The northern town of Al Wahadneh will become a model eco-village that will apply principles of integrated ecosystem management and responsible use of natural resources to achieve sustainable development.

The Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to this effect on Monday.

During a meeting with IUCN Director General Julia Marton-Lefèvre yesterday, HRH Princess Basma underlined the importance of the project, noting that it will serve as an example to be followed by other areas in the Kingdom

JOHUD has already established 40 home garden units, incorporating water harvesting and grey water treatment as well as building green houses in Al Wahadneh, which is in Ajloun Governorate.

In addition, JOHUD has also set up a 12-dunum garden focusing on biodiversity conservation, according to the fund.

Under the MoU, which was signed in the presence of Princess Basma, who chairs the JOHUD board of trustees and Marton-Lefèvre, the IUCN will build on JOHUD’s accomplishments to fully realise the eco-village.

Environment Minister Khaled Irani, who also attended the meeting, said the ministry is currently working to finalise the land use plan for the Ajloun Governorate, highlighting the positive impact the project will have on the area’s ecosystem.

The IUCN helps the world find pragmatic solutions to pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings together governments, NGOs, UN agencies, companies and local communities to develop and implement policy, laws and best practices, according to the its website.

JOHUD works to promote social, economic, cultural and environmental empowerment through participatory development, reaching out to marginalised communities across the Kingdom.