UNDP, Global Affairs Canada transform waste management into opportunities

AMMAN – Canadian Ambassador to Jordan Tarik Khan joined UNDP and government partners on a field visit to the “Mitigating Climate Change through Solid Waste Management in Southern Jordan” project, highlighting efforts to mitigate climate change through solid waste management and green economy initiatives. 

This initiative, which is funded by Global Affairs Canada, is transforming how waste is managed in Jordan while also creating green jobs and new business opportunities for communities, according to a statement for The Jordan Times. 

Since its inception in 2022, the project has supported 86,970 people, including residents and tourists. Additionally, through it a state-of-the-art 15 tonnes/day Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) spanning 2,000 square metres was established and rehabilitated the Shoubaktransfer station, improving waste efficiency for four municipalities in Southern Jordan. 

It is estimated that the project has facilitated 130 job opportunities, training 50 women and 50 youth in waste management, entrepreneurship, and circular economy skills, culminating in four new women-led green businesses in the area. 

In welcoming the Canadian ambassador to the field visit, Resident Representative of UNDP Jordan Randa Aboul-Hosn highlighted that as a key partner, Global Affairs Canada is helping UNDP Jordan in strengthening the resilience of critical regions by unlocking Jordan’s potential to stimulate private sector-led innovation and advancing nature-based solutions, which remain at the heart of climate action for a sustainable future, the statement said. 

During the visit, the ambassador and UNDP representatives toured the Shoubak MRF and Transfer Station, which demonstrates advanced waste recovery and recycling efforts. 

The visit also included the Al Anbat Women Association, showcasing hydroponic farming as a sustainable livelihood and the Al-JawharaCBO, featuring women-led circular economy initiatives such as wool waste recycling. 

For his part, Khan stressed that Canada is proud to support UNDP and the government by boosting waste management systems and creating economic opportunities in Maan Governorate. 

He added: “We support innovative solutions for the environmental and economic challenges in Jordan.” 

Through partnerships with Global Affairs Canada and local communities, UNDP continues to drive effective, inclusive, and accountablegovernance, which is pivotal for addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation and ensuring an equitable energy transition across key sectors, said the statement.

Strategic initiatives in solid waste management create ecosystems conducive to private sector investment, innovation, job creation, and the development of resilient local supply chains, according to the statement.