NARC, AWWEENA to launch knowledge platform on water harvesting, ecosystem restoration

AMMAN — The National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) and the Arab Women's Association for Water, Energy, and Environment (AWWEENA) on Monday signed an agreement to establish an advanced knowledge platform focused on water harvesting and ecosystem restoration in Jordan.

The initiative, formalised during a signing ceremony between NARC Director General Khaled Abu Hammour and AWWEENA Director Mohammad Bani Mustafa, seeks to harness scientific research and technological innovation to enhance agricultural sustainability in the face of growing water scarcity.

"This platform marks a turning point in resource management," Abu Hammour said, describing it as a comprehensive digital ecosystem that will integrate advanced research, technical protocols, geospatial mapping tools, and specialised training curricula, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Operating through NARC’s Agricultural Innovation Incubator, the platform is designed to transform theoretical research into practical applications that boost agricultural productivity while promoting sustainable water management. It targets policymakers, agricultural professionals, and research communities, equipping them with data-driven solutions.

"We envision this as the foundation of a broader agricultural intelligence system, supporting evidence-based decision-making across the sector," Abu Hammour added, emphasising its alignment with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision and agricultural development strategy.

Beyond addressing water security, the initiative aims to enhance food resilience and climate adaptation by leveraging pioneering technologies to optimise natural resources.

Bani Mustafa highlighted AWWEENA’s commitment to gender-inclusive environmental initiatives, saying that the platform would "democratise knowledge access" while building capacity and shaping policies for marginalised communities.

NARC project coordinator Raha Assaf highlighted the platform as a crucial bridge between theoretical research and practical implementation, functioning as an innovation hub to generate real-world solutions based on cutting-edge scientific methodologies.

Assaf also stressed the platform’s role in tackling Jordan’s escalating water scarcity and environmental degradation challenges while creating opportunities for early-career researchers to develop next-generation solutions for agricultural and water sustainability.