Once a country that could boast some of the best water accessibility in the Middle East region, more recently Iraq as well as the Kurdistan Region are increasingly suffering from water scarcity. Drought over the past three years has severely affected crop yields and food security. As water scarcity grows more severe in the coming years due to transboundary issues and climate change, analysts predict that this may cause displacement and exacerbate tensions between social groups and local communities. The aim of this project is to support the Government of Iraq as well as the Kurdistan Regional Government to enhance climate adaptation plans and integrate approaches that promote peacebuilding and social cohesion.
Chebayesh marsh in Dhi Qar province in Iraq. June 3, 2022.
Project Objectives
- Enhancing Governmental Engagement: How do the relevant ministries and governmental agencies in Baghdad and Erbil approach the climate-conflict or climate-migration nexus? What policy approaches would enhance such efforts?
- Enhancing Local Adaptation: How do local governments and communities adapt to the evolving dynamics of climate change and environmental degradation - and specifically the potential for increased migration and social tensions? How can local governments and communities better prepare for such risks?
- Enhancing International Efforts: What are the priorities and strategies of international donors and organizations towards the climate-conflict or climate-migration nexus? What are the gaps and blindspots in such efforts?
Project Team
- Dr. Mac Skelton, Project Lead
- Dr. Zmkan Saleem, Senior Researcher
- Maha Yassin, Researcher
- Haley Bobseine, Researcher