UNDP to Support Iraq in Tackling Hazardous Pollutants

Iraq's Minister of Environment, Dr Helo Al-Askari, has signed an implementation agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to launch a multi-year project on the integrated management of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the assessment of chemically contaminated sites.

The project will update Iraq's obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, conduct nationwide surveys on hazardous chemicals including pesticides and PCBs, and assess contaminated sites, particularly in provinces previously affected by ISIS.

It also includes inspection of pesticide warehouses and contaminated transformer oils, safe disposal of hazardous materials, laboratory upgrades, and institutional capacity building.

The ministry said the initiative aims to reduce long-term environmental and health risks while strengthening Iraq's compliance with international environmental standards.