UN-led meeting in Maysan reviews desertification projects for Salman district

MAYSAN, Iraq — A technical meeting was held in the Salman district of Iraq's Maysan province under the United Nations World Food Programme to review proposed projects aimed at combating desertification and land degradation, district Governor Kamil al-Ziyadi said. Al-Ziyadi, who chaired the meeting, said representatives of relevant departments and institutions attended. Participants discussed project proposals targeting Salman district, along with working methods and a technical roadmap for preparing a plan on sustainable land management. Key proposals included establishing an oasis within the district, setting up a seed bank and desert nursery to preserve desert and rare plant species, and running training and awareness programs for farmers. Support for small-scale farms was also planned. The meeting also addressed the construction of dams and facilities for rainwater harvesting to bolster agricultural activity and reduce the effects of drought and desertification. No further details on implementation timelines or funding were immediately available.