Amman: Environmental and green economy experts stressed on Monday that the dedicated session on the green growth sector, held as part of the second phase of the Economic Modernization Vision workshops at the Royal Hashemite Court, offers a crucial platform for assessing Jordan's progress in establishing a climate-responsive green economy.
According to Jordan News Agency, experts emphasized the importance of transitioning toward a sustainable development model that strengthens public-private partnerships and generates green job opportunities across key sectors. Former Minister of Environment Khaled Irani stated that green growth and the green economy are now national imperatives rather than optional paths. He explained that waste management has evolved beyond reducing landfill use to becoming a source of raw materials for new industries, including composting organic waste into fertilizers and energy, and recycling plastic and glass into industrial inputs.
Irani highlighted Jordan's robust infrastructure in renewable energy, noting that renewables now account for approximately 27% of the country's electricity generation. He added that Jordan has been a regional leader in biodiversity management and eco-tourism, where nature reserves have become economic hubs supporting local communities as true components of the green economy.
Shada El-Sharif, Founder and CEO of SustainMENA, affirmed that Jordan has launched its National Green Growth Plan, stating that "the green economy is not just about environmental protection; it is a comprehensive framework encompassing economic growth, resource efficiency, biodiversity, climate action, and social equity." El-Sharif pointed out that Jordan currently ranks first in the broader Middle East in the Climate Change Performance Index, and has moved up four spots in the global Environmental Performance Index over the past two years, indicating the country's commitment to transformative environmental change.
Ammar Abu Durais, Director General of Green Plans Environmental Consultancy, identified renewable energy, water treatment, solid waste management, smart agriculture, and scientific research as key enablers of green growth. He noted that Jordan is making tangible progress in these areas, underpinned by a strong institutional and legislative framework. Abu Durais mentioned that smart agriculture methods such as hydroponics and aquaponics are increasingly used in rural areas, benefiting small-scale farmers, particularly women, and creating sustainable opportunities amidst climate and economic challenges.
He added that Jordan's traditional circular economy practices, like household waste reuse and agricultural byproduct recycling, could be institutionalized into a modern, tech-enabled economic model backed by updated legislation. The green growth sector rests on a solid institutional foundation, an advanced private sector, qualified human capital, and the active presence of environmental organizations and national funding bodies for green initiatives.
The objectives of the green growth sector include boosting climate resilience, reducing carbon emissions across sectors, transitioning to a sustainable energy system, developing low-carbon public transport, and transforming waste into a productive economic sector. Experts agreed that the current comprehensive review of the vision serves as a self-assessment to identify bottlenecks and re-energize momentum.
They concluded that Jordan is on the right track toward a just and inclusive green economy, supported by strong political, legislative, and community will, stressing the importance of enhanced collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure lasting progress.