Irbid, Oct. 18 (Petra) -- The Irbid Governorate Environment Directorate, in cooperation with the Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS) at Yarmouk University and the Irbid Flowers Environmental Association, held a workshop on Sunday titled "Agriculture vs Climate Change: Adaptation Challenges and Sustainability Opportunities." The event brought together parliamentarians, academics, specialists, and representatives from official institutions and the local community.

Opening the workshop, Yarmouk University President Malik Al-Sharairi highlighted the need for interdisciplinary integration and joint research to combat climate change and develop innovative, science-backed solutions. He noted that climate change has evolved beyond an environmental issue into a developmental, economic, and social challenge that directly impacts water and food security, natural resource sustainability, and agricultural livelihoods.

Hanan Malkawi, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development Studies, pointed out that climate impacts are increasingly evident in declining water resources, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures, putting growing pressure on Jordan's agricultural sector amid existing water scarcity.

Director of the Irbid Environment Directorate Mustafa Al-Zyoud stressed that mitigating climate impacts requires an integrated approach based on informed planning and sustainable management of water and soil resources.

President of the Irbid Flowers Environmental Association Ashraf Abu Khalil underscored the importance of supporting Jordanian farmers as key partners in environmental protection and resource conservation.

The workshop featured two panel sessions moderated by Environmental Awareness Specialist at the Irbid Environment Directorate, Mohammad Al-Draizi.

The first session examined climate policies, legislation, climate finance, and the role of technological innovation and remote sensing in precision agriculture and water stress management. Papers were presented by Eng. Shurouq Bani Atta from the Environment Directorate, MP Hamza Al-Hawamdeh, and Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Yarmouk University Khaled Al-Hazaymeh.

The second session focused on integrated water resource management, climate-smart agricultural adaptation strategies, and disaster risk reduction within food value chains, focusing on ancient olive trees as a case study.

Presenters included Ziad Al-Ghazawi from the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Director of the Iksaab Center for Sustainable Development; Mazen Abu Qamar; and President of the Development for People and Environment Association Ahmad Al-Shraideh.

Participants reaffirmed the need to align public policies with scientific research and climate-smart agricultural practices to build sector resilience and safeguard the Kingdom’s food security.

//Petra// AF