Waterkeepers Iraq
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​Empowering Kurdistan Communities for Waterway Conservation and Environmental Advocacy

Why this project matters?

This project was created to show that lasting environmental change starts with people. When communities are informed, skilled, and emotionally connected to their environment, protection becomes a shared responsibility. ​
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What we did?

Cleaning waterways
We organized five community-led clean-up campaigns across key locations, including Dukan Lake, Kani Shock, Darbandikhan, and Delezha. More than 150 community members joined these efforts, removing over 250 kilograms of waste from rivers, lakes, and surrounding areas.

One participant reflected:
“Cleaning is hard, and preventing pollution is easy and shouldn’t be neglected.”
Training local environmental watchers
We trained 25 community members as Environmental Watchers. Participants learned how to monitor environmental threats, document violations, and advocate for change. They were also introduced to a digital reporting platform, a tool to raise concerns. 

Another volunteer shared:
“I now feel confident identifying threats and engaging my community in sustainable practices.”
Using art
Through the Art & Environment training, 21 participants created 30 original artworks focused on water conservation, pollution, and sustainability. 

Water activities
Clean water is about people’s safety and well-being. We trained 21 participants in swimming and paddleboarding safety, certifying them as lifeguards. 

Bringing it all together
All project activities came together in a two-day public festival that welcomed more than 300 attendees from diverse backgrounds.

What changed & Looking ahead

Over 250 kg of waste was removed from key waterways, 66 people were trained in envir​onmental monitoring, art, and water safety, and participants’ environmental knowledge increased by 37%. With ongoing collaboration, these efforts can grow into stronger advocacy and real policy impact.

This project was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) in collaboration with Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) and implemented by Waterkeepers Iraq. ​

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  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Get Involved >
      • Volunteer
    • Partners
    • Information & Resources >
      • Photos & Films
  • News
  • Experience Wilderness
    • Trips
  • Projects
    • Empowering Kurdistan Communities for Waterway Conservation and Environmental Advocacy
    • Environmental Journalism in Iraq Project
    • Enki Talks
    • Tanjero River Threat Assessment Assessment & Outreach Project
    • Human and Environmental Security in Iraq in Covid Time
    • Reconnecting With Our Life-Blood
    • Water Data & Reports >
      • Survey Data (LZTA)
      • RiverWatch Data
      • Flotilla WQ Data
      • RiverWatch 2013 Report Card
    • Environmental Law and Advocacy Project
    • River Watch
    • Lesser Zab Threat Assessment & Action Planning
    • Rawanduz River Kayak Expedition >
      • Schedule
      • Photos
    • River Ecosystem Health Project >
      • Dam Case Study
      • Gravel Mining Case Study
    • Tigris River Flotilla
    • Watershed Assessment for Threatened Fish in Halgurd-Sakran Park
    • River Murals & Festival
    • Mesopotamian Youth Project
    • Outreach & Education >
      • Fishable, Swimmable, Drinkable Initiative
      • Green Music and Arts Festival
  • Donate