Irbid: The Climate Action Network (CAN), in partnership with the Greater Irbid Municipality, on Monday commenced the implementation phases of the Huwwarah Park project as part of the "Jahez" initiative launched last year. The project aims to establish a specialized "knowledge park" focused on nature-based solutions. It is designed to serve as a practical model for enhancing local climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
According to Jordan News Agency, Ghaith Al-Tal, spokesperson for the Greater Irbid Municipality, said the municipality provided a strategic contribution by allocating the land for the park. He noted that the initiative aims to serve the local community while expanding sustainable green spaces within the region.
The project features the application of nature-based solutions, including rainwater management systems and climate-smart agriculture. It also incorporates environmental awareness programs to improve local climate readiness and build the community's environmental knowledge base.
Al-Tal indicated that the park is part of the broader "Jahez" project, which is implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) with funding from the British government. The initiative is carried out in partnership with the ministries of environment and planning, the UK Met Office, and CAN, with implementation sites in both Irbid and Ramtha.
The project is a direct response to the "Climate-Refugee Nexus" initiative launched by His Majesty King Abdullah II during the COP27 climate summit. That initiative underscores the necessity of strengthening the capacity of municipalities and local communities to adapt to climate change and build more resilient, sustainable environments.