Amman:Jordan is making a significant shift from a linear economic model to a circular economy with the Cabinet's recent endorsement of the National Circular Economy Roadmap through 2050. This new policy framework seeks to redefine the Kingdom's relationship with energy, water, and raw materials, turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
According to Jordan News Agency, the roadmap was developed by the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply, and the Royal Scientific Society (RSS), with the aim of embedding circularity into Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision. The strategy addresses Jordan's economic vulnerabilities, including acute water scarcity, reliance on energy imports, and increasing municipal waste, by promoting the reuse and recycling of materials.
The framework is seen as a catalyst for industrial competitiveness and green job creation in sectors such as agriculture, food manufacturing, mining, construction, and tourism. The Ghabawi Landfill east of Amman serves as a model for these efforts, where biogas from organic waste is converted into electricity, demonstrating potential for emissions reduction and cost savings.
Omar Al-Shoushan, President of the Union of Environmental NGOs, highlights the importance of translating policy into real-world investments. He advocates for the enforcement of the Waste Management Law No. 16 of 2020 and the introduction of financial incentives for recycling and material recovery. Al-Shoushan also emphasizes the role of international partnerships in expanding pilot initiatives like organic waste sorting for compost and energy production.
Dr. Duraid Mahasneh, Chairman of the Edama Association for Energy, Water, and Environment, underscores the economic benefits of integrating renewable energy with water management. This approach can lower costs for farmers and reduce overheads in logistics and transport. In manufacturing, the roadmap promotes "industrial symbiosis," where waste from one factory becomes input for another, with opportunities to recycle materials like olive pomace and construction debris.
The roadmap aligns with national goals, including a 50 percent reduction in food loss and waste by 2030 under the National Food Security Strategy. By incorporating circular principles into public procurement and fostering sustainable consumer habits, Jordan aims to enhance its economic resilience while preserving the environment. As implementation progresses, the 2050 roadmap is set to balance ecological preservation with industrial growth.