The project called "Human and Environmental Security in Iraq in the times of Covid-19" (HESI) was conducted in 2021 by Waterkeepers Iraq, in collaboration with Humat Dijlah and funded by FAI, led by UPP as an international NGO. The project aimed to promote human and environmental security in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, with a focus on preventing the spread of Covid-19 and raising awareness about environmental security, health, and their interconnection. The specific objectives were to ensure access to clean water in Sulaymaniyah, raise awareness among the population and local authorities about environmental security and human health, and protect the lives of environmental rights activists and human rights defenders.
The expected results of the project included training 60 activists in Sulaymaniyah on conducting prevention campaigns against Covid-19, clean water advocacy, and protection of local ecosystems. Additionally, at least 3000 people were to be informed about prevention measures and handling of Covid-19 cases, the importance of environment protection and clean waterways. The project also aimed to inform politicians, entrepreneurs, and local authorities about the relationship between environment and human health and policies for waterway protection. Furthermore, 200 students were targeted to receive information on Covid-19 prevention, environmental protection, and clean waterways.
The project activities included conducting training courses for local activists, organizing awareness campaigns and advocacy, and providing trainings in schools. The training courses covered topics such as Covid-19 prevention, water and environment protection campaigns, and strategic planning for environmental campaigns. Awareness campaigns involved volunteers conducting activities on social media, traditional media, and organizing a conference on waterway protection policies. Training sessions in schools focused on prevention of Covid-19 and the importance of protecting the environment and waterways.
Waterkeepers Iraq, specifically its Manager and team in Sulaymaniyah, were responsible for managing the project activities, submitting monthly narrative reports, and providing financial documentation.
Waterkeepers Iraq, specifically its Manager and team in Sulaymaniyah, were responsible for managing the project activities, submitting monthly narrative reports, and providing financial documentation.
list of the activities conducted during the "Human and Environmental Security in Iraq in the times of Covid-19" project:
- Training courses for local activists in Sulaymaniyah: a. Covid-19 prevention campaign strategies b. Water and environment protection campaign strategies c. Environmental campaign strategic planning and education on human and environmental security
- Awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts in Sulaymaniyah city: a. Volunteers conducting campaigns through social and traditional media b. Production and sharing of audio-visual materials c. Distribution of brochures to raise public awareness d. Organizing symbolic actions, such as collective river cleaning e. One-day conference on waterway protection policies involving politicians, local authorities, and entrepreneurs
- Training sessions in schools (primary to secondary level): a. Education on Covid-19 prevention and handling of cases b. Importance of protecting the environment and clean waterways c. Conducting training both in-person and online
- Online training for environmentalists and activists: a. Focus on Covid-19, prevention methods, campaigning, and psychological effects b. Selection of participants based on application forms
- Creation of a mural promoting the importance of Covid-19 vaccination.
- Workshop for third-grade students at Gallery Karga - Culture Factory: a. Introduction to Waterkeepers' work b. Activities to teach about water pollution and plastic disposal issues
- Production of short videos on water pollution with plastic waste and wasting water.
- Clean-up activity at Dukan Lake.
- Three-day training on environmental campaigns using recycled materials and art: a. Participants creating messages and marching on the streets with their creations.
- Series of workshops in three schools around Sulaimani and Choman: a. Topics covered: environment, climate change, and Covid-19 education for elementary students.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to everyone involved in the "Human and Environmental Security in Iraq in the times of Covid-19" project. To our team at Waterkeepers Iraq, Humat Dijlah, and FAI, thank you for your unwavering support and funding, which made this project possible. To the dedicated activists and volunteers in Sulaymaniyah, thank you for your commitment and passion in promoting human and environmental security. Your tireless efforts in conducting training courses, organizing awareness campaigns, and advocating for clean water and environment protection have made a significant impact. To the participants of the training sessions, thank you for your active engagement and willingness to learn. Your dedication to creating a safer and healthier community is commendable. We also extend our appreciation to the schools, students, and teachers who participated in the workshops and embraced the importance of environmental stewardship. Last but not least, we express our gratitude to the local authorities, politicians, entrepreneurs, and the wider community for their support and collaboration. Together, we have worked towards a common goal of safeguarding human health and protecting the environment. Thank you all for your invaluable contributions and commitment to this vital cause.