BAGHDAD, Iraq, Aug 28 (IPS) – Climate change and water scarcity pose a major threat to Iraq’s stability, prosperity, and the well-being of its people. The environmental challenges facing the nation are complex and interconnected, requiring a comprehensive and integrated response.
In Iraq, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), under my leadership, has been at the forefront of addressing these critical issues, working tirelessly to build a sustainable and resilient future for all Iraqis.
Through the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), we aim to use the various expertise and resources of different UN agencies, promoting an integrated and coordinated approach to development challenges.
Through this collaborative model, we can increase our impact and deliver comprehensive solutions to address the interconnected web of factors contributing to climate change and water scarcity.
This includes not only reducing the immediate impacts of these environmental threats but also addressing their root causes, such as unsustainable water management practices and over-reliance on fossil fuels.
The UN in Iraq has made a lasting impact in Iraq through a number of important initiatives. This includes:
1) Building weather resistance
Iraq is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, drought, and desertification that have major impacts on agricultural productivity and social stability. To address this, the UNCT, in collaboration with the Government of Iraq, organized the first Iraq Climate Conference in Basra in 2023. This event resulted in the “Basra Declaration” with important government commitments and initiatives such as the reforestation campaign, aimed at improving Iraq’s climate resilience. .
These efforts led to increased national and international awareness and cooperation on climate issues, and the establishment of a framework for future environmental planning and policy, including the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
The Basra Declaration aims to strengthen Iraq’s institutional, technical, and financial capacity to address climate change by integrating medium- and long-term adaptation strategies into national and local plans.
2) Improving water security
Iraq is facing a serious water crisis due to reduced rainfall and overuse of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. These challenges are exacerbated by poor water management and agricultural practices.
Last year, Iraq became the first country in the Middle East to join the UN Water Treaty, underscoring the country’s commitment to promoting regional cooperation and ensuring equitable water use, which is essential for regional stability and prosperity.
In line with these national goals, the RCO leads a ‘Water Task Force’ that brings together UN agencies in Iraq to improve water governance, strengthen agricultural resilience, and improve sustainable water use.
For example, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are working together to integrate traditional knowledge and modern technology, to improve water use in agriculture—an important step in strengthening Iraq’s food security.
Meanwhile in the Sinjar region, the initiative of the United Nations Office for Project Operations (UNOPS), funded by the Italian government is changing access to local water, in line with the need to ensure safe water for all Iraqis. Similarly, in Ninewa Governorate, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) installed water desalination systems in seven villages, which greatly improved living conditions.
3) Preserving the Muds of Mesopotamia
The Mesopotamian Marshes, a unique ecosystem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are threatened by climate change, pollution, and unsustainable water management practices, leading to negative environmental and human consequences.
The RCO coordinated efforts across UN agencies to conserve wetlands by developing environmental strategies, supporting tree planting projects and facilitating community-based adaptation programs to improve the lives of local communities.
For example, the World Food Program (WFP) is carrying out tree planting projects in southern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, which is in line with the government’s goal of planting five million trees by 2029. The Adaptation Plan, which focuses on the areas most affected by climate change.
In addition, the UN has led the development of legislation in the management of natural resources, including the adoption of the Environmental Strategy and the National Sustainable Land Management Strategy and Action Plan, which is important for agriculture and wetland conservation.
These programs have helped restore ecological balance, supported local livelihoods, and strengthened the resilience of wetlands to environmental stressors, thus earning their status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4) Developing renewable energy policies
Iraq’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels not only affects economic stability but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The country has great potential for renewable energy development but faces challenges in attracting investment and developing the necessary infrastructure.
To address this gap, the UN has promoted the review and adoption of Iraq’s Renewable Energy Law, an important step in promoting renewable energy investment and development. The revised Renewable Energy Act has created a favorable environment for renewable energy investments.
Similarly, the United Nations (UNDP) program supports Iraq’s shift away from oil dependence, through the NAP – which outlines efforts to reduce pollution and prepare for the effects of climate change. The UN is also helping Iraq develop its 2025 NDCs, which are the country’s commitments to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change as part of the Paris Agreement.
These efforts have paved the way for increased investment in renewable energy, promoting sustainable economic growth and reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
A sustainable and strong future for Iraq
The joint UN mission in Iraq has put the country on a promising path towards sustainability and climate change. Our upcoming United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2025-2029 will outline our efforts to help Iraq mitigate and adapt to climate change, manage water resources sustainably, and protect its unique natural and cultural heritage.
As we look to the future, the UN in Iraq remains committed to supporting the government and people of Iraq in their pursuit of a sustainable and resilient future.
Ghulam Isaczai he is the United Nations coordinator in Iraq. To learn more about the UN’s work in Iraq visit iraq.un.org.
IPS UN Bureau
Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
Follow IPS News UN Bureau on Instagram
© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
