Developing an Urban Framework to Rehabilitate the Russeifa Watercourse as a Blue-Green Corridor in Jordan

Abstract

Watercourses are one of the most vital elements in cities, which are essentially the core of city formation. Over time, with increased urbanization and industrialization, many watercourses faced difficulties in preserving their natural form, resulting in the loss of many of their characteristics. This transformation has led to a clear degradation of ecosystems and increased pollution and health risks. Many countries tend to undertake projects to rehabilitate watercourses that have degraded, aiming to achieve environmental, as well as socio-economic benefits. Russeifa city is one of the most densely populated cities in Jordan and the Arab world. The watercourse passing through it is also a source of pollution that poses risks to the city and its residents. However, the study aims to present a suggested plan to rehabilitate the watercourse as a blue-green corridor to enhance the water and greenery in the city. Thus, the study relied on previous studies, in addition to interviews with officials and residents, to understand their connection to the river and the problems they suffer from. It turned out that the watercourse is currently used only as a landfill. Furthermore, the study relies on a study of successful case studies to extract suitable mechanisms that fit the Russeifa watercourse rehabilitation. In the end, the study shows that it is necessary to set logical and achievable goals for adopting the rehabilitation strategy. In addition to activating the role of citizens in development and rehabilitation projects, they are an essential element in the long-term success. Moreover, this study contributes by proposing an urban framework for transforming degraded watercourses into blue-green corridors, offering both theoretical insights and practical guidelines applicable to similar urban contexts in Jordan and beyond.