A sunny Friday in early spring is a favorite time for Jordanians to escape the hustle of Amman. Just north of the capital, vibrant greens dot the landscape, with shepherds grazing their sheep near the Zarqa River. This beautiful scene stands in stark contrast to Jordan’s extensive environmental challenges, like water shortages, waste problems, and soil degradation.
In the small village of Nahle, located not far from tourist hotspots like the ancient ruins of Jerash and the Dibeen Natural Forest Reserve, we find the family-run farm of Umm Mustafa. Here, she runs Al Sultana, a cozy guesthouse and restaurant nestled among olive, pine, and oak trees. Yet even this picturesque spot grapples with littering, an issue that plagues many areas across Jordan.
To combat this problem, Green Iris, a Jordanian non-profit, recently conducted a cleanup in Nahle. Founded by Isam, who has a passion for nature and hiking, Green Iris aims to raise environmental awareness. Isam started this initiative two years ago after noticing the trash left behind after camping trips. “You have to walk for kilometers just to find a clean spot,” he remarked, expressing his frustration.
Isam, inspired by his experiences abroad, realized there were no existing environmental groups in Jordan, prompting him to create Green Iris. The organization’s name draws from the Black Iris, Jordan’s national flower, reminding everyone of their duty to protect the land. “You can’t be a nationalist and do nothing to preserve your land,” he states, highlighting the need for a shift in attitude towards environmental responsibility, especially in a country vulnerable to climate change.
Recent studies indicate that Jordan is at high risk from climate change, facing severe problems like low precipitation and poor water management. This vulnerability underscores the importance of initiatives like those from Green Iris. While volunteers cleaned up the Nahle area, Isam and his team worked to educate locals about the impact of littering and a consumer-driven lifestyle.
After a hard day’s work, the group filled 10 bags with litter, a mix of plastic bottles, snack wrappers, and more. While some passersby blame tourists or the government, others recognize the need for improved education and accountability within their own community.
Green Iris also uses creativity to further their cause. They craft art from recycled materials, like shattered glass maps and tote bags from old coffee bags and fabric scraps. Their innovative projects not only raise awareness but also funds for their continued efforts. They have organized activities to engage the community, like building bird feeders or even playful hockey games with recycled materials.
The group does not shy away from social issues either. They are vocal about the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, acknowledging that a significant portion of Jordan’s population has ties to the region. Their activism extends beyond environmental issues, showing solidarity with Palestinians while advocating for Earth-friendly practices.
Engagement through social media is another tool Green Iris uses to reach people. Their "Clean-up Walk" initiative encourages locals to enjoy walks while picking up trash. They emphasize the need to reshape how people view waste disposal and recycling in Jordan. With only a small fraction of waste being recycled, they see an urgent need to promote better practices across the board.
The recent political turmoil and economic challenges in the region might overshadow progress, but Green Iris remains hopeful. They are exploring ways to establish a factory to recycle single-use plastics and transform trash into building materials. “The path ahead is not easy, but we have no choice but to try,” Isam affirms.
As they move forward, the aim is to inspire a cultural shift towards environmental consciousness and sustainable practices. The situation may seem daunting, but with dedicated efforts and community involvement, change is possible.
For more on Jordan’s environmental challenges and initiatives, check the Carnegie Endowment and Synaps Network reports.
Stefano Nanni is a freelance writer with experience in the aid sector. He has lived in Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon for over a decade and focuses on activism and local stories. You can find him on Instagram: @stef.nanni.
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Source linkJordan, environment, environmental activism, Global Warming, Climate Change
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