Sahara Forest Project lands in Jordan

The Sahara Forest Project has taken a step closer to reality, with the project team signing a land-use agreement to develop a pilot system on 200,000sqm of land in Aqaba, Jordan. 

The project will now move onto the next three development stages; in-depth studies throughout 2011, construction of a Demonstration Centre, expected to start in 2012, and commercial-scale development beginning in 2015.

Max Fordham LLP, which contributed to the initial feasibility and climate studies, will continue to take part in the project.

Sahara Forest Project Partner Bill Watts, also a Max Fordham LLP Senior Partner, said the project uses a unique combination of available resources and proven technologies to turn arid desert areas into fertile lands, while producing much-needed fresh water, food, sustainable biomass and energy.

“In 2009 we completed studies which showed the concept was feasible and economically viable,” Mr Watts said. “It’s exciting to see the idea’s potential being recognised internationally, and as a result, the project driving forward.”

The Sahara Forest Project has also secured rights to an additional 2,000,000sqm for later expansion.

The SFP is a joint venture between Exploration Architecture Ltd, Seawater Greenhouse Ltd, Bellona Foundation and Bill Watts.

For more information take a look at the Sahara Forest Project project page.