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The office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani signed an agreement with University of Kurdistan-Hawler (UKH) to train one thousand young people from different Iraqi cities in four stages, so they can become a beacon of hope for their country's catastrophic environmental situation.
From various Iraqi cities, 250 young people headed to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.
Rudaw's Thirst Between Two Rivers documentary speaks to the students and accompanies them during their trip to the Kurdistan Region.
"Iraq ranks fifth among countries affected by environmental impact and climate change. Therefore, we have given special importance to the environmental center. For this reason, in my opinion, the Sudani government found the University of Kurdistan suitable, because it has crucial and good experts in this field who can assist these young people to benefit in the areas of climate change and water management," Dana Mawlood, General Director of Vision Education, said.
The Tigris River, considered the artery of life and the pillar of Iraq's successive civilizations, appears weaker and thinner day by day. The river, which passes through the center of Baghdad until it reaches the southern marshes, was the source of livelihood for thousands of fishermen, but it no longer has the strength to sustain them.
According to the Iraqi Fishermen's Association, the Iraqi government began destroying unofficial fish farming ponds in May 2023. By 2025, more than 3,500 ponds had been destroyed along both the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to preserve the falling water levels. Consequently, Iraqi fish production has dropped from nearly one million tons per year to 190,000 tons.
"I am saddened when I see the Tigris River, which is a national wealth, in this catastrophic state. This is because sewage flows into the Euphrates and Tigris waters without being treated. Without proper treatment—even if there is some percentage of treatment, it is 20 percent, and the untreated percentage is 70 percent—all of this affects the Tigris and Euphrates rivers," Dua Alim an environmental engineer from Baghdad said.
From various Iraqi cities, 250 young people headed to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.
Rudaw's Thirst Between Two Rivers documentary speaks to the students and accompanies them during their trip to the Kurdistan Region.
"Iraq ranks fifth among countries affected by environmental impact and climate change. Therefore, we have given special importance to the environmental center. For this reason, in my opinion, the Sudani government found the University of Kurdistan suitable, because it has crucial and good experts in this field who can assist these young people to benefit in the areas of climate change and water management," Dana Mawlood, General Director of Vision Education, said.
The Tigris River, considered the artery of life and the pillar of Iraq's successive civilizations, appears weaker and thinner day by day. The river, which passes through the center of Baghdad until it reaches the southern marshes, was the source of livelihood for thousands of fishermen, but it no longer has the strength to sustain them.
According to the Iraqi Fishermen's Association, the Iraqi government began destroying unofficial fish farming ponds in May 2023. By 2025, more than 3,500 ponds had been destroyed along both the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to preserve the falling water levels. Consequently, Iraqi fish production has dropped from nearly one million tons per year to 190,000 tons.
"I am saddened when I see the Tigris River, which is a national wealth, in this catastrophic state. This is because sewage flows into the Euphrates and Tigris waters without being treated. Without proper treatment—even if there is some percentage of treatment, it is 20 percent, and the untreated percentage is 70 percent—all of this affects the Tigris and Euphrates rivers," Dua Alim an environmental engineer from Baghdad said.
Producer: Nawzad Mahmood
Cinematography: Ari Amin, Ahmed Yunis, Aram Omar, Dilshad Hussein, Dilshad Ibrahim
Editing and Direction: Ari Amin
Production Year: 2025
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