By Khaled Marafi, Ecosystem Management Expert, Candidate – Jordan IUCN Regional Council, West Asia

Cities across the world, including those in Jordan, are increasingly facing the challenges of heatwaves and the urban heat island effect as a result of climate change. With limited water resources and growing population density, the search for innovative and sustainable solutions for urban cooling has become an urgent priority. In this regard, nature-based solutions inspired by Jordan’s experience in dryland restoration offer a valuable pathway forward.

Jordan is characterised by an arid and semi-arid climate and has, over the decades, developed extensive expertise in ecosystem restoration and sustainable land and water management. Programs such as afforestation with drought-resilient native species, rainwater harvesting in drylands, and the rehabilitation of degraded rangelands have provided practical lessons that can be applied to urban environments.

Key lessons from these experiences include:

1. Planting native species: Expanding green cover in Jordanian cities through the use of native, drought-tolerant trees and shrubs—such as acacia, sidr, and other desert-adapted species—can reduce water consumption while providing shade and cooling effects.
2. Green infrastructure: Rooftop gardens and vertical green walls can serve as natural insulation, reducing reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems.
3. Sustainable water management: Rainwater harvesting and redirection of runoff to nourish urban greenery can transform wasted water into a valuable cooling resource.
4. Community engagement: Just as Jordan’s dryland restoration efforts have succeeded through local participation, urban cooling solutions must also be rooted in community ownership and stewardship to ensure long-term sustainability.

These principles go beyond environmental benefits; they represent investments in public health, economic efficiency, and social well-being. Cities that rely on nature-based cooling reduce energy consumption, cut carbon emissions, and provide healthier living conditions for their residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.

Moreover, these approaches align with Jordan’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, while supporting national adaptation priorities.

By linking dryland restoration principles with urban cooling strategies, Jordan has the opportunity to serve as a regional and global model for climate adaptation in arid and semi-arid regions. Such approaches not only address immediate urban heat challenges but also inspire transformative solutions for resilient and sustainable cities worldwide.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.