FAO and the Ministry of Environment: Starting the implementation of a Comprehensive Training Program on Sustainable Land Management Policy formulation with Support from the Global Environment Facility

Through the project "Sustainable Land Management (SLM) for Improved Livelihoods in Degraded Areas of Iraq," FAO and its partners are working to address issues related to land degradation and environmental sustainability by supporting national policy frameworks to promote SLM practices tailored to the unique challenges faced in Southern Iraq. By fostering strategic capacity-building and collaboration between governmental and local stakeholders, this initiative also aims to pave the way for sustainable land and water resource management, thus ensuring a resilient ecosystem and improving livelihoods for communities in the region.

The inaugural workshop, which will be held from February 13 to 15, 2024 in Basra , brings together 40 participants representing various governmental agencies and farmer associations. Over the next weeks, two additional cohorts will convene in Basra and Baghdad to ensure the comprehensive training of all 120 participants enrolled in the program.

In his opening speech, HE the Deputy Technical Minister of Environment, Dr Jasim Abdulazeez Alfalahi, emphasized the significance of the collaboration with FAO and other partners, stating, "The Sustainable Land Management project is a crucial step towards addressing environmental challenges in Iraq. The collaboration with FAO and other ministries highlights our commitment to implementing sustainable practices and safeguarding our natural resources for future generations."

For his part, FAO Iraq Representative Dr. Salah El Hajj Hassan stressed that this initiative part of FAO's commitment, in collaboration with its partners, to support Iraq in achieving sustainable development goals. By empowering decision-makers with the necessary tools and knowledge, we aim to foster resilient agricultural systems that achieve environmental sustainability, and social well-being."

Under the expert guidance of FAO project team , participants will delve into a diverse range of topics essential for effective SLM policy formulation and implementation during the three-days of the training workshop. This includes policy integration, government efficiency, and sustainable agriculture practices.



Post-training, participants will be able to anticipate significant improvements in planning, governance, and policy frameworks within ministries, facilitating the implementation of agricultural systems that not only produce but also preserve, contributing to global environmental benefits and enhancing climate resilience.

This initiative contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 15: Life on Land.