ENG - UN CC:Learn

UNDP works towards achieving environmental sustainability in Jordan, through supporting
projects that aim to preserve Jordan's biodiversity; encourage the implementation
of renewable energy and energy efficiency principles; improve environmental
management and build local capacity to tackle priority issues; and establish nature
reserves. UNDP’s environmental projects also work indirectly through mobilizing
women and reducing poverty, and therefore contributing to the achievement of the
MDGs for Jordan. At the same time UNDP also incorporates elements of environmental
sustainability in its projects, which aim to reduce poverty and promote the use of information
and communication technologies.
Christine McNab, Resident Representative
BIODIVERSITY LAND ENERGY FSSD*
PORTFOLIO
After the successful completion of Agenda 21 of Jordan in 2002 and the establishment of the Sustainable Development High Level
Committee, a number of capacity building and environmental mainstreaming initiatives have been initiated in Jordan to address critical
capacity limitations and constraints. UNDP is currently supporting the institutional strengthening of the newly created Ministry of
Environment, assessing national capacity to meet obligations under international environmental agreements as well as building
Jordan’s capacity to comply with the communications obligations under the UNFCCC through technology transfer and defining baseline
parameters.
Jordan imports 95% of its energy needs, while renewable energy resources such as biogas and landfill gas are left untapped. UNDP in
partnership with and funding from the Danish Government, UNDP-GEF and the public and private sectors in Jordan has finalized the
construction and operation of the biogas plant and landfill and is currently engaged in initiating the second phase for the expansion of
the project with funding from the private sector. The project is highlighted in the “Spotlight”. UNDP is also seeking to assist the
Government and national authorities prepare a comprehensive National Strategy for Renewable Energy.
95% of Jordan is dry and desertification and land degradation are real threats to these areas. With a funding from its Drylands
Development Center (DDC) and the Government of Jordan, UNDP has assisted the country prepare its National Strategy to Compact
Desertification aiming to eradicating poverty, improving the livelihood of affected communities, and achieving sustainable development..
The project has also produced a resource mobilization strategy to address priority needs in combating desertification.
UNDP has assisted the Government of Jordan in the development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and is currently
helping national institutions undertake assessment of capacity building needs and priorities. Addressing these priorities, UNDP-GEF
has continued its support to the Government and environmental NGOs in establishing Jordan’s system of Protected Areas. After the successful
Dana wildlife and Azraq Oasis reserves projects, UNDP-GEF has launched the Dibeen Forest project as being one of the best
remaining examples of natural pine-oak forests in the region. Jordan is also part of two important regional projects funded by UNDP-
GEF: the sustainable use and conservation of agrobiodiversity and the establishing of a regional conservation and monitoring program
of globally significant bird species in the east Palearctic and west Arabian flyway.
CONTACTS
Ms. Helena Naber – helena.naber@undp.org
Tel.: 962 6 5668171 Ext. 212
www.undp-jordan.org
PARTNERS
Some of our Partners working with
UNDP and the Government in Jordan
DANIDA
PGTF
1
MDGR 2004 and http://www.undp-jordan.org/MDG/The%20Millenium.pdf; 2 http://www.jordanbiogas.com/ena/enhome.html; *Frameworks and Strategies for Sustainable Development
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