Pollution and habitat loss are issues but limited awareness and regional instability divert resources.
Despite its small size, Jordan has a variety of geographical features and environments, including desert, wadis and canyons, mountainous highlands, the highly saline Dead Sea and the northern tip of the Red Sea. It is also one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, and climate change, high energy costs and overpopulation are exacerbating the problem.
The Syrian crisis and an enormous number of refugees has added pressure on the country’s limited resources. Land degradation, pollution and habitat loss are also issues, but limited awareness and regional instability can divert resources away from environmental protection and impede the management of protected areas.
Water scarcity particularly affects Jordan’s agricultural sector, and according to International Labour Organization estimates, almost 70% of workers on farms are Syrian refugees. Agricultural work’s seasonal and informal nature exposes refugees to precarious living conditions, and limited livelihood opportunities make female- headed households especially vulnerable. Work in the agricultural sector is characterised by low wages, long hours, poor working conditions, lack of occupational health and safety, and child labour.
To reduce water loss and increase environmental sustainability, 15,000 farmers receive training on topics such as smart irrigation techniques, crop selection based on soil and season, water management systems, and the use of solar power.
