We are thrilled to announce that Waterkeepers Iraq Organization has been selected as the winner of the prestigious Elevate Prize GET LOUD Award! This recognition comes as a testament to our unwavering dedication to environmental conservation and community empowerment in Iraq.
elevateprize.org/get-loud-award/ As a non-profit organization committed to safeguarding Iraq's water resources and promoting sustainable practices, this award is a significant milestone in our journey towards a cleaner and healthier environment for all. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Elevate Prize Foundation https://elevateprize.org/ for their support and recognition of our efforts. This honor not only validates our work but also inspires us to continue our mission with even greater passion and determination. We look forward to leveraging this award to further amplify our impact and create positive change in our communities and beyond.
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The Roundtable Discussion on Climate Change and Action Strategies, hosted by Waterkeepers Iraq, as part of the activities of Environmental Journalism in Iraq, convened a diverse array of stakeholders on April 25, 2024, at the Erbil International Hotel. This pivotal event brought together representatives from NGOs, government bodies, environmental experts, and activists, all united by a shared commitment to addressing the pressing environmental challenges facing the Kurdistan Region. Participants engaged in insightful discussions, sharing practical experiences and innovative ideas to tackle issues exacerbated by climate change, such as water scarcity, pollution, and inadequate waste management. The roundtable provided a platform for constructive dialogue, fostering collaboration and collective action towards sustainable solutions. With a focus on enhancing environmental governance and community engagement, the event underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts to safeguard the region's natural resources and build a resilient future.
At Waterkeepers Iraq, we are faced once again with a stark reminder of our ongoing environmental challenges. A recent tragedy struck our cherished Lesser Zab River in Dukan when it became contaminated with oil. As staunch defenders of water integrity in Iraq and Kurdistan, we have tirelessly advocated for the installation of sewage treatment plants in residential areas. These critical infrastructures prevent harmful wastes from contaminating our water sources. However, the absence of such facilities continues to expose not only the Kurdistan Region but all of Iraq to environmental hazards.
In our ongoing commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, we are delighted to share the latest milestone in our journey—a comprehensive report stemming from our recent environmental roundtable discussion. The report delves deep into the pressing issue of oil refineries and their impact on our environment, with a particular focus on the Arbat Area. Through extensive collaboration with experts, stakeholders, and organizations, we've unearthed invaluable insights and recommendations that we believe will chart a more sustainable and environmentally conscious path for our region.
As an integral component of the Vim Club's endeavors, the Vim Foundation orchestrated an educational excursion for a cohort of students and activists. The purpose of this endeavor was to facilitate an on-site exploration of the issue pertaining to the discharge of sewage water into the water reservoirs of Sulaymaniyah. During the tour, the underlying causes and solutions for this problem were explained to the participants. In partnership with Internews in Iraq, Waterkeepers Iraq successfully conducted a concise and impactful 4-day Environmental Journalism workshop in Sulaymaniyah from August 5-8, 2023.
Under the expert guidance of Trainer Khaled Sulaiman, 20 aspiring journalists hailing from the Kurdistan Region embarked on a focused and transformative training journey. The proliferation of gravel mines in Kurdistan has resulted in severe environmental pollution and the depletion of numerous water sources in rivers, streams, and springs. Climate change endangers the Tigris and Euphrates—but it’s not the only reason the rivers are vanishing.
By Winthrop Rodgers, a journalist and analyst based in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. When spring hits its full stride in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, hillsides turn from brown to green almost overnight. Seasonal streams course with water, creating a network of tributaries that flow into the historic Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Formally, Musa is the waterkeeper for Iraqi Kurdistan as part of a group known as the Waterkeeper Alliance, a worldwide grassroots network of environmental activists that has its origins in a group created in 1966 by fishers in New York to clean up the Hudson River. He also runs a local initiative called Experience Wilderness, which helps people connect with the natural world, and is active in the local art scene. On a Friday in March, Nabil Musa led a group of young people out into nature for a hike. It was, for him, an ideal way to teach them about their important role in protecting the area’s increasingly fragile ecosystem—just one of the many small actions he has undertaken to help his community reckon with the effects of climate change, pollution, and drought. To read more click here. By Winthrop Rodgers
Can the Tigris and Euphrates be saved? When spring hits its full stride in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, hillsides turn from brown to green almost overnight. Seasonal streams course with water, creating a network of tributaries that flow into the historic Tigris and Euphrates rivers. On a Friday in March, Nabil Musa led a group of young people out into nature for a hike. It was, for him, an ideal way to teach them about their important role in protecting the area’s increasingly fragile ecosystem—just one of the many small actions he has undertaken to help his community reckon with the effects of climate change, pollution, and drought. Formally, Musa is the waterkeeper for Iraqi Kurdistan as part of a group known as the Waterkeeper Alliance, a worldwide grassroots network of environmental activists that has its origins in a group created in 1966 by fishers in New York to clean up the Hudson River. He also runs a local initiative called Experience Wilderness, which helps people connect with the natural world, and is active in the local art scene. To read more click here. The Dukan Heritage Boats Club, a remarkable initiative by Waterkeepers Iraq-Kurdistan, in collaboration with سفينة عراق الرافدين / Ark Re-imagined, brought together boat heritage enthusiasts from across Iraq for an unforgettable journey celebrating the nation's rich cultural heritage. From the 20th to the 24th of July, representatives from Baghdad, Babel, Mosul, Basrah, and Chebaiysh Boat Heritage Clubs gathered at Dukan lake to share their passion for traditional boat craftsmanship. Handmade Tarradas, lovingly crafted by skilled artisans, took center stage at the Culture Factory's Reconnecting with Our Life-Blood Exhibition, courtesy of کارگەی کولتوور - Culture Factory - Karge Kultur, further accentuating the deep-rooted bond between Iraq's waterways and its people.
We are excited to share the highlights of our recent roundtable meeting held on 15th July 2023, where we discussed the environmental impacts caused by oil refineries and related companies. The meeting brought together a diverse group of passionate participants, including environmental organizations, journalists, activists, government entities, and researchers.
Today with 40 participants from Iraqi Future 2050 we had a nice trip to Dukan lake where we started our activities with a clean up, then we discussed the problems of plastic pollution and how climate change and dams have effected the area, and at the end we had some fun swimming in the lake and paddle boarding.
As Waterkeepers Iraq Organization, we showcased our innovative technologies, including our prototype treatment plant, and discussed our current Environmental Journalism project.
We met enthusiastic individuals, influential figures, and politicians who share our passion for tech and a healthy environment. Grateful to Heli Potan and Bit Program for the opportunity! At our booth, we displayed the cutting-edge technologies we employ during our surveys and field trips, giving visitors a glimpse into our work. We also shared updates on our current project, the prototype treatment plant, which aims to provide sustainable solutions for water treatment. It was amazing to see so many enthusiastic individuals interested in the intersection of technology and a greener future! We extend our heartfelt thanks to Heli Potan and The Bit Program for inviting us to be a part of this remarkable event. Their commitment to promoting technology and environmental sustainability is truly commendable. We look forward to continuing our efforts in safeguarding Iraq's water resources and working towards a greener, healthier future. We are delighted to announce that Nabil Musa, a dedicated advocate from Waterkeepers Iraq, has once again made a significant impact on the global stage at the Waterkeeper Alliance International Regional Summit held in Sweden from June 4th to 8th, 2023. This prestigious summit, organized by the Waterkeeper Alliance, brought together waterkeepers from around the world to address pressing environmental issues and advocate for the protection of our precious water resources.
https://waterkeeper.org/ "Waterkeepers Iraq Engages with U.S. Ambassador and Environmental Allies in a Fruitful Meeting"7/6/2023 Waterkeepers Iraq recently had the privilege of meeting with U.S. Ambassador Alina Romanowski and Consul General Hicks in Sulaimaniah, an event hosted by the U.S. Consulate General Erbil. This significant gathering provided a platform to discuss vital environmental campaigns and underscored the importance of raising awareness through art, sports, and educational initiatives. The conversation also emphasized the critical role of research and monitoring in safeguarding Iraq's precious water resources. Notably, we were honored to be joined by esteemed environmental organizations, including Leopards Beyond Borders- LBB: ڕێكخراوی پڵنگانی بێسنوور and Kurdistan Botanical Foundation, who contributed their valuable insights and perspectives to the discussion.
Together, we recognize the power of collaboration and our shared responsibility to drive positive change in protecting Iraq's water sources and fostering biodiversity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the U.S. Embassy for their unwavering support in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable practices, as their dedication further strengthens our commitment to environmental stewardship. Waterkeepers Iraq Organization takes pride in its recent cleaning activities conducted in Hazarmird and Dukan Lake. With the support of Shelan Zuhdi, we successfully collected 250 kilograms of garbage and waste left behind by tourists and fishermen. These efforts are part of our commitment to restoring and preserving the natural beauty of Kurdistan. By coming together as a community, we can make a meaningful impact in creating a cleaner and healthier environment for wildlife, people, and future generations.
Waterkeepers Iraq, Vim Club, and Experience Wilderness Club joined forces in a remarkable display of environmental stewardship during a cleanup event at Ashkawta Rwkhaw Island in Dukan Lake. On May 10th, 2023, a dedicated group of volunteers gathered to remove plastic waste and litter left behind by tourists, emphasizing the importance of environmental consciousness and the impact of our actions on the natural world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv1PuNV_hoE لە زنجیرەی دووەمی ڤیم پۆدکاست، نەبیل موسا، چالاکوانی بواری ژینگە باسی مەترسییەکانی سەر ژینگەی کوردستان و پیسبوونی سەرچاوە ئاوییەکان دەکات. هەروەها تیشک دەخاتەسەر کاریگەرییەکانی پلاستیک و ئاستی هۆشیاریی کۆمەڵگە بەرامبەر ژینگە. On Vim Podcast's second episode, Nabil Musa, an environmental activist talks about the threats facing Kurdistan's nature and the contamination of the water sources. He also shines a light on the harms of plastic and society's awareness regarding the environment. [Turn 'captions' on for English subtitle] في السلسلة الثانية من فيم بودكاست، تحدث الناشط البيئي نبيل موسى عن التهديدات التي تتعرض لها البيئة في كوردستان وتلوث المياه في هذه المنطقة. كما سلط الضوء على آثار البلاستيك ومستوى الوعي البيئي لدى المجتمع. www.vimfoundation.krd #VimFoundation #VimPodcast #Environment #ClimateChange Waterkeepers Iraq held a roundtable meeting on March 4, 2023, to discuss environmental issues in Iraq in general and Darbandikhan in particular and the importance of environmental journalism in raising public awareness. The meeting included lectures and presentations by various experts, including Abdulmutalib Rafaat, Mustafa Jumaa, Kazhan Mahmood, Sardasht Mohamed, Mohammed Qadir, Lyse Mauvais, and Winthrop Rodgers. The discussion highlighted the need for collaboration between environmental organizations and government entities to hold violators accountable, update outdated laws, and address environmental crises in Iraq. The outcomes of the discussion emphasized the need for action plans to encourage collaboration, updating laws, establishing treatment centers, encouraging fact-based journalism, monitoring and testing water resources, and providing education and training. For decades, the city of Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Iraq has been disposing of its garbage at an open dump on the hillsides overlooking the Tanjero River, a small river in the upper Diyala river basin, a tributary to the Tigris River. This river has a direct effect on the residents of the area because they use this water for drinking and farming, Waterkeepers Iraq - Kurdistan started the project “Tanjero River Threat Assessment and Outreach Project “, to raise awareness about the environment, threats and the pollutions that surround the Tanjero river.
This activity is under Civil Society project, Implemented by Waterkeepers Iraq Kurdistan, in partnership with Humat Dijlah, in coordination with the Department of Environment of Sulaimaniyah, Funded by the European Union and Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme. In cooperation with Waterkeepers Iraq, Vim Foundation orchestrated a sailing expedition with the intention of raising awareness in light of the pollution of the water resources and the water canals of Kurdistan. During the campaign, various activities were carried out such as a paddling trip in the Sanjean Village to Dukan Lake, cleaning the area’s water canals, and the River of Light festival. Goethe Institut Iraq visited Culture Factory to see our ongoing gallery 'Reconnecting With Our Life-Blood', which was part of Spotlight Iraq project, and also visited our joined environment office with Humat Dijlah, where we work protect our rivers and environment.
An Interview with Gali Kurdistan Radio and TV About the state of our rivers, drought, dams, solutions, suggestions and how our work as environmentalists and waterkeepers effected the society and in result more people are passionate and empathise more toward environmental concerns. and ofcourse a lot more needs to be done as more and more issues arise due to drought and decrease in water levels.
to see the full interview in Kurdish visit the following link: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=319990616384192&ref=watch_permalink In 2014, Nabil Musa of the NGO Waterkeepers Iraq-Kurdistan undertook a trip along the Tigris in northern Iraq near the Mosul Dam, where he and his colleagues encountered farmers along the river who said they would no longer be able to farm in the area because of conflicts and climate change.
“The landscape especially around the river, it changes because of the climate change plus human impact as well,” Musa said. “I think we’re going to be the first hit when it comes to climate change and the impact of it. It’s already here and we are not ready at all for that.” Click here to go to the full article. Waterkeepers Iraq arranged a workshop for third grade students at the Gallery Karga - Culture Factory. The workshop started with introducing the students to the gallery and then what we do as Waterkeepers. After that, a set of activities designed in a fun and playful way to teach the students about water pollution and problems of plastic disposals, which the students responded very well to and all of them participated and learned the importance of keeping our rivers and water sources clean and healthy. Special Thanks to Margaret Private School.
This activity is part of the Human and Environmental Security in Iraq in Covid Time project. |
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