Press Release

High-Level Mission from the Delegation of the European Union to Iraq visited EU-FAO’s project Activities in the Southern Marshlands (Al-Ahwar)

09 February 2023

Al Ahwar - 8 February 2023 - A high-level delegation of European Union ambassadors including the ambassador of Romania H.E. Mr. Radu Octavian Dobre, Greece H.E. Mr. Georgios Alamanos and the general consul of Poland led by EU Ambassador H.E. Mr. Ville Varjola, visited - on 6th February 2023- FAO activities in the Southern Marshes of Iraq to assess the progress of the "Restoration and Strengthening the Resilience of Agri-Food Systems in Southern Iraq" project ,implemented by FAO in coordination with ministry of agriculture and local governments in Basra ,Thi-Qar and Missan . The mission, which was accompanied by FAO Representative in Iraq, Dr Salah El Hajj Hassan and a team of FAO experts, met with project partners and observed the impact of the project on local communities.

"Ancient Mesopotamia, cradle of human civilization, is not only an Iraqi heritage but a world treasure. The improvement of traditional agriculture practices and livelihood interventions offer sustainable and dignifying solutions to the challenges faced by the Marshes." said EU Ambassador, H.E. Mr Ville Varjola.

"We are proud to be a part of this important initiative, which not only restores and strengthens the resilience of agri-food systems in Southern Iraq, but also empowers women and ensures the preservation of traditional livelihoods in the region," said Dr Salah El Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Iraq. "This mission and its successful outcomes are a testament to the close cooperation between the European Union, the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, and FAO in promoting sustainable development in Iraq."

The project, which is funded by the European Union and implemented by FAO in close cooperation with the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, aims to restore and strengthen the resilience of agri-food systems in Southern Iraq. It focuses on supporting women's groups and introducing climate-smart fodder practices in the region through the distribution of high-quality, drought and saline-tolerant seeds.

"The project is giving priority to support women’s groups due to their contribution to the development of their livelihoods," said the Senior FAO Livestock Expert, Dr Chedly Kayouli. "2500 rural women have already started enhancing their skills in dairy handling, processing, and hygiene with the support of hygienic stainless steel and food-grade equipment."

During the visit, the delegation observed the positive impact of the project on the livelihoods of buffalo breeders in the marshes, who expressed their gratitude for the support from FAO and the European Union. The delegation also visited two women's groups in the Al-Chabayish marshes, where they saw the traditional method of dairy processing and the positive change brought about by FAO's support with the rehabilitation of a dairy centre equipped with hygienic equipment.

"The marshes of southern Iraq are a vital sector, and the interventions by FAO with the support of the European Union will contribute to safeguarding the livelihoods of buffalo breeders in the region," said a buffalo farmer from the Al-Chibayish marshes.

For more information, please contact:

FAO Representative in Iraq, Dr Salah El Hajj Hassan: salah.elhajjhassan@fao.org

Communications Specialist for FAO Iraq, Ms. Khawla Ben Aicha: khawla.benaicha@fao.org

Salah Elhajjhassan

FAO

Representative

salah.elhajjhassan@fao.org

Mr Hajj Hassan, a national of Lebanon, holds a Ph.D. in Plant Production from the University of Agriculture, Damascus, Syria; a Master of Science degree in Plant Production and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering, both from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
He started his career in 1984, as Senior Research Assistant in the Agricultural Research and Education Centre (AREC), American University of Beirut. From 1987 to 1991, he was Coordinator of the Student Training Programme, and also Agriculture and Horticultural Teacher for the Faculty of Agriculture, at the Lebanese University.
From 1991 to 1995, he worked as Agricultural Engineer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Bekaa Regional Office, Zahlah and was then assigned to the Agricultural Research Institute in the Tal Amara station, first as Head of the Crop Production Department and subsequently in charge of the Plant Protection Laboratory. From 2002 to 2006, he was Director of the Kfardane Research Station (Agricultural Research Institute). In 2008, he became Visiting Scientist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and Coordinator of a project with the International Centre for Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna.
In 2010, he served as Advisor to the Minister for Agriculture of Lebanon. In 2011, he became President of the Pesticide Scientific Committee, Head of the Phytoplasma Committee and Director of the Agriculture and Rural Development Programme (ARDP) (EU-funded project). From 2010 to 2013, he represented Lebanon in negotiations with EU, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq. During his career, Mr Hajj Hassan also carried out a number of other functions. He represented the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) in several research programmes with the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the American University of Beirut. He was Coordinator of the Mashreq/Maghreb project with ICARDA, representing Lebanon in the Steering Committee, as well as being the Head of the Sugar-beet Delivery and of the Wheat Delivery Committees. For a number of years, Mr Hajj Hassan worked for the preparation of FAO TCP projects and served as the National Director of a TCP project. He joined FAO in January 2014 as FAO Representative in Yemen. Mr Hajj Hassan succeeds Mr El Zubi as FAO Representative in Iraq.

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