World Bank supports $18m Iraq Pollution Initiative

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved a US$18.5 million project to support Iraq’s efforts to minimize environment and health risks due to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and other chemical pollution hotspots and improve livelihoods of local communities.

The Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Chemical Hotspots Project is co-financed by a US$13.49 million grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and a US$5 million grant from the Iraq Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Fund (I3RF).

The Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Chemical Hotspots Project aims to destroy, dispose of or contain about 4,000 tons of POPs/ hazardous chemicals. It will also help develop policies and regulations for the management of hazardous chemicals and establish a management information system to monitor chemical substances in Iraq. Iraq’s oil and industrial assets have been severely contaminated as a result of past successive conflicts.

Of all chemicals, POPs are among the most dangerous. Exposure to POPs and other chemicals poses several health risks. Chemical pollution also results in a severe economic cost as a result of the repercussions on health, environment, agriculture, and livelihood impacts. In addition to reducing health risks affecting about seven million people, project activities are expected to improve livelihood opportunities and contribute to the long-term environmental sustainability of Iraq.

“Thanks to the two grants from GEF and I3RF, this project will help Iraq address the significant health and environmental impacts caused by hazardous chemicals” said Dr. Hallo Alaskari, Minister of Environment in Iraq. “The project builds on the road map developed with technical assistance from the World Bank to address chemical pollution in the country. It will also help Iraq meet its obligations under Stockholm Convention and Basel Convention on safe management of hazardous chemicals“.

The Government of Iraq has initiated regulatory and institutional actions to address the issues of chemical pollution and contaminated sites, including the passage of major environmental legislations and the setting up of monitoring and assessment departments at the Ministry of Environment.

The Project will help provide policy, regulatory and institutional strengthening for POPs management and build the capacity at the level of the Ministry of Environment and other key stakeholders through training and the provision of laboratory and field equipment.

“Pollution and land contamination have a long-lasting impact on the safety, health, and livelihoods of communities and disproportionately impact the most vulnerable, who are more reliant on natural resources for their livelihoods“, said Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Middle East Country Director. “The World Bank is committed to supporting Iraq’s development agenda and helping it address its environmental challenges“.

(Source: World Bank)