Amman: The National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) on Thursday held a national workshop to develop a knowledge platform for water harvesting and ecosystem restoration. The portal is one of the initiatives aimed to support the Kingdom’s efforts to promote the sustainable management of natural resources and achieve water and food security.
According to Jordan News Agency, NARC Director General Dr. Ibrahim Rawashdeh described the workshop as a turning point in the transition towards data- and knowledge-based management. Under this platform, the center aims to convert scientific research into practical tools that enhance the resilience of rural communities, aligning with the National Agricultural Strategy, the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV), and the National Water Strategy.
Rawashdeh stated that the center is working on building a national knowledge base to support decision-making, guide agricultural investments, and improve Jordan’s ability to adapt to climate challenges. He affirmed that Jordan has faced challenges in the water sector and ecosystem deterioration over the past decades, yet its scientific institutions have demonstrated their capacity to innovate and develop national solutions.
The new platform will offer a live digital map with climate and hydrology data, research applications, and national success stories as an open resource for researchers, decision-makers, and partners. Rawashdeh noted that the initiative aligns with the Agricultural Strategy 2020-2025, the Economic Modernization Vision 2022-2033, and the National Water Strategy 2023-2040, all of which emphasize water harvesting technologies, digital transformation, and data management to support the agricultural sector.
He further stated that the move will contribute to the national map of water harvesting sites and provide relevant authorities with real-time climate data from the center’s monitoring stations, which will be linked to applied research conducted at universities and research centers. Additionally, the platform will serve as a resource for young researchers to access data, grants, and scientific publications, promoting research based on the needs of society.
Rawashdeh called for the establishment of a governance model to ensure the platform’s sustainability and the implementation of a clear roadmap for action in the future.