Enviro News Asia, Thi Qar — International Organization for Migration and United Nations Environment Programme officially handed over a constructed wetland project to Iraqi authorities in Thi Qar on February 18, 2026, aiming to address pollution, water scarcity, and climate impacts in the country’s southern region.
The project, developed in collaboration with national and local institutions, provides wastewater treatment for approximately 30,000 residents while offering a nature-based solution for climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and environmental protection.
Southern Iraq continues to face increasing environmental pressures due to population growth, prolonged drought, desertification, and declining water resources. Limited wastewater infrastructure has worsened the situation, with untreated sewage often discharged into rivers and marshlands, posing risks to public health and ecosystems.
The handover ceremony involved representatives from IOM, UNEP, and Iraqi authorities, including the Ministry of Water Resources, the Governor’s Office of Thi Qar, and the local sewerage directorate. National authorities will now oversee the operation and maintenance of the wetland system as part of broader water management efforts.
Minister of Water Resources Aoun Diab Abdullah stated that the constructed wetland offers a cost-effective and practical solution to improve water quality and strengthen climate resilience. He emphasized its additional benefits, including ease of maintenance, compatibility with local environmental conditions, and its role in supporting biodiversity.
The initiative was supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and implemented jointly by IOM and UNEP in partnership with local stakeholders. It aims to reduce environmental degradation while also addressing risks of climate-induced displacement and preserving cultural heritage.
Pascal Reyntjens highlighted that climate pressures are already affecting livelihoods in southern Iraq, forcing some communities to consider migration. He noted that scalable, nature-based solutions like this project can help communities remain in place by strengthening resilience and sustaining livelihoods.
The wetland system is capable of treating up to 4,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily through sedimentation and natural filtration using reed beds. Monitoring results show significant reductions in pollutants and pathogens, contributing to improved water quality and the restoration of aquatic ecosystems.
Susan Gardner stated that the project demonstrates how nature-based approaches can effectively address environmental and development challenges while improving water availability and ecosystem health.
The project aligns with Iraq’s national priorities on sustainable water management and contributes to its climate commitments, including national adaptation strategies. It also offers a scalable model for rural and secondary urban areas where conventional infrastructure may be costly or difficult to maintain.
The transfer of the project to national authorities marks a key step toward long-term sustainability, enabling the integration of nature-based wastewater solutions into Iraq’s broader climate adaptation and water management strategies. (*)
