These interconnected challenges pose significant threats to public health, food security, and economic stability. Millions of Iraqis, particularly vulnerable populations, bear the brunt of these environmental and climate impacts.
What do we do?
PAX, in collaboration with the American University Iraq-Sulaimani (AUIS) and the Clingdael Institute, is working to empower Iraqi communities to become active agents of change. By strengthening the capacity of local organizations and individuals, the project aims to foster a robust civil society capable of addressing environmental challenges head-on. Through a combination of capacity strengthening, data-driven approaches, and advocacy, and support to the Iraqi government, we seek to create a more sustainable and resilient Iraq that works to protect its environment, people and the future depending on it.
Our Approach
Training and Data collection
Provide training on open-source investigation (OSINT) and citizen science. Building on years of experience using OSINT to map environmental damage, PAX trains local groups in applying this in their own region. Additionally, AUIS trains students in various universities on using citizen science as novel approach in data collection and analysis.
Building a Community of Practice
PAX facilitates community-driven collaborative efforts to collect, share and analyse data. This strengthens the understanding of key environmental issues, while also providing opportunities for joint advocacy and awareness raising. Although their work isn’t always appreciated and at times even threatened, climate and environmental activist and civil society groups are key to find solutions to the existential challenges Iraq is facing.
Advocacy
Support community-led advocacy efforts to influence policy. Through roundtables and workshops, the project engages with government officials in various levels to strengthen capacity for raising the profile of climate and environmental issues in Iraq on both national and international levels. This aims to ensure adequate policies will be supported to tackle these issues both with support from the government and the international community.
Expected Impact
• Improved environmental quality and public health.
• Increased community engagement and ownership.
• Informed policymaking based on credible data.
• Strengthened civil society capacity for environmental and climate action.
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Partners
Contact
environmentiraq@paxforpeace.nl