Iraq suffers from serious environmental repercussions as a result of successive wars, which have left a devastating environmental impact. In this context, the importance of the document issued by the United Nations entitled "Principles for the Protection of the Environment in Armed Conflict", which aims to direct international efforts towards the protection of the environment during conflicts, is highlighted.
Environmental pollution and its causes
Reports from The World Bank indicate tangible effects of the conflict on Iraq's environment. The damage includes air, water and soil pollution with toxic chemicals and heavy metals, resulting from military operations and deteriorating oil infrastructure. It is estimated that about 76 hotspots in Iraq require urgent interventions to reduce the risk of contamination.
Specific examples of the environmental impact of armed conflicts in Iraq
- First Gulf War (1991): This war led to the release of huge quantities of oil into the Persian Gulf, causing widespread marine pollution. The aerial bombardment also destroyed oil infrastructure, leading to ongoing oil spills.
- Second Gulf War (2003): Depleted uranium weapons were used, contaminating the soil and water. The aerial bombardment also destroyed power plants, resulting in the leakage of hazardous chemicals.
- Iraqi Civil War (2003-2011): local improvised explosive devices (IEDs), often containing toxic chemicals such as lead and mercury, were used. The fighting also led to the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure, leading to widespread pollution.
Case Study Examples
- Soil pollution in Fallujah: These studies show that the soil in the city of Fallujah is heavily contaminated with depleted uranium as a result of aerial bombardment during the Second Gulf War. This has led to increased rates of cancer and other diseases among the city's residents.
- Water pollution in Basra: These studies show that water in Basra city is contaminated with heavy metals and chemicals as a result of armed conflicts. This has led to significant health risks for the city's residents, who rely on this water for drinking and irrigation.
Health and environmental impacts
The direct effects of pollution go beyond public health to negatively affect ecosystems and biodiversity. Pollution hinders agricultural rehabilitation and reduces water quality, leading to the accumulation of pollutants in the food chain.
Response efforts and challenges
According to World Bank documents, efforts to address pollution challenges in Iraq include environmental assessments, and the development of disinfection and rehabilitation programs for contaminated sites. However, these efforts face significant challenges due to logistical complexities and lack of funding, as well as the need to strengthen local capacity and environmental policies.
The role of non-state actors and local organizations in addressing environmental challenges in Iraq
Non-state actors and local organizations play a vital role in addressing Iraq's environmental challenges by:
- Raising awareness: These organizations work to educate the public about environmental issues, such as pollution hazards and the importance of sustainability. It does this through awareness campaigns, workshops and educational programs.
- Community Engagement: These organizations involve communities in environmental efforts, such as cleaning neighborhoods, planting trees, and conserving natural resources.
- Advocacy: These organizations advocate for sound environmental policies and lobby the government to implement environmental laws.
- Service delivery: These organizations provide direct environmental services to local communities, such as providing clean water, improving sanitation, and waste management.
- Capacity building: These organizations build the capacity of local communities to address environmental challenges, through training and development programs.
Examples of non-state actors and local organizations in Iraq
- Iraqi Environmental Protection Society: This association works to raise awareness of environmental issues and promote sustainability in Iraq.
- Greenpeace Iraq: This organization works to protect the environment through advocacy campaigns and field projects.
- Iraqi Network for Sustainable Development: This network connects NGOs and local organizations working on environmental issues in Iraq.
Challenges faced by local non-state actors and organizations in Iraq
- Lack of resources: Many of these organizations suffer from a lack of financial and human resources, which limits their ability to implement their programs.
- Insecurity: Insecurity in some areas of Iraq poses a major challenge to organizations working on the ground.
- Bureaucracy: These organizations may face difficulties in obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to carry out their projects.
- Institutional weakness: Some of these organizations lack the institutional capacity to implement their programs effectively.
Despite these challenges, non-state actors and local organizations play an important role in addressing Iraq's environmental challenges.
In Conclusion;
The commitment of Iraq and the international community to the principles of environmental protection in armed conflict, in accordance with documents issued by the United Nations and the World Bank, is an essential step towards achieving sustainable development. Meeting these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that combines technological solutions, international cooperation, and the promotion of environmental policies to secure a better future for future generations in Iraq. Cooperation between the government and civil society is essential to effectively address Iraq's environmental challenges. By working together, we can ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.
References
- United
Nations, "Principles for the Protection of the Environment in Armed
Conflict" - A guidance document issued by the United
Nations aimed at protecting the environment during conflicts and providing a
framework for States to strengthen environmental efforts in times of war.
- https://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/draft_articles/8_7_2022.pdf
- World Bank,
"Conflict Pollution: Lessons from Iraq" – A report that provides an analysis of
the environmental impacts of conflicts in Iraq, including assessments of
environmental damage and contaminated sites requiring intervention.
- https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/arabvoices/conflict-pollution-lessons-iraq
- World Bank, "Iraq's Pollution Hotspots: Clearing Land for Livelihoods Rehabilitation" – Detailed document discusses conflict-induced pollution problems in Iraq and proposes solutions for managing and clearing these hotspots. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/4c20f090-8ab6-4aab-9617-59d520017b5f
- The website of the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNDP) https://www.unep.org/:
- ICRC website: https://www.icrc.org/en
- Greenpeace website: https://www.greenpeace.org/international/
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