Baghdad, FAO launch $39 million climate resilience initiative
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Qu Dongyu, in collaboration with Iraqi ministries, announced on Monday the launch of a new initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
The initiative is called 'Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Iraq' (SRVALI).
The announcement was made on the sidelines of the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference, where senior government officials, foreign partners, and United Nations representatives attended, according to a statement released by FAO.
With a total investment of $39 million, the SRVALI initiative intends to directly help families in the countryside in the Iraqi provinces of Karbala, Najaf, and Muthanna, which are increasingly affected by drought, land degradation, and water shortages.
The initiative involves considerable joint funding from the Canadian government and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
Dongyu emphasized that the initiative demonstrates Iraq's inter-ministerial collaboration and attempts to provide sustainable solutions to people affected by climate change.
Dongyu also praised the Iraqi ministries of environment, water resources, planning, and agriculture for their outstanding collaboration during the initiative's development.
The campaign includes improving irrigation systems to increase water efficiency, using solar-powered irrigation technologies, restoring damaged farmlands, and promoting sustainable land and water management practices.
Furthermore, the initiative aims to empower rural women and young adults by bringing digital tools and early warning systems to reduce risks and increase resilience.
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