Za'atari: With support from the European Union (EU), Oxfam in Jordan formally started a £25 million Solid Waste Management (SWM) project to benefit the Syrian refugee camps of Za'atari and Azraq as well as the host towns nearby.
According to Jordan News Agency, the project aims to improve the living conditions of approximately 130,000 Jordanians and Syrians in refugee camps and surrounding areas, including Greater Mafraq and the municipalities of Rehab, Za'atari and Manshieh, Um Al Jimal, and Al Khalidiyah. The 40-month initiative, running from June 2025 to September 2028, is being carried out in collaboration with Oxfam GB.
Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, EU Ambassador to Jordan, emphasized the EU's ongoing commitment to supporting refugees and host communities. He stated that this new initiative builds on the EU's consistent involvement with the communities and camps in Za'atari and Azraq, aiming to enhance waste management services and promote access to green livelihood opportunities.
Dmitry Medlev, Oxfam in Jordan's Country Director, noted the persistent challenges faced by Syrian refugees, further complicated by climate change impacts on marginalized communities. He highlighted the program quality Oxfam has demonstrated in waste management over the past decade, which is recognized by this EU-funded effort.
At a ceremony in Za'atari Camp, Chatzisavas announced the project's ambitious goals. It includes diverting 3,800 tonnes of recyclable materials from landfills through sorting facilities in Za'atari, Azraq, Um Al Jimal, and Greater Mafraq. Additionally, 52,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste, including 36,000 tonnes from Za'atari Camp and 16,500 tonnes from Azraq Camp, will be managed. The project aims to maintain cleaner camps and communities, reduce environmental damage, and encourage resource recovery through sustainable practices and circular economy principles.
Waleed Arrar, Solid Waste Management Program Manager at Oxfam in Jordan, stated that the project demonstrates a shared vision with the EU to support Jordan's resilience and environmental sustainability.
A key component of the initiative is its emphasis on livelihoods, having created over 12,500 temporary green jobs for Jordanians and Syrian refugees in host towns. This includes 1,911 Cash-for-Work opportunities in host communities, 4,494 in Azraq, and 5,806 Incentive-Based Volunteers in Za'atari. Beneficiaries will receive approximately £9.9 million in direct payments, with a focus on hiring women and individuals with disabilities to foster diversity.
Participants will also receive training in recycling, waste management, and community engagement to develop useful skills.
Community involvement remains essential to the project's strategy. Oxfam plans to conduct 35 clean-up campaigns and 1,000 awareness-raising events in target regions, alongside three beach clean-up initiatives in the Aqaba Governorate. Furthermore, in collaboration with Jordan's Ministry of Local Administration, five specially designed technical training workshops will enhance municipalities' capabilities.