Amman: European Union Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas visited the "Eksab" Center for Sustainable Development in Irbid to review its development programs and initiatives, focusing on its hydroponic farming model.
According to Jordan News Agency, the visit aimed to showcase the model implemented under the EU-funded Baraka Project, with attendance from representatives of the Royal Scientific Society, project partners, and agricultural experts. Ambassador Chatzisavas emphasized the strong partnership between the European Union and Jordan, highlighting the significance of investing in human capital and strengthening national institutions.
The ambassador reiterated the EU's ongoing support for initiatives that promote sustainable development, foster innovation, enhance resilience to climate change, and improve food security. He praised the Royal Scientific Society for its pivotal role in supporting innovation and developing solutions to climate challenges, contributing to national food security.
Director of the Water, Environment and Climate Change Center at the Royal Scientific Society, Al-Moayyad Al-Sayyed, discussed the objectives of the Baraka Project. He described it as a model for transferring knowledge and technology, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and improving water-use efficiency.
Irbid Agriculture Director Abdul Hafiz Abu Arabi highlighted the Ministry of Agriculture's commitment to strengthening cooperation with civil society organizations and development partners. He noted ongoing projects aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector, improving opportunities for farmers, and encouraging modern agricultural practices.
Eksab Center Director General Mazen Abu Qamar welcomed the ambassador's visit, calling it an incentive to expand partnerships and develop high-impact initiatives in economic empowerment and capacity building. He stated that the Baraka Project has enhanced the center's technical infrastructure and established a specialized training platform for climate-smart hydroponic farming technologies.
During the meeting, lawyer Yanal Abu Qamar presented on the center's history, key projects, and strategic partnerships, with the session moderated by engineer Ghada Baalawi. The visit concluded with a tour of the center's facilities, where attendees received a detailed briefing on the hydroponic farming system and its role in increasing crop productivity while reducing water consumption.