Huda Jasem (Baghdad)
Iraq’s participation in the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) is an exceptionally important endeavour, said Iraqi Minister of Water Resources, Aoun Dhiaab.
In an interview with Aletihad, Dhiaab noted that COP28 represents a historic opportunity for Iraq to present its climate change challenges clearly before the global community and the United Nations.
“Iraq, heavily reliant on the stability of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, is among the countries most affected by climate change,” Dhiaab said. “COP28 serves as a global platform where Iraq can make its mark, given its status as one of the nations more significantly impacted by the world’s changing climate”.
Dhiaab emphasised that ensuring the success of such events is a collective responsibility of countries around the world.
The Minister also highlighted the pivotal role of the Ministry of Water Resources in delivering integrated water management to Iraqis. “The Ministry faces the challenge of balancing demands for water supply for irrigation, drinking, industry, energy generation, and environmental needs, including river and wetland restoration,” he said.
Iraq’s intricate water distribution system involves nine major dams, 18 massive reservoirs, 275 pumping stations, and 140 land reclamation projects, making it one of the world’s most complex water management systems.
Dhiaab emphasised the importance of optimal operation and maintenance of water control facilities, in addition to effective water management strategies that consider environmental impacts and competing requirements.
The Minister also underscored the negative impacts of climate change his country is facing, including increased drought and decreased rainfall. “While some may doubt these effects, Iraq has now experienced an extended drought for three years, possibly extending to a fourth,” he said. Dhiaab stressed that climate change affects Iraq just as it affects the world, and called for a transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources such as solar and wind power, alongside harnessing hydroelectric energy from dams and reservoirs.
In the past two years, the Iraqi water ministry has initiated projects including river and water channel excavations, invasive grass removal, and sustainable land reclamation. There are ongoing efforts to curb water wastage in Iraq, such as implementing comprehensive water distribution networks and river lining projects, while also supporting farmers through loans for modern irrigation equipment.
Dhiaab was optimistic regarding Iraq’s strategy to combat the drought issue, revealing unconventional plans to transfer water from lakes to the Euphrates River to restore its water level. Other remedies include ongoing research studies that are bringing forth solutions that “will soon see the light of day”, he said.
The Ministry of Water Resources is also working to maintain the natural state of Iraq’s marshlands, which have a protected status and historical significance, Dhiaab said.