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COUNTRY ENVIRONMENTAL PROFILE- JORDAN
1 Description of the state of the environment in the Country
Jordan is one of the most water poor countries in the world, which makes availability and
management of water resources the main environmental issue for the country. The main river is the
river Jordan, which runs North to South. The average annual rainfall ranges from 600 mm per year in
the northern highlands to less than 50 mm per year in the desert and southern Ghor. The total
estimated available water from surface and groundwater is about 1,136 million m3, in 1995, of which
about 747 million m3 is surface water, and 389 million m3 groundwater. With the exception of springs
and King Abdullah Canal, surface water resources are at present used exclusively for irrigation. About
146 million m3 of surface water are being stored behind the existing dams. Most of the municipal
water supply systems and industry in Jordan presently depend upon groundwater and springs. Access
to an improved water source is available to 96% of the population (84% in rural areas and 100% in
urban areas). 98% of rural population has access to sanitation, and 100% in urban areas. The services
of the wastewater treatment system reach about 75% of the urban population and around 55%
of the total population, and the government is currently working on developing the largest
wastewater treatment station: Kherba Samra, which is the main station for Amman and Zarqa
cities, and some other sources, and receives industrial plus domestic wastewater and pumps
out the treated water to the King Talal dam, which is considered the main dam for supplying
water to Agriculture in the Jordan Valley.
Jordan is divided into four different bio-geographical zones; the Mediterranean, IranoTuranian, Saharo-Arabian and Sudanian Penetrate (Jordan Valley). These zones are key elements in
supporting biodiversity. Within these diverse zones, there are 13 different vegetation types each
representing different elements of flora and fauna. Much of the country's diversity is due to the
formation of the Great Rift Valley. The forces that created the Rift Valley produced the high western
mountains ranging in altitude from 400 m below sea level 1732m above sea level. While the rest of
the country is arid, composed of either basalt or hammada, a striking rich ecosystem is present in the
Great Rift Valley. Furthermore, Jordan has some highly specialised habitats, the most noteworthy
being the Dead Sea in which surrounding communities are considered to be of global importance.
According to studies related to the identification of endemic, rare and endangered flora conducted in
Jordan, an estimated 200 – 250 of flora sp are nationally rare compromising 8.3-10% of Jordan's
total flora; 100-150 are threatened 4.2 – 6.3% of the total flora. A total of 485 species of medicinal
plants have been recorded in Jordan. Regarding terrestrial species, Jordan is home to 77 known
mammal species, of which 10 are threatened. Total no. of birds’ sp. is 411, 95 resident with
definite breeding records, 10 former breeders, 300 migrant sp., 202 passage migrants 81
vagrants, 18 sp. are globally threatened forming 4.38% of the total bird sp. , 11 sp. are
nationally threatened.
Atypical oceanographic characteristics of the Gulf of Aqaba have resulted in the evolution of
biological diversity that is unique, making the area a global priority for conservation. Many endemic
species occur among the Gulf of Aqaba's coral reef communities. The Gulf's coral diversity, which
includes over 192 scleractinian (reef-building corals) and 120 soft coral species, is higher than in other
parts of the Red Sea. Twelve percent (80 known species) of molluscs and a similar proportion of
echinodermata occurring in the Gulf may be endemic. Fifteen percent of the Gulf's amphipod species
have only been recorded in the Gulf of Aqaba and adjacent neighbouring Red Sea areas. Of the 268
species of fish that have been recorded, seven are recognized as endemic.
The nationally Proposed protected areas amount to 3.4% of Jordan. The Wadi Rum reserve was
established in 1998. A new reserved area were suggested such as Aqaba mountains, Debeen,
Yarmouk river, Fifa, Jordan River and Qatar. A National Biodiversity Study conducted in 1998 and
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supported by the GEF and UNDP recommended more extensive work to protect Jordan's rich diversity
of medicinal and herbal plants, by sustainable use and enhanced agricultural diversification and the
efficient use of land and water.
Despite its rich biodiversity, Jordan's nature is facing many threats as reflected by the status of many
species and their habitats. Many species have become classified as threatened, endangered, or even
extinct on the regional and global levels. This situation resulted from various anthropogenic activities
as well as the lack of knowledge and awareness among communities. There is a lack of information on
the situation of integrated coastal zone management.
With regard to agriculture and forestry, 13% of land area is agricultural land (85% of Jordan is
desert), and 1% of Jordan is forests. 20% of crop land is irrigated, and fertilizer consumption amounts
to 943, measured in 100gr/ha arable land. Deforestation is an issue, even if forests fires decreased off
from 66 fires in 1988 to 29 fires in 1998, and the damaged area has decreased from 2899 dunums in
1988 to 482 dunums in 1998.
The solid waste collection, transportation, and disposal are the responsibility of the municipalities. The
amount of solid waste generated daily is around 3000 tons, most of which is organic (around 60-70%
by weight). The disposal method used by municipalities is sanitary landfills. The quantities and types of
industrial and hazardous waste are not known, and hazardous waste disposal site is available in
Swaqa (south of Amman) but the infrastructure is not ready yet in Jordan. During the last decade, the
increase in population, industry and the new consumption patterns and life styles have resulted in the
generation of larger volumes of solid and hazards waste in Jordan.
Air quality in Jordan is still below the alarming state level as far as gaseous parameters are concerned,
except for major industrial and heavy traffic areas, such as Zarqa, Aqaba, down town Amman, etc. In
the case of dust, the level is higher in the desert than the standards due to the fact that the nature of
dusty areas in deserts of Jordan. However, the main sources are domestic, commercial and industrial
activities, power plants, environmental activities, and road transportation. Also, "incomplete
combustion" of fossil fuels such as petroleum, fuel oils, gas, and chemical fumes produced form
industrial processes rate next as pollutants.
The main industries in Jordan are: phosphate mining, petroleum refining, cement, potash, light
manufacturing and tourism. It is not clear whether any legislation relating to industrial pollution exists.
Although there are no recent data available, in the late 1990s, CO2 emissions stood at 3.2
tonnes/capita and particulate matter (pop – weighted
average) at 77 µg/m3. In 1998, the share of
carbon emissions was estimated at: transport: 29.9%; Industry: 37.9%; residential: 22.9% and
commercial: 9.2%.
In 2003 the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources started preparing a project for a national
strategy for the use of renewable energy. Solar energy is used for the electrification of some rural
areas. Wind energy produced about 3,064 MWh in 2003. The Jordan Bio Gas Company continues its
project in the Ruseifah area. The importance of this project in limiting methane gas emissions to the
atmosphere and using bio energy for electricity generation has resulted in a planned extension of the
project to five more locations in the country. Jordan hosted the MENAREC 2 conference (Middle East
& North Africa renewable energy) in May 2005, the main outcomes were to continue research and
implementation of pilot projects on CSP Concentrated Solar Power in Jordan and Yemen, and water
desalination using CSP. It is also linked to the TREC group (Trans Mediterranean Renewable Energy
Cooperation) which works in parallel with DG Energy on using Solar power from MENA region ant
transferring to Europe. There is no information on sustainable transport.
Limited natural fresh water resources have a strong influence on Jordan’s major environmental
trends. Jordan’s Sustainable Development Strategy, “Agenda 21, Towards Sustainable Development”
(1995) estimated that if trends and policies were not changed, non-renewable ground water resources
would be exhausted in 50 years. Deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion and desertification, which are
already ongoing, would substantially increase, with serious consequences for biodiversity and other
natural assets and resources.
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One of the most important trans-boundary environmental issues affecting Jordan is the shared use
of the Jordan River among Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The Peace Treaty signed
between Jordan and Israel in 1994 (Environment Annex IV) specifically calls on the parties to
cooperate on the Jordan River’s ecological rehabilitation, nature reserves and protected areas, and
tourism and historical heritage. To contribute to solving this and other Trans-boundary environmental
problems, Jordan has pursued regional cooperation with its neighbours. Jordan and Syria are
constructing a new dam on the Yarmouk River which feeds the Jordan river at the north part of the
Jordan valley, water will be used for Agriculture and may be for Electricity.
As regards global environmental problems, desertification, biodiversity, protection of the marine
environment, hazardous waste, climate change and ozone layer protection all appear to be of concern
to Jordan, who is a party to international conventions on these issues.
2 Environment policy of the Country
Jordan adopted its National Environment Strategy in 1991, and the corresponding Action Plan in
1994. The document is a long-term environmental blueprint for government, NGOs, private sector,
communities and individuals. It also contains a wealth of information about Jordan’s natural and
socio-economic environment. The plan outlines five strategic initiatives for facilitating and
institutionalizing long-term progress in the environmental sphere: (1) Construction of a comprehensive
legal framework for environmental management; (2) Across-the-board strengthening of existing
environmental institutions and agencies, particularly the Department of Environment and the Royal
Society for the Conservation of Nature; (3) Giving an expanded role for Jordan’s protected areas; (4)
Promotion of public awareness of and participation in environmental protection programs; (5) Giving
sectoral priority to water conservation and slowing Jordan’s rapid population growth.
In 1999, the “Jordan Agenda 21 of the UN: Towards Sustainable Development” was adopted. This
document identifies the sustainable use of environmental resources such as water, soil and vegetation
as one of Jordan’s most urgent challenges. An Agenda 21 Committee, of government, NGO and
private sector representatives has been set up to periodically review progress towards the Agenda
goals and asses the continued relevance of the objectives.
The Ministry of Water and Irrigation prepared Jordan’s Water Strategy in 1997, aimed at maximising
the effective use of the country’s water resources. It seeks, inter alia, to establish a national water
database; to make full and sustainable use of groundwater resources; and to collect and treat
wastewater for subsequent reuse. The Ministry of Water is currently working on collecting fresh and
seasonal water going to the Jordan valley, where diversion nears are holding water flows, then
transferred to a treatment station in Sweimeh are north to the Dead Sea, and then pumped to major
cities(mostly Amman).
In June 2003 Jordan adopted a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, and UNDP
supported (2002-2004) the establishment of a National Strategy and Action Plan to Combat
Desertification; a national plan for bio energy is in preparation.
A draft Environmental Information Strategy was drawn up in 1999. The major environmental
information challenges identified were: absence of a coordinating body to manage access and
dissemination of environmental information among all stakeholders in Jordan; lack of Information
Technology (IT), infrastructure, and qualified personnel within environment related institutions;
weakness and absence of some laws and regulations governing the environment information in Jordan.
Even though the National Environmental Action Plan identified waste management as a national
priority and defined a wide range of actions to improve the situation, there is no national policy or
strategy for waste management. The Solid Waste management regulation and the Management,
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transport and handling of Harmful and Hazardous substances have been approved by the Constitution
council and ready for implementation.
3 Environment legislation and its implementation
The overall legislative framework for environmental protection is set by the Law for the Protection
of the Environment (Temporary Law No (1)2003. As regards legislation on horizontal issues, EIA
has been implemented on all new investments in Jordan. The environmental impact assessment (EIA)
bylaw, has been approved by the Constitution council and ready for implementation. Also the Aqaba
Special Economic Zone, has full EIA, including public participation, and in line with IFI requirements
for investments.
A Clean Air Draft Act (2000) was issued in accordance with the Environmental Protection
Law 12 (1995). The Act sets out responsibilities for determining maximum allowable concentrations,
and a number of standards which set allowable limits for ambient air pollutants. Vehicle and
agricultural emissions seem to be covered, but industrial emissions do not appear to be addressed.
The main legislation for water protection is a bylaw issued under Temporary Law No (1) 2003: Law
for the Protection of the Environment. The by-law sets water quality objectives; determines standards
for wastewater treatment plants and waste disposal sites; and addresses water savings opportunities in
the industrial, agricultural and construction sector.
The Law for the Protection of the Environment (2003) sets out basic provisions on waste
management. There are also two draft laws related to solid waste management and hazardous waste.
4) Administrative capacity of the country
Following the creation of the General Corporation for Environmental Protection in 1995, the Ministry
of Environment was established in 2003. The Ministry of Environment works alongside the Ministries
of Water and Irrigation, Agriculture, Industry and Trade, Energy and Mineral Resources and Planning.
Bodies such as the Jordan Valley Authority and Petra regional Authority deal also with specific
environmental issues. And Jordan has a unique phenomena in the region where NGOs were delegated
responsibilities to implement Environmental action, RSCN Royal Society for the Conservation of
Nature establishes and manages Natural Reserves from the Seventies, JES Jordan Environment
Society works on Environmental Awareness, RSS Royal Scientific Society works on implementing
Environmental monitoring especially on water bodies and water issues, and FOE Friends of
Environment introduced the CP Clean Production concept to Jordanian industries,
Coordination within the Ministry of Environment and with other Ministries and bodies is not as
efficient as would be desirable, and issues such as duplication of functions and responsibilities, weak
enforcement capacity and adequate staffing need to be addressed.
5) Participation in regional and international processes
Jordan is a party to international conventions on:
- Biodiversity
- Climate change
- Desertification
- Endangered species
- Hazardous wastes
- Law of the Sea
- Marine dumping
- Nuclear test ban
- Ozone layer protection
- Wetlands
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Jordan is a beneficiary of Community support under MEDA, SMAP and LIFE Third Countries
programmes.
6) Key areas where environment action is required
The rational use of natural resources, especially water, is the most important area for environment
action. Linked to this, action needs to be taken to prevent deterioration of the environment, and
biodiversity in particular. Waste management and preventing and controlling industrial pollution
should also be substantially improved, and the use of renewable energy resources actively promoted.
As regards environmental policy, updating of the National Environment Strategy, Action Plan and
“Jordan Agenda 21” should be considered, to take into account developments in the environmental
situation since these documents were adopted. The Draft Environmental Information Strategy should
be adopted. The environmental legislation on EIA, Protection of environment from pollution in
Emergencies, Air protection, Soil protection, Natural reserves and National parks, management,
transport and handling of harmful and hazardous substances, management of solid waste have been
finalised and adopted by the Constitution council. The Nature protection, water protection, Marine and
coast environment protection and Fees and rates bylaws are waiting to by adopted. Legislation should
also be drawn up and adopted for the implementation of existing or future strategies wherever
necessary.
Concerning administrative capacity, the Ministry of Environment needs to be strengthened, both in
its internal structures and functioning, and in its role as coordinator and lead in environmental
protection activities in Jordan. Currently the Ministry is implementing a programme with EC
Delegation to Jordan touching on Institutional Capacity Building, and will continue the 2nd phase for
18 Months from August 2005
7) Recommendations for action
Promote sustainable development by:
– Carrying out a gap analysis of the existing Jordanian Sustainable Development Strategy
– Prioritising actions contained in the strategy already as well as those resulting from the gap analysis
– In the medium term: implement priority actions of the Strategy as defined within the short term.
Take steps to ensure that conditions for good environmental governance are set and start
implementing them, by:
– Enhancing administrative structures and procedures to ensure strategic and financial planning as well
as implementation, including strengthening of the Ministry of Environment.
– Reviewing the National Environment Action Plan NEAP.
– Completing the adoption of the Environment Protection Law; take steps to adopt by-laws on
environment
– Implementing priority actions of the National Environmental Education, Awareness and
Communication Strategy taking in account a Data base system accessible to Environmentalists
– In the medium term: prepare a state-of-the environment report by the end of 2006, drawing on from
support and experience by UNEP and European Environment Agency, where appropriate; In 2001 a
local NGO prepared a report in Arabic on State of the Environment, yet the Ministry are in the process
of preparing a new report.
Take active action for prevention of deterioration of the environment, protection of human health, and
achievement of rational use of natural resources, in line with the commitments of the Johannesburg
summit, in the medium term, by:
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– Seeking incentives to promote environmentally sound production patterns within Jordanian
industries.
- Taking steps towards adoption of specific programmes/plans on selected priority sectors.
Enhance co-operation on environmental issues, by:
– Identifying possibilities for enhanced regional co-operation, in particular in relation to water issues
– Possibly participating in selected European Environment Agency (EEA) activities
– Working towards the implementation of the provisions under the Kyoto Protocol and the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change.
– In the medium term: implement provisions under the Kyoto Protocol and the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change
Main sources of information: Ministry of Environment. EC Delegation. World Bank. Ministry of
Energy and Mineral Resources. DG ENV.