Minister of Health: The population census will strengthen environmental improvement efforts

Baghdad-INA 

The Minister of Health, Saleh Al-Hasnawi, confirmed on Wednesday that the population census will enhance efforts for environmental improvement.

In a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the Minister stated: "The forthcoming results of the population census represents a vital step in providing comprehensive data that will contribute to the development of environmental improvement programs and sustainability projects."

Al-Hasnawi explained that "the data produced by the census will support the ministry’s plans in identifying environmental priorities, such as reducing pollution in air, water, and soil, promoting afforestation, managing natural resources sustainably, and implementing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to combat climate change."

 He added that "population statistics will be used to address various environmental challenges, promote sustainability concepts, and develop smart cities."

He further noted that "accurate demographic information will contribute to identifying the needs of different areas and developing environmental solutions tailored to local challenges, in addition to enhancing comprehensive environmental efforts to combat pollution and achieve sustainable development strategies."

Al-Hasnawi emphasized, according to the statement, that "cooperation with census teams is essential to achieving the sustainable development goals that Iraq aims to reach," calling for an increase in public awareness about the importance of the population census.

He also confirmed that "active citizen participation in the census will positively impact the implementation of strategic environmental projects that support comprehensive development and protect natural resources for future generations."