Validation Workshop on the National Sustainable Land Management Strategy in Iraq

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Iraq, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment (MoEn), conducted a high-level workshop in Baghdad to finalize the National Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Strategy in Iraq. The workshop was held within the framework of a project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by FAO in the governorates of Thi Qar and Al-Muthanna, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and relevant national ministries.

The workshop brought together senior government officials, FAO experts, and national specialists to conduct the final technical review of the strategy. Discussions focused on strengthening evidence-based action to combat land degradation, enhance environmental resilience, and support sustainable livelihoods across Iraq.

The opening session was attended by Dr Jasim Al-Falahi, Technical Deputy Minister of Environment; Dr Salah El-Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Iraq; and Dr Najlaa Al-Wai’ly, Director of the Technical Directorate at the Ministry of Environment, alongside representatives from relevant ministries, national institutions, and FAO technical teams. Their participation underscored the Government of Iraq’s strong commitment to addressing land degradation, climate-related risks, and the sustainable and equitable use of natural resources.

In his remarks, Dr Jasim Al-Falahi stated:

“Iraq faces growing environmental challenges, including land degradation and desertification, driven by water scarcity, weak resource management, and climate change. The National Sustainable Land Management Strategy provides a comprehensive framework to protect natural resources and improve livelihoods, and the Ministry of Environment is fully prepared to move forward with its implementation, with appreciation to FAO and national partners, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Dr. Salah El-Hajj Hassan emphasized the importance of turning the strategy into an actionable implementation plan and achieving effective results, noting: “The National Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Strategy is a critical step toward turning policy into practical action, particularly in environmentally fragile areas such as the southern Iraqi marshlands. Successful implementation requires realistic approaches, strong institutional and legislative frameworks, and continuous monitoring systems to ensure tangible results in land and water resources management.”

He also reaffirmed the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) commitment to continuing its support to the Government of Iraq in operationalizing the strategy and strengthening national capacities to mitigate the impacts of climate change and address land degradation, desertification, and related environmental challenges.

Dr Najlaa Al-Wai’ly, described the workshop as a key milestone in finalizing a national roadmap to address land degradation, desertification, water scarcity, and declining vegetation cover. She stated: “The five-year National SLM Strategy provides a clear framework for rehabilitating degraded land and rangelands, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and conserving natural resources, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to implementation in close collaboration with partners.”

The National SLM Strategy was developed in response to decades of environmental degradation driven by water scarcity, unsustainable farming and irrigation practices, deforestation, rangeland deterioration, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. These challenges are particularly acute in southern Iraq and marshland areas, where soil salinity, declining water quality, and ecosystem degradation have undermined livelihoods and environmental stability.

During the workshop, participants reviewed the Strategy’s vision, objectives, and priority actions, which aim to:

• Restore degraded ecosystems and rangelands
• Conserve land and water resources
• Strengthen institutional and legal frameworks

• Enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities

   

  The workshop concluded with consensus on the strategy, emphasizing the importance of strengthening inter-ministerial coordination, adopting evidence-based decision-making, and ensuring sustainable investment to achieve effective implementation.

  The adoption of the National Sustainable Land Management Strategy represents a significant milestone in Iraq’s efforts to protect its land resources, conserve ecosystems, and build a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.

For more information, please contact: 

Reem AlSadoon, FAO Iraq-Communications Unit 
Email: Reem.alsadoon@fao.org