Jazeerat Al-Ramadi Conference Addresses Water Scarcity Challenges and Offers Comprehensive Solutions

Ramadi-Anbar, Iraq:

In a major collaborative effort between Anbar Governorate, the Al-Mesalla Organization for Human Resources Development, and the International Rescue Committee, a pivotal conference entitled "Strengthening the Resilience of the Agricultural Community on Jazeerat Al-Ramadi in the face of Water Scarcity" was held. The gathering aimed to address the pressing issue of water scarcity affecting the livelihoods of the island's residents.

Attended by a diverse group of 102 individuals, including community representatives and relevant service departments, the conference discussed multifaceted topics and engaged in strategic dialogues aimed at understanding the causes and consequences of water scarcity in the region.

The main objectives of the conference included several key goals, most notably, exchanging knowledge and experiences to identify best practices for water sustainability, enhancing cooperation in water management between local communities and governing bodies, and fostering community cohesion to enhance resilience amid the challenges of water scarcity.

The interactive sessions led to a series of critical recommendations designed to effectively combat the water scarcity crisis. These recommendations emphasize the importance of responsible water use, the adoption of advanced irrigation systems, the cultivation of drought-resistant crops, comprehensive assessments of available water resources, and the establishment of wastewater treatment plants for reuse in agriculture. (Read the recommendations)

Furthermore, the conference emphasized the importance of equitable and sustainable water distribution schemes, strict environmental standards for commercial projects to prevent pollution, regular maintenance of drains and irrigation canals, and diplomatic efforts to ensure equitable shares of water from upstream sources.

Mr. Ibrahim Ismail, Executive Director of Al-Mesalla, expressed his optimism, saying: "This collaborative initiative underscores the power of united action in the face of critical challenges. The recommendations made at this conference provide a roadmap for sustainable solutions, emphasizing the vital role of cooperation between the community and the government in mitigating the negative effects of water scarcity."

Al-Mesalla remains committed to supporting the implementation of these recommendations and fostering ongoing collaboration among stakeholders, while emphasizing the urgent need for continued efforts to overcome the water scarcity crisis on Jazeerat Al-Ramadi.

Recommendations:

1. The conference recommends raising awareness about responsible water use among farmers and encouraging the adoption of best practices in water management while sharing these practices with the wider community.
2. We encourage farmers to adopt advanced irrigation systems such as modern sprinklers and drip irrigation to reduce water consumption in agriculture, provided that state institutions support farmers wishing to develop irrigation methods.
3. We encourage farmers to grow drought-resistant crops to reduce water dependence, provide animal feed, and offer protein to livestock.
4. The conference recommends a comprehensive assessment of available water resources, equitable and sustainable water distribution plans, and extension of the duration of the water supply to Jazeerat Al-Ramadi through water quotas.
5. We recommend setting up wastewater treatment plants and starting to reuse this water in agricultural projects.
6. We recommend that factories, factories, and other commercial projects adopt high environmental standards to ensure that they do not pollute rivers, while ensuring that they use specific shares of water.
7. We recommend carrying out periodic maintenance of drains and cleaning irrigation channels on Jazeerat Al-Ramadi to combat water scarcity and prevent the discharge of waste and hazardous materials into waterways by individuals and bodies.
8. We recommend that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iraqi negotiator work to ensure Iraq's fair shares of water coming from upstream countries and share them effectively and in a sustainable manner to guarantee the rights of riparian countries on rivers.
9. We recommend continued cooperation and coordination between local authorities and the community to develop sustainable solutions to address the water scarcity crisis.
10. We recommend the sustainability of communication between the Natural Resources Committee and the relevant service departments on Jazeerat Al-Ramadi for the purpose of raising awareness and maintaining the use of resources.
11. Ensuring people's right to deliver drinking water to all communities even if it is outside the municipal boundaries.
12. We recommend that violations and illegal encroachments on irrigation canals should be addressed, and violators should be dealt with in accordance with the law.