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Iraq and FAO launch $39m Climate Resilience Project

By John Lee. The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mr. QU Dongyu, has launched a $39-million project titled "Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Iraq" (SRVALI) , in partnership with key Iraqi ministries. The launch took place in Baghdad during the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference. Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with co-financing from the Governments of Canada and Sweden (SIDA), the project will directly support rural communities in Karbala, Najaf, and Muthanna-areas heavily impacted by drought, land degradation, and water scarcity. Key components of SRVALI include: Upgrading irrigation and water efficiency systems Deploying solar-powered irrigation Rehabilitating degraded farmland Strengthening Water User Associations Empowering women and youth Introducing digital tools and early warning systems Senior Iraqi officials including Environment Minister Dr. Halo Al-Askari, Water Resources Minister Dr. Aoun Diab Al-Abdullah, and Agriculture Minister Eng. Abbas Jabr Al-Maliki reaffirmed their commitment to the project, describing it as vital for Iraq's climate adaptation, food security, and transition to a green economy. UN Deputy Special Representative Ghulam Mohamed Isaczai welcomed Iraq's first-ever GCF-backed initiative as a milestone in national climate finance, supporting inclusive and sustainable development. Mr. Dongyu emphasised that water is at the heart of climate resilience and praised Iraq's growing leadership in global sustainability platforms. Full text of statement from FAO: Iraqi Government and FAO Launch $39-Million Climate Resilience Project As part of his visit to Baghdad, Iraq, the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mr. QU Dongyu, together with key Iraqi ministries, today launched the Green Climate Fund (GCF)-funded project titled "Strengthening Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Iraq" (SRVALI). The announcement took place on the sidelines of the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference, in the presence of senior government officials, international partners and United Nations representatives. With a total investment of USD 39 million, the SRVALI project aims to directly benefit rural households in the governorates of Karbala, Najaf, and Muthanna, regions increasingly affected by drought, land degradation, and water scarcity. The project includes generous co-financing from the Government of Canada and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). Mr. Dongyu emphasized that the SRVALI project is a testament to Iraq's strong national ownership, inter-ministerial coordination, and efforts to deliver sustainable solutions to those most affected by climate change. He commended the Ministries of Environment, Water Resources, Planning, and Agriculture for their exemplary partnership throughout the project's development. Iraqi Minister of Environment, H.E. Dr. Halo Al-Askari, highlighted that addressing climate change is a top priority for the Iraqi government, integral to the transition towards a sustainable green economy and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including the eradication of hunger and poverty. The Minister of Water Resources, H.E. Dr. Aoun Diab Al-Abdullah, stated that the project represents a significant step toward achieving development goals through field interventions and sustainable infrastructure development. He affirmed the Ministry's full commitment to supporting the project's efficient implementation in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, ensuring benefits for Iraq's water and agricultural sectors. The initiative encompasses upgrading irrigation systems to enhance water use efficiency, deploying solar-powered irrigation solutions, reclaiming degraded farmlands, and promoting sustainable land and water management practices. Additionally, it focuses on strengthening Water User Associations, empowering rural women and youth, and introducing digital tools and early warning systems to mitigate risks and build resilience. Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Eng. Abbas Jabr Al-Maliki, noted that the project's launch results from extensive collaboration with FAO and the GCF, significantly contributing to combating climate change and advancing Iraq's agricultural strategy goals. Ghulam Mohamed Isaczai, UN Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq, remarked that establishing Iraq's first-ever GCF financing is a significant achievement in national climate finance, reflecting Iraq's dedication to building climate resilience, enhancing food security, and transitioning towards a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Mr. Dongyu concluded by highlighting that the event's timing with the Water Conference underscores that climate resilience begins with water. He reiterated FAO's commitment to supporting digital water management through tools like the FAO WaPOR platform and promoting community-level water governance through climate-smart solutions. This event also marks Iraq's growing prominence on the international stage, showcasing leadership and vision through initiatives such as the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, the One Country One Priority Product platform, and the World Food Forum. (Source: FAO)