Climate Action Network Jordan (CAN)
About us
Climate Action Network Jordan (CAN) is a Jordanian environmental NGO that was founded in 2013, and it is based in Jordan, Amman. It was established as the first environmental organization working on climate change solutions in the Middle East.
CAN works under the supervision of Jordan Ministry of Environment, and it has a Board of Directors responsible for giving policy direction to the organization and playing an oversight role over the operations of the Executive Team. Members of CAN Board are experts in climate actions and solutions; they are well known in the sector of sustainable innovations for communities and cities. The Chairman of CAN recently has received the Abdul Hameed Shoman Innovation Award for his effort in climate actions.
The Executive Team acts as the management committee of the organization and carries out day to day work of the organization. Currently, CAN Executive Team include 21 full-time employees (8 Male and 13 Female); 18 are first- degree and above holders. Additionally, over 25 community agents are serving CAN on voluntary bases.
They are working in six technical departments: Climate Mitigation Department, Climate Adaptation Department, WASH Department, Climate Justice and Socioeconomic Department, Energy Innovation Department, and Environment Initiatives Department. These six departments are assisted by three other departments: Administrative Department, Financial Department, and Monitoring and Evaluation Department. Policies and systems are in place. CAN recently has got “Low Risk” level by BDO International, the world’s premier accountancy and advisory network.
CAN works to tackle climate change by bringing forth major societal changes through establishing and building partnerships between local communities, business, government, and public bodies to shift towards a sustainable society and cities. It builds the knowledge and capacity of relevant stakeholders for best practices.
CAN programs focus on serving the most vulnerable and marginalized people in Jordan, namely children, women, refugees, farmers, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (idps), people from minority clans, and other marginalized groups.
CAN has delivered various successful projects, partnerships, and researches. It has membership in various regional and international environmental consortiums and networks. It also has successfully coordinated grants from funding partners that include EU, FAO, UNICEF, United Nations Environment Programme, ACTED, and Jordan Ministry of International Cooperation.
Since its formation Climate Action Network campaigned and lobbied for inclusion of climate actions in Jordan policies and plans. CAN has established working relationships with Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Water, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Islamic Affairs. Along with building working relationships with multiple national civil societies, municipalities, and local communities.
Vision
We envision a community where there is safe water, green energy, sustainable ecosystem, inclusion infrastructure, and a resilient economy.
Mission
Build a resilient community to climate change through the mobilization of knowledge, enhanced institutional capacity, informed decision-making processes, and facilitate access to finance and technologies.
Core Operating values
Transparency and Credibility
Transparency is a core value of CAN. It is manifest in the CAN’s disclosure of all activities and projects and its commitment to giving access to all those seeking information in a credible, transparent, swift, and precise fashion and in accordance with the law. The goal is to strengthen oversight and accountability
Excellence and Creativity
CAN views excellence as a deep-rooted culture at the individual and organizational levels. Therefore, it continuously strives to improve performance and excellence by applying universal excellence standards, encouraging creativity and innovation, and incorporating concepts related to creativity into CAN’s business model, making it an actionable policy
Team Work
In its workplace environment, CAN and its employees always push for teamwork, cooperation, and sharing of expertise to realize CAN’s goals and ensure integration.
Cooperation
CAN always pursue partnerships, cooperation, and flexible integration with partners and stakeholders to achieve common interests and realize CAN’s goal of conserving and sustaining the environment and its components
Justice
CAN pursues and observes justice in all of its policies and operations in a manner that guarantees fairness to all employees and customers. To achieve this, CAN applies non-discriminatory laws and policies that ensure that decisions are made in a responsive, participatory, and inclusive manner at all levels
Commitment and Responsibility
CAN and its employees cherish the commitment and responsibility toward the community as a basic value without which the CAN’s environmental protection goals cannot be achieved. Therefore, CAN continues to entrench the values of loyalty and responsibility among its employees through better application of laws, regulations, and codes of conduct
History Timeline
In recent years, CAN has solidified its reputation as a leading force in climate action in Jordan. Since 2019, our organization has embarked on a series of high-impact initiatives that have garnered attention and recognition. One noteworthy endeavor is the Climate Adaptation and Resilient WASH Program, generously funded by UNICEF Jordan, with a substantial value exceeding $300,000. This program is strategically designed to enhance WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) resiliency within the Health and Education Sector on a national scale, fortifying essential services to meet the needs of vulnerable communities.
Another remarkable achievement has been our collaboration within a consortium that secured the prestigious green innovation grant from the EU, amounting to an impressive 1 million euros. This grant fuels the ambitious Green Link project, which seeks to elevate the region’s green, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive economy. Specifically focused on Azraq and Zarqa, this project aims to drive positive change by increasing economic activity, fostering environmental sustainability, and promoting social inclusivity.
Our commitment to these groundbreaking initiatives underscores our unwavering dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of Jordanian communities. With a focus on resilience, sustainability, and innovation, CAN is leading the charge towards a greener, more prosperous future for all.
During these transformative years, we embarked on a journey of innovation and impact, leaving a lasting imprint on the communities we serve. We launched a rainwater harvesting program that captured and stored over 200,000 liters of precious rainwater. This sustainable water source served 30 families, alleviating their water scarcity challenges. Furthermore, our comprehensive climate resilience training programs reached 1,000 community members, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to adapt to a changing climate and protect their livelihoods.
Beyond infrastructure, we recognized the importance of education in driving lasting change. Our environmental education program engaged 500 students, fostering a new generation of environmental stewards. We also conducted 10 research projects, contributing valuable insights to the field of climate action and sustainable development. These initiatives underscore our commitment to measurable impact, with 100% of the communities we worked with reporting an improved quality of life and enhanced resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
During these years, we embarked on a multifaceted approach to address environmental challenges, placing a special emphasis on the Jordanian Badia region. Our efforts extended far and wide, encompassing diverse training programs, awareness campaigns, and comprehensive communication materials. We didn’t just talk about the issues; we took action. Through engaging training sessions and workshops, we equipped communities with the knowledge and tools needed to tackle environmental problems head-on. Our commitment to raising awareness went beyond words as we designed and distributed a range of materials, including eye-catching posters, informative brochures, engaging pamphlets, thought-provoking videos, stylish t-shirts, and impactful banners. These initiatives were more than just information; they were a call to action, driving home the message that together, we can mitigate environmental challenges and create a more sustainable future for all.
Our training programs directly benefited 500 community members, equipping them with actionable knowledge and skills. Our wide-reaching awareness campaigns reached an impressive 15,000 individuals, effectively raising consciousness about environmental issues. We distributed over 10,000 educational materials, including 5,000 posters, 3,000 brochures, 2,000 pamphlets, and produced 20 impactful videos. Our wearable awareness, in the form of 500 t-shirts, made a visual statement, and our 50 banners served as powerful reminders of our mission. The Jordanian Badia region, at the heart of our efforts, witnessed tangible improvements in environmental awareness and community empowerment. Our numbers underscore our commitment to creating a sustainable and informed future.
During this pivotal period, we took bold steps to respond to the escalating humanitarian crisis, standing in solidarity with Syrian refugees. Our actions spoke louder than words as we provided vital sustenance in the form of food, water, and essential healthcare aid. We orchestrated medical convoys and missions, venturing into remote villages and rural areas to deliver critical medical support where it was needed most. Our unwavering focus was on humanitarian relief, and we dedicated ourselves to establishing and offering crucial social support services that truly mattered to those facing adversity.
