Memorandum of Understanding Signed Between Hashemite Fund for Badia Development and the Higher Council for Science and Technology

Amman – Under the patronage of HRH Princess Basma Bint Ali, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Hashemite Fund for the Development of the Jordan Badia, the Fund and the Higher Council for Science and Technology signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Monday to enhance cooperation in research and development fields.اضافة اعلان

The MoU was signed by the Fund’s Director General, Jamal Turad Al-Fayez, and the Council’s Secretary-General, Dr. Mashhoor Al-Rifai.

Al-Fayez stated that the MoU aims to establish a general framework for collaboration between the two parties to promote research and developmental activities, achieve sustainable development, preserve natural resources, and empower communities in the Badia regions.

According to Al-Fayez, the MoU outlines areas of collaboration in research and development, with the Council acting as the Fund’s research arm. Joint projects will focus on utilizing natural resources and biodiversity in the Jordanian Badia, including phosphate, silica, and solar energy.

He added that the Fund is working to build a national scientific and technological foundation that supports developmental goals by raising awareness of the importance of scientific research and development and establishing partnerships with local, regional, and international entities.

Dr. Al-Rifai explained that the MoU aims to utilize and develop the biological resources available in the Badia’s plant and animal wealth, conduct demographic studies, propose developmental projects, and leverage international partnerships.

Research projects will also be reviewed by the Council’s affiliated centers to ensure alignment with their objectives.

He noted that the MoU includes creating a governance framework for joint projects, which involves conducting necessary studies, assessing needs, setting measurable goals, and ensuring the effectiveness and success of projects.

It also includes preparing economic feasibility studies for proposed projects.
Dr. Al-Rifai emphasized the importance of strengthening scientific research in partnership with universities, particularly Al al-Bayt University, to implement joint scientific projects that maximize the use of natural resources in the Jordanian Badia.

Both parties agreed to form a joint steering committee to oversee the implementation of the MoU.