Story Background

In early 2023, the community of Azraq in Jordan experienced one of its most severe flood events in recent memory. The floodwaters caused significant damage to vital infrastructure, including schools, health centers, farms, and homes. With over 6,000 residents affected and key service areas disrupted, the urgent need for a sustainable, long-term flood mitigation strategy became evident.

Story Description

In response, a community-led, ecosystem-based flood risk reduction initiative was launched to strengthen the resilience of Azraq. Centered on nature-based solutions, the project aimed to rehabilitate and protect the ecosystem of Wadi Al-Rattameh, a critical flood-prone area. Through the construction of water harvesting bonds and a leaky dam, the intervention effectively slowed down floodwaters, improved groundwater recharge, reduced sediment transport, and supported biodiversity regeneration.

Approach & Main Components

Implemented as part of the project's focus on water harvesting sites and monitoring practices, this initiative adopted a multi-faceted, nature-based approach that included: Construction of water harvesting structures (e.g., bonds and leaky dam) to manage floodwater flow. Ecosystem restoration to enhance vegetation cover and soil moisture retention. Community-based monitoring to track performance and adapt interventions. Engagement of local leadership and stakeholders to ensure ownership and ongoing maintenance. This integrated approach promoted both environmental and social resilience.

Description of Sustainability Status

Nature-Based Flood Resilience in Azraq In early 2023, the community of Azraq faced one of the most devastating flood events in recent years. Torrents of water swept through the town, damaging critical infrastructure including the health center, local market, school, farms, and key service areas. The community was left vulnerable, and the need for a long-term, sustainable solution became urgent. In response, a community-driven, ecosystem-based flood risk reduction initiative was launched. The project focused on nature-based solutions to restore and protect the fragile ecosystem of Wadi Al-Rattameh. The team implemented a series of water harvesting bonds and a leaky dam along the wadi, designed to slow down floodwaters, enhance groundwater recharge, and reduce sediment transport. “These structures not only protect our town but also bring water back to the land,” said a Head of Azraq Municipality. “Now, I see green where there used to be mud.” The impact has been immediate and visible. Rainy Season witnessed taken shows improved vegetation, increased soil moisture retention, and a noticeable reduction in flood risk areas. The project has restored local confidence and reconnected the community with their natural environment — proving that resilience can be built through collective action and smart use of nature. These interventions saved 400,000 cubic meters of water annually, shielding 6,000 residents from destructive floods. Schools, homes, and critical infrastructure are safer, while 10,000 revived trees have rekindled biodiversity. “Our children walk to school without fear,” shares a Southern Azraq Women association and community leader Mrs. Nofa Alfayez

Additional Information

Nature-Based Flood Resilience in Azraq In early 2023, the community of Azraq faced one of the most devastating flood events in recent years. Torrents of water swept through the town, damaging critical infrastructure including the health center, local market, school, farms, and key service areas. The community was left vulnerable, and the need for a long-term, sustainable solution became urgent. In response, a community-driven, ecosystem-based flood risk reduction initiative was launched. The project focused on nature-based solutions to restore and protect the fragile ecosystem of Wadi Al-Rattameh. The team implemented a series of water harvesting bonds and a leaky dam along the wadi, designed to slow down floodwaters, enhance groundwater recharge, and reduce sediment transport. “These structures not only protect our town but also bring water back to the land,” said a Head of Azraq Municipality. “Now, I see green where there used to be mud.” The impact has been immediate and visible. Rainy Season witnessed taken shows improved vegetation, increased soil moisture retention, and a noticeable reduction in flood risk areas. The project has restored local confidence and reconnected the community with their natural environment — proving that resilience can be built through collective action and smart use of nature. These interventions saved 400,000 cubic meters of water annually, shielding 6,000 residents from destructive floods. Schools, homes, and critical infrastructure are safer, while 10,000 revived trees have rekindled biodiversity. “Our children walk to school without fear,” shares a Southern Azraq Women association and community leader Mrs. Nofa Alfayez

Achievements & Impacts

- Flood Risk Reduction: Over 6,000 residents protected from recurring floods. - Water Conservation: 400,000 cubic meters of water saved annually through water harvesting. - Infrastructure Protection: Schools, homes, and public facilities now safeguarded from flood damage. - Environmental Recovery: Restoration of vegetation and biodiversity, including the revival of 10,000 trees. - Community Empowerment: Strong involvement of local leadership, particularly women leaders such as Mrs. Nofa Alfayez, who have contributed to building community trust and participation. - Social Impact: Enhanced safety and well-being—“Our children walk to school without fear.” - Replicability: A successful, scalable model for nature-based climate resilience in arid regions.