How to Scale a Project to a Program: The Expansion of Al Murunah

The IWMI-led Al Murunah project is transitioning from a project-based to a program-based approach to scale climate-resilient water solutions in the MENA region. Expanding beyond isolated projects, Al Murunah integrates interconnected efforts such as Al Murunah+ – Advancing Positive Gender Norms for Resilient Families and Communities; Jahez – Climate-ready refugee-hosting communities in Jordan; and Wiqaya – Mitigation of sand and dust storm generation and impacts in Southern Iraq and the Gulf region. This integrated approach is enabling long-term impact, stronger partnerships and increased funding.

Al Murunah delivers resilient nature-based water solutions (RNBWS) that are co-designed by partners—including communities, governments, and donors, particularly FCDO—ensuring locally relevant and scalable solutions that emphasize gender inclusion and climate adaptation. Combined with collaboration, learning and investment-ready projects, the Al Murunah program is enhancing sustainability, unlocking climate finance and delivering broader, lasting water security outcomes.