Amman, July 9 (Petra) – The Ministry of Agriculture on Thursday launched the Green Jobs Project to plant 300,000 forest seedlings over four years and create 4,300 direct job opportunities.

Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat, in the presence of representatives of the German Development Bank (KfW) and the company implementing the project, said 30 percent of the jobs will be allocated to women, and 6 percent to persons with disabilities. He said the project aims to support sustainable development and create economic and social impact in local communities.

The first phase will begin with afforestation work in Irbid's Koura and Bani Kinanah districts, specifically in Rahmeh and Yarmouk, as well as the Deir Alla and Iqaba nurseries, before expanding to other locations in later stages.

Khraisat said afforestation projects are a key pillar of water security, helping protect soil, reduce erosion, and improve land capacity to retain rainwater.

He added that expanding forest areas is an important tool for addressing climate change by increasing carbon absorption, improving biodiversity, reducing desertification, and strengthening ecosystem resilience.

The minister said the project goes beyond tree planting by empowering local communities, especially in rural areas, through decent employment opportunities, specialized vocational training, and career paths that support long-term job sustainability and improve national expertise in forest management and afforestation.

He said the ministry is working with donors and implementing partners to develop integrated plans to ensure the sustainability of afforested sites through maintenance, monitoring, protection programs, and stronger local community participation.

Khraisat reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing all necessary support for the project, mobilizing the resources outlined in the project agreement, and addressing any obstacles to implementation to achieve its environmental, water security, climate adaptation, and rural development goals.

//Petra// AO