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Improving Living Conditions in Disadvantaged Areas of Amman Via the Implementation of Green Infrastructure (ILCA)

Amman, Jordan

2017 - 2022
Green InfrastructurePilot ProjectPublic SpacesUrban Greening

Project Description

Approach Words: Integrated City, Participatory Approach, Urban Livability

Public Policy Instruments: Communicative, Organization, Physical Intervention, Planning

Improving Living Conditions in Disadvantaged Areas of Amman (ILCA) is an urban regeneration project established to enhance existing Public Open Spaces (POS) and incorporate new Green Infrastructure (GI) elements in selected areas of East Amman.1 The project was developed in response to the partially unplanned infrastructure of East Amman’s neighborhoods, which has led to a scarcity of public open spaces, a lack of greenery, and poor connectivity of sidewalks, stair networks, and streets.2

As such, the project seeks to achieve the following three main objectives:

  • Create a sense of ownership of public spaces and improve residents’ quality of life by creating new public open spaces or regenerating green infrastructure networks through participatory planning and design approaches.3
  • Enhance connections to local public transport, maintain accessibility to public spaces for all genders, and conserve urban biodiversity.4
  • Implement integrated participatory development approaches for Public Open Spaces (POS) within partner institutions through strategic capacity development measures. These include raising awareness about the importance of green infrastructure in mitigating the impacts of climate change.5

Title: ILCA Projects Sites in East Amman.

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Title: Mahmoud Al-Qudah Park is one of the selected sites of the project.

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Title: The Seventh Stair on Al-Quds Street (before and after rehabilitation).

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Title: Community Engagement in the design phase of the projects of Mahmoud Al-Qudah Park in Nasr District.

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The project consists of three main phases:
Phase (1): Direct intervention in specific locations in East Amman, chosen as pilot sites to implement green infrastructure.6 The project emphasizes initiatives for greening, rehabilitation, enhancing walkability, and improving transport access.7 Specifically, the interventions included the following activities:

  • Installation of amenities, benches, and shaded recreational areas in playgrounds,8
  • Renovation of urban public staircases,9
  • Revitalization of green areas in unused open spaces,10
  • Widening narrow sidewalks and footpaths to improve access to public spaces,11
  • Enhancing playground safety for children and accessibility for the elderly and physically challenged.12

These pilot projects play a major role in protecting the environment by filtering air and water pollutants, preserving local biodiversity, mitigating the impact of urban heat waves, and stabilizing soil to reduce erosion.13

Phase (2): Replication of pilot activities implemented in Phase (1) in new locations and extensions of existing public open space networks.14

Phase (3): Development of a handbook titled “Stepwise Implementation Strategy: 11 Steps for Participatory Green Infrastructure Projects”.15 This handbook was developed after the implementation of the pilot projects16 to guide Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) employees in planning and implementing Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) projects in Public Open Spaces (POS) using an inclusive participatory approach.17

It should be noted that the project adopts a participatory approach by encouraging community involvement in the research, design, and management processes of newly established or revitalized green infrastructure networks.18 Participatory design workshops with the local community were held, and final designs were shared with the communities on social media to gather feedback through dedicated online surveys.19 As a result, integration and social cohesion are on the rise.

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) initiated the project in partnership with the Ministry of Environment of Jordan.20 It is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Greater Amman Municipality (GAM).21 The project’s total budget is $ 5,500,000,22 funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).23

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