Jordan

Desert Landscape of Jordan
Overview

Contributed by Mervat Batarseh, Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature

Jordan has a notable history of EE promotion and initiatives and continues to work to advance the field. Since its establishment in 1966, The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) has been a driving force for EE efforts. The RSCN and other organizations, such as the Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan, in collaboration with government ministries, such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Education, work to increase the reach of EE programs and to have environmental education integrated into the national curriculum. 

National Policy

Numerous policies, strategies, and plans promoting and strengthening EE have been enacted in Jordan. These include: 

  • Jordan’s Environmental Protection Law. One of the responsibilities of the Ministry of Environment, in cooperation with other parties, highlighted in this law is “coordinating national efforts aimed at protecting the environment including setting a national strategy for awareness, education and environmental contact, and to transfer, utilize and provide environmental data and take the measures necessary for that purpose.” 
  • Jordan’s Third National Communication on Climate Change states that the “school curriculum in Jordan should be revised to include more climate change topics and materials.”
  • Jordan’s National Climate Change Policy Adaptation Plan (2021) calls for the incorporation of climate change into education by “developing an enhanced, unified, common entry level education curriculum that includes new themes on climate change and environment.”
  • The National Climate Change Policy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (2022-2050) includes an action list for how to integrate climate change into educational curricula at all levels.

EE in K-12 Education

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)’s Eco-Schools program was implemented in Amman and Aqaba in 2009. The Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan, which serves as the national operator of the Eco-Schools program, now works with over 200 schools in the cities of Amman and Aqaba. The program has further expanded to include schools in northern regions of the country. 

The RSCN has developed several approaches to advance EE among students outside of formal education environments through its flagship program, Nature Knights:

The Nature Knight Program is an innovative environmental education program that works with students to enable them to have a greater influence on natural reserve management challenges. The Nature Knight Program, which is also a Jordanian Junior Ranger program, has won various international awards. The program is divided into five cycles, with the vision statement “Children of the local communities around protected areas  will become crucial vanguards in the changing of community perceptions of the protected areas and commitment to conservation.” The program’s five learning cycles prepare the learner to be a specialist Nature Knight in one of the reserve’s primary duties. Program participants select an area of interest, such as being a researcher, ranger, eco-tourism officer, or education officer. This comprehensive program includes a unique curriculum as well as all of the tools/equipment required for field researchers to accomplish their ecological studies. The program aims to influence students' attitudes about nature and the environment as a whole, with the objective of changing their behavior in favor of nature. Participants in the program are considered ambassadors for the RSCN's environmental preservation and conservation mission.

Professional Development and Certification 

At the governmental level, Jordan’s Third National Communication on Climate Change and National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015-2020) present the need for quality resources and trainings for environmental educators.  

Organizations, such as the RSCN, the Princess Alia Foundation, and the Queen Rania Teacher Academy provide opportunities for teacher empowerment and professional development. The Queen Rania Teacher Academy’s Environment Education Program specifically prepares teachers to introduce various environmental issues into the classroom through hands-on activities.

National Associations

There is no national environmental education association in Jordan.

EE in National Government

The Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research are the government entities actively involved in supporting environmental education at the national level.

National EE Campaigns and Funding

Funding for EE in Jordan comes from a variety of sources such as funds and grants from the national government and international organizations. The Jordan Environment Fund of the Ministry of Environment was established in 2009 to enhance efforts towards achieving sustainable development. The Green Climate Fund, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have financially supported various environmental projects in Jordan. 

Numerous environmental campaigns have been held in Jordan, and have focused on issues such as littering in forests and raising youth environmental awareness.

Funding for EE in Jordan comes from a variety of sources such as funds and grants from the national government and international organizations. The Jordan Environment Fund of the Ministry of Environment was established in 2009 to enhance efforts towards achieving sustainable development. The Green Climate Fund, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have financially supported various environmental projects in Jordan. 

Numerous environmental campaigns have been held in Jordan, and have focused on issues such as littering in forests and raising youth environmental awareness.