3. Basic info 

The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) will implement the project over 24 months, from October 2023 to October 2025, with a total project cost of EUR 500,000. Several tangible results will be accomplished for the development of climate change resilience and water sustainability in the project areas in Jordan and Lebanon. Overall, the action aims to directly benefit local farmers, students, families, and the population of the District of Zahle and indirectly improve water resilience by creating greener and more sustainable public spaces for larger populations in Irbid, Jerash, and Bekaa Governorate. The project has three main expected outcomes:

Outcome 1: Increased utilisation of sustainable, non-conventional sources of water for domestic and agricultural purposes. 

• (1.1) One rooftop rainwater harvesting system installed in Irbid, Jordan: The successful implementation of the rainwater collection and storage system on the rooftop of the identified school will lead to a substantial increase in water availability and promote sustainable water management within the school premises. By integrating specific criteria based on the number of beneficiaries, water consumption rate, and the school’s significance as a public building of reference, the project will efficiently allocate resources and ensure maximum impact. The rainwater collection infrastructure, including gutters and pipes, will be strategically installed to effectively collect rainwater. This collected rainwater will then be stored and managed through a well-designed system, providing a reliable and sustainable water source for various purposes, such as irrigation and domestic use within the school. As a result of these interventions, the school will witness significant improvements in water availability and utilization. This enhanced water accessibility will not only benefit the school community but also serve as a model for responsible water management practices, inspiring other educational institutions, and the surrounding community to adopt similar nature-based solutions for sustainable water use.  

• (1.2) One rain harvesting system installed on the rooftop of the structure of a photovoltaic system in Zahle, Lebanon:  The rainwater harvesting system will collect rainwater from a surface area of around 670m2 and collect it in plastic tanks with a capacity up to 80 m3 for usage in irrigation of ornamental seedlings planted underneath the structure. The average annual precipitation level in Zahle is 427mm, and the maximal potential harvestable amount is around 200,000 litres per year. The project aims to train staff of Municipality of Zahle and exchange information regarding operation and maintenance of the installed system for continued water sustenance. Such system will enable the collection and utilization of rainwater for various purposes, reducing reliance on conventional water sources. (1.3) Nature-based wastewater treatment system installed in Jerash, Jordan   The activity aims to construct a nature-based wastewater treatment system lagoon in Jerash Wastewater Treatment Plant that will serve as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution. The successful establishment of a nature-based wastewater treatment system lagoon in the Jerash Wastewater Treatment Plant will result in significant outcomes, positively impacting water quality and availability for agricultural irrigation. Through harnessing the power of solar radiation, wind circulation, and natural biological processes involving bacteria and algae, this lagoon will effectively purify wastewater by assimilating nitrogen and phosphorus. The growth of algae, facilitated by solar radiation, will further enhance the oxygenation of the wastewater through photosynthesis. This eco-friendly approach will not only reduce pollution but also promote efficient water use for irrigation, contributing to an overall increase in the total volume of treated wastewater storage capacity. This outcome will serve as a sustainable and environmentally conscious solution, enhancing water resources for agricultural purposes. 

Outcome 2: Increased use of non-conventional nature-based agricultural practices in Lebanon.

• (2.1) Agrivoltaic farming project designed and installed: This innovative farming approach combines agriculture and solar energy production, maximizing land use efficiency and contributing to food security and renewable energy generation.  The project includes the development of a nursery where various types of ornamental plants will be tested and grown including native species of ornamental tree seedlings, herbs, and forbs. The types of seedlings and seeds would be selected based on a desk review of relevant literature to ensure successful growth. The nursery yield would be used for the greening of public spaces in Zahle City and surrounding municipalities.   The agrivoltaic farming project will be designed to facilitate rainwater harvesting and proper insolation of plants. As such, the roof of the nursery will consist of translucent plexiglass which can support the components of the rainwater harvesting system all while allowing plant exposure to sunlight. Solar panels with a total capacity output of up to 82 kW will be organised on the rooftop of the nursery at carefully designed heights and spacing which consider seedlings’ light, humidity, temperature and space requirements.

Outcome 3: Effective systematization of the implemented interventions in local governance.

• (3.1) Dissemination materials developed and events implemented:  The successful implementation of dissemination materials and events, including project flyers and social media posts, virtual national and regional information disclosure and exchange workshops, and organised tours to implemented sub-projects, will result in increased awareness and knowledge dissemination regarding resilient water solutions. Through the development and dissemination of materials such as flyers and social media posts, stakeholders will gain valuable insights into the project’s objectives and achievements. Virtual information disclosure and exchange workshops will play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between stakeholders from Irbid and Zahle. These workshops will provide a platform for sharing experiences, challenges, and lessons learned during the implementation of resilient water solutions. Moreover, organized tours will be conducted, targeting representatives from other municipalities, local communities, school students, and non-governmental organizations active in the water and energy sectors. These tours will create awareness among various stakeholders and the general community about the innovative interventions implemented in the project, promoting best practices in sustainable water management and non-conventional nature-based solutions. The outcome of these dissemination efforts will be an informed and engaged community, with increased understanding and appreciation for the project’s impact on water resilience and sustainable water management practices. To ensure that both girls and boys have equal exposure to these knowledge exchange workshops and tours, gender balance will be actively tracked and monitored to promote gender equality as a way to equal representation from both genders.