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January 31, 202 – Global Affairs Canada must determine whether the proposed Fostering Resilience in Iraq Through Sustainable Water Management and Climate-Smart Agriculture, located in Thi Qar, Al Muthanna, and Al Basra governorates of Iraq is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Global Affairs Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by March 4, 2025, to:

Environment Specialists_Global Affairs Canada 

200 Promenade du Portage 
Gatineau (QC) J8X 4B7 
Email:CommentsIAARegistry-CommentairesRegistreLEI@international.gc.ca 

Project Overview. The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), in collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP), is implementing a strategic initiative to enhance Iraq's capacity for evidence-based water resource management. This project directly supports 180 government technical staff and 600 farmers, extension workers, and input suppliers, strongly emphasizing gender inclusivity by actively involving women and girls in capacity-building activities. Indirectly, the Iraqi population benefits from improved water access, increased agricultural productivity, and economic empowerment. The project fosters a holistic approach to water sustainability and agricultural resilience by integrating scientific research, policy development, and community engagement. Its key objectives include promoting equitable water distribution, strengthening community-led water governance, advancing climate-smart agriculture (CSA), and introducing innovative solutions such as nature-based approaches for salinity mitigation and hydroponic technologies. Expected outcomes include enhanced water governance through training and data-driven decision-making, participatory water management via local governance structures, and the widespread adoption of CSA practices to ensure long-term agricultural resilience. The project also prioritizes environmental sustainability by implementing efficient water use techniques, organic farming practices, and ecosystem conservation strategies. This initiative contributes directly to poverty alleviation, social stability, and sustainable development in Iraq by empowering local communities and improving agricultural and water management systems.

2. Project Activities

Intermediate Outcome 1200: Strengthened Participatory and Locally Led Water Management

This component promotes inclusive, community-driven water management for marginalized and vulnerable populations, including women and girls.

Key Related Activities:

• Implementation of community-led water conservation initiatives, including three pilot sites showcasing soilless farming techniques such as solar-powered hydroponics.

3. Project Structures: Each site will include a hydroponic system and a Best Practice Hub (BPH). The infrastructure at each site will consist of:

• A hydroponic system and BPH demonstration plots.
• Irrigation infrastructure, including an earthen plastic-lined 100 m³ water reservoir, vertical plastic storage tanks (10,000 gallons), and a drip line network for efficient water distribution.
• Solar-powered water pumping systems to enhance sustainability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Land preparation, including plowing, levelling, and plot layout for planting.
• Fencing to prevent animal encroachment and protect agricultural sites.

4.  Environmental description/ site characterization

According to the Iraqi General Directorate of Dams, rainfall contributes only 30 percent of the country's water supply, while the remaining 70 percent comes from rivers originating in Turkey and Iran. These crucial water sources are also experiencing drought and shortages, further compounding Iraq's environmental crisis.The climate in the three southern governorates is characterized by being dry and hot in the summer reaching 45°C and cold as low as 5 °C and humid in the winter. The annual rainfall is less than 100 mm in these southern governorates.The first selected location for BPH is Al-Qurna in Basra Governorate is surrounded by marshes. The area is bordered to the west by Al-Hammar Marsh and to the east by Al-Hawizeh Marsh. It has picturesque areas that are suitable for being natural and tourist reserves, with water, orchards, reed forests, fish wealth and vast countryside.Al-Rumaitha in Al-Muthanna Governorate in southern Iraq is the second selected location for BPHs. The city's population is estimated at about 115,000 people. Al-Rumaitha is located on one of the branches of the Euphrates River. The rural areas surrounding Al-Rumaitha are characterized by the cultivation of date palms and grains.The third and last location is in Nasiriya district in Dhi Qar Governorate, the area is located near Garraf river. The location in the region has given it economic importance from an agricultural and industrial perspective, as it is located on the Euphrates River and the Gharraf River passes through it. Some of the city's residents live on the fishing profession.''

Soil salinity levels range from very low (<2 dS/m) to a maximum of 16 dS/m in southern governorates. Water salinity varies from 0.4 dS/m in the northern parts of the Euphrates and Tigris basins to 3.6 dS/m in the southern regions, particularly along the river in Dhi Qar Governorate, reaching Al Qurnah before Al Basrah. The environmental assessment will guide intervention strategies to ensure sustainable water use and salinity mitigation.

5. Required Authority Actions: The project is funded by the Canadian Government through Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by ICBA in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP).