Urban Green Infrastructure in Jordan: A Perceptive of Hurdles and Challenges

Abstract

Jordanians live in compact cities with limited green spaces causing several environmental problems that deteriorate the urban quality of life. Many reports and studies demonstrate the benefits of urban green infrastructure (UGI) in overcoming environmental deterioration in compacted cities. Nevertheless, Urban Green Infrastructure is still lagging in many Arab countries, and Jordan is no exception. UGI refers to a strategically planned network of connected greenspace in urban areas, such as green walls, green roofs, urban trees, and hedges. This study employs the concept of UGI with a particular focus on green walls and roofs. Therefore, this research aims to investigate and determine the key barriers that impede the implementation of UGI in Jordan through qualitative and quantitative analysis. The qualitative study aims to elaborate on root causes that hinder the application of UGI. The quantitative part of the study employs a questionnaire survey to rank the significance of each barrier. This study finds that the shortage of irrigation water and the absence of incentive programs by local authorities were the top two barriers that impede the application of UGI in Jordan.