Iraq launches Climate-Resilient Water Management Project
By John Lee.
At the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference , Iraq and Germany officially launched the joint Climate-resilient Water Resource Management (CWRM) project-an initiative designed to address Iraq's deepening water crisis with sustainable and practical solutions.
Implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources in cooperation with Germany's development agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Hilla River, running through Babylon, Diwaniyah, and Muthanna governorates, has been selected as the pilot area.
The project focuses on: Modernising water resource information systems and data monitoring,
Strengthening climate-resilient planning through water accounting and scenario modelling,
Enhancing technical capacity within Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources-with a focus on empowering women,
Assessing and piloting drainage water reuse as an alternative resource.
Experts including Youssef Brouziyne, of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and Gerald Corzo Perez (IHE Delft Institute for Water Education) contributed insights, underlining the importance of data-driven water planning and the use of AI and hydroinformatics in managing water under climate pressure. Full statement from GIZ:
A new step towards a sustainable future for Iraq's water sector: we are proud to officially launch the Climate-resilient Water Resource Management (CWRM) project - a joint initiative between Iraq and Germany aimed at securing a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
The launch took place at the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference, where the Ministry of Water Resources and GIZ signed the implementation agreement, marking an important milestone in tackling Iraq's growing water challenges. As Iraq is facing a worsening water crisis, the Federal Government of Iraq and Germany have joined forces on this critical initiative. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), we work closely with Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources on practical solution aligned with specific needs of the country. For this, the Hillah River, traversing Babylon, Diwaniyah and Muthanna has been designated as the pilot area.
The project will focus on: Upgrading water resources information systems, including monitoring systems and data management.
Strengthening climate-resilient planning by employing innovative tools for water accounting and scenario modelling.
Building technical capacities withing the Ministry of Water Resources with a special focus on empowering women.
Assessing the potential of drainage water reuse as an unconventional water resource and developing pilot projects ready for implementation.
The launch featured contribution from leading experts: Youssef Brouziyne, Head of MENA Regional Office at the International Water Management Institute, highlighted the vital role of water data and planning in the face of climate change. Additionally, Gerald Corzo Perez, Associate Professor of Hydroinformatics at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, shared insights on the applications of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence, showcasing successful case studies from around the globe.
(Source: GIZ) Tags: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Babylon, Baghdad International Water Conference, cg, climate resilience, Climate-resilient Water Resource Management (CWRM) project, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Diwaniyah, featured, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), germany, hilla river, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Muthanna, Netherlands, sustainable development, water management
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