Food security expert, Director of the Geneva Center for Studies, and former Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dr. Fadel ELZUBI, emphasized that Jordan plays a vital role in implementing afforestation projects by enhancing seedling production and developing sustainable farming techniques. He noted that the country is also launching initiatives to restore vegetation cover, such as the Royal Botanic Garden project, which has become a global model in ecosystem restoration.
ELZUBI explained that the importance of Arbor Day lies in highlighting that forests are not only a source of natural resources, but also a driver of the green economy. They provide jobs, support rural communities, sustain food production, conserve water, and generate income for millions worldwide. In other words, protecting forests means safeguarding biodiversity and strengthening ecosystems’ ability to withstand climate change. He called for cooperation among governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to achieve sustainability goals, while also expanding afforestation projects to combat desertification and land degradation, empowering local communities through tree‑planting initiatives and green jobs, and encouraging the use of modern techniques such as water harvesting, drip irrigation, and climate‑smart agriculture.
He further urged a focus on digital engagement during Arbor Day, describing it as a key lever for raising awareness and strengthening community participation. This includes showcasing the vital role of trees in combating desertification, supporting food security, and protecting biodiversity, while sharing photos and videos from tree‑planting activities to deliver the message in a modern and impactful way. He stressed the importance of public involvement in afforestation campaigns, disseminating success stories from around the world to inspire and motivate participation, and highlighting local communities that have benefited from vegetation restoration projects. These digital platforms, he said, should serve as tools for communication, awareness, and building a culture of sustainability.
ELZUBI noted that Jordan places the comprehensive transformation of agricultural and food systems at the heart of its strategy, with a strong focus on innovation, partnerships, and community empowerment. The country is expanding afforestation projects, boosting seedling production, and integrating forests into the green economy by supporting forest‑based industries and creating green jobs to empower rural communities and strengthen agricultural and food value chains. Women and youth are engaged through training programs and small projects, enhancing community participation and environmental awareness. Student involvement in tree‑planting activities, he added, is an effective tool for building a generation conscious of sustainability and connected to the land.
He emphasized that adopting climate‑smart agriculture, water harvesting, and drip irrigation ensures the sustainability of afforestation projects in arid regions, particularly as Jordan faces major challenges of desertification and land degradation. Afforestation and forest protection, he concluded, represent the first line of defense against desertification and biodiversity loss.
Finally, ELZUBI called for strengthening local and international partnerships, fostering innovation in agricultural techniques, and investing in research and development to adopt modern methods in irrigation, seedling production, and pest control. He also urged greater community participation in afforestation projects, expansion of awareness campaigns, and the establishment of digital systems to monitor progress, evaluate environmental and economic impacts, and ensure the sustainability of results.