Iraq, Kuwait partner on sand dune control as dust storms intensify across region

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture plans to launch a joint project with Kuwait aimed at treating sand dunes in southern Iraq, in a bid to reduce the growing impact of sand and dust storms, a ministry official said.

In April and May 2025, a severe dust storm swept across central and southern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, reducing visibility to under one kilometer and sending thousands of residents to hospitals with respiratory problems.

“There is cooperation between Iraq and Kuwait on a project in southern Iraq to treat sand dunes and curb the spread and impact in triggering sand and dust storms,” said Bassam Abdul Jabbar, director of forestry and desertification at the Ministry of Agriculture, in comments to the state-run Al-Sabah newspaper.

Abdul Jabbar said Iraq is also working with international organizations to address the effects of desertification and extreme weather. “Iraq is seriously cooperating on issues of storms and desertification with many international organizations such as the United Nations Human Settlements Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme, to find a framework for cooperation that reduces the harmful effects of these storms,” he said.

He stressed that combating desertification requires coordinated action across government institutions. “This phenomenon has caused an increase in dust and sandstorms that are beginning to heavily affect the economic, social, and health conditions of citizens,” he said.

According to Abdul Jabbar, there are 11 designated forest areas across Iraq in governorates including Baghdad, Wasit, Nineveh, and Kirkuk. However, many of these forests have faced encroachments and damage.

“Forests in Baghdad and some governorates have been subjected to numerous violations,” he said, adding that rehabilitation work continues despite limited funding and ongoing delays in budget approvals. “We are working to rehabilitate these forests from time to time, even though limited funding and budget delays have started to impact our ability to continue the work.”