AGP Executive Report

Jordan Food Security: Jordan’s Agriculture Ministry says the country meets over 60% of its food needs despite water scarcity, citing strategic stocks of fruit/vegetables and reserves of meat and eggs, plus exports topping JD1.6bn last year. Central Bank Update: Foreign reserves rose to $26.6bn by end-July, covering 8.7 months of imports, with tourism up 7% in June and remittances up 14.5% in early 2026. Industry & Environment Skills: The Amman Chamber of Industry ran a workshop with the Higher Council for Science and Technology, highlighting support for factories to gain international certifications tied to environmental and occupational safety management systems. Water & Drought Context: Separate reporting notes drought easing in North Carolina after rain, but reservoirs still sit below normal—an example of how water stress can persist even when conditions improve. Regional Shipping Risk: Reports say Iran-Oman talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz could include control over inbound traffic, raising concerns for global trade and energy flows.

Sustainable Finance in Jordan: Jordan Kuwait Bank (JKB) has issued its second Green Bond with IFC support (up to $100m), backing projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, “blue finance,” green buildings, and sustainable transport—aimed at strengthening Jordan’s green finance push. Roads & Resilience: Jordan’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing finished southern-region road upgrades under a Kuwaiti loan-financed phase, including Al-Kharazah–Al-Dhira, Qatraneh Desert, and Qatraneh–Karak roads, with new asphalt and safety upgrades. Water & Pollution Watch: England’s latest Environment Agency figures show only 14.3% of water bodies in good ecological health and no rivers or lakes in good chemical health, highlighting how sewage and toxic pollution keep ecosystems under pressure. Biodiversity Update: A camera-trap study in Papua New Guinea has confirmed the black-naped pheasant-pigeon still survives after 140 years, underscoring how habitat loss and logging could threaten what remains. Local Land Fight: Residents in Upper Darby urged council to reject rezoning of the Mozino Tract, citing loss of trees, a creek’s stormwater role, and added traffic strain.

Regional Diplomacy: In Amman, Arab foreign ministers backed joint action against illegal Israeli policies in occupied Jerusalem, warning the escalation could spark wider religious conflict and calling for international pressure to halt measures affecting holy sites and Palestinian rights. UN Human Rights: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk met Jordanian officials, urging stronger judicial independence, an end to administrative detention, and better alignment of laws with international human rights standards. Heritage Protection: UNESCO kept Jerusalem’s Old City and its Walls on the World Heritage in Danger list, saying conservation conditions haven’t been met; Jordan welcomed the decision, citing threats to cultural heritage. Infrastructure & Environment: Jordan’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing finished road maintenance in the south under a Kuwaiti-loan funded project, including resurfacing and safety upgrades on desert and Karak routes. Public Health Concern: Reports from Australia flagged a rise in peptide use linked to shortages at needle exchange programs and cases of liver toxicity, raising new harm-reduction worries.

Human Rights & Governance: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk met Jordanian officials, urging stronger judicial independence, an end to administrative detention, and better protection of fair trial rights, including how the Cybercrime Law is applied. Environment & Nature Tourism: Rajeb Valley in Ajloun is drawing over 800,000 visitors a year for its green landscapes, streams and waterfalls, as Jordan leans on nature-based tourism. Local Environment/Water: Evergreen UWCD’s board meeting heard public concerns about groundwater degradation and the need for stronger conservation action. Health Tech (with sustainability angle): Sunway Medical Centre Velocity in Southeast Asia launched NORAV’s integrated clinical management system, aiming to streamline diagnostics and cut paper use—an efficiency win that also supports sustainability efforts. Sports & Community (not environment-led): Jordan’s FA president Prince Ali says Jordan won’t back FIFA chief Gianni Infantino amid allegations of “blackmail” over World Cup money.

Jordan Energy & Food Security: King Abdullah chaired a review of government plans to strengthen Jordan’s energy and food security, pushing for more renewable and diversified energy, stronger strategic reserves, and better storage/transport partnerships to keep grain and essential commodities reliably available. Regional Water Funding: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved $250 million financing for Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, with a “single-window” platform launched to streamline procedures. Jerusalem Holy Sites: Jordan warned that an Israeli takeover of al-Aqsa/Dome of the Rock is “imminent,” urging an emergency foreign-ministers meeting to prevent religious conflict. Governance & Rights: Jordan condemned Israeli violations of the Gaza ceasefire while a separate report highlights detentions in Jordan over politically motivated prosecutions and due-process concerns. Local Environment Tourism: Jordan’s tourism push highlights natural assets like Aqaba’s marine reserve and biodiversity sites, tying conservation to growth.

Renewables & energy security: Jordan’s Samra Electric Power Generation signed a 25 MW wind project EPC contract in Ma’an, fully funded by the UAE, aiming to boost renewables toward the government’s 40% clean power target by 2035. Water infrastructure: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved $250m for Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, combining Aqaba desalination, a 438-km pipeline, and a 281 MW solar plant to deliver safe drinking water to Amman and other governorates. Climate & drought pressure: A World Bank report says Morocco’s agricultural gains are increasingly threatened by recurring drought, with major drops in cereal yields and cultivated land. Disaster risk & preparedness: Jordan also reiterated its support for Gaza ceasefire mediators, while separate coverage highlights how flood-risk planning and stronger standards can cut insurance costs—an approach Jordan communities can learn from. Wildlife conservation dispute: Environmental groups in New Jersey accuse the state of weak enforcement over horseshoe crab blood harvesting, warning it harms migratory bird food sources. Regional travel caution: US Embassy updates urged Americans in Jordan and the region to stay cautious amid heightened Middle East tensions.

Renewable Energy Push: Jordan signed an EPC contract for a UAE-funded 25 MW wind project in Ma’an (Batn Al Ghoul), installing five turbines under Masdar financing, with Samra Electric Power Company set to operate and maintain the site after handover. Water System Digitalization: Jordan’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation launched a single-window platform for the National Water Carrier Project, integrating licensing and permitting with Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority services to speed approvals and cut red tape. Regional Climate & Water Stress: A regional report highlights worsening summer pressures across North Africa and the Levant, with wildfires, power outages, and water shortages driving public unrest and disruptions. Local Finance for Jobs & SMEs: Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation reported H1 2026 growth, issuing JOD 300m in guarantees and expanding programs including employment and green financing guarantees. Substance-Use Prevention Study: UNICEF and Jordan’s National Council for Family Affairs launched a study to strengthen substance-use prevention for youth, finding widespread experimentation despite high awareness of harms.

Renewables in Ma’an: Jordan signed a UAE-funded EPC deal for a 25 MW wind project in Batn Al Ghoul, with Masdar financing five turbines; SEPCO will operate and maintain the plant after handover, boosting clean power and energy security. Waste & cities: Imdaad entered Jordan via a strategic joint venture with Clean City to expand municipal cleaning and waste management services across Amman, including hazardous waste treatment and e-waste recycling. UNESCO heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites worldwide, including Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve, highlighting the region’s natural biodiversity value. Earthquake felt regionally: A 5.6 quake struck Egypt near Suez; reports said shaking was felt in Jordan and across the Middle East, with no immediate casualties reported. Climate-tech debate: A solar-powered orbital data center concept points to lower environmental impact for AI computing, while protests elsewhere target data centers’ water and power demands. Humanitarian rehab in Jordan: Qatar Charity backed prosthetic limb fitting and rehabilitation for children affected by conflict injuries in Jordan and Gaza. Agrifood co-ops: FAO highlighted how cooperatives help Near East and North Africa communities adapt to climate stress and improve food security.

Renewables in Ma’an: Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources signed an EPC deal for a UAE-funded 25 MW wind project in Batn Al-Ghoul, with SEPCO overseeing operations after installation—another step toward cleaner power and energy security. Climate resilience for farmers: The FAO graduated 200 women from a climate adaptation training in Madaba, Karak, Tafilah and Ma’an, aiming to spread water-efficient, sustainable practices as drought and heat pressure agriculture. Heatwave watch: Jordan is bracing for a Middle East heatwave, with Jordan Valley temperatures reported near extreme levels and warnings issued across the country. Public transport upgrade: Jordan’s Land Transport Regulatory Commission began trial operations for two new intercity bus routes linking Amman with Tafilah and Ma’an, with frequent daily departures and agreements to protect passenger rights. Water and energy finance: The IMF transferred $188m to Jordan after completing reviews under its EFF and RSF programs, including support for reforms tied to climate resilience. Humanitarian rehab in Jordan: Qatar Charity backed a prosthetic limb and rehabilitation project for children affected by the Gaza crisis, delivered through partners in Jordan and Gaza.

Transport & Access: Jordan’s Land Transport Regulatory Commission has started trial operations for two new intercity bus routes linking Amman with Tafilah and Ma’an, with daily service from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and departures every 25–40 minutes, as part of a wider push to modernize governorate-to-governorate public transport. Water & Pollution: In the Hebron Stream, locals report raw sewage and factory sludge choking the waterway, with stone-cutting wastewater and untreated discharges blamed for toxic conditions and a persistent white crust along the banks. Aviation & Connectivity: Queen Alia International Airport handled 3.74 million passengers in H1 2026 (down 15% year-on-year), while cargo and aircraft movements also fell, though June passenger traffic rose slightly—showing how regional volatility keeps shaping Jordan’s travel sector. Environment Policy & Energy Costs: Jordan’s government continues a freeze on main petroleum product prices to cushion transport and production costs, aiming to limit inflation pressure and protect purchasing power. Security Context: US embassies, including in Jordan, urged Americans to consider departing amid heightened Iran-related escalation risks, with warnings of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures.

Middle East Security: U.S. embassies in Jordan and across the region urged Americans to consider leaving or be ready to depart amid fears of “unforeseen escalation” tied to the Iran crisis, warning of possible flight cancellations and periodic airspace closures. Jordan Heat & Fire Risk: Jordan’s Meteorology Department warned of a hot air mass pushing temperatures up through the weekend, with advice to avoid direct sun (11am–3pm), limit dust exposure in the Badia, and avoid igniting fires in open/forested areas. Dead Sea Changes: New freshwater pools and sinkholes along the retreating Dead Sea shoreline are drawing attention online; scientists point to natural geological processes behind the shifts. Aqaba & Wadi Rum Tourism: ASEZA inaugurated a dedicated cycling trail in Wadi Rum to boost eco- and sports tourism and support sustainable visitor access. Water & Health: A Jordan-linked aviation update aside, the week also highlighted water safety concerns abroad, including high E. coli readings at multiple swim sites in a U.S. testing program. UNESCO Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites globally, while also listing some in danger, keeping regional heritage protection in focus.

Jordan-Tied Security Alert: The U.S. Embassy in Amman urged Americans to avoid travel to military bases in Jordan, citing heightened and unpredictable regional risks as tensions linked to Iran and U.S. interests continue. Regional Maritime Defense: Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries, including Jordan, backed a Saudi-led multinational maritime defense alliance aimed at protecting shipping lanes around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Gaza Roadmap Signals: Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar welcomed progress on a phased Gaza peace plan, while stressing that lasting peace requires full Israeli withdrawal and an eventual independent Palestinian state. Public Health & Demography: Jordan’s Higher Population Council marked World Twins Day, saying twin births rose from about 24 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 43 per 1,000 in 2025, with 6,531 registered twin births in 2025. Digital Governance: A Jordan-focused commentary argues the next step in digital transformation should be building public trust in how data is managed, protected and governed.

UNESCO & Jordan’s Nature: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites in 2026, including Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve—another spotlight on protecting marine biodiversity in the region. Water Stress in Jordan’s Region: Utah’s drought picture shows how rain can ease soil moisture while reservoirs keep dropping—an important reminder for water planning under climate pressure. Jordan in the Middle East Security Mix: Reports say Jordan was targeted during Iran-linked attacks and that intercepts occurred, underlining how regional instability can quickly spill into environmental and infrastructure risks. Local Pollution Lawsuit Threat: Environmental groups are threatening legal action over alleged ongoing pollution from Hartsfield-Jackson into the Flint River, including “forever chemicals,” a case that echoes the need for strict runoff and spill controls. Jordan’s Climate Tech Angle: A Fab Lab conference highlighted makerspaces and open hardware, including participation from Jordan—useful for building local solutions for sustainability and resilience.

Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia and 13 other countries, including Jordan, backed a Saudi-led multinational maritime defense alliance to protect shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with cooperation on intelligence-sharing, joint exercises and maritime operations described as “purely defensive.” Water & Climate: Utah’s monsoon rains boosted soil moisture but reservoirs still fell sharply, a reminder that rainfall alone may not fix drought when snowpack and storage are already depleted. Water Rights in Conflict: A report on “water apartheid” says Israel’s Mekorot restricts Palestinian access to aquifers and diverts water to settlements, linking climate stress to unequal control. Jordan Energy/Water Infrastructure: Jordan installs solar-powered water heating systems at nine hospitals, pushing cleaner energy use in public services. Regional Heat Risk: Record heatwave warnings for Israel highlight how extreme temperatures can strain water and health systems across the region.

UNESCO World Heritage (Jordan): UNESCO added six MENA sites at its Busan session, including Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve, highlighting growing pressure from conflict, climate stress, urban sprawl and looting. Water Security (Jordan): A separate report notes Jordan’s push for resilience, including solar-powered water heating systems installed at nine hospitals. Climate Governance (Jordan region): Snohomish County is recruiting residents for a Climate Action Advisory Committee, reflecting a wider push for community-led climate planning. Drought Watch (regional): North Carolina officials say the state is not yet “in the clear” despite recent rain, with groundwater and reservoirs still lagging. Maritime Risk (Jordan): Saudi Arabia and partners, including Jordan, backed a multinational maritime defense coalition to protect Red Sea shipping routes amid ongoing attacks. Cyber & Critical Infrastructure (Jordan): Canada’s Willis College announced a cybersecurity training partnership for Jordan’s Armed Forces, aimed at building a lasting defensive training hub.

Regional Heat & Fire Risk: A major heatwave is expected to hit the Levant, with northern Israel and the Sea of Galilee area forecast to reach up to 47°C, raising wildfire danger. Jordan Security & Air Defence: Jordan intercepted five Iranian missiles after a “heavy wave” of US strikes on Iran, with no casualties reported—while the wider US-Iran conflict keeps shifting into a new phase. Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Oman has floated a Gulf-backed plan for voluntary fees for ships using the Strait of Hormuz, but the US rejected tolls/fees, keeping trade and escalation risks high. Cultural Heritage Crackdown: Authorities seized thousands of illegally smuggled antiquities in the Jordan Valley, including coins and artifacts from multiple ancient eras, as raids target illegal excavations. UNESCO & Nature/Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage sites for 2026, including conflict-affected and climate-relevant places across the region. Green Growth in Jordan: The Environment Ministry held a workshop on behavioral change to advance green growth.