Environment and Energy

Energy & Environment Fast Facts

Energy and environment are essential for sustainable development. The poor are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and lack of access to clean, affordable energy services. These issues are also global as climate change, loss of biodiversity and ozone layer depletion cannot be addressed by countries acting alone. UNDP helps Jordan strengthen its capacity through providing innovative policy advice and sharing best practices.

Environment and Energy in Jordan

Arable land represents only 7% of Jordan’s land area. The country is classified as one of the 10 most water scarce countries in the world with a per capita water availability of 153 m³ per year. Jordan is signatory to many major global environmental conventions and has started putting in place mechanisms to support their implementation. Nevertheless, population growth, rapid urbanization, industrialization, air pollution and low energy efficiency continue to exert a considerable pressure on water, land resources and generate unacceptable levels of environmental degradation.

UNDP on the Ground in Jordan

UNDP Jordan interventions in the area include four major components:

a. Compliance with global environmental conventions;

b. Sound water resources management; and

c. Safe management of hazardous waste.

UNDP in Jordan sponsors projects that support the country’s sustainable management of its natural resources, protect its environment and meet its international commitments through:

Frame Works and Strategies for Sustainable Development

1. Enabling Activities for the Preparation of Jordan's Second National Communication to the UNFCCC

2. Adaptation to Climate Change to Sustain Jordan's MDG Achievements

3. Developing Policy-relevant Capacity for Implementation of the Global Environmental Conventions in Jordan

Effective Water Governance

4. Integrated Waste Management for the Olive Oil Pressing Industries in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan

5. Water Governance Programme for the Arab States

Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity

6. Small Grants Programme -Fourth Phase

7. Mainstreaming Conservation of Migratory Soaring Birds into Key Productive Sectors Along the Rift Valley/Red Sea Flyway - National Project

8. Mainstreaming Conservation of Migratory Soaring Birds into Key Productive Sectors Along the Rift Valley/Red Sea Flyway - Regional Project

9. National Assessment Progress towards the 2010 Biodiversity Targets