Events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilization of the land, including forests and wild lands.
Policy1
The University of Anbar organized a workshop on Iraq's mangrove planting project. A lecture entitled "Mangrove cultivation experience" highlighted the unique characteristics of these hall physical plants. Mangroves are a distinct type of tree that thrives in tropical and subtropical areas and are commonly found in areas between tidal and tidal water systems or water waves. The lecture was aimed at raising interest in the subject and emphasized the importance of mangroves. As part of a pilot experiment, my project collaborated with scientific institutions in Mongolia for successful mangrove planting in certain areas of Iraq. This initiative is the country's first endeavor.
Policy2
The University of Anbar's College of Science recently hosted an online panel discussion titled ("Utilizing GIS Techniques for Natural Reserve Management”). The discussion centered on the application of GIS technologies in effectively managing nature reserves. The main objective of the lecture was to analyze the physical and chemical attributes of water and sediment across various research sites, while also employing remote sensing methods and geographic information systems to establish a comprehensive database. This database would support the examination and monitoring of nature reserves, enabling the assessment of existing environmental conditions and the sustainable management of the Row Reserve. Furthermore, the lecture provided an introduction to the concept of nature reserves, highlighting their significance, diverse types and specifications, and the criteria involved in identifying suitable areas for protection as reserves.
Ensuring food on campus is sustainably farmed
The University of Anbar also has large greenhouse areas dedicated to growing a variety of vegetables and fruits, including short-leg banana trees and date palms in its orchards. These crops, together with meat products, are subject to rigorous testing and analysis to ensure their suitability and safety for human consumption. Food research and consumer protection laboratories, located within the University of Anbar's College of Agriculture, play a crucial role in sustaining the quality of soil used for healthy food cultivation. These laboratories conduct various laboratory and field experiments to assess soil suitability and ensure the production of safe and nutritious food. University of Anbar laboratories regularly study soil conditions for the production of poultry, cows, sheep, and other food sources. Soil samples are thoroughly sampled and analyzed to detect any contaminants that may harm the health of animals, and therefore humans. University of Anbar is keen to test all foodstuffs for their suitability for human consumption, using expert teams to conduct comprehensive assessments. In addition, the University strives to obtain these goods from the finest fields and orchards within its surroundings.
Educational programs on ecosystems
The College of Agriculture at the University of Anbar recently organized a scientific symposium dedicated to Iraqi aquatic organisms facing the threat of extinction and exploring potential conservation measures. Esteemed teachers from the Department of Fish and actively participated in this event. The symposium aimed to bring attention to the endangered aquatic life in Iraq, identify the factors influencing their decline, propose preventive measures, and develop solutions to protect the remaining species.
Throughout the symposium, a series of scientific lectures were delivered, covering diverse topics such as fish, birds, aquatic plants, large invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and the preservation of endangered aquatic organisms. The discussions included pressing issues like the impact of invasive animals, and the insufficient studies conducted to identify at-risk aquatic species. The event served as a platform to promote awareness and foster strategies for the conservation of these valuable aquatic organisms in Iraq.
Water quality standards at the University of Anbar
The University of Anbar, located in the southern region of Iraq, holds the distinction of being the oldest university in the area. The university buildings are meticulously designed to meet the standards expected of an educational institution. Among the crucial standards is the implementation of an efficient water network, encompassing washing water, sewage, and rainwater drainage systems. These networks are particularly significant due to the region's relatively humid climate and the ample water supply during the winter season.
Each campus within the university boasts a distinct design tailored to its specific surroundings. As a result, the rainwater drainage network varies depending on the campus location. In these instances, the rainwater is channeled towards the rivers or the surrounding agricultural areas, while a portion of it is diverted into the sewage network.
RO Water Station
The College of Agriculture at the University of Anbar possesses a water desalination facility (R0 water) adjacent to the palm plantation field at the campus.
On-campus Free Water
In order to ensure the provision of safe drinking water for teachers, staff, and students, all faculties have installed vertical refrigerators for storing purified bottled drinking water. These refrigerators are stocked daily with complimentary bottles of water, ensuring that everyone can easily access and benefit from them.
Off-Campus Free Water
The University of Anbar regularly provides safe drinking water for some faraway areas in the Anbar governorate.
Storage of Washing Water
The University of Anbar follows a similar policy to that of other public buildings, which involves storing washing water in large tanks placed on the rooftops for later use. This approach allows for efficient water distribution to all floors of the buildings during specific pumping periods. To conserve water, the university utilizes low-flow taps in bathrooms, sanitary facilities, and washbasins. Moreover, they have implemented a water management strategy that includes control devices to automatically stop the flow of water when the tanks are full. The University of Anbar also aims to expand the use of automatic shut-off taps to further reduce the consumption of clean water.
Water Reservoirs
The university possesses rainwater reservoirs, which serve the purpose of irrigating agricultural crops and providing water for animals. Additionally, the university has multiple desalination and distillation facilities to ensure self-reliance in terms of potable water and the supply of distilled water for laboratory needs.
Desalination
The Anbar Governorate is facing a significant challenge regarding water salinity during the summer months, which is primarily caused by neighboring countries implementing policies that reduce water allocations to Iraq. As a result, the water levels in the rivers of Anbar, such as the Euphrates. This rise in salinity renders the water unfit for consumption and agricultural purposes. The University of Anbar, as an esteemed educational institution, has conducted numerous studies and research projects in this field to address the issue. Additionally, the university has undertaken a project to install desalination plants that utilize reverse osmosis technology to produce sterile and drinkable water, which is vital for the local community and various research applications.
Wastewater Bioremediation
The University of Anbar is hosting a Symposium titled "Exploring the Bioremediation Potential of Various Algae Species in Wastewater Treatment."
Water Educational Program
The students and teachers of the University of Anbar collaborate to educate the residents of Anbar governorate on effective water management practices, aiming to empower the local community with valuable knowledge and skills.
The University of Anbar Group Operates Water Sampling Boats
The University of Anbar, situated in the province of Anbar, plays a crucial role in promoting water management practices among the local citizens. Students and teachers from the university actively collaborate to educate and assist the residents of Anbar governorate in acquiring knowledge and skills related to effective water management. This collective effort aims to empower the community and promote the sustainable use of water resources in the region.
Reducing plastic waste on campus
The Foundation has adopted practices that minimize the use of plastic in its operations, recognizing the detrimental impact it has on marine and river ecosystems, as well as human health. Instead, the Foundation relies on environmentally friendly metals, as plastics can cause harm to aquatic animals when they break down into small molecules and merge with the food chain. Similarly, the University of Anbar collaborates with the Municipality of Anbar to properly dispose of plastics. They have instructed all faculties within the university to replace disposable plastic products with biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives. These efforts aim to reduce the harmful effects associated with plastic use and to raise awareness among consumers about the importance of this switch for both their safety and the environment.
Efforts to conserve the earth
The laboratories at the University of Anbar are subject to strict controls regarding the use of toxic substances, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. The university has well-defined procedures in place for handling and disposing of such hazardous waste. All toxic substances are registered with the Department of Chemical, Bacterial, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequences (CBRN) within the Directorate of Civil Defense.
Recently, the Department of Pathological Analysis at the College of Science at the University of Anbar organized an online scientific lecture on the management of biological risks and waste. The lecture aimed to provide an understanding of the concept of danger, as well as identify the sources and types of biological waste.
During the lecture, various topics were covered, including the identification of waste generated by healthcare institutions, the different stages involved in safe waste management, methods of disposing of biological waste, the process of destroying medical metal waste using steam, and the importance of risk management in waste management practices. The lecture also emphasized the need for conducting waste management surveys, creating drawings to visualize waste management plans, and preparing recommendations to improve the waste management system. Furthermore, the lecture highlighted the responsibilities and duties of employees, identified training requirements and stressed the significance of having the necessary equipment for effective waste management