Amman, Jordan — Demonstrating our dedication to sustainable agriculture, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) joined the FAO Workshop on Ecosystem-based Solutions (EbS) and the Utilisation of Non-Conventional Water Sources for Agriculture. The event brought forward key policy strategies for Jordan’s agriculture sector, emphasising innovative water management methods to preserve freshwater resources and support the country’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Notable participants included:

• H.E. Eng. Raed Abu Soud, Minister of Water and Irrigation, Jordan;
• Eng. Nabil Assaf, FAO Representative in Jordan;
• Dr. Amani Alfarra, FAO Land and Water Officer;
• Dr. Jon Marco Church, UN-Water Technical Expert;

Key discussion points included:

• Utilising non-conventional water sources to conserve freshwater;
• Strengthening collaboration across sectors to scale EbS efforts;
• Establishing regulatory frameworks for sustainable agricultural water use;
• Enhancing stakeholder skills for successful EbS implementation and monitoring;
• Increasing investment to advance sustainable agriculture and conservation;
• Creating knowledge-sharing platforms to foster collaboration and best practices;
• Furthering Jordan’s commitment to SDGs 6 and 2 through sustainable water and agriculture policies;

The workshop focused on incorporating non-conventional water sources, such as treated wastewater and rainwater, into agricultural practices to ease pressure on freshwater reserves, promoting a sustainable and resilient local food system. Participants highlighted the importance of collaboration, calling on government bodies, academia, donors, and non-profits to work together to effectively scale EbS initiatives.

A key highlight of the event was FrontAg Nexus’ contribution, which featured a presentation from the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), introducing the WEFE Nexus approach. In the presentation, the comprehensive strategy of FrontAg Nexus was highlighted, which is applied to address sustainability in agriculture, using climate-smart, water-saving technologies across the Mediterranean, including Jordan. 

Participants emphasised the importance of regulatory development and capacity-building initiatives to equip stakeholders with the tools needed to implement and monitor EbS projects, effectively. The need for greater funding and investment was also a central theme, alongside a call for robust knowledge-sharing to support collaboration and idea-sharing across sectors. These priorities align with Jordan’s goal of meeting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable water management and agricultural resilience.