Tafila:The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Tafila Awqaf Directorate / Al-Hasa District Awqaf Office, has organized an awareness course focused on rainwater harvesting from building rooftops. The course involved imams, muezzins, and female preachers from the district's awqaf and is part of the second phase of a program aimed at promoting rainwater harvesting in the governorates of Karak, Tafila, and Maan.
According to Jordan News Agency, this initiative is part of the project "Building Resilience to Climate Change in Jordan by Improving Water Use Efficiency in the Agricultural Sector." The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and is being implemented by FAO in collaboration with various national entities.
The organizers of the course emphasized the program's goal to enhance awareness of rainwater harvesting's importance and efficient use, encourage water consumption rationalization, and promote practices that help adapt to climate change effects. They highlighted the program's focus on water challenges in Jordan and techniques for rainwater harvesting and water use efficiency, including the installation of water-saving devices in homes and public buildings.
The second phase targets 75 public schools, with 25 schools in each governorate of Karak, Tafila, and Maan. Additionally, it aims to reach 150 buildings, including mosques and health centers, with 50 buildings in each governorate.
Course participants underlined that the program is structured around five key areas addressing water scarcity and its conservation, principles of climate change adaptation, rooftop rainwater harvesting, and efficient water use. They noted that the program is coordinated with relevant entities in the targeted regions and involves Vale Consulting and Administrative Services Company. This national effort aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision to boost water security and enhance local communities' capacity to adapt to climate change repercussions.