Aqaba Launches Comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Initiative with Focus on Water Solutions.

Aqaba: The National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), in collaboration with IGREENS, a USAID-supported program, and the Aqaba Youth Directorate, has initiated the IGROW project, a pioneering environmental sustainability effort for the Middle East. The project aims to integrate sustainable practices to address environmental challenges, focusing on innovative water use and agriculture in arid areas. According to Jordan News Agency, the IGROW project targets the enhancement of greywater quality for irrigation, introduces hydroponic agriculture as a water-saving solution, and aims to reduce energy costs while expanding green spaces in Aqaba. By applying sustainable irrigation techniques, the initiative seeks to improve water management in water-scarce areas. The NARC project team has stated that IGROW will be piloted in diverse climatic zones to evaluate the feasibility and socio-economic impact of greywater use, providing insights into the associated challenges and community perceptions. Aqaba Youth Directo rate Director, Tharwat Ma'aqbeh, affirmed the directorate's commitment to supporting sustainable urban agricultural practices by providing advanced and resource-efficient irrigation options, contributing to Aqaba's environmental sustainability goals.