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.

​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.

​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 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, 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

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.

Title of Seminar: Death of the Rivers
 
In spite of protecting our environment, Nature Organization Kurdistan prepared a free seminar through Green School and supported by College of Agricultural - Engineering Sciences.

The seminar was presented by Nabil Musa- Waterkeeper and the founder of Waterkeepers Iraq- Kurdistan organisation. Discussing the following subjects:

1. What are the reasons for drying of the Rivers?
2. The effect of the pollution of the rivers on animals and plants.
3. Does building dams fix the issues of water shortage or they are problems?
4. What’s the solution for water shortage?

​More than 150 participants attended the seminar online.

Waterkeepers Iraq participated in The Guan Eden conference in Baghdad arranged by Goethe Institute and Humat Dijlah.
 
The aim of the conference was to network between activists and environmental experts, as well as government agencies such as the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, and to discuss ways to increase environmental awareness in Iraq.
 
Framework of the Guan Eden conference was prepared on 6 and 7 of April in Baghdad discussing the following topics:
- The role of women in protecting the environment
- The effects of climate change on Iraq
- The experience of civil society organizations in raising awareness against hunting endangered birds
- Integrated management of wetlands
- Deep discussions about the Paris Agreement
- Biodiversity
- Water pollution
 
The conference was attended by environmental experts, activists and government officials considering all health measurements.

For too long, low-income, indigenous and marginalized populations have been put in harm’s way for the sake of big business and profits. All citizens of the world should have access to swimmable, drinkable and fishable water. Too often, communities that are denied these rights face daunting challenges in standing up to Big Agriculture, King Coal and their friends in power. – Marc Yaggi, Executive Director, Waterkeeper Alliance.