Green Growth in Jordan: Leveraging Waste Management for Sustainability, Poverty Reduction, and Social Development

This paper examines Jordan's social development in the context of ecology and waste recycling through an analysis of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's 2021-2025 National Green Growth Plan, which prioritizes green growth. The study addresses Jordan's environmental challenges, including high waste generation, limited recycling infrastructure, and the socio-economic impacts of the Syrian refugee crisis, emphasizing the need for strategic waste management to achieve national development goals. The methodology employed involved a comprehensive review of recent literature, a detailed analysis of waste generation and recycling data, and an evaluation of green growth strategies outlined in Jordan's national plans. To enrich the study, global best practices and case studies were incorporated to propose actionable solutions. The findings of the study highlight several barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, limited public awareness, and poor private sector involvement. The study identifies waste collection and recycling as potential avenues for poverty reduction, economic innovation, and reducing reliance on imported materials. The study recommends the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives, the enhancement of public awareness, and the leveraging of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) for the efficient management of waste. The promotion of private sector partnerships and the engagement of vulnerable communities can drive sustainable growth, positioning Jordan for a greener economy.