Baghdad Signs Landmark Agreement to Tackle Toxic Pollution

Iraq’s Ministry of Environment has signed a major agreement with the United Nations Development Programme to launch a nationwide project aimed at tackling toxic chemical pollution that officials say costs the country about $1.4 billion each year.

The Integrated Persistent Organic Pollutants and Chemical Hotspots Management Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility and the Iraq Reform, Recovery and Reconstruction Fund and implemented by the World Bank, will focus on cleaning up contaminated sites across Iraq and reducing long standing environmental risks.

The project targets Persistent Organic Pollutants, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, which remain in soil and water for decades and build up in the food chain. Much of the contamination is linked to years of conflict, ageing infrastructure and unmanaged industrial waste.

Government assessments have identified several high risk locations, including leaking agricultural chemical storage facilities, pollution linked to electricity infrastructure and areas affected by uncontrolled waste burning and industrial discharge. Officials warn these hazards continue to threaten public health, ecosystems and economic stability.

The initiative will prioritise vulnerable communities, particularly displaced families and rural populations whose livelihoods depend on safe land and clean water. Planned actions include environmental clean up, stronger monitoring systems and improved laboratory capacity to detect hazardous substances.

The agreement also introduces reforms to strengthen Iraq’s environmental governance, including plans to establish a central authority responsible for managing chemical pollution and rehabilitating contaminated areas in line with national development goals and international environmental standards.

Officials described the project as an important step towards reducing toxic pollution and supporting a safer and more sustainable future for Iraq.

Source: UNDP