The supported projects are the first set of projects to be funded by the GEF/SGP in its third operational phase, which started in March 2005.  This phase, which will continue over the coming three years, is characterized by several directions including its focus on tracking impacts of supported projects, making sure that these impacts are enhanced through connecting projects geographically or thematically, replicating or scaling up.  This would contribute to the achievements of the GEF/SGP strategic objectives of achieving global environmental benefits in the areas of biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation and persistent organic pollutants, as well as the achievement of enhanced and improved livelihoods of the local communities and their capacities to manage their natural resources. 

In line with the above, a cluster of three integrated projects will be implemented in three villages in the north: Sakhra in Ajloun governorate, Kufr Khal in Jerash governorate and Gumeim & Gum in Irbid governorate.  Three women cooperatives in the concerned villages will be implementing the “Community Livelihood and Environmental Awareness Campaign” project in their respective areas, with the aim to contribute to controlling land degradation and soil erosion, improving productivity of agricultural land and preserving environmental resources. 

The projects’ activities include the introduction of soil conservation measures, water harvesting, using effective drip irrigation techniques, bee keeping, medicinal herb planting and processing and installation of solar cells for water heating.  It is hoped that these projects would constitute models that encourage neighboring communities to adopt similar activities to serve their needs in line with their environmental and socio-economic contexts.  The total value of the three grants amount to US$90,000.

Along the same lines, a group of three similar projects in Karak governorate, in the south, will be implemented by Al Msheirfeh Charity Society, Al Khaldiyeh Charity Society and Al Wasiyeh Cooperative.  The projects aim at improving community management of natural resources including water and soil in a way that contributes to sustaining those resources and improves the living conditions of the local communities around the concerned villages.  Activities to be supported by the projects include water harvesting through establishment of water storage reservoirs and rain-collection cisterns in addition to soil conservation measures and income generating activities such as bee-keeping, home gardens and medicinal plants.  Total value of the three grants amounts to US$87,300.

In Ajloun governorate and along the Wadi Rayan area, known for its beauty and rich agro-biodiversity, where indigenous species of figs, pomegranates and olives have been grown over hundreds of years, the Arjan Cooperative will implement the “Integration of Improved Local Agriculture and Nature Conservation in Arjan” project.   The project aims at improving the quality of local agricultural production and integrating it with nature conservation and sustainable development efforts in the area.   This will be achieved through supporting farmers to construct rain-collection wells and water storage reservoirs to enable them to irrigate their trees during the summer and improve the conditions of their farms and products.  The project will also develop the concept of local agricultural products, improve, promote and market such products in coordination with the Ajloun reserve, especially the ecotourism project at the reserve.  Grant value amounts to US$37,700.
 

All above projects will include an element of awareness raising for the farmers and local community members in the field of environmental issues affecting their areas and projects.  They will also include an element of capacity building of implementing NGOs, which will enable them to provide support to their local communities.  The above NGOs will use a revolving loan system in supporting their various activities so they can continue providing support to more projects that serve their local communities.  

In the field of international waters protection, the Marine Science Station in Aqaba will implement the “Development of Marine Life Exhibit and Marine Museum in Aqaba Gulf” project.  The project aims at protecting the special marine biodiversity in Aqaba Gulf through developing the marine life exhibit at the Marine Science Station and establishing a marine life museum, coupled with an awareness programme targeting the various sectors of the community with special focus on students.  Grant value amounts to US$50,000.

Signing those grant agreements, the GEF/SGP would have supported (116) projects implemented by more than 70 NGOs and local communities in various areas of the Kingdom.  With an allocation of US$500,000 for 2005, the Programme is hoping to continue providing support to local communities in Jordan and addressing the new focal areas which include land degradation and persistent organic pollutants.  The programme calls on non-governmental organizations to familiarize themselves with previous experiences of SGP supported projects and to investigate the best means of dealing with environmental problems and situations of their communities.  The Small Grants Programme is hosted at the Royal Marine Society of Jordan (JREDS) located in Shmeisani- Amman.