Public Notice

May 24^th, 2024 – Global Affairs Canada must determine whether the Enhancing Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Southern Iraq, located in Iraq is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, Global Affairs Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination.  All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by June 24^th, 2024 to:

Michelle Tremblay

Environment Division

Global Issues and Development Branch

Global Affairs Canada

(343) 548-3622
Email: CommentsIAARegistry-CommentairesRegistreLEI@international.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

Description of activity(ies): The overall project goal is to enhance the resilience of women and men in vulnerable agriculture households, in particular related to climate change risks, in the Southern Iraqi Governorates Babil, Missan, Muthanna, Najaf, Al Qadisiyah, Thi-Qar and Wasit. The project is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Description of structure(s): The project foresees the installation of four solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, two in Najaf region and two in Muthanna region, to power existing pumping stations to pump water from main canals to irrigation canals, totalling a capacity of 640 kWp (320 kWp of installed capacity per region). The PV systems will be installed on 4 water canals in the two regions covering between 300 m and 400 m in length and between 12 and 16 meters in width.

Authority required action: funding

Description of the environment/site characterization: The topography of Najaf (Al Haydariya) and Muthanna is characterized by predominantly flat terrain interspersed with occasional low-lying hills. The climate in Najaf and Muthanna is classified as desert, characterized by scorching summers and relatively mild winters. The soil composition in Najaf and Muthanna varies from sandy to clayey soils.