With EU support, FAO Iraq meets with the local authorities to discuss the challenges in the Marshes

Through the European Union (EU)’s support, FAO is working closely with the local authorities to support the most affected people in the southern region of Iraq from water scarcity and the impact of climate change threatening their lives and livelihoods. The discussions focused on the impact of water scarcity on buffalo breeders, fishermen and overall biodiversity in the Iraqi Marshes and came up with short, medium and long term plans to deal with these challenges. This meeting was possible thanks to the support from the European Union.

FAO Iraq Representative Dr. Salah El-Hajj Hassan says, “FAO is following the excruciating situation in southern Iraq notably in the Marshes. We have already called for action to help buffalo producers overcome climate change and water shortage in July and we continue to collaborate with the local authorities, Ministries of Agriculture and Environment to tackle these challenges with the generous support from the EU.”

During the meeting, Dr Chedly Kayouli, FAO Iraq Senior International Livestock Value Chain Expert, presented findings of an assessment conducted under the EU funded project on challenges faced by livestock owners and buffalo breeders in the given context.

In addition to recommendations and solutions proposed by participants during discussions, the meeting concluded with a call to participants to provide their suggestions and recommendations in written within seven days to be further compiled, reviewed and finalized for sharing with relevant public institutions and international organizations to initiate discussions for support.

Read FAO Iraq’s published call for action here.