Iraq's first climate-resilient water project is approved by GCF

INA-  BAGHDAD



The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved funding for a $39 million project led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) aimed at improving water and food security in rural Iraq through climate-resilient agriculture.

The fund said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "this six-year project is the first water project funded by GCF in Iraq, and will benefit more than 1.9 million people, including the most vulnerable groups."

It explained that "the implementation of the project will be in cooperation with the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources, as well as local governments in the targeted governorates."

The fund pointed out that "Iraq is facing severe climatic challenges such as high temperatures, long droughts, and decreasing quantities of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers," adding that "according to FAO, the project is entitled "Strengthening the capacity of rural agricultural communities in Iraq and aims to address water scarcity resulting from climate change." 

For his part, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, Abdul Hakim Al-Waer, said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, conflicts and population growth, poses a major threat to food security and sustainable development in our region."

He explained that "cooperation will take place with the Iraqi Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources and with local governments to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative, by aligning it with existing projects, building the capacity of public institutions to achieve sustainable development, and working with international partners to advance government reforms, and the project will also promote gender equality by empowering women as key agents of change, and promoting inclusive and sustainable community development."