(Photo: Iraq Presidency Media Office)
Monitor
Iraq’s president stresses need for better water management, addressing drought, desertification
BAGHDAD — President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid met Monday with Minister of Water Resources Aoun Dhiab Abdullah to discuss Iraq’s worsening water scarcity, emphasizing the need to “continue efforts at the regional level to preserve Iraq’s fair share of water,” according to a statement from the Iraqi Presidency.
During the meeting at Baghdad Palace, the president stressed the importance of “continuous follow-up on dam construction projects,” addressing drought, desertification, and the decline of groundwater levels. He also called for improved water management practices, prevention of waste, and intensified public awareness campaigns to “rationalize water usage.”
Iraq continues to face worsening climate conditions, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts. Precipitation has declined sharply in central and southern regions, leading to reduced river flows and strained irrigation systems.
The United Nations has listed Iraq among the five countries most vulnerable to climate change, citing extreme heat, water scarcity and land degradation. Each year, dozens of acres of farmland are lost to desertification, threatening food production and long-term water security.
Statement from Iraqi Presidency:
The President of the Republic, Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, received today, Monday, April 28, 2025, at Baghdad Palace, the Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Aoun Dhiab Abdullah.
During the meeting, the water situation and ways to address the effects of water scarcity in the country were discussed. The President emphasized the importance of coordination and cooperation with upstream countries to increase water releases and the need to continue efforts at the regional level to preserve Iraq’s fair share of water.
The President also stressed the importance of focusing on the water sector and its development through continuous follow-up on dam construction projects, addressing issues related to drought, desertification, and the decline in groundwater levels. He underlined the necessity of improving water management, preventing waste and excessive use whether for agricultural purposes or direct consumption, and intensifying awareness campaigns to rationalize water usage.
For his part, the Minister provided an overview of the ministry’s work progress and the plans set for managing the water file in the country, as well as the efforts made with neighboring countries to ensure fair and equitable water shares that safeguard life, the environment, and the shared interests of all parties.
