Sixth UNEP Roundtable Meeting on the Environment in Iraq

Sixth UNEP Roundtable Meeting on the Environment in Iraq

Palais des Nations, Geneva

21 November 2003

13:30 – 16:30

Meeting Summary – Not an Official Record

OPENING REMARKS

Pekka Haavisto, UNEP-PCAU, welcomed participants to the sixth UNEP Roundtable on the Environment in Iraq.

OCHA SECURITY AND HUMANITARIAN UPDATE

Romano Lasker, OCHA, provided a presentation on the security and humanitarian situation in Iraq.

He noted that the United Nations remains in a difficult security situation after the bombing of the Canal hotel in August 2003, which has been followed by other attacks. Followed by the blast, all agencies withdrew their international staff. Currently no international UN staff is present in Baghdad, except for those involved in the closure of the Oil-for-Food Programme which officially ended on the 21st of November. However, hundreds of national UN staff continue to carry out activities for the UN's humanitarian mission in Iraq.

He further noted that the Secretary General requested a meeting to be held in Cyprus, involving all UN agencies working in Iraq to discuss the future of their operations in the wake of the bombing of the Baghdad headquarters. International UN staff is still continuing their operations from offices outside Iraq, primarily in Jordan and Kuwait and are trying to increase the cooperation with Iraqi partners at all levels. A major factor to continue operations is assuring security for the staff.

The UN is already collaborating with NGO partners in Iraq, and has established the NGO Coordinating Committee for Iraq (NCCI). Furthermore, instead of an agency-based, an integrated sector approach will be applied. For example, in the health sector different organizations (WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, WFP) are cooperating together.

UNEP UPDATE

Pekka Haavisto, UNEP-PCAU, gave a brief presentation on UNEP’s activities in Iraq. UNEP started its recent work in Iraq in March 2003 and the Desk Study on the Environment in Iraq was published in April 2003. He identified the major environmental concerns in Iraq, which include chronic pollution and environmental degradation, use of depleted uranium in 1991 and 2003 conflicts, and weak institutional capacity to manage environmental resources and risks. He emphasized the urgency to timely coordinate activities, in close collaboration with the newly established Iraqi Ministry of Environment.

He described UNEP’s participation in United Nations Development Group (UNDG) Needs Assessment process and the International Donors’ Conference on Reconstruction in Iraq held in Madrid. Within the UNDG Needs Assessment, environment is included as a cross-cutting issue, and UNEP acted as the lead agency for the environment. Critical environmental needs were incorporated in the UNDG Synthesis Report. Environmental clean-up, capacity building and institutional strengthening are important components of assistance, as well as transboundary and international cooperation. In addition, the Progress Report on the Environment in Iraq published by UNEP in October gives an overview of potentially contaminated sites in Iraq.

Mr. Haavisto indicated that UNEP’s next steps are based on Security Council Resolution 1511, which states that the UN should promote economic reconstruction and conditions for sustainable development in Iraq. It also calls on the UN and associated organizations to assist the Iraqi Governing Council upon request. Next steps should include capacity building and training of Iraqi environmental staff, as well as provision of laboratory equipment and resources. UNEP will also take necessary steps to catalyze Iraq’s regional and international environmental cooperation.

Mr. Haavisto presented the Minister of Environment of the interim administration of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Abdul Rahman Sidiq Kareem, and gave him the floor.

PRESENTATION by H.E. Mr. ABDUL RAHMAN SIDIQ KAREEM

Mr. Sidiq Kareem stated that the presence of all participants today is evidence of their interest to assist Iraq that has suffered from wars, the embargo and gross environmental mismanagement of the country. During the morning meeting with donor governments, he iterated the priorities and steps that will be taken by the Ministry in the next 6 months.

Mr. Sidiq Kareem highlighted the plight of the Mesopotamian marshlands. He stated that the marshlands have a rich history and they are a living heritage. The former regime dried out the marshlands, leaving only 7 percent of the original area. Mr. Sidiq Kareem said that the Mesopotamian marshlands have social, cultural, agricultural and water resource dimensions. There is a great interest to rehabilitate the marshlands by the interim administration, international organizations and donor countries, NGOs, as well as Iraqi ministries. He stressed the importance of coordination regarding rehabilitation and restoration of the marshlands. Coordination with neighbouring countries is also crucial to restore the water flow to the marshes. Ministry of Water Resources has the main responsibility in re-flooding and restoring the wetland ecosystem. A new interministerial committee to restore the marshes has been established. It is chaired by the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Environment is a member of the management committee. Mr. Sidiq Kareem noted the good cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Water Resources and their intention to sign a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) on management of water resources. The interest towards the Marshes is not limited to water issues alone but extends also to biodiversity and protection of threatened species. He also suggested that a special roundtable meeting could be held to share information and to discuss cooperation and optimal coordination for marshland rehabilitation.

Allen Irish, CPA, stated that the CPA will assist the Ministry of Environment in protecting the Marshlands.

Pekka Haavisto, UNEP-PCAU, invited all participants to take the floor and to speak about their ongoing and planned activities.

PRESENTATIONS, QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Mr. Budieri, Birdlife International, explained Birdlife’s past and ongoing activities coordinated by their office in Amman, Jordan. Future plans consist of supporting environmental NGOs in Iraq. Mr. Budieri noted that Iraq’s environmental legislation was not discussed so far in the presentations, but that it is an important topic to be addressed.

Fareed Yasseen, advisor to the Iraqi Governing Council, noted that the importance of biodiversity was mentioned by Mr. Sidiq Kareem. He underlined that Iraq is not a signatory to any environmental conventions. As such, ratification of environmental conventions is a priority issue for Iraq.

Guangchun Lei, RAMSAR Convention Secretariat informed the participants that RAMSAR will work in cooperation with the Iraqi authorities to promote ratification of the RAMSAR convention. RAMSAR also enjoys good cooperation with Iraq’s neighbours, including Iran. Documentation on the RAMSAR Convention was submitted to the Minister.

Augusto Pretner, Massimo Cozzone and Marco Gonella, Italian Ministry of Environment, gave a presentation on the “New Eden” Project.

Italy signed a MoU with the Iraq Foundation focusing on restoration of the marshes, water supply and sanitation issues. A contribution of 1,2 million euros has been made to the Iraq Foundation to implement this project.

Activities carried out since May 2003 include data collection, opening of offices in Baghdad and Basra and cooperation with the Ministry of Water Resources. In total five project site-visits for sampling and data collection, observations of newly re-flooded areas and information on wild life have been carried out. Hydro-dynamic modelling of flow patterns and water retention capacity in the Marshlands is currently the main activity. Immediate Action Projects include: (i) Monitoring of Abu Zarag Marsh, and (ii) Feasibility study for the use of flared gas to provide potable water to marsh Arab communities. These activities are being implemented in close cooperation with different Iraqi ministries and institutions.

Arne Jernelöv, Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, raised the issue of the possible presence of asbestos in buildings and the potential health risks stemming from their demolition.

Mr. Sidiq Kareem stated that the Ministry has so far not looked into the subject of asbestos.

Wolfgang Lohbeck, Greenpeace, asked about the status of radioactive material in Tuwaitha Nuclear Research Facility and the clean-up after looting of the radioactive material by the local population.

Mr. Sidiq Kareem explained that local population was not aware of the contents of the barrels and the risks related to radioactivity. The containers were used for water and food storage, which can pose a major health risk to the population.

The Centre for Protection from Radiation (under MoE) undertook a health survey in the Tuwaitha region closely after the incident, and explained to the local population about associated risks. Soil samples were taken from the surrounding area for analysis. Fifteen pollution sources were identified, and contaminated material including barrels were sent to the Ministry of Science and Technology, which is the nuclear authority. Samples were also taken of potable water and some 5000 villagers underwent a health examination in the local hospital. On the basis of the survey, it appeared that the situation was under control.

Mr. Sidiq Kareem indicated that in Iraq there were many reports about the presence of radioactive material, but it was difficult to verify these reports. The Ministry of Environment would like to be the controlling Ministry to be able to investigate and research the reports about radioactivity. Accurate data is needed and surveys should be undertaken to analyze and assess the situation before appropriate measures can be taken. For example there were rumours about radioactive materials near Fallujah, but when the expert group visited the region, nothing was found.

Margaret Callan, AusAID affirmed support to Iraq in the development of the agricultural sector. The question was posed to Mr. Sidiq Kareem if he could outline the Ministry’s position regarding agriculture and environment, as well as to indicate what is the Ministry’s highest agricultural priority.

Mr. Sidiq Kareem explained that the competencies of the Ministry of Environment overlap with the Ministry of Agriculture, mainly in the area of soil protection. Iraq is affected by soil pollution from different sources and the situation has been aggravated by the presence of landmines as a result of successive wars. Land is needed for resettlement and agriculture. In addition, the former Iraqi Government was mainly focused on maximum agricultural production and the extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides have had a negative effect on the soil quality.

Allen Irish, CPA, added that the agricultural sector is also badly affected by poor agricultural techniques, over-fertilization which has led to water and soil pollution and salinization. It is important that a good cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture is established.

Arne Jernelöv, inquired about the status of the “Third River” which drains agricultural land between the Tigris and Euphrates. He asked about the ecological consequences of the project and its implications on the management of water resources.

Mr. Sidiq Kareem replied that engineering projects were initiated by the former regime and that these were initially intended to drain saline irrigation water. However, important earthworks and drainage canals were built to limit Tigris and Euphrates flow to the Marshlands, mainly for the security purposes. The intention now is to modify the previous projects in order to benefit from them and control water salinity levels.

Claire Miquet, Canadian International Development Agency, CIDA. Canada is interested in participating in a multi-donor and international effort with a number of partners to restore the cultural and ecological values of the Mesopotamian Marshes. More particularly Canada, after assessment of current interests and discussion with concerned parties, feels that it could provide support to Iraq in two areas of strategic importance:

- Provide support to identified partners (government and non-government) to build professional expertise in wetland science (with a focus on biological monitoring), management, and policy expertise within an international partnership on the restoration of the marshes;

- Provide support to relevant authorities in Iraq (i.e. the recently established Centre for the Restoration of the Iraq Marshlands - under Ministry of Water Resources - as well as to the Ministry of Environment) to develop a national wetlands strategy, and assist with the process of joining the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands. She asked a question about the level of cooperation between NGOs and Ministries, and their activities.

Mr. Sidiq Kareem said that NGOs were not allowed to operate under the former regime. In order to work effectively, NGOs need a certain degree of independence as well as financial resources and reliable sources of information. This is why Iraq was deprived of genuine NGOs in the past. Through the Iraqi Institute for Democracy, civil society is developing in Iraq. It is expected that the NGO community will organize itself within a short period of time.

Anthony Rock, US Department of State, noted that there is a need for action plans in key areas. The different components identified include i) technical, ii) training and education, iii) governance and iv) best practice component. He urged donors to contribute to all these components. The focus on the marshlands is not only an environmental, but also a biodiversity and cultural issue, which make the marshlands one of the most significant wetlands in the world. Restoration of the marshes is continuing while recognizing the importance of internationalizing the effort. Activities have already started through USAID.

John Wilson, USAID, added that the destruction of the Marshlands is not only an environmental, but also a humanitarian disaster. He then introduced Mr. Reiss and his work on the Mesopotamian marshlands supported by USAID.

A presentation on the marshland restoration programme and strategies was made by Peter Reiss, Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI)

General information was provided on the location of the Marshes, its area and importance. In June 2003 USAID fielded a scoping mission to the Marshlands. This included conducting soil and water sample surveys. The sampling was however restricted by the presence of unexploded ordnance and mines in certain areas of the Marshlands.

Problems exist in the desiccated areas where soil salinity is high, and this should be taken into account when starting re-flooding activities.

A description of the living conditions of displaced Marsh Arabs was given. Initial findings indicate that people continue to live in sub-tribal units and enjoy a high level of social solidarity. A major health risk for the Marsh Arabs stems from the consumption of non-treated drinking water.

The objectives of the programme are:

- Construct an accurate environmental, social, and economic baseline of the remaining and former marshlands to plan interventions and measure their success;

- Assist with the repatriation and resettlement of marshland dwellers in the region, who will require viable economic opportunities and social institutions that are fair and equitable and give them a voice;

- Improve the management of existing marshlands and explore options to restore adjacent drained marshes; and

- Develop consensus on a long-term, comprehensive wetland restoration strategy integrated with a regional social and economic development program.

The following components are included in the programme:

- Database development (inventory, monitoring, survey)

- Hydrologic and hydro-period modelling

- Pilot restoration projects (wetland reconstruction)

- Social and economic assistance (clinics, dairy production, fishing, agriculture)

- Capacity building in marsh management (research, training, etc)

Mr. Reiss stated that programme partners, under the leadership of Iraqi government, are the CPA, Iraq Foundation, Duke University, AMAR ICF, DAI, Danish Hydraulic Institute and Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).

Another mission with international experts is scheduled to the marshlands. The major challenges consist of ensuring that key stakeholders have a central voice, that components are integrated, economic development is an underlying principle, oil exploration and extraction and that donor community efforts are consensus based and mutually supportive.

Mr. Budieri, BirdLife International indicated BirdLife’s interest in participating in the marshlands programme and its upcoming mission. He suggested to include regional tours as a form of training.

Peter Reiss, DAI responded that he is looking forward to BirdLife’s participation in the Marshlands programme. He also indicated that he would welcome any requests for documentation about their proposed programme.

Baroness Emma Nicholsonof Winterbourne, AMAR ICF (also MEP and Special Envoy of WHO), presented the recent activities of the AMAR Foundation in Iraq. AMAR is cooperating with USAID and DAI on the Marshlands. Since 1991 AMAR has been working on the marshlands of Southern Iraq. Their activities include, among others, health, clinics, clean water, education, sports, school buildings, workshops, food, clothing, training and education. She stressed that AMAR’s key principle is to carry out local capacity building.

AMAR’s key UN partner is WHO, with which it has entered into formal agreement. Providing public health care is AMAR’s major goal in the marshlands, in order to improve the situation of the Marsh Arabs. Baroness Nicholson also stated that she is glad that the political situation in Iraq now makes it possible to fully support the marsh Arabs.

Peter Dempsey, UK Met Office presented the recent activities of the Met Office in Iraq. Within their activities, environmental sustainability is a major factor, and they have also noted UNEP's priorities from the Iraq Desk Study. A mission to Iraq took place in August 2003 to examine the meteorological equipment and to restore their normal operations. Of the total 147 gauging stations in Iraq, only 7 are operational. The hydro-meteorological network should be restored in order to receive data on the current environmental status in Iraq.

On the basis of this mission, recommendations were made which include:

- Institutional support

- Support re-establishment meteorology for civil aviation

- Support national audit of water resources management infrastructure