Watershed Conservation and Empowering Communities: A Cash-for-Work Approach in King Talal Dam Watershed and Za’atari Camp
Through this 13-month intervention, Acted will enhance the living conditions of Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians through a Cash-for-Work approach that supports erosion control and flood mitigation measures in the King Talal Dam watershed and improves the efficiency of the constructed stormwater drainage network in Zaatari Camp. The project will directly benefit 300 Cash for Workers and 540 Incentive-Based Volunteers through short-term employment opportunities and indirectly benefit 3,360 household members from the CfW and IBV opportunities, as well as from participation in community outreach sessions.
In September 2025, Acted and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) signed a grant agreement to implement the project “Watershed Conservation and Empowering Communities: A Cash-for-Work Approach in King Talal Dam Watershed and Za’atari Camp” from 1 September 2025 to 30 September 2026. This project is part of the “GIZ – Protection of Water Dams in Jordan through Labour-intensive Activities (Cash for Work) Project”, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ in partnership with Acted and in cooperation with the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA), aims to enhance the living conditions for both Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians through a Cash-for-Work (CfW) approach that supports erosion control and flood mitigation measures in the King Talal Dam (KTD) watershed and an Incentive-based Volunteer (IBV) approach to improve the efficiency of the constructed Stormwater Drainage Network in Za’atari Refugee Camp.
In the King Talal Dam watershed, 300 CfWers will construct gabion walls and riprap structures to reduce soil erosion, ensure efficient drainage system and enhance water retention. Meanwhile, in Za’atari Refugee Camp, 540 IBVs through engagement of female participation will maintain and rehabilitate the stormwater drainage network to prevent flooding and improve public health. Both components prioritize short-term employment for vulnerable Jordanians and Syrian refugees, coupled with technical and employability trainings to strengthen future livelihood prospects. These activities will indirectly benefit over 3,360 household members by improving living conditions, enhancing water security, and fostering resilience.
The integration of environmental restoration with short-term employment ensures that both ecological and socio-economic objectives are met, creating immediate impact while building long-term resilience. Transparent and inclusive beneficiary selection processes, aligned with national CfW and IBV guidelines, will foster fairness and community trust. Comprehensive training packages covering technical skills, occupational safety, and employability equip participants for future livelihood opportunities beyond the project. Strong coordination with government entities, UN agencies, and local stakeholders guarantees compliance, resource mobilization, and sustainability of interventions. Finally, robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms, including MEAL systems and community feedback channels, will ensure quality implementation, timely adjustments, and lasting benefits for vulnerable Jordanians and Syrian refugees.