On Wednesday, Awn Dhiab Abdullah, the Iraqi Minister of Water Resources, stated that due to the worsening water scarcity crisis caused by climate change, Iraq intends to secure a consistent water allocation from the countries upstream.
During the launch of the Baghdad Water Conference, Abdullah gave a speech stating that Iraq depends on 70% of its water revenues from sources outside the country’s borders. He also mentioned that the ministry is actively collaborating with the upper river countries to negotiate a fixed water share agreement for Iraq.
It was emphasized that Iraq has been experiencing a shortage of water for four consecutive years due to climate change. This has had a severe impact on the Tigris and Euphrates basins. Additionally, the lack of water imports is a result of the policies of neighboring countries in the region.
The minister has urged neighboring countries to cooperate seriously during this difficult stage that common river basin areas are currently experiencing. He hopes that this event will result in finding solutions to reduce the effects of water scarcity, prevent displacement and internal migration, especially in the Mesopotamian marshes, which are the most vulnerable to climate change.
