jordan pulse -

The Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) on Monday launched the "Just Green Transformation through Participatory Governance" (JADEITE) project in partnership with the Greater Tafilah Municipality at the Rummana Camp in the Dana Biosphere Reserve.

The project highlighted efforts to enhance the participatory approach in local development and cooperation among stakeholders to support a just green transition and respond to local community needs through inclusive and sustainable governance.

JOHUD representative Ahmad Qatamin described the project as "a strategic" move toward empowering local communities, stressing that a green transition cannot be achieved without active community participation.

The project seeks to establish a participatory platform that enables citizens to engage in development decision-making processes, he pointed out.

Qatamin said JOHUD is leading the work package focused on developing participatory governance methodologies, reflecting a commitment to transparency and building practical models that can be implemented locally and regionally.

Chairman of the Greater Tafilah Municipality Committee Mohammad Kreimeen stressed the project’s importance in supporting sustainable development efforts in the governorate.

He said the initiative offers an opportunity to strengthen cooperation among the municipality, local communities and international partners to improve quality of life and develop services through a sustainable approach.

The concept of a just green transition has become an economic, environmental and humanitarian necessity amid growing pressures related to climate change, energy, water, waste management and pollution, said Kreimeen.

The transition, he pointed out, aims to shift toward environmentally friendly economic and development models while preserving social justice, protecting vulnerable groups, creating jobs and ensuring fair distribution of benefits and responsibilities.

He added that municipalities can play a key role in driving the transition through smart waste management, renewable energy expansion, protection of green spaces, support for environmental investment and sustainable tourism.

The JADEITE project aims to support a just green transition across the Mediterranean region through the development of a unified and adaptable participatory governance model that takes into account the social and institutional characteristics of each partner country.

The project is implemented under the Interreg NEXT MED program, managed by the Sardinia region in Italy, with participation by partners in Jordan, Italy, Lebanon, Palestine and Tunisia.

The event included a presentation outlining the project’s objectives and phases, a discussion session with participants, and a field tour in Dana Biosphere Reserve showcasing the reserve’s role in supporting the transition toward a green economy.

Project partners include Tuscany Region in Italy, JOHUD in Jordan, Oxfam Italy, the Federation of Jezzine Municipalities in Lebanon, Tulkarm Municipality in Palestine and the University of Sfax in Tunisia.

The event was attended by officials, representatives of local institutions, civil society organizations and international partners.

//Petra// NQ