Officials and researchers explore Kurdistan Region’s water management challenges

ERBIL, December 14 — A joint conference hosted by the General Directorate of Water Resources and the University of Kurdistan Hewlêr (UKH) aimed to address the intricacies of water management challenges in the Kurdistan Region on Tuesday.

The event delved into critical aspects of water management within the region, and discussions included the identification of priorities for formulating an all-encompassing water roadmap, alongside deliberations on sewage issues and strategies for the recycling of water to meet both present and future demands.

Scientific insights presented during the event underscored the imminent risks associated with climate change. Projections indicate a potential one-degree Celsius rise in temperature and a 10 percent reduction in rainfall by 2050, which could lead to a 20 percent decrease in sustainable water, impacting approximately one-third of land in Iraq and the surrounding region, leaving it without adequate water access.

Within the Kurdistan Region, rainfall contributes to 30 percent of groundwater, while rivers account for about 70 percent of other water sources.

The conference drew participation from various experts, university professors, and representatives from both the United Nations and international water organizations.