Irbid, June 18 (Petra) -- The Agriculture Directorate of Koura District held a consultative meeting on Thursday to discuss the second phase of the Green Jobs Project, part of the National Afforestation Program implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and funded by the German development bank (KfW), aimed at expanding afforestation efforts, creating employment opportunities, and supporting sustainable local development.
The meeting was attended by Koura District Governor, representatives of the International Labour Organization (ILO), and partners from government agencies and local community institutions.
Director of Agriculture in Koura Salem Khasawneh said the project serves as a development model that combines environmental protection, job creation, and support for the local economy within a national vision based on sustainability and community partnership.
Khasawneh told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the second phase will include afforestation and environmental rehabilitation works at several sites across the district, with a focus on planting carob trees due to their environmental and economic value, adaptability to local climatic conditions, and role in enhancing biodiversity and protecting natural resources.
He noted that the directorate has prioritized consultation and coordination with stakeholders since the project's inception, while ensuring active community engagement throughout all implementation stages. He said residents play a vital role in identifying development priorities and contributing to the success and sustainability of such initiatives.
Khasawneh noted that the Green Jobs Project will provide more than 200 employment opportunities for residents as unskilled laborers, describing it as an important step toward advancing sustainable development and generating positive impacts across the district.
During the meeting, ILO representatives presented an overview of the project's objectives, implementation phases, operational mechanisms, and recruitment criteria, while outlining the roles of partners and the importance of community participation in ensuring the sustainability of project outcomes.
Participants stressed the project's significance in creating jobs, improving environmental conditions, and supporting local development, while praising the Agriculture Directorate's participatory approach based on transparency and equal opportunities.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for local community representatives to present observations and suggestions and receive clarifications regarding the project, helping strengthen trust between the community and implementing institutions and reinforcing the principles of partnership in development initiatives.
//Petra// NQ
