All You Need to Know About Renewable Energy in Jordan

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Renewable energy systems have been used in Jordan since early 1970s. Infact, Jordan has been a pioneer in renewable energy promotion in the Middle East with its first wind power pilot project in Al-Ibrahemiya as early as 1988. In the recent past, Jordan has witnessed a surge in initiatives to generate power from renewable resources with financial and technical backing from the government, international agencies and foreign donors. However, renewable energy in Jordan remains largely untapped due to high cost associated with non-conventional energy resources and relatively cheap availability of oil and natural gas.

Wind energy is feasible mainly in areas overlooking the Jordan Valley and Wadi Araba. Solar energy potential is also high since many parts of the country experience between 300 and 320 days of full sunshine throughout the year, it also lies within the solar belt of the world. Biomass energy potential is also attractive in the form of urban wastes, organic industrial wastes and animal manure. With rapid technological advancements, other sources such as waste-to-energy, hydro power and geothermal energy are also realistic options.

sustainability-jobs

Currently, Jordan is looking at having 10% of its energy mix generated from renewable energy sources by the year 2020. Thus, the country is implementing a plan to generate 600MW of wind energy, and 600MW of solar energy to reach this target. It is to be mentioned that Jordan’s renewable energy potential is certainly higher than this target, which may led to the possibility of exporting surplus renewable power within the region and beyond.

Solar Energy

The solar energy potential in Jordan is enormous as it lies within the solar belt of the world with average solar radiation ranging between 5 and 7KWh/m2, which implies a potential of at least 1000GWh per year annually. Solar energy, like other forms of renewable energy, remains underutilized in Jordan. Decentralized photovoltaic units in rural and remote villages are currently used for lighting, water pumping and other social services (1000KW of peak capacity). In addition, about 15% of all households are equipped with solar water heating systems. Recently, a solar pond for potash production was built in the Dead Sea area.

Jordan has major plans for increasing the use of solar energy. As per the Energy Master Plan, 30 percent of all households are expected to be equipped with solar water heating system by the year 2020. The Government is hoping to construct the first Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) demonstration project in the short to medium term and is considering Aqaba and the south-eastern region for this purpose. It is also planning to have solar desalination plant. According to the national strategy the planned installed capacity will amount to 300MW – 600MW (CSP, PV and hybrid power plants) by 2020.

Wind Energy

Wind energy resources are abundant and can cover a significant amount of Jordan’s energy requirement if implemented properly. There are a number of places known by their high wind speed (greater than 5 metre per second) and long windy times, such as Jordan Valley and Wadi Araba. The existing wind farms in Hofa and Al-Ibrahemiya are good examples of successful wind energy projects.

wind-energy

These farms are connected to the national grid and characterized by a high availability and excellent capacity factors. Currently, there is a plan for three wind farms with maximum capacity of 300MW each, distributed among three sites in the northern and southern regions of Jordan.

Waste-to-Energy and Biomass Energy

Municipal solid wastes represent the best source of biomass in Jordan. The per capita of waste generated in Jordan is about 0.9 kg/day. The total generation of municipal waste in Jordan is estimated at 1.84 million tons per year. The main resources of organic waste in Jordan that can be potentially used to produce biogas are summarized as follows:

  • Municipal waste from big cities
  • Organic wastes from slaughterhouse, vegetable market, hotels and restaurants.
  • Organic waste from agro-industries
  • Animal manure, mainly from cows and chickens.
  • Sewage sludge and septic.
  • Olive mills.
  • Organic industrial waste

According to a study conducted by the Greater Amman Municipality, around 1.5 million tonnes of organic waste was generated in Jordan in 2009. In addition, an annual amount of 1.83 million cubic meter of septic and sewage sludge from treatment of 44 million cubic meter of sewage water is generated in greater Amman area. The potential annual sewage sludge and septic generated in Amman can be estimated at 85,000 tons of dry matter.

biogas-Jordan

The Government of Jordan, in collaboration with UNDP, GEF and the Danish Government, established 1MW biogas plant at Rusaifeh landfill near Amman in 1999.  The Plant has been successfully operating since its commissioning and efforts are underway to increase its capacity to 5MW. Infact, the project has achieved net yearly profit from electricity sale of about US $ 100, 000.  The project consists of a system of twelve landfill gas wells and an anaerobic digestion plant based on 60 tons per day of organic wastes from hotels, restaurants and slaughterhouses in Amman. The successful installation of the biogas project has made it a role model in the entire region and several big cities are striving to replicate the model.

Storm Alexa – Positive Aspects for MENA

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storm-alexaThe year 2013 saw history being made when Storm Alexa swept across the Middle East and North Africa bringing blizzards, torrential rain and icy winds to a region that hasn’t experienced such a storm in over 100 years. Storm Alexa caused devastating floods in Arab cities, such as Gaza, and power cuts in certain areas of Jordan. Heavy snowfall in Jordan covered the streets, hindering mobility and forcing people into their homes for several days. The storm has also brought hardship and misery upon the Syrian refugees enduring the bitter cold in fragile tents and makeshift shelters.

Positive Aspects

However, with no intention of belittling or undermining the aforementioned difficulties and suffering, such a storm could be beneficial in terms of one aspect: the water it brings to the region. Storm Alexa brought an abundance of water to a region suffering from severe water scarcity. The effects of water scarcity are rapidly being felt across the region, with water shortages affecting countries such as Palestine, Egypt, and Jordan. Therefore, this outpour of water could bring some respite in terms of water availability in these MENA countries, with rainwater runoff and snowfall being large sources fresh water. Sadly these sources have been very poorly managed causing floods, and snow-covered streets.

Flooded rainwater has mixed with wastewater triggering an overflow of wastewater throughout local cities and towns. This has produced adverse health problems among the resident populations, who are calling out for rapid solutions to their strife. One solution that can be utilized is harvesting floodwater and the large amounts of snowfall available. Harvesting such water sources would help reduce the effects of water scarcity, and reduce physical harm to cities and towns.

Once these water sources are collected, they must be treated before they are reused. Once treated, the water can be used for a variety of activities such as irrigation or any type of domestic use.

Case Study – Amman

Over the course of the storm, Amman has seen ample amounts of snow and rainfall that have put the city in what seemed like a standstill. Residents were snowed in unable to go to work and perform their daily routines. The streets were covered with snow that reached up to 3 feet, making it very difficult to move about. Although the snowfall had its detrimental repercussions, it is a source of freshwater.  Harvesting it would have been a fairly simple procedure.

The procedure would require manpower, along with trucks, to set out to the streets and start collecting as much snow as possible. Once collected, it would be transported to the nearest wastewater treatment plant, such as the Samra wastewater treatment plant located in the greater Amman Russeifa-Zarqa area (there are currently 26 wastewater treatment plants that exist in Jordan). Once treated the water produced can be added into the water pipe systems and distributed among households.

Harvesting and treating these water sources eases the effects of water scarcity even if for a short time period. This is beneficial in several ways:

  • It allows over used water aquifers and rivers time to replenish (even if for a short period).
  • It reduces the financial costs spent on water extraction (for a short time period).
  • It reduces the amount of fossil fuels used during water extraction (reducing CO2 release).
  • It removes snow off the streets allowing people to go back to their daily routines, and to their work.

Challenges to Overcome

Needless to say, wastewater treatment has its downsides. First, it is energy intensive and financially demanding. Second, it requires very advanced technological capabilities. Third, it requires a large area in which it is to be implemented. With the exception of Jordan and a handful of other countries in the region, not many have the economic and technological capabilities to undergo this type water management.

wastewater-treatment-uae

The problem is further exacerbated by the political strife the region is currently experiencing. Countries such as Syria and Palestine have more political constraints than others that do not allow them to use this water source to its full potential.

However, there are simpler ways to treat wastewater that are not so economically and technologically reliant. Such techniques require a large area where the excess rainwater is allowed to be stored for a certain period of time, which allows the waste to settle at the bottom of the area (in which the water is stored). The water is then passed through a large filtering screen that removes the remaining waste and bacteria from the water. This method does not treat water as thoroughly as wastewater treatment plants, but it treats it enough for it to be reused for certain water intensive practices (e.g. irrigation, washing machines, showering).

Conclusions

Water scarcity has become the most dangerous threat the world is facing. Water scarcity in MENA is further intensified as it only holds 1% of the usable water resources in the world, while having 5% of the world’s population. With regional population set to increase even further, water scarcity is likely to increase, with predictions indicating that the MENA region will run out of water by the year 2050.

Although harvesting the water provided by Storm Alexa does not provide a long-term solution to water scarcity in the region, it offers a short-term respite from its effects. This gives countries more time to plan ahead and to develop further in their quest to mitigate water scarcity. With scientists indicating that such storms are to become even more rare due to the effects of climate change, there are good opportunities to use these events for the welfare of mankind.

The Significance of Domestic Water Conservation

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The Middle East region is plagued by water scarcity and water management issues. Despite heavy investment in the water sector, water management remains a serious economic and environmental issue throughout the region. Overconsumption of water is a serious issue as per capita use of water in most of the Middle Eastern countries is several times more water than the global average. For example, on an average each UAE and Saudi Arabian resident consume 550 liters and 250 liters of water per day respectively.

On the other hand, per capita water consumption in United Kingdom and Germany is 150 liters and 127 liters per day respectively. These statistics are a grim reminder that excessive consumption of water must be curbed urgently in order to secure water supplies for the coming generations.

water-conservation

Water scarcity is a reality in almost all Middle East countries, be it arid Kuwait or green Jordan. However, most of the people are either unaware or have ignored this stark fact. High population growth coupled with rapid industrialization calls for a sustainable water use pattern in domestic, industrial and agricultural sectors. Domestic sector is responsible for one of the largest water consumption in the Middle East.

For example, in United Arab Emirates private households account for about one-fourth of total water consumption. Households use water for drinking, washing, air conditioning, gardening, landscaping etc. Due to rising water demand and dwindling freshwater supplies, domestic water conservation is an urgent need of the hour. Water conservation can help not only help in saving water but will also conserve energy required for desalination, wastewater treatment and transport of water.

Domestic water conservation can be used in all types of residential, institutional, and commercial buildings in the Middle East. Installation of technologies and products like faucet aerators, low-flow or sensor-based faucets, low-flow showerheads, low-flush and composting toilets, water-saving dishwashers and clothes washers can play a significant role in saving water at the domestic level.

Moreover, detecting and fixing leaks in water system, and ensuring operation of valves at the optimum pressure, can save good deal of water. Fixing leaks in pipes, fittings, tanks, and fixtures enhances the effectiveness of water-saving products. Pressure-reducing valves can be used to lessen the force and amount of water flows. However, different applications require different kinds of valve like ball valve, gate valve, butterfly valve etc. So make sure you are choosing the right valve to control the flow better.

water-saving-tips

Basis water-saving tips for a common man

To promote conservation, water supply should be metered and monetized. Monitoring and metering can increase efficiency of water distribution network and can provide accurate data of consumption level of a particular consumer. Removal of subsidies and appropriate pricing of water can be a powerful tool to enforce water conservation at household level. Pricing of water will not only help in improvement of water infrastructure but may also a strong message to the public that water has certain monetary value and should be conserved.

Providing subsidies on water-saving devices, like toilet retrofits, can be an attractive inducement. Encouragement of xeriscaping or natural landscaping can significantly reduce outdoor water use in arid climate, like that of the Middle East. Water conservation is often confused with reduction of water consumption. However, it also includes use of improved technologies and practices that deliver equal or better service with less water.

Effective Ways to Tackle the Menace of E-Waste

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Daily life has been made far more efficient, and glamorous, as technology improves at phenomenal rates. We are encouraged to go paperless, and drastically reduce waste from paper materials. However, technology has its own waste issues to deal with. Electronic waste (or e-waste), is the fastest growing waste stream, and its disposal is a major environmental concern in all parts of the world. When new technology does out with the old, our current model of disposing of ‘outdated’ technology is harming people, profits and most importantly, the planet.

e-waste-burning

More than 50 million of tons of e-waste is generated globally and the quantity is rapidly increasing with each passing year (Zafar, 2015). Less than 5% of which is being recycled, or reused appropriately. The content of this waste includes toxic materials as well as valuable and energy-intensive precious metals (Allam, 2009).

Televisions, toaster ovens, you name it, you will find old models no longer being used, stacking up in landfills around the world. If current consumption rates pattern continue, two planets will be needed by 2050 (Allam, 2009). Effort towards more sophisticated methods of dealing with E-Waste has numerous advantages, including: public health, job creation, money saved by firms in procurement of raw materials, and new uses for public spending that would have otherwise gone towards environmental cleanup.

In developing countries such as Egypt, the capacity for safe recovery methods and disposal of e-wastes are lacking. There is clear evidence that the informal recovery industry exploits women and child labourers who cook circuit boards, burnt cables and submerge equipment in toxic acids to extract precious metals such as gold (Seitz, 2014). A vast majority of the workers involved in e-waste recycling in developing countries are afflicted with severe respiratory problem.

E-Waste workers often work in pathetic conditions

What businesses and governments can do?

Create an environmentally sound e-waste recycling chain. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the following steps are required in an e-waste recycling facility:

  • De-manufacturing into sub-assemblies and components – this involves the manual disassembly of a de- vice or component to recover value.
  • Depollution – the removal and separation of certain materials to allow them to be handled separately to minimize impacts, including batteries, fluorescent lamps and cathode ray tubes (CRTs)
  • Materials separation – manually separating and preparing material for further processing
  • Mechanical processing of similar materials – this involves processing compatible plastic resins, metals or glass from CRTs to generate market-grade commodities
  • Mechanical processing of mixed materials – this involves processing whole units followed by a series of separation technologies
  • Metal refining/smelting – after being sorted into components or into shredded streams, metals are sent to refiners or smelters. At this stage, thermal and chemical management processes are used to extract metals.
e-waste-recycling

E-Waste workers often work in pathetic conditions

What You Can Do

  • Recycle: look for e-waste recycling businesses in your area. There are many organizations who will take your E-waste free of charge! Large corporations like Sony and Samsung have take-back programs.
  • Upcycle: you can find great art ideas on the internet for making new art out of old materials
  • Start your own E-waste recycling business

References and Recommended Reading

  1. Allam, H. and Inauen, S. (2009): E-Waste Management Practices in the Arab Region. Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region (CEDARE), Cairo, Egypt.
  2. Baldé, C.P., Wang, F., Kuehr, R., Huisman, J. (2015), The global e-waste monitor – 2014, United Nations University, IAS – SCYCLE, Bonn, Germany (https://i.unu.edu/media/unu.edu/news/52624/UNU-1stGlobal-E-Waste-Monitor-2014-small.pdf)
  3. Basel Convention, 2012, Lundgren, 2012
  4. Seitz, J. (2014), Analysis of existing e-waste practices in MENA countries -2014, The Regional Solid Waste Exchange of Information and Expertise Network in Mashreq and Maghreb Countries, SWEEP-Net, Deutsche Gesellschaft,
  5. Zafar, S. (2015), Significance of e-waste management, EcoMENA, Qatar, (http://www.ecomena.org/tag/e-waste-management-in-middle-east/).

Waste-to-Energy in Jordan: Potential and Challenges

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Effective sustainable solid waste management is of great importance both for people’s health and for environmental protection. In Jordan, insufficient financial resources, growing population, rapid urbanization, inadequate management and lacking of technical skills represent a serious environmental challenge confronting local government. At the same time, energy remains Jordan’s top challenge for development. The energy needs to be produced in a sustainable way, preferably from renewable sources which have a minimum environmental impact. To face the future problems in waste management, as well as securing the demand of renewable energy, it is necessary to reuse the wasted resources in energy production.

Jordan has definitely acknowledged that making affordable energy solutions available is critical to support industries, investment, and attain sustainable growth. One option is to use solid waste to generate electricity in centralized plants. Waste-to-energy has been recognized as an effective approach to improve recycling rates, reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, reduce the amount of materials sent to landfills and to avoid pollution.

alghabawi-landfill-jordan

Waste-to-Energy Potential in Jordan

According to recent statistics, Jordan population stands at around 9.5 million. The estimated municipal waste generated according to the last five years average production is around 3,086,075 ton/year. This huge amount of waste generated is not only a burden, but a potential resource for use in energy production.

Considering the country average waste composition 40% is organic waste e.g. avoidable and unavoidable food waste (1,200,000 ton), 10 % are recyclable e.g. paper, plastic, glass, ferrous metals and aluminum (300,000 ton) and 50% are suitable for incineration e.g. garden and park waste, wood and textiles (1,500,000 ton) with high calorific value and energy potential (8.1 MJ/Kg) that is capable to produce electricity 340 kWh/ton waste. The high organic waste is suitable for methane gas capture technologies which is estimated at 170 m3/ton waste.

Waste-to-Energy Technology Options

Nowadays, there are many waste-to-energy technologies available which makes it possible to harness the energy potential of waste in Jordan. The major technologies for large scale waste management are incineration, landfilling and anaerobic digestion. These technologies are affordable, economical visible and associated with minimum environmental impact.

The production of electricity is combined with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the current energy situation (90% of the country energy produced from fossil fuel), the country emission factor is around 819 CO2-eq/kWh. However, the use of waste to energy solutions is considered to be a clean and definitely the amount of GHG emitted is a lot less than the gases generated by ordinary practices (open dumping and unsanitary landfills).

Construction of an incineration plant for electricity production is often a profitable system even though the installation cost is high since production of electricity often leads to a large economic gain. Landfill gas utilization avoids the release of untreated landfill gases into the atmosphere, and produces electricity to sell commercially in an environmental friendly manner. However, landfilling is associated with methane production. Methane is a potent GHG, contributing 21 times more to global warming than carbon dioxide.

Anaerobic digestion technology is another option. Anaerobic digestion not only decrease GHGs emission but also it is the best technology for treatment of high organic waste through converting the biodegradable fraction of the waste into high-quality renewable calorific gas.

Currently, with the growing use of anaerobic digestion technology for treating waste and wastewater, it is expected to become more economically competitive because of its enormous advantages e.g. reduction of pathogens, deactivation of weed seeds and production of sanitized compost.

waste-to-energy-jordan

تمثل النفايات البلدية الصلبة أفضل مصدر للمواد العضوية في بلدان منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا

Sorting at the place of generation and recycling e.g. paper, plastic, glass and metals needed to be practiced at the country level or at least where these technologies implemented. Incinerated waste containing plastics (not sorted) releases carbon dioxide, toxic substances and heavy metals to the atmosphere and contributes thereby to climate change and to global warming.

Challenges to Overcome

Waste-to-energy technologies offer enormous potential as a renewable energy source, solve the waste crisis and to mitigate climate change in Jordan. However, these technologies pose many challenges to the country and discussion makers.

Currently, the waste sector is administrated by the government. Poor regulation and insufficient financial resources are limiting the available options toward adapting these new technologies. Private investments and collaboration with the private sector is the key solution in this regard.

Green Sukuk: A Shariah-Compliant Green Financing Instrument

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Is it possible to sustain eco-friendly projects without incurring the violation of shari’ah principles of Islamic finance? The answer is positive, and the sustainable instrument which allows to do it is the green sukuk.

Sukuk is the plural form of the Arabic word “sakk”. Since the Umayyad period, the sakk represented a payment tool to remunerate state-salaried officials as military forces and government bureaucrats. It functioned as a trustee certificate that entitled the holders to redeem a specific and determined-in-advance number of commodities from the state treasury at a precise time.[1]

green-islamic-finance

In its contemporary meaning, according to the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), investment sukuk is classified as “certificates of equal value representing undivided shares in ownership of tangible assets, usufruct and services or (in the ownership of) the assets of particular projects or special investment activity“.[2]

Besides, the World Bank defines sukuk as “an interest-free bond that generates returns to investors without infringing the principles of shari’ah (Islamic law) which prohibits the payment of interest. It is a shari’ah-compliant security backed by a specific pool of underlying assets“.[3]

In this regard, a sukuk to be considered a shari’a-compliant security must assure that the raised funds are used only for halal business activities and that the revenue entitled to the sukuk holders must only be derived from the earnings generated by the sukuk asset itself. Besides, the sukuk issuance cannot guarantee a fixed return since its capacity for getting profit or loss depends on the performance of the underlying assets or projects.[4]

Therefore, when the sukuk combines its nature of proper Islamic financing tool with an eco-friendly purpose, what emerges is the green sukuk which in general terms represents a shari’ah compliant financial product aiming at sustaining environmental and climate-friendly projects.

The debate about green sukuk in Islamic finance started in 2012 when a coordinating platform – known as Green Sukuk Working Group (GSWG) – was jointly established by the Climate Bonds Initiative, the Clean Energy Business Council, and the Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association with the task of defining, developing, and promoting new financial products able to combine shari’a compliant investments with eco-friendly investments. It was in this very framework that the GSWG arrived at defining the green sukuk as «Shari’ah compliant investments in renewable energy and other environmental assets. They address Shari’ah concern for protecting the environment.

In this regard, green sukuk represents a highly flexible financing instrument because it is eligible to sustain both eco-friendly mitigation and adaptation initiatives. For instance, mitigation projects are those initiatives that aim at researching new technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and at improving the energy efficiency of transport systems, industrial facilities, buildings, and waste management; while adaptation projects aim at improving food and agricultural security, at reducing environmental disaster risks, and at managing forests in a sustainable way.[6]

green-investment

The first green sukuk has been issued in Malaysia by Tadau Energy Sdn. Bhd (Tadau Energy) on 27th July 2017. The initiative is a 10-year project that aims to realize a 50 MW ac solar photovoltaic power plant in Kudat, a district of the Malaysian state of Sabah in the northern portion of Borneo.[7]

Concerning the solidity of the financing operation, the rating agency RAM holdings Berhad has recently confirmed the AA3/Stable rating of the MYR 250 million green sukuk programme (2017/2033). Even though Tadau Energy remains exposed to single-project and regulatory risks and to solar irradiance variability and plant performance risks, the programme is promising. In this regard, the solar power plants extremely well-performed in their energy output which exceeded the production’s previous projection level.[8]

Since its introduction in 2017, the green sukuk as an eco-friendly and shari’ah compliant financing tool has experienced a fast-pacing growth. However, it still represents only a minimal part of the market of green investment at a global level. As a matter of fact, while the global green bond issuance amounted to USD 257 billion in 2019,[9] the green sukuk issuance attested at USD 3.5 billion in the same year.[10]

However, even if it is still limited in terms of market value, green sukuk is a promising financial instrument, and it has the merit to have shown the great potentialities of Islamic finance in tackling environmental concerns.

As far as the awareness regarding environmental protection and sustainable development is expected to increase among Muslim countries day after day, so the demand – and consequently the offer – for environmental-sensitive and shari’ah compliant financial products is bound to accelerate even further in the following years. As a result, green sukuk is bound to increase its crucial role of eco-friendly and Islamic financial instrument soon.

References

[1] Bacha, O. I., & Mirakhor, A., (2013). Islamic Capital Market: A Comparative Approach. Singapore: Wiley, pp. 171-210.

[2] AAOIFI, (2009) AAOIFI’s Shari’a Standard No. 17 – Investment Sukuk, Pub. L. No. 17, p. 468. Source: http://www.nbfi-modaraba.com.pk/Data/Sites/1/skins/nbfi/images/AAOIFI/ShariahStandard17.pdf. Last Access : 27/03/2021.

[3] World Bank Group, (2020). Pioneering the Green Sukuk: Three Years On, p. 17. Source: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/34569/Pioneering-the-Green-Sukuk-Three-Years-On.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y. Last access : 27/03/2021.

[4] Bacha, O. I., & Mirakhor, ivi., pp. 171-210.

[6] Panda, P. (2017). Green Bond: A Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Instrument, Research Bulletin, Volume 43, No. I, pp. 97-113.

[7] Rahim, S. R. M., & Mohamad, Z. Z. (2018). Green Sukuk for Financing Renewable Energy Projects, Turkish Journal of Islamic Economics, 5(2), pp. 129-144.

[8] RAM (2020). RAM Ratings reaffirms Tadau Energy’s AA3 SRI sukuk rating. Source: https://www.ram.com.my/pressrelease/?prviewid=5389. Last access: 28/03/2021.

[9] Henze, V., (2020) ‘Sustainable Debt Sees Record Issuance At $465Bn in 2019, Up 78% From 2018’ BloombergNEF, source: https://about.bnef.com/blog/sustainable-debt-sees-record-issuance-at-465bn-in-2019-up-78-from-2018/. Last access: 28/03/2021.

[10] World Bank Group, (2020).

حماية البيئة هدف إستراتيجي في رؤية السعودية 2030

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لعقود مضت وصمت أنماط الإستهلاك السائدة آنذاك بغير المستدامة (الإستهلاك المفرط في إنتاج وإستهلاك السلع والخدمات على حساب الإستنزاف الجائر للموارد الطبيعية و حقوق الأجيال القادمة)، فقد فرضت التحولات الاقتصادية والاجتماعية و البيئية ضغطا على الدول لإعتماد أنظمة تنموية وإقتصادية حديثة تراعي تحقيق التوازن بين الحفاظ على الموارد الطبيعية و تعزيز النمو الاقتصادي على نحو مستدام.

ولذلك تعمل المملكة العربية السعودية في تشكيل سياساتها على النحو الذي يحمي ثروتها النفطية، ويحسن من كفاءة إستهلاكها للطاقة ويدعم إستخدم المزيج الأمثل للطاقة الذي يشمل الإستفادة من الموارد الطبيعية المتجددة (تذكر الرؤيا إمكانية السعودية في توليد الطاقة من الطاقة الشمسية وطاقة الرياح بحوالي 9.5 جيجاوات بحلول العام 2023م) والبديلة (مثل الطاقة الذرية للمساهمة في مزيج الطاقة الوطنية السعودية) وذلك لتحقيق أمن وإستدامة الطاقة وحماية البيئة في المملكة العربية السعودية. كما وقد تم الإعلان مؤخرا عن الاتفاق مع البنك الإستثماري “سوفت بنك” لبناء مشروع ضخم للطاقة الشمسية بطاقة إنتاجية تصل إلى 200 جيجاوات.

المملكة العربية السعودية دولة نفطية ، ولذلك تعتبر حماية البيئة و المحافظة على إستقرار أسواق الطاقة هي في قلب التنمية المستدامة. ومن المقاصد الرئيسة في رؤية 2030م تبني الخطط الإقتصادية الطموحة لتنويع مصادر الدخل للإقتصاد السعودي المعتمد بشكل أساسي على النفط، ولهذا فإن إدراج سيناريوهات للتنويع الاقتصادي مع تحقيق منافع مشتركة للتخفيف م الآثار المترتبة على تغير المناخ سيحقق إستراتيجية ناجحة لأهداف التنمية المستدامة في الشقين الاقتصادي والبيئي على حد سواء.

حيث ستساهم معايير كفاءة إستهلاك الطاقة، والإستثمار في الطاقة المتجددة وزيادة مساهمتها في مزيج الطاقة الوطني وتكثيف البحث والتطوير في تقنيات إلتقاط وتخزين الكربون أو الإستفادة منه في تطبيقات صناعية و الحد من تسرب غاز الميثان كجزء من برنامج الإستدامة وإدارة الكربون في السعودية، و أيضا، دعم إستخدام الغاز الطبيعي وزيادة حصته في مزيج الطاقة الوطني.

تهتم رؤية السعودية 2030م ، بتعزيز مكانة المملكة العربية السعودية السياسية والتنموية والإقتصادية. وقد وضعت الرؤية البيئة والتنمية المستدامة من الأهداف الرئيسة لها، و نصت على ضرورة الحفاظ علىها، وفي المقام الأول كواجب ديني ووطني وإنساني و مسؤولية أمام الأجيال القادمة، وهو أيضا من المقومات الأساسية لجودة الحياة وضرورة للحد من مستويات التلوث في البيئة.

بالإضافة على الحد من ظاهرة التصحر، و العمل على الإستغلال الأمثل للثروات عبر الترشيد في الإستهلاك و تشجيع الممارسات الصديقة للبيئة كتدوير النفايات. ومن زاوية أخرى تشير الرؤية إلى أهمية البيئة والتنمية المستدامة كركيزة أساسية لرقي الشعوب وشريك في نجاح الخطط التنموية الطموحة. و كل ذلك لخدمة سياسة الطاقة في الممكة العربية السعودية والتأكيد على مكانة المملكة المهمة كشريك عالمي لتزويد الطاقة الموثوقة والمسئولة.

وختاما، لابد من التأكيد على أهمية تضمين السياسات المتعلقة بالتنمية والإقتصاد في المملكة العربية السعودية-بصفة خاصة- لمعاييرالإستدامة البيئية بشكل عام و لسياسات تغير المناخ بشكل خاصع ويشمل ذلك سياسات التكيف والإستجابة والتنفيذ لتخفيف، وكل هذا لتكون التنمية البيئية هي الدرع لحماية وإستدامة متطلبات التنمية الاقتصادية في المملكة العربية السعودية.

4 Options To Control Pigeons in A Large Area

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Getting rid of pigeons from roofs, balconies, and industrial areas is one of the most frequently asked questions by people who have pigeon problems. Pigeons are frequently fed through leftovers and trash, but some pigeon lovers nourish the pigeons with good daily feed.

It causes more damage than good for the birds because the pigeons start to congregate in huge figures, which leads to different difficulties for residents of the area. As a result, some people use fatal and non-humane methods for getting rid of pigeons.

pigeon-problem

Pigeons cause annoyance and health hazards. In large cities, easily accessible food and water, plenty of free housing, rare predators are the factors that support pigeons’ growth. When pigeons’ population becomes too large, causing a disturbance, then the pigeons’ carnage is often the primary step. However, the killing of pigeons is ineffective, and there are improved, non-fatal solutions to pigeon problems.

Different Problems Caused by Pigeons

The most common type of pest bird, e.g. pigeon, is causing a wide range of problems in a wide range of structures, from manufacturing plants to airports, offices, the rooftops of stores and homes. Pigeons excrete extremely acidic droppings; therefore, they can do much damage in a small phase. Every year, pigeons cause huge damage in city areas.

The major problems caused by pigeons includes

  • They can harm a company’s or commercial enterprise’s image by creating a negative impression.
  • The debris from roosting pigeon flocks can clog gutters and drains.
  • Air conditioning and rooftop machinery are frequently damaged.
  • The droppings of pigeons create hazardous surfaces, putting people at risk of slipping and falling.
  • Pigeon droppings can cause several diseases.
  • They carry fleas and other parasites that are harmful to human health.

But as we know that it is illegal to kill pigeons or any other wild bird species, we need to follow some humane methods for getting rid of them. Read on to know more about the humane ways to control pigeons in a large area:

Ways to Control Pigeons in Large Areas

1. Pigeon Birth Control Program

One of the most effective and humane methods to solve the pigeon problem in large areas is the birth control program for pigeons. Ovocontrol is a globally used birth control program for pigeons. It is a controlled baiting system that works like a contraceptive. It is carefully administered and strictly observed to avoid any impact on non-target birds. Scientific research has proved it to be both environmentally friendly and safe for the hatchability of eggs of most other birds.

2. Anti-Bird Spikes

Anti-bird spikes, also known as spike strips, are a set of attachable spikes that can be fastened to a surface to prevent pigeons from nesting in areas where you don’t want birds. The spikes will not necessarily harm the birds, which is a good thing if you want to stay on the right side of the law. However, the spikes will deter birds from nesting wherever the spikes are laid.

Bird spikes, when properly installed, will prevent larger birds from landing anywhere on or around your business. It is important to note that some smaller bird species, such as starlings and sparrows, will not be permanently deterred if only bird spikes are used. Bird and pigeon spikes are not harmful to birds; instead, they serve as a visual and physical barrier. Because the birds do not directly contact the bird spikes, it is a humane bird deterrent.

3. Bird Repelling Gels

If you’re wondering how to get rid of pigeons on your roof, keep in mind that you need to make it less appealing to them. You can do this by using pigeon repellent gel to make their roosting areas uninhabitable. A sticky trap, also known as sticky gel, is a bird repellent that uses a chemical to create a translucent barrier across structures, causing a bird’s feet to become stuck to the surface, causing the bird to struggle to get free.

A pigeon will avoid landing on structures that contain the gel because it does not want to go through the experience of breaking free from the sticky chemical a second time.

4. Ultrasound repeller for pigeons

Birds have a keen sense of hearing, allowing them to pick up on sounds that human ears cannot. They must have an acute hearing to hear the calls of other birds.

It helps them detect food, a potential mate, and danger. Use this to your advantage and use sound to get rid of pigeons. The Ultrasonic Bird Repellers can help remove pigeons from your property by emitting bird distress calls and predator sounds.

It has several settings that allow you to blend several pre-recorded sounds to make it sound more natural. Other types of pigeon control devices that use sound to get rid of pigeons use frequencies that only these birds can hear. It has a lower frequency than human ears can detect, but it is irritating to pigeon ears. Hence, using ultrasonic repellents are safe for both humans and pigeons.

Hazardous Wastes in UAE

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Hazardous_Waste_UAEThe United Arab Emirates signed the Basel Convention* in November 1992 and established a legislation called ‘Regulation for Handling Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Wastes and Medical Waste (Law 24 of 1999)’. Article 12 of the law states ‘Transportation and disposal of locally produced hazardous waste through land borders, marine environment limit and air space shall be controlled in accordance with the rules, procedure and controls mentioned and specified in Basel Agreement and in coordination with Federal Environmental Agency’.

UAE is not yet a signatory to Basel BAN amendments of Sep 1995 thus there is no mention of the Basel BAN amendments in the current federal legislation. At emirates level, various legislation were passed to organise the waste management sector in each emirates. Abu Dhabi passed the Law 21 of 2005 concerning Waste Management in emirate of Abu Dhabi. Centre of Waste Management is the Competent Authority to monitor and manage the transportation of hazardous waste in the Emirates.

Major hazardous waste streams in UAE are Petrochemical waste, Medical Waste, and e-Waste. To avoid hazardous waste export the cash-rich government-owned petrochemical companies have established centralised treatment facility. Centre for Waste Management (CWM) has established treatment facilities for Medical Waste Incineration, Engine Oil treatment, Tyre Shredding through PPP business model.

The UAE Government is encouraging private companies for e-waste recycling. Major electronic distributors have established e-waste collection centres and subsequent transfer to established facilities. However, good fraction of e-waste is still collected in an unorganised manner and exported to South and Southeast Asian countries.

Shipment of hazardous waste coming into UAE is being well-monitored and well-controlled. In recent past only a single incident of mixed plastic waste was reported. The waste was imported through Dubai ports to be treated at a facility in Ajman. The Dubai government objected to import and the issue was raised at Environment Agency (UK). As a result, the transporting company was fined about GBP 75,000.

UAE has efficient law enforcement machinery. Thus after the establishment of CWM in 2008, there has been significant improvement in waste management in general and hazardous waste transportation in particular. Further impetus is required by the government to invest into the better treatment/storage facilities for e-waste, nuclear waste and other such waste. The legislation shall also be made more illustrative to check the aberrations regarding trans-boundary movement of hazardous waste.

الفكر البيئي

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قبل ان يعي الإنسان ضرورة حماية الموارد الطبيعية، ويدرك أهمية صونها للحفاظ على بقائه، تركت الظروف الطبيعية أثرها على الإنسان، وحفزته في التفكر والتأمل في واقع الظروف البيئية، وبدأ الانسان في مرحلة ما عرف بالعصر البدائي، يمعن التفكير في توفير متطلبات البقاء، وأدرك في سياق ذلك أهمية الموارد في تأمين إستمراية بقائه، ما يتحتم عليه ضرورة العمل على صون الموارد الطبيعية، وإعتبارها ثروة معيشية وحياتية، وإبتكار الوسائل التي تحكم علاقة الجماعات البشرية التي كانت تعيش ضمن محيط بيئي واحد، ومنطقة جغرافية محددة التي تقطنها تلك الجماعات، في تنظيم عملية إستغلال الموارد لضمان بقائها، هنا بدأت البوادر الأولية في تكون مرتكزات ومعالم الفكر الانساني في العلاقة مع معالم النظام البيئي.

environmental-psychology

الفكر البيئي بالارتكاز على معطيات مسيرة الحياة البشرية تكونت مؤشرات مرتكزاته، ومفاهيم البعد الإنساني لمعانيه وعناصره المكونة، وصار يشمل في منظومة عناصره الإنسان كهدف وإداة للحماية، والموارد الطبيعية والبيئات الرئيسية المكونة للنظام البيئي كمحور لأهداف الجهد البشري، ودخلت في معادلة مفاهيم الفكر البيئي مؤشرات العلاقة الانسانية، في الإستغلال والحماية والرقابة والإدارة في تنظيم إستغلال الموارد لصون ديمومة بقائها كثروة معيشية وحياتية.

المجتمعات البشرية في مسيرة تطورها التاريخي والحضاري، إنتقلت من مرحلة الى أخرى في مفاهيم العلاقة مع البيئات الطبيعية، وارتبط ذلك بظروف تغير الحياة المعيشية للمجتماعات، وتغير طبيعة العلاقة الإنسانية مع معالم النظام البيئي، وفرض ذلك حتمية تبني منهج تنظيم مفاهيم إستغلال الموار البيئة، ذلك ما تشير اليه حقائق الإجراءات التي تبنتها الأقوام قبل الميلاد، وجرى بموجبها تحديد أسس العلاقة مع الموارد، وتشريع نظام للرقابة والعقاب على مخالفة إجراءات الحماية ونظام إستغلال الموارد البيئية.

يبقى الإنسان محور أهداف الفكر البيئي، وتتمثل أولويات مفاهيهمة في صون الامن البيئي للإنسان

إنتقال المجتمعات البشرية من مرحلة الإعتماد على الصيد والزراعة، الى مرحلة ما عرف بالثورة الصناعية، وما رافق ذلك من تعقد في طبيعة العلاقة الإنسانية مع النظام البيئي، وبروز المخاطر العميقة الأبعاد على الأمن البيئي للإنسانية، بدأ التفكير يتخذ بعداً آخر وأكثر عمقاً في إبتكار وسائل أكثر جدوى وفاعلية في الحد من تلك المخاطر، ودفع ذلك الواقع المجتمع البشري، ولاحقاً المجتمع الدولي في إعتماد المعايير القانونية والإدارية والتنظيمية والرقابية التي تستجيب لظروف وطبيعة المرحلة، وذلك ساهم في بروز النظام القانوني الدولي والإقليم والوطني، وتمحورت أولويات قواعده القانونية في تنظيم العلاقة الإنسانية مع النظام البيئي.

وبرغم تبدل ظروف وطبيعة الحياة الإنسانية، يبقى الإنسان محور أهداف الفكر البيئي، وتتمثل أولويات مفاهيهمة في صون الامن البيئي للإنسان، وترشيد إستغلال الموارد البيئية وحمايتها، كحق طبيعي للأجيال الحالية والمقبلة، والحد من مصادر التلوث البيئي، وتبني المعايير البيئية الحديثة التي يمكن أن تساهم في منع الأنشطة التي يمكن أن تتسبب في التدهور البيئي، والإخلال بالنظام البيئي، وذلك بما يساهم في صون الموارد الطبيعية، وإستبعاد المخاطر البيئية التي تهدد ديمومة بقاء الانسان، وتعزيز وجوده على البسيطة وتطوره الحضاري.

Water Scarcity in MENA

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The MENA region is the most water scarce region of the world. The region is home to 6.3 percent of world’s population but has access to measly 1.4 percent of the world’s renewable fresh water. The average water availability per person in other geographical regions is about 7,000 m3/year, whereas water availability is merely 1,200 m3/person/year in the MENA region.

The region has the highest per capita rates of freshwater extraction in the world (804 m3/year) and currently exploits over 75 percent of its renewable water resources. Due to burgeoning population and rapid economic growth, the per capita water availability is expected to reduce to alarming proportions in the coming decades. By the year 2050, two-thirds of MENA countries could have less than 200 m3 of renewable water resources per capita per year.

Water_Middle_East

Around 85 percent of the water in the MENA region is used for irrigation. This level of irrigation is not inherently sustainable and leads to overuse of scarce renewable water resources, which in turn results in increased salinisation.

MENA’s average water use efficiency in irrigation is only 50 to 60 percent, compared to best-practice examples of above 80 percent efficiency under similar climate conditions in Australia and southwest US. Similarly, physical water losses in municipal and industrial supplies in the region are way above world averages. Nonrevenue water is 30 to 50 percent in some cities, compared to global best practice of approximately 10 percent.

Many countries in the MENA region are dependent on water resources that lie beyond their borders. For example, Syria, Jordan and Palestine rely on trans-boundary water resources. Palestine is almost entirely dependent on water essentially controlled by Israel. The trans-boundary nature of the water resources in the Middle East makes cooperative management of these resources critical as they have the potential to induce economic and social development and reduce the risks of conflict.

Water_Scarcity

Despite significant investment in the water sector, management of water still remains a serious economic and environmental problem in MENA countries, as shown by frequent droughts and floods. Public health, agricultural productivity and environment is suffering due to overpumping of aquifers and deterioration of water quality as well as water quality. Improved irrigation efficiency in agricultural water use would significantly increase water availability for other sectors.

Managing demand, particularly of agricultural water use, will be the key to reduce the high costs of filling the water gap. Similarly, managing water-energy nexus and improvements in water management in domestic and industrial sectors could reduce system losses to globally acceptable levels. Failure to save water and to reduce uneconomic use will have severe socioeconomic repercussions because the only alternative will be desalination.

The administrative structures of both drinking water and irrigation systems are characterized by weak governance and incoherent water laws. Some countries including Egypt, Jordan and Palestine have approved national water resources plans. Other countries have developed frameworks which contain elements of policy, in the form of strategy or master plans.

In general, MENA countries are beginning to recognize the importance of an integrated approach to water management. The demand for water will continue to rise across the region, due to population increase and economic growth.

الاستدامة البيئية في الإسلام

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إن المعتقدات، التقاليد والقيم الإسلامية وفرت حلول فعالة وشاملة لمواجهة العديد من التحديات البيئية الحالية التي تواجه الجنس البشري. لقد أكد الإسلام على أهمية المحافظة على البيئة وحماية الموارد الطبيعية. ووفقا لتعاليم الشريعة الإسلامية, فإن العناصر الأساسية للطبيعة – الأرض، الماء، النار، الغابات والضوء- تعود ملكيتها إلى جميع الكائنات الحية وليس فقط للجنس البشري.

إن القرآن الكريم والسنة النبوية الشريفة يعتبران نبراسا في تعزيز مفهوم التنمية المستدامة في الدول الإسلامية، وكذلك في جميع أنحاء العالم. أمر الله سبحانه وتعالى البشر بتجنب إلحاق الأذى وهدر الموارد الطبيعية والذي من شأنه تدمير وتدهور البيئة. إن الله سبحانه وتعالى ميز الجنس البشري باستغلال الموارد الطبيعية وجعله كوصي عليها، وهذا يندرج تحته ضمان الحق في استخدام كافة الموارد على أن لا يلحق بها الضرر  والتدمير.

القرآن الكريم والبيئة

أشار القرآن الكريم في العديد من السور والآيات الكريمة إلى مفهم البيئة والى بعض المبادئ الهامة للحفاظ عليها, حيث وضع قواعد عامة تحدد مدى استفادة الإنسان من الموارد الطبيعية المختلفة. المبدأ الأول الذي يوجه التعاليم الإسلامية نحو الاستدامة البيئية وهو ما يرف بمفهوم “الوصاية”. كون الإنسان يعتبر الخليفة أو “الوصي” حيث يمكنه الانتفاع بما خلق الله من خيرات دون إسراف أو تبذير لانها ليست خاصة به وحده بل للمجتمع وللأجيال القادمة.فيجب عليه اتخاذ جميع الخطوات والتدابير اللازمة لضمان حفظ وصيانة تلك الممتلكات والتأكد من تمريرها إلى الأجيال اللاحقة بأفضل شكل ممكن. لذا اعتبر الإسلام أن الإنسان هو خادم للطبيعة ويجب أن يتعايش بانسجام مع كافة المخلوقات الأخرى. لذا فمن واجب المسلمين جميعا احترام ورعاية والحفاظ على البيئة.

إن الفساد بجميع أنواعه، بما فيه الفساد البيئي والذي يشمل التلوث الصناعي، الإضرار بالبيئة، والتهور وسوء إدارة الموارد الطبيعية مكروه من الله سبحانه وتعالى.

قال الله تعالى في القرآن الكريم:

“ويسعون في الأرض فساداً والله لا يحب المفسدين” – سورة المائدة، آية – 64

“ولا تفسدوا في الأرض بعد إصلحها ذلكم خير لكم إن كنتم مؤمنين” – سورة الأعراف، آية  – 85

“يبني آدم خذوا زينتكم عند كل مسجد وكلوا واشربوا ولا تسرفوا إنه لا يحب المسرفين” – سورة الأعراف، آية – 31

“ولا تبغ الفساد في الأرض إن الله لا يحب المفسدين” – سورة القصص، آية –  77

وفقا للقرآن الكريم، فإن الحفاظ على البيئة يعتبر واجب ديني وكذلك التزام اجتماعي، ولا يعتبر مسألة اختيارية. إن استغلال أي من الموارد الطبيعية يدرج تحت بند المسآلة والحفاظ على تلك الموارد.

الحديث النبوي الشريف والبيئة

إن الأحاديث النبوية الشريفة وتعاليم وتقاليد سيدنا محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم) تناولت بشكل واسع العديد من الجوانب البيئية كالحفاظ على المصادر الطبيعية، واستصلاح الأراضي، والحفاظ على نظافة البيئة، حيث نهى سيدنا محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم)  عن الإسراف في الاستهلاك والبذخ والترف وحث على الاعتدال في جميع مناحي الحياة, وهذا ما أكد عليه القرآن الكريم.

sustainability-islam

كما نهى سيدنا محمد(صلى الله عليه وسلم)  عن قطع الأشجار وتدمير المحاصيل حتى في أوقات الحرب وإن كان وجودها ذا فائدة للعدو. وأولى سيدنا محمد أهميه كبيرة للزراعة المستدامة للأراضي وكيفية تعامل الإنسان مع الحيوانات والحفاظ على المصادر الطبيعية وحماية البيئة البرية.  إن من أقوال الرسول محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم) بشأن الاستدامة البيئية:

 قال انس رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: ( ما من مسلم يغرس غرسا او يزرع زرعا فيأكل منه إنسان أو بهيمة إلا كان له به صدقه)

قال أبي أيوب الأنصاري رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: ( ما من رجل يغرس غرسا إلا كتب الله له من الأجر قدر ما يخرج من ثمر ذلك الغرس)

قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ( من نصب شجرة فصبر على حفظها والقيام عليها حتى تثمر كان له في كل شيء يصاب من ثمرها صدقة عند الله عز وجل)  .

أكد سيدنا محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم) على ضرورة الاقتصاد والاعتدال  وعدم الإسراف والإفراط  في التعامل مع الموارد الطبيعية. ومن اجل حماية الأراضي والغابات والحياة البرية، أنشأ سيدنا محمد (صلى الله عليه وسلم)   مناطق محمية عرفت بـ “الحرم” و ” الحمى” والتي ضمن حدودها لا يتم المساس بالموارد الطبيعية خلال فترات زمنية محددة. إن ما يعرف بـ “الحرم” هي المناطق المحيطة بمصادر المياه أنشئت بهدف حماية المياه الجوفية من الاستنزاف والاستخدام الجائر، أما بالنسبة للـ “الحمى” يطلق على البيئة البرية والغابات وهي مناطق يمنع فيها الرعي وقطع الأخشاب وفيها يتم حماية أنواع معين من الحيوانات مثل الإبل.

انشأ سيدنا محمد(صلى الله عليه وسلم)  ما يسمى بـ “الحمى” إلى الجنوب من المدينة المنورة ومنع خلال أوقات معينة في تلك المناطق الصيد داخل دائرة نصف قطرها أربعة أميال، ومنع فيها قع الأشجار والنباتات داخل دائرة نصف قطرها اثني عشر ميلاً. إن إنشاء تلك المناطق المحرمة يدل على الأهمية التي أولاها الرسول للإدارة والاستخدام المستدام  للموارد الطبيعية وحماية البيئة البرية والأراضي الزراعية.

ترجمة: مها الزعبي, طالبة دكتوراه( كلية التصميم البيئي –  جامعة كالجري, كندا)