Jordan and the Arab region are not isolated in sharing legitimate concerns for how scarce resources –especially water – are going to meet the needs of a growing population. A growing concern, nonetheless, is not matched by a clear vision on how to preserve the available resources and prevent the situation from getting worse. At the same time, the green economy and circular economy have become popular concepts in development but have not yet fully made their way to Jordan and the rest of the region. When they do, they should not be just buzz words, but carry a meaning that is made of a long-term and inclusive strategy.
It is time for all of us, each of us, to turn to a way of living that is environmentally sustainable, opting for low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive alternatives and, regenerating instead of wasting, preserving instead of destroying.
This report sheds light on some of these ideas, inspiring UN agencies like UNRWA, together with engaged civil society, to play a pioneering role in promoting an effective environment culture, and governments with which they work can learn from, participate in and benefit from it.
This may lead the way and show how humanitarian and development actors fit and for most should behave in resource vulnerable countries: as the principle of ‘do not harm’ must extend to the environment.
The underlying research of this paper was carried out by Ciara Patterson. Francesca Albanese, ARDD’s senior advisor, supervised the research and contributed to the writing of the final paper
