakeholders on good practices in green roofs and parks, composting techniques, hydroponics activities, and urban forestry and agriculture in green space management.
