Amman, December, 3rd
The Swedish Minister for the International Development Cooperation Ministry, Ms., Hillevi Engstrom, along with the Swedish Ambassadress Mrs., Helena Gröndahl Rietz, Second Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission Mr., Mikael Staaf, and Regional Water Resources Director for the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (SIDA) Mr., Anders Jägerskog concluded a visit to the Mouth of the Jordan River whereby they were briefed by Friends of the Earth Middle East “FoEME” on the reasons for the deteriorating condition of the Dead Sea and the Jordan River. In this regard, Sweden has supported FoEME’s efforts to rehabilitate the Jordan River that has been in a constant state of decline due to excessive damming and pollution.
The visitors then headed to South Shuna where they met with students from the South Shuna High School for Girls to view the Eco-Facility established within the framework of the Good Water Neighbors “GWN”. The GWN project is supported by Sweden to teach students about the best environmental practices to save water such as the grey water reuse system and drip irrigation.
The visit concluded in Jofa at the headquarters of the Cooperation Charitable Association where her Excellency explored possibilities for developing the region with the Mayor of South Shunah Mr., Ibrahim Al-Odwan and South Shuna District Governor Mr., Sami Habarneh. She also met with Ms., Sireen Al-Sharif Head of the Princess Basma Center for Social Development and representatives from the local community to discuss the role played by women in the development of their communities in particular as well as FoEME’s role in the development of women’s capabilities.
This post is contributed by Samar M. Salma, FoEME’s Media Officer & Project Coordinator for the Rehabilitation of the Lower Jordan River.