Amman: The National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) and the Arab Women’s Association for Water, Energy and Environment (AWWEENA) signed an agreement Monday to establish a cutting-edge knowledge platform addressing water harvesting and ecosystem restoration in Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, the initiative, formalized in a signing ceremony between NARC Director General Khaled Abu Hammour and AWWEENA Director Mohammad Bani Mustafa, aims to leverage scientific research and technological innovation to enhance agricultural sustainability amid growing water scarcity challenges.
“This platform represents a watershed moment in resource management,” Abu Hammour stated, describing a comprehensive digital ecosystem that will integrate advanced research studies, technical protocols, geospatial mapping tools, and specialized training curricula targeting policymakers, agricultural professionals and research communities.
The platform will operate through NARC’s Agricultural Innovation Incubator, designed to transform theoretical research into practical applications that enhance agricultural productivity while promoting sustainable water management practices.
“We envision this as the cornerstone of a more comprehensive agricultural intelligence system supporting evidence-based decision-making across the sector,” Abu Hammour added, noting its alignment with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision and agricultural development strategy.
Beyond water security, the initiative aims to strengthen food resilience and climate adaptation through pioneering technological solutions for natural resource optimization.
Bani Mustafa highlighted AWWEENA’s focus on gender-inclusive environmental initiatives, stating the platform would “democratize knowledge access” while building capacity and supporting policy development for traditionally marginalized communities.
NARC project coordinator Raha Al-Assaf characterized the platform as “bridging the critical gap between theoretical research and practical implementation,” explaining it would function as an innovation laboratory generating real-world solutions based on cutting-edge scientific approaches.
Al-Assaf emphasized the platform’s role in addressing intensifying water scarcity and environmental degradation challenges, while creating opportunities for early-career researchers to develop next-generation solutions for agricultural and water sustainability.
The partnership underscores a coordinated national commitment to evidence-based approaches for environmental and economic security, positioning Jordan at the forefront of water management innovation in water-stressed regions.