‘Best Recycled Handicraft’ competition seeks to turn waste into art

AMMAN — In collaboration with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), the Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan (JREDS) has launched the “Best Recycled Handicraft” competition.

The competition is part of the Cultural Routes for Sustainable Social and economic Development in Mediterranean project (CROSSDEV) within the city of Aqaba, Waed Al Ajarmeh, organiser of the competition and communication officer at JREDS, told The Jordan Times. 

CROSSDEV is a three-year project, started in September 2019, and co-founded by the European Union and ENICBC Med programme. 

The project aims to boost the attractiveness of lesser known tourist destinations within a framework that enhances sustainable tourism practices, making use of local culture and heritage as assets for socioeconomic development, according to CROSSDEV’s co-founder ENICBC Med’s website.

“The purpose of this competition is to promote recycling by combining it with handicraft production, encouraging the people of Aqaba to highlight their heritage and launch their own small businesses or start-up projects,” Ajarmeh said.

“Each contestant must submit three different samples of recycled handicrafts portraying the beauty of Aqaba and its heritage. They must be easy to form and reproducible in large quantities,” she added.

Anyone from the local community of Aqaba is welcome to participate, according to Ajarmeh.

“We made sure that the competition is inclusive of all ages to give everyone a chance to join in and unleash their creativity,” she said.

Productions are to be handed in a completely sealed envelope to the JREDS office in Aqaba from 9am to 3pm. The deadline for submitting productions is October 30, according to Ajarmeh. 

The top four winners will be awarded craft supplies and recycled material that can help them produce more of their art pieces, turning them into “small eco-friendly businesses,” she said.

“All submitted handicrafts will be showcased at an exhibition in Aqaba where a celebration will be held to announce the winners at the beginning of November,” Ajarmeh added.