Amman/Geneva, 30 January - Jordan, one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, faces a critical challenge with just 145 cubic meters of water available per person annually—far below global standards. This crisis is worsened by climate change, population growth, and migration, leading to heightened tensions and instability.
To address these challenges, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has partnered with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Jordan Red Crescent National Society (JNRCS) to launch a transformative 3-year project with the aim of supporting Jordan’s water-stressed communities. The initiative will be supported by regional funding from KOICA of USD 10.6 million (covering Jordan, Iran and Yemen) and an additional USD 760,000 from the IFRC. USD 2.2 million from the project will be allocated to Jordan.
Dr. Mohammad Al Hadid, the President of the Jordan Red Crescent, emphasized the national society's pivotal role during the launch event, "Addressing Water-Induced Community-Level Conflicts and Strengthening Water Systems, Community Adaptation, and Resilience Building", held at the JNRCS Capacity Building Development Centre in Amman. He said:
"We will work hand in hand with local communities, IFRC, and KOICA to strengthen community capacity and implement sustainable water management practices in Southern Shuna District. Our goal is to mitigate water conflicts and build resilience, ensuring a secure future for the community."
The IFRC, leveraging its global expertise and humanitarian mandate, highlighted the urgency of addressing water tension risks. Atta Durrani, IFRC Head of Delegation in Jordan, commented:
"The IFRC is committed to supporting local communities in severely water-stressed regions. In Jordan, we aim to develop joint responses to water challenges by improving water services, resource management, and ecosystems while fostering stability and peace."
The Government of the Republic of Korea reaffirmed its commitment to addressing water insecurity as a pathway to regional peace and development. Kim Pil-woo, Ambassdor of the Korean Embassy to Jordan, underlined:
"This project is not just about scarcity of resources, but also of human dignity, peace and stability. Our new project with IFRC reaffirms the Korean government's continued commitment to helping Jordan address its most pressing challenges."
For more information, please reach out to: [email protected]
In Amman: Bassma Al Nizamy, +962 7 8716 6426
In Beirut: Mey Al Sayegh, +961 76 174 468
In Geneva: Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109