The agreement reflects Kuwait’s push to modernise essential utilities while strengthening economic cooperation with China under long term development plans.

The Central Agency for Public Tenders has cleared a direct contract between the Ministry of Public Works and China State Construction Engineering Corporation to build the North Kabd sewage treatment facility.

The project is designed to address growing wastewater management needs driven by population growth, urban expansion, and rising water consumption across the country.

Under the approved plan, the Chinese company will be responsible for the full scope of the project, including design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the plant.

The operational period is set at ten years, during which the facility is expected to function at high capacity and meet strict environmental and technical standards.

Once completed, the North Kabd plant will be capable of treating up to one million cubic metres of wastewater per day, making it the largest such facility in Kuwait.

This scale is intended to significantly ease pressure on existing sewage infrastructure and reduce the volume of untreated or partially treated wastewater.

Kuwait has long faced challenges in effectively reusing treated wastewater due to limited storage capacity and outdated infrastructure.

As a result, a large portion of treated water is discharged into the sea, with reuse largely restricted to irrigation because of quality limitations.

Officials see the new plant as a critical step toward improving wastewater reuse efficiency and supporting sustainable water management practices.

Enhanced treatment capacity could eventually open opportunities for broader reuse applications, helping conserve freshwater resources in the oil rich but water scarce nation.

The sewage plant contract is part of a wider wave of Chinese backed projects underway in Kuwait, highlighting deepening economic and infrastructure ties between the two countries.

These initiatives align with Kuwait’s long term development strategy, which prioritises large scale infrastructure investment to diversify the economy and improve public services.

In December, Kuwait signed a separate agreement worth around $4 billion with another Chinese company to develop the Mubarak Al Kabeer port project.

Together, these projects underline China’s growing role in Kuwait’s infrastructure landscape, spanning ports, construction, and utilities.

The awarding of the North Kabd sewage plant contract also signals Kuwait’s willingness to use direct contracting mechanisms for strategic projects.

Such an approach is often adopted to accelerate implementation timelines for complex developments considered vital to national interests.

Market observers note that large infrastructure investments like this can stimulate local economic activity, create jobs, and enhance technical capacity through knowledge transfer.

At the same time, they raise expectations for improved environmental outcomes and better quality of life for residents.

As Kuwait continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, efficient project execution and long term operational performance will be closely watched.

The success of the North Kabd sewage plant is expected to play a key role in shaping future wastewater management and sustainability initiatives in the country.

The program marks a major milestone in regional conservation efforts and reflects the Kingdom’s growing leadership in safeguarding marine ecosystems.

In a historic first, the reserve team successfully tagged a pre-nesting, egg-carrying green turtle, a breakthrough that will provide unprecedented insight into its migratory patterns.

This achievement will help close long-standing knowledge gaps and support unified conservation strategies across the Red Sea region.

Led by senior marine ecologist Ahmed Mohammed and marine megafauna specialist Hector Barrios-Garrido, the team captured and tagged three critically endangered hawksbill turtles and seven green turtles.

Their efforts marked a significant step forward in building a detailed scientific record of turtle behavior and movement.

The satellite tags monitor real-time routes, nesting grounds, feeding areas, and migratory pathways. This information is vital for ensuring the protection of nesting beaches and open-sea habitats that sustain turtle populations.

The data will also guide long-term management plans designed to safeguard these species across international borders.

The program builds on ongoing conservation efforts launched in 2023, expanding the reserve’s turtle monitoring and protection operations.

With 4,000 sq. km of protected waters and a 170 km coastline, the reserve forms one of the largest continuous stretches of managed marine territory in the Kingdom. It lies along an 800 km corridor of protected coastline linking Neom and Red Sea Global.

The reserve’s shores host five of the world’s seven turtle species and serve as a key breeding ground for both green and hawksbill turtles.

Ranger teams consistently patrol land and sea areas, safeguarding nesting sites essential to natal homing, the instinct that draws turtles back to the beaches where they were born.

CEO Andrew Zaloumis emphasized the urgency of protecting hawksbill turtles, which face a high risk of extinction. With fewer than 200 breeding-age females remaining in the Red Sea, every new data point strengthens conservation plans that can help secure the species’ future.

Zaloumis highlighted the immense migratory range of hawksbill turtles, which travel across hundreds of thousands of square kilometers before returning decades later to nest.

He noted that the new tracking technology is a transformative tool for mapping critical habitats and informing national and regional conservation policies.

The program also advances Saudi Arabia’s commitments under global environmental agreements, including the UN Convention on Migratory Species and the Indian Ocean–South-East Asian Marine Turtle Memorandum of Understanding.

This aligns with the Kingdom’s broader environmental vision and long-term sustainability goals.

Marine ecologist Ahmed Mohammed explained that the satellite tags are designed to operate for at least 12 months, providing continuous data on habitat use, seasonal behavior, and developmental zones.

Depth sensors attached to the tags also identify seagrass meadows, which are important feeding areas for green turtles and vital blue-carbon ecosystems.

While green turtles have been reclassified globally, they remain regionally vulnerable and still depend heavily on conservation frameworks to ensure survival. All five Red Sea turtle species continue to be protected under international migration conventions.

The new satellite-tracking initiative represents a major step in deepening scientific understanding, strengthening regional cooperation, and ensuring that endangered turtles can thrive across the Red Sea for generations to come.

Environmental consultant Oubaid Alouni believes seed preservation can transform the natural landscape. By planting flowers suited to each season, he says vegetation cover can flourish throughout the year.

“There are flowers that bloom in summer, others in spring, and some in autumn,” he explained. r5“This cycle supports life and keeps nature active all year long.”

Alouni highlights honeybees as one of the most critical species linked to this effort. They rely on flower availability, making floral diversity essential for their survival.

A strong population of pollinators, he said, indicates thriving plant life. This balance also supports beekeepers and contributes to local economic stability.

He noted that environmental sustainability extends far beyond flowers alone. The health of pollinators affects the health of entire ecosystems.

Birds, for instance, feed on insects and pollinators found in natural habitats. If pollinators decrease, bird populations may decline as well. “Every species is connected,” Alouni added. “Removing one link creates imbalances across the ecological pyramid.”

Raising awareness about environmental protection remains a key priority. Alouni recalled a time when public understanding of vegetation preservation was limited.

Volunteers were few and environmental advocacy was not widely recognized. “People used to be surprised by our efforts,” he said.

Today, environmental sustainability has become a national focus in the Kingdom. Government initiatives emphasize restoring natural habitats and supporting ecological balance.

One major contributor to this progress is the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification. The center has launched wide-scale projects to support native seed production.

A recent initiative involves planting one million seedlings sourced from mother seeds. This effort has significantly increased the production and preservation of local seeds.

Seed production rose from 30 tons last year to more than 80 tons this year. The 167 percent increase strengthens national seed reserves and enhances restoration capabilities.

These seeds are scattered across degraded lands to rehabilitate vegetation cover. The process helps reestablish natural habitats and improve ecological health.

More than 30,000 hectares of rangelands can now be restored each year. This expansion supports biodiversity and contributes to long-term sustainability goals.

Saudi Arabia also achieved global recognition for its seed storage efforts. The Kingdom secured a world record for maintaining the largest seasonal seed collection.

This accomplishment highlights the country’s growing leadership in biodiversity protection. It also underscores the importance of storing genetic resources for future generations.

Alouni said the momentum is supported by increasing community involvement. He recently joined volunteers planting native seeds across natural areas.

He described these activities as a sign of growing public awareness. Officials and volunteers are working side by side to strengthen vegetation cover.

“The efforts have increased, and we hope to do even more,” he said. “We should not stop here—the environment still needs our support.”

Alouni added that many once-doubted flowers now thrive in unexpected regions. Common poppies and anemones, previously thought unsuitable for central Saudi Arabia, are flourishing.

Their growth has turned parts of Najd into colorful landscapes. He believes this transformation reflects the Kingdom’s environmental potential.

According to him, restoring vegetation cover is not just a seasonal project. It is a long-term mission to strengthen nature, enrich biodiversity, and support future generations.

In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s northwestern mountains, a rare flower has reemerged after decades of disappearance. The sighting of Globularia alypum, known locally as “Zuraiqa” or “Aynon Kuhli,” has reignited national pride and ecological optimism.

Once widespread, this delicate blue daisy had vanished due to overgrazing and land degradation. Its return marks not just a scientific milestone but also a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing environmental revival.

Environmental consultant Oubaid Alouni, a former adviser at the National Vegetation Center, described the discovery as deeply symbolic.
“The primary cause of its scarcity is overgrazing, as it is an excellent grazing species,” he said. “The second cause is land degradation. The third cause is a history of neglect.”

Belonging to the Plantaginaceae family, Globularia alypum is native to the Mediterranean basin. It thrives in North Africa, southern Europe, and parts of Southwest Asia — including Saudi Arabia’s mountainous regions.

Alouni noted that the plant’s survival is tied to its resilience and adaptability. “Camels heavily graze it, so it is more commonly found in mountainous or calcareous regions where it is naturally protected,” he said.

He praised ongoing national initiatives that focus on restoring native vegetation and protecting endangered species. Saudi Arabia’s environmental centers are investing in reforestation, habitat restoration, and seed preservation programs.

To ensure Globularia alypum’s survival, Alouni recommends replanting it in its natural northwestern habitats. He also advocates for public education and the cultivation of this plant in home gardens to raise awareness of its ecological and medicinal importance.

Standing between 30 and 80 centimeters tall, the shrub forms dense, woody bushes with evergreen leaves. Its spherical clusters of soft blue to violet blooms paint the winter landscape with beauty and life from October through June.

“The advantage of this shrub is that it can become an annual in very hot places,” Alouni explained. “The seeds fall into the soil, and if winter comes with mild weather and rains, it sprouts again.”

He described it poetically: “It is like a beautiful dress with its lovely navy-blue color and round shape.” For many, this flower symbolizes endurance — thriving quietly even under challenging environmental conditions.

Beyond its visual charm, Globularia alypum holds remarkable medicinal value rooted in traditional healing practices. It has been used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic effects across generations.

Scientific studies by national research centers confirm its health benefits. Extracts from the plant can help lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity due to its rich polyphenolic compounds.

“It is useful as an anti-rheumatic, antidiabetic, and for intermittent fevers, in addition to its use as a laxative,” Alouni added. Its blend of beauty and biology makes it a perfect symbol of the bond between nature and medicine.

However, Alouni cautioned that more research and documentation are needed. Some specimens remain unrecorded due to their rarity and the limited number of botanical experts available.

He emphasized that maintaining accurate plant records is crucial for understanding biodiversity and shaping conservation policy. Every species documented contributes to preserving the Kingdom’s environmental knowledge and natural legacy.

The rediscovery of the blue daisy underscores the growing momentum behind Saudi Arabia’s ecological restoration. It highlights how traditional wisdom and modern science can unite to safeguard the nation’s natural treasures.

This humble flower, once forgotten, now stands as a living emblem of regeneration and hope. Its return to the wild reflects the country’s broader vision — to protect its environment, nurture biodiversity, and celebrate the beauty of its land.

The celebration underscores the nation’s achievements in creating modern, people-focused cities that prioritize quality of life, innovation, and environmental balance.

Saudi Arabia’s participation reflects its commitment to global urban initiatives that align with Vision 2030, emphasizing smart growth, sustainability, and inclusive urban living.

The celebration marks a moment of pride for the Kingdom as it continues to redefine urban living through ambitious development projects led by various government entities.

These projects aim to create vibrant, inclusive, and technologically advanced cities that meet the needs of both residents and visitors.

The Saudi Press Agency noted that these national efforts have resulted in improved infrastructure, enhanced public services, and better living standards, all contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous urban environment.

World Cities Day provides a global platform to share experiences, promote cooperation, and raise awareness about urbanization’s challenges and opportunities.

The event supports the New Urban Agenda, which encourages collaboration between countries to create cities that are resilient, inclusive, and designed for future generations.

For Saudi Arabia, this celebration highlights its role as a regional leader in urban innovation, planning, and sustainable development.

This year’s World Cities Day theme, “People-Centred Smart Cities,” emphasizes the importance of technology and innovation in improving urban life.

The theme resonates strongly with Saudi Arabia’s own goals under Vision 2030, which aim to make cities smarter, more efficient, and more connected.

By integrating digital technologies into urban design and governance, the Kingdom is ensuring that its cities evolve in ways that enhance mobility, environmental protection, and social engagement.

The United Nations has emphasized that digital transformation is reshaping how cities are managed, providing opportunities to improve services, infrastructure, and governance.

Saudi Arabia’s ongoing projects—such as NEOM, The Line, and other smart city initiatives—are examples of how the Kingdom is embracing these changes.

These projects embody the nation’s vision for sustainable urban growth that harmonizes modern living with environmental preservation and cultural heritage.

World Cities Day also serves to raise international awareness of the need for sustainable and equitable urban development.

Saudi Arabia’s active participation demonstrates its dedication to building cities that are inclusive, innovative, and environmentally responsible.

Through international partnerships, research collaborations, and investment in infrastructure, the Kingdom is contributing to global efforts aimed at creating livable and future-ready urban spaces.

As cities around the world face rapid population growth, technological disruption, and environmental challenges, Saudi Arabia is setting a benchmark for urban resilience.

Its focus on green architecture, renewable energy integration, and sustainable mobility solutions ensures that development remains people-centered and environmentally conscious.

These initiatives not only elevate the standard of living within Saudi cities but also position the Kingdom as a model for sustainable progress in the region.

The celebration of World Cities Day in Saudi Arabia reinforces the message that urbanization, when guided by thoughtful planning and innovation, can lead to prosperity, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability.

With strong leadership and vision, Saudi Arabia continues to build cities that inspire creativity, support communities, and foster global collaboration in urban development.

As COP30 approaches, Bill Gates urges world leaders to rethink the climate agenda — focusing on resilience, health, and equity rather than just temperature targets. His message: climate action must be about people, not just numbers.

At the Annual Bloomberg Global Philanthropies Forum in New York City, billionaire investor and philanthropist Bill Gates issued a powerful call to action for world leaders ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.

Gates urged nations to pivot from narrow temperature reduction goals to a broader, human-centered approach that prioritizes health, resilience, and economic stability in the face of escalating climate challenges.

The COP30 talks, scheduled to take place in the Amazonian city of Belem from November 10 to 21, will bring together representatives from nearly 200 nations.

Delegates are expected to present updated national climate commitments and review progress on renewable energy targets set during earlier summits.

But Gates’ message stands out for its clarity and optimism: while the world’s efforts to limit global warming remain essential, genuine progress must be measured in human terms — in lives saved, communities protected, and opportunities created.

For over a decade, the Paris Agreement has served as the cornerstone of global climate policy, committing nations to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Yet, despite years of pledges and progress, the planet is still far from achieving those goals. Gates argues that the world has become too fixated on temperature figures, which, while scientifically important, fail to capture the full spectrum of what climate change truly means for humanity.

Writing on his personal blog, Gates stated that while climate change poses a serious threat, it is not the end of civilization. He believes the better path forward lies in adaptation — building systems and societies that can withstand and recover from environmental disruptions.

In his view, strengthening public health, improving access to clean and affordable energy, and investing in agricultural resilience can create a more sustainable future for all.

Gates emphasized that these efforts should focus particularly on vulnerable nations that face the harshest consequences of climate change, including droughts, floods, and food insecurity.

“Helping people adapt to a changing climate is not a side project — it’s central to climate action,” he noted. The philanthropist explained that sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and clean energy access directly improve quality of life while also reducing long-term environmental risks.

Through his climate-focused venture network, Breakthrough Energy, Gates has invested billions in clean technology innovation. His investments support companies developing next-generation solutions in renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable farming.

He urged global investors to follow suit, backing projects that combine environmental impact with social benefit.

“Innovation and scale are the twin engines of climate progress,” he wrote, calling on policymakers and philanthropists to evaluate how climate funds are being spent — and whether they’re truly making a measurable difference.

To illustrate his point about resilience, Gates highlighted a significant fact: direct deaths from natural disasters have fallen by nearly 90% over the past century.

Today, around 40,000 to 50,000 people die annually from extreme weather events, compared to millions in the early 20th century.

This dramatic reduction, he said, is the result of improved early warning systems, better infrastructure, and more effective governance.

It shows that human ingenuity and preparedness can save lives even in a changing climate.

His perspective aligns with recent statements from the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization, both of which have emphasized the need for universal disaster warning systems.

According to the WMO, more than 2 million people have died from weather, water, and climate-related hazards over the last five decades, with 90% of those deaths occurring in developing countries.

Gates’ call underscores that these nations require greater international support — not only in emissions reduction funding but in practical adaptation measures that protect their people.

He also urged the international community to think beyond short-term goals and embrace long-term resilience planning. “If we only focus on reducing emissions, we risk ignoring the human cost of inaction,” he cautioned.

“Climate justice means ensuring that every community has the tools to survive and prosper in a warmer world.”

As COP30 approaches, Gates’ message stands as both a warning and a roadmap. The billionaire’s emphasis on innovation, health, and equity reframes the climate conversation from abstract targets to tangible outcomes.

His approach suggests that success at COP30 will depend not only on commitments to cut carbon but on strategies that uplift the world’s most vulnerable populations.

In a world increasingly affected by heatwaves, floods, and food crises, Gates’ optimism offers hope — that through collective effort and smarter investments, humanity can adapt and flourish.

His vision is not one of despair but determination: a call to see climate action not as a burden, but as an opportunity to build a safer, fairer, and more resilient world for all.

From football fields to Olympic pools, top athletes are joining forces to drive a worldwide call for climate adaptation, proving that teamwork off the field can be humanity’s greatest comeback.

As the world prepares for the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, an inspiring coalition of international athletes is stepping up to lead a different kind of game — one that could decide the future of the planet.

Brazilian soccer star Tamires Dias, NBA player DeAndre Jordan, Olympic swimmer David Popovici, surfer Maya Gabeira, and England’s Raheem Sterling are among forty elite sports figures championing the Adapt2Win campaign, a global initiative urging governments to accelerate investments in climate adaptation.

The campaign, launched this week and backed by the Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust, highlights how climate change is already affecting athletes and sporting events across the world.

From rising temperatures and flooding stadiums to cancelled tournaments and health risks, the sporting world is increasingly feeling the pressure of a warming planet.

Tamires Dias, who has represented Brazil in two Women’s World Cups, said the challenges of playing in extreme conditions have made climate adaptation an urgent priority.

“In sport, we learn to adapt every day — to new teams, tactics, and rivals. But climate change is a far tougher opponent. It’s unpredictable and relentless, and no one can face it alone,” she said.

The Adapt2Win campaign aims to transform the global conversation on climate action by spotlighting both the physical and emotional impact of the crisis.

A powerful short film will premiere at COP30 in Belem, Brazil, showing how floods, fires, and extreme weather events have destroyed sports venues and disrupted communities.

Its opening line sets the tone for the initiative: “This can either be the worst defeat in history — or the greatest comeback of all time.”

The campaign’s Open Letter, signed by the forty athletes, calls on world leaders to allocate more funding to climate adaptation — an area that currently receives less than 10% of global climate finance, despite climate disasters causing an estimated $417 billion in economic losses in 2024.

The athletes’ collective message is clear: adaptation is not optional, and the time to act is now.

Raheem Sterling, who has been actively involved in community programs through his foundation, linked the fight against climate change to everyday resilience.

“I’ve seen how climate change reshapes lives, especially across the Caribbean,” he said. “Through small, community-led initiatives — like mosquito prevention and clean water access — we’ve seen how real change begins locally. COP30 is the moment for leaders to amplify these solutions.”

Adapt2Win also sheds light on local adaptation success stories. In Kenya, communities are using SMS-based drought alerts to safeguard crops and livestock.

In Sierra Leone, hospitals are developing heat-resilient maternal healthcare systems. These initiatives demonstrate how innovation and local empowerment can protect lives and livelihoods even in vulnerable regions.

Ana Toni, CEO of the COP30 Presidency, praised the campaign’s approach: “Adapt2Win reminds us that every sector — from governments to businesses and sports — has a vital role to play.

Athletes are powerful messengers of hope and unity, showing that teamwork is the foundation of real change.”

South African rugby player Bongi Mbonambi and Nigerian footballer Kenneth Omeruo are among other voices in the campaign, bringing firsthand experiences of how unpredictable weather is altering daily life.

“Growing up in Nigeria, you could always count on the seasons,” said Omeruo. “Now, floods destroy our training grounds and droughts damage our communities. Climate change is no longer abstract — it’s real and personal.”

For these athletes, sport becomes a universal language — one that can motivate people across borders to take action. Their message is grounded in hope, teamwork, and shared responsibility.

As COP30 approaches, the Adapt2Win campaign embodies the spirit of collaboration that the summit seeks to achieve: harnessing global unity to face humanity’s biggest challenge.

With the world’s eyes on Brazil, the campaign transforms a fight for survival into a message of possibility — proving that the greatest victories come not from competition, but from cooperation.

If the world’s athletes can unite to adapt and overcome, perhaps governments and citizens everywhere can do the same.

The event, which saw the signing of 28 agreements and memoranda of understanding worth over SR3.6 billion ($960 million), underscores the Kingdom’s growing role as a global leader in sustainable agriculture and environmental innovation.

Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the four-day exhibition features nearly 450 companies and organizations from 34 countries, including 11 national pavilions.

The event serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies in plant, animal, and fish production, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals of achieving food self-sufficiency, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing the Kingdom’s agricultural competitiveness.

In his opening remarks, Minister Al-Fadley emphasized the significance of agricultural innovation in achieving environmental sustainability, water preservation, and food security.

He noted that the record-breaking number of agreements signed reflects the confidence of local and international investors in the Kingdom’s agricultural sector, which continues to expand through strategic investments and advanced research.

Prince Saud bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the board at Riyadh Exhibitions Co., highlighted the event’s growing influence, describing it as “a vital global platform for exchanging expertise, forging partnerships, and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.”

He added that global environmental challenges call for innovative solutions and collaboration between nations to safeguard natural resources and ensure a resilient future for food production.

Following the inauguration, Minister Al-Fadley toured various pavilions, exploring the latest advancements in livestock management, aquaculture, organic farming, food processing, agricultural machinery, and biotechnology.

He praised the exhibitors for their contribution to transforming agriculture into a high-tech, eco-conscious industry that supports both local farmers and international trade.

The exhibition’s first day saw the signing of 28 strategic agreements among public, semi-governmental, and private entities aimed at enhancing agricultural investments, supporting startups, and driving innovation in the sector.

Several international partnerships were also announced, focused on boosting Saudi Arabia’s agri-food value chains, expanding research in climate-resilient crops, and encouraging technology transfer from leading agricultural nations.

According to event organizers, the Saudi agricultural sector contributed SR119 billion to the national GDP in 2024, marking a steady rise in productivity and investment.

This figure is expected to climb to SR140 billion by 2030, reflecting the country’s success in diversifying its economy and reducing dependency on imports through sustainable domestic production.

Running parallel to the exhibition is the International Future of Agriculture Summit, which gathers experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from around the world to discuss the future of food systems, digital agriculture, and sustainable farming techniques.

Topics such as AI-driven irrigation, hydroponics, and green supply chains are central to this year’s discussions, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional hub for smart agriculture.

Industry leaders attending the exhibition praised the Kingdom’s proactive approach toward building a resilient and environmentally responsible food system.

By leveraging technology, research, and international partnerships, Saudi Arabia continues to advance toward its Vision 2030 targets, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration.

The exhibition not only celebrates Saudi Arabia’s agricultural progress but also serves as a reminder of the Kingdom’s broader mission: ensuring food security for future generations while balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship.

With over 450 global participants and nearly $1 billion in agreements, the 42nd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to creating a prosperous, sustainable, and food-secure future — both for itself and for the wider world.

With declining freshwater flows from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers contributing to higher salt levels, the government, experts, and local communities are implementing solutions to secure water resources, protect crops, and strengthen livelihoods.

Farmers in southern Iraq, particularly in Basra province, have long relied on the Tigris and Euphrates for irrigation and livestock. Recent challenges, including higher salinity in central Basra, have prompted innovative approaches to water management.

For example, the government has announced a large-scale desalination project in Basra with a capacity of one million cubic meters per day. This initiative aims to provide clean freshwater for irrigation, livestock, and domestic use, while reducing the impact of brackish water on crops and livestock.

Local farmers are also adapting to changing conditions by adopting modern irrigation practices, salt-tolerant crop varieties, and improved livestock management strategies.

These measures help maintain productivity despite natural fluctuations in river flows and salinity. For instance, farmer Zulaykha Hashem, who grows pomegranates, figs, and berries, is leveraging more efficient irrigation and soil management techniques to sustain her crops.

Such proactive measures demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of Iraq’s agricultural communities.

The Iraqi government has emphasized collaboration with international partners and experts to improve water infrastructure and optimize the country’s share of river flows.

Iraq receives less than 35 percent of its allocated water from upstream countries, highlighting the importance of transboundary cooperation.

Authorities are working to negotiate water-sharing agreements and promote sustainable water usage practices, ensuring equitable access for farmers, households, and industries alike.

In addition, universities and research centers, such as Iraq’s University of Kufa, are conducting studies on salt-tolerant crops, efficient irrigation, and sustainable aquaculture.

These initiatives aim to mitigate the effects of higher salinity on agriculture and fisheries, supporting food security and economic stability. Local experts, including Hasan Al-Khateeb, are advising on projects that combine desalination, improved river management, and community-led water conservation programs.

Communities in Basra are already benefiting from these interventions. Families like that of Maryam Salman, a buffalo breeder, are gaining access to cleaner water for livestock and domestic needs.

Desalination and river management projects are expected to improve water availability year-round, providing healthier conditions for animals and boosting agricultural productivity.

Meanwhile, fish stocks are gradually recovering as water quality improves, offering renewed opportunities for local fishermen and sustaining livelihoods dependent on fisheries.

The United Nations and other international organizations have praised Iraq’s efforts, highlighting the importance of investing in water infrastructure and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

These initiatives are expected to reduce climate-related displacement, enhance food security, and improve community well-being across the country. By integrating technology, policy, and local knowledge, Iraq is setting a model for climate adaptation and sustainable water management in the region.

Despite historic challenges, Iraq’s farmers, herders, and communities are embracing a forward-looking approach. With government-led projects, expert guidance, and community engagement, the country is turning a pressing environmental challenge into an opportunity for innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

Improved freshwater access, enhanced irrigation, and stronger support for livestock and fisheries are creating a brighter, more secure future for agriculture and rural livelihoods in Iraq.

The three scientists, representing Japan, Australia, and the United States, have made a collective impact on the global scientific community through their visionary research.

Their discovery has led to the creation of molecular structures capable of storing gases, capturing carbon dioxide, and even extracting water from dry desert air.

According to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, these MOFs are extraordinary for their massive surface area relative to size — a single cube the size of a sugar lump can contain as much inner surface area as a football field. This property allows the materials to act as “sponges” for gases, enabling efficient storage and filtration.

As Nobel Committee member Olof Ramstrom colorfully described, these materials are “almost like Hermione’s handbag in Harry Potter — small on the outside but vast on the inside.”

Beyond their scientific intrigue, MOFs are being recognized for their practical applications. They can capture harmful emissions, separate toxic chemicals, and filter out pollutants like PFAS — known as “forever chemicals” — from water.

They may also play a key role in renewable energy development by helping to capture and store gases essential for clean energy systems.

Professor Susumu Kitagawa of Kyoto University expressed deep gratitude during the Nobel announcement, saying his dream has always been to “capture air and separate it — whether CO₂, oxygen, or water — and convert it into useful materials using renewable energy.”

His statement reflects the forward-thinking nature of this discovery, blending chemistry with sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Richard Robson, a British-born scientist who later moved to Australia, and Omar M. Yaghi, a Jordanian-American researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, have each made crucial contributions to advancing the field.

Yaghi, whose parents were Palestinian refugees in Amman, moved to the U.S. as a teenager and went on to pioneer the concept of crystal-like MOF structures that are both durable and highly porous. His innovation became the foundation for an entirely new branch of materials chemistry.

The Royal Swedish Academy emphasized that these discoveries have paved the way for chemists around the world to create tens of thousands of different MOFs, many of which could contribute to solving global issues — from clean energy to environmental preservation.

This year’s Chemistry Nobel marks the third prize of the 2025 Nobel season, following awards in medicine and physics, with literature expected to be announced next.

Since its inception in 1901, the Nobel Prize has stood as a symbol of excellence and progress, celebrating human ingenuity and the pursuit of knowledge.

By honoring Kitagawa, Robson, and Yaghi, the Academy not only recognizes their scientific excellence but also highlights the power of international cooperation in science.

Their achievements are a shining example of how creativity, persistence, and collaboration across borders can yield solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems — offering hope for a cleaner, more sustainable, and innovative future.