Improving green infrastructure in Amman

Project description

Title: Improving Living Conditions of Disadvantaged Areas in Amman
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Jordan
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Environment (MoEnv)
Overall term: 2017 to 2022

ILCA site in Al-Naser district before rehabilitation

Context

Jordan is one of the most arid countries in the world. The population of its capital city Amman has doubled in the last ten years. Most of the city’s population are settled in East Amman, which is more disadvantaged than other areas. During the rapid process of urbanisation, priority was not given to the planning of public green spaces. As a result, the residents of East Amman have little access to green public open spaces.

Inhabitants of these areas are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. An additional burden is that the very low share of green public open spaces puts pressure on the remaining biodiversity.

Objective

The participatory development of green infrastructure in Amman’s disadvantaged areas has improved.

ILCA site in Al-Naser district after rehabilitation

Approach

The project works in partnership with the Jordanian Ministry of the Environment and the Greater Amman Municipality. As part of six construction measures, it is adding elements of green infrastructure that contribute towards improving residents’ quality of life by facilitating access to local public transport, increasing walkability and preserving biodiversity.

Residents are actively involved in planning and designing the pilot projects taking into consideration gender-specific aspects in areas of interaction and paying special attention to the particular needs of women. As a result, integration and social cohesion are improving. The knowledge transfer and the capacity building trainings provided by the project is improving the capabilities of its partners.  

The pilot project’s participatory activities and workshops raise awareness among local actors about the social, environmental, and economic benefits of green infrastructure and contributes towards Amman’s urban resilience and climate change mitigation.

Last update: October 2021

ILCA Barcelona study tour with GAM and Municipality staff

Additional information