Latest news with #MinistryofWaterResources
Saba Yemen
3 days ago
- Business
- Saba Yemen
Governor of Al-Hodeidah launches second phase of Green Belt Project
Al-Hodeidah – SABA: The Governor of Al-Hodeidah, Abdullah Atifi, along with First Deputy Governor Ahmed Al-Bishri, inaugurated today the second phase of the Green Belt Project surrounding the city of Al-Hodeidah. The initiative aims to expand green coverage and boost environmental efforts in the governorate. This phase includes the planting of 7,000 palm trees and 60,000 various fruit-bearing and forest trees along the main entrances to the city. The project comes at an estimated cost of 168 million Yemeni riyals, jointly funded by the private sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Local Agricultural Projects and Initiatives Financing Unit. Governor Atifi described the project as one of the key developmental and environmental initiatives being implemented in the governorate, reflecting the directives of the revolutionary leadership in promoting environmental security and achieving sustainable development. For his part, Deputy Governor Al-Bishri stated that the second phase will be implemented from May through December 2025, marking a significant step in the agricultural expansion efforts within the governorate. He emphasized the project's role in enhancing urban aesthetics and mitigating the effects of climate change. He stressed the importance of cooperation between the state, the private sector, and the local community to ensure the success of this vital project, thereby reinforcing Al-Hodeidah's status as a leading governorate in the green transformation pathway. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Iraq Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Iraq Business
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
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq adopts emergency irrigation measures amid record water shortage
Shafaq News/ Iraq is facing one of its worst water shortages in years, prompting urgent changes in irrigation methods and a likely sharp reduction in summer farming plans, the Ministry of Agriculture told Shafaq News on Monday. In an exclusive interview, Mehdi Dhahir al-Qaisi, advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, described the situation as "extremely concerning" due to both diminished inflows from neighboring countries and low rainfall levels. 'We are facing a major water crisis,' al-Qaisi stated. 'According to the Ministry of Water Resources, this year marks the lowest water storage in Iraq's recent history. Negotiations are ongoing between the Ministries of Water Resources and Foreign Affairs with neighboring countries regarding Iraq's share of water.' Al-Qaisi explained that the Ministry of Agriculture, as a key consumer of water, has begun implementing alternative irrigation techniques to maintain the agricultural sector's viability. 'We've expanded the use of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, tailored to crop type—particularly wheat,' he said. 'So far, 23% of the target area has been covered using sprinkler irrigation methods, and we continue to scale up.' The shift toward modern irrigation comes amid shrinking water allocations, which have also impacted fish farming. According to al-Qaisi, low water levels and high pollution concentrations have disrupted open-water fish farming in floating cages and earthen ponds. 'We are now shifting to closed-system aquaculture, and this transition is being supported to help mitigate water scarcity's effects,' he noted. Addressing unauthorized water use, al-Qaisi noted that enforcement falls under the purview of the Ministry of Water Resources. 'They are actively working to remove illegal uses, starting with unlicensed earthen lakes,' he said. 'The ministry is legally authorized to act against any form of water-related violations.' Looking ahead, the official pointed out that Iraq's summer agricultural plan may face sharp reductions, particularly affecting rice cultivation. 'The indicators we have are not encouraging…plan is likely to be heavily reduced, especially for rice—a key crop in the summer season.' He also expressed hope that special consideration will be given to provinces like Najaf, Diwaniyah, and Muthanna—regions known for producing the high-quality rice, a staple of Iraq's agricultural identity. 'Water is the lifeblood of agriculture. It is vital for food security, environmental health, and community stability. The real crisis begins with water—and then comes financing.' He recalled the 2008 Agricultural Initiative, which offered interest-free loans through multiple lending funds, contributing to a temporary boom in agricultural activity. However, the initiative was halted in 2014 due to the outbreak of the war against ISIS.
Iraqi News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Minister of Water Resources: We are committed to following up on the results of the Fifth Baghdad International Water Conference
Baghdad-INA Minister of Water Resources, Aoun Dhiab, confirmed on Monday the ministry's commitment to following up on the results of the Fifth Baghdad International Water Conference. In a speech at the closing ceremony of the Fifth Baghdad International Water Conference and the Micro-Irrigation Conference, which was followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Dhiab said, "The importance of these two conferences lies not only in the recommendations and outcomes we reached, but also in the commitment and pursuit of practical and effective solutions." He added, "Water is not just a resource, but rather a connection that unites peoples and reminds us that cooperation is the only way to ensure a secure and bright future." He explained that "the ideas and recommendations we discussed at this conference are the beginning of a long road that requires continuous effort and a genuine will to transform these visions into a tangible reality." He confirmed that "the Ministry of Water Resources, with the support of the Iraqi government and the leadership of the Prime Minister, is committed to following up on the results of this conference and implementing its recommendations into projects and policies." He noted that "the ministry is also committed to implementing the initiative launched by the Prime Minister and will strive to achieve the goals and principles it has adopted." Dhiab called on "all countries in the region and the world to enhance constructive cooperation in managing shared water resources."
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Construction of Mohmand Dam to be completed by 2027-28
LAHORE: WAPDA achieved yet another landmark on Mohmand Dam Project, as construction work has commenced on the Main Dam. Prior to achieving this landmark, several pre-requisites such as river diversion, up and downstream starter (coffer) dams, dam plinth and excavation of left and right abutments and dam foundations were completed. Mohmand Dam is scheduled for completion in 2027-28. Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo visited Mohmand Dam Project to mark the occasion. Chairman WAPDA Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (retd) also accompanied him. The GM/PD Mohmand Dam along with his team and Project Managers of the Consultants and the Contractors were also present on the occasion. The Federal Minister had a detailed visit of the key sites and observed construction activities going on there. These sites included Diversion System, Power Intake Tunnel, Main Dam, Spillway and Power House. During on-the-sites briefings, the Federal Minister was apprised by the Project Team that construction work is continuing on 14 different sites. The Federal Minister was also briefed about the site-wise progress on the Project. The Federal Minister expressed satisfaction over the progress on the Project. He said that the Federal Government is fully cognizant of the increasing needs of water and affordable electricity in the country, that is why, WAPDA and Ministry of Water Resources have been making all out efforts for completion of the under construction mega projects. Mohmand Dam, being amongst these projects, will help fulfilling requirements of water and low-cost electricity in Pakistan. He hoped that WAPDA would complete Mohmand Dam and other projects as per their timelines. The Ministry of Water Resources will provide full support for the purpose, the Minister added. Mohmand Dam Project being constructed across River Swat, in Tribal District Mohmand of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The 213-meter Mohmand Dam is the 5th highest concrete faced-rock fill dam (CFRD) in the world. It has a gross water storage capacity of 1.29 MAF sufficient to irrigate 18,233 acres of new land in Mohmand and Charsadda, besides supplementing irrigation supplies to 160,000 acres of existing land. With installed power capacity of 800 MW, the Project will provide 2.86 billion units of green, clean and affordable hydel electricity to the National Grid annually. It will not only help save Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera from flooding but also provide 300 million gallons water per day to Peshawar for drinking purpose. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
