On behalf of the President of Al al-Bayt University, the Vice President for Planning, Development and Quality, Professor Muhannad Nazzal, inaugurated the scientific seminar organized by the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences under the title "Water Reality and Future Challenges in the Amman-Zarqa and Azraq Basins: Managing Resources Towards Water Sustainability," in the presence of Professor Habes Al-Mashaqa, Dean of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Deputy Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Shabeeb, Assistant Deans, a number of faculty and administrative staff, and a group of interested students, in the Al-Bakhit Amphitheater at Al al-Bayt University.

In his opening speech at the seminar, the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Habes Al-Mashaqa, affirmed that the topic of the seminar came in response to the urgent national need, especially since Jordan is one of the poorest countries in the world in terms of water, and faces increasing challenges in managing its limited water resources. He added that the Amman-Zarqa and Azraq basins constitute a vital axis in the water resources system, in light of the increasing pressures resulting from urban expansion, pollution, and increased demand, as well as the effects of climate change.

Al-Mashaqa pointed out that this seminar, which came with the participation of a selection of academics, experts, and specialists in this field, aims to shed light on these challenges, review the latest studies and research related to water resources management in these two basins, and present a summary of their experiences and research to be a strategic platform for building a common understanding and generating innovative ideas that support decision-makers in adopting more flexible and effective policies. This is based on the belief of the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences that scientific research is the solid foundation for drawing up sound policies and directing national resources efficiently, so that this seminar constitutes an advanced step in the path of integrated work towards protecting water resources and ensuring their sustainability to serve the present and preserve the future of future generations.

His Excellency Dr. Tariq Al-Khamayseh, Director of the Water Harvesting Directorate and representative of the Secretary-General of the Jordan Valley Authority, Engineer Hisham Al-Hayaseh, spoke about "Dams and Water Harvesting in the Amman-Zarqa and Azraq Basins," where Al-Khamayseh affirmed the continuous efforts made by the Jordan Valley Authority to enhance cooperation with syndicates and university experts, within the national water strategy and the Jordan Valley Authority strategy, noting the importance of involving science, knowledge, and application in the field of water, in light of the many challenges facing the water sector in Jordan.

Professor Elias Salameh, one of the prominent experts in the field of groundwater, presented a scientific and objective reading of the reality of groundwater in Jordan.

Dr. Ibrahim Hamdan, Director of the Center for Environmental, Water and Energy Research, also spoke about the reality of groundwater in the Amman-Zarqa and Azraq basins, from a scientific and research perspective that reflects the depth of experience and knowledge in this field.

At the conclusion of the seminar, which was presented by the work team from the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences: Engineer Rawan Alimat, and Mr. Hani Al-Sharafa, discussions took place that allowed the participants to exchange views between the expert lecturers and the attendees, and the seminar came out with important recommendations that were recited and managed by Dr. Abdul Rahman Rakkad Al-Shabeeb, Deputy Dean and expert in geographic information systems and remote sensing in water resources management, and Head of the Department of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing. These recommendations are:

Improving water management and reducing water loss using modern distribution networks.

Promoting water harvesting projects and searching for new ways to protect dam water from evaporation.

Developing smart agriculture technologies to reduce water consumption.

Strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries to ensure Jordan's water rights.

Expanding water desalination projects.