Greener Future: Rooftop agriculture, sustainability in Jordan

AMMAN — The Green Rooftops project, implemented by the Climate Action Network Jordan (CAN) under the "Samim" project, has officially concluded.

The initiative, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and carried out in partnership with several institutions, aimed to promote environmental sustainability and enhance urban living conditions in Amman's Jabal Nasr area, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

CAN said that the year-long project focused on transforming building rooftops into green spaces, helping to mitigate rising temperatures and improve air quality in the area. 

Executive Director of CAN Doaa Derabani explained that the project was based on scientific principles.

A preliminary study of the area was conducted, followed by a "careful" selection of buildings. The initiative also included training programmes for local communities, particularly women, on various topics such as urban agriculture, business management, climate change awareness, and environmental conservation. 

The training included field visits to existing green rooftops in Amman to provide participants with hands-on learning experiences. 

Derabani highlighted that the project encouraged participants to utilise their rooftops for urban farming, optimise water usage, and explore the economic benefits of agriculture, including the establishment of small-scale agricultural businesses. 

She added that CAN continues to work on multiple projects aimed at combating desertification, preserving the environment and water resources, promoting home gardening, and raising public awareness about climate change risks and adaptation strategies.