Support for the development of the Horan Valley by the Dutch organization of Nuffic

2021-09-29

          Continuing the efforts made by the researchers of the Upper Euphrates Basin Development Center in the development of the Horan Valley, Professor Dr. Isam Mohammed Abdelhameed, Director of our Center, chaired the scientific session of the seminar held by University of Anbar, Department of Missions and Cultural Relations in cooperation with the College of Engineering - Department of Dams and Water Resources and our research center under the slogan: (Research proposal to obtain support from the Dutch Organization Nuffic for the development of the Horan Valley), On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, in the Hall of the Department of Dams and Water Resources at the College of Engineering. The seminar discussed the research submitted by a post graduate student in the above mentioned department, which deals with the best ways to optimize the Horan Valley basin and ways to obtain the support of international development organizations, including the Dutch organization of Nuffic.

          The seminar was attended by Dr. Mushtaq Talib Saleh Al-Nida, Respected President of University of Anbar, Professor Dr. Muthanna Mohammed Awad, Scientific Assistant to the Respected University President, Assistant Professor Dr. Ameer Abdul Rahman Hilal, Dean of the Respected College of Engineering, a number of government department officials in Anbar province and a number of specialized teaching staff.

            After the presentation of the research opened the door to discussion and after extensive deliberations with the beneficiaries and academic coordinating bodies, the President of the University to join the efforts of all members of the university in all formations to support this large project, which will be poured in the service of the province, which will be supported by the Dutch organization Nuffic, noting that University of Anbar supports practical and applied research and in coordination with donors and beneficiaries for the purpose of investing rainwater and exploiting the Horan Valley in the field of water and agricultural resources in the service of Anbar province in particular, and for our dear country in general. Finally, the following recommendations were prepared:

1.     Construction of the flow meter at the downstream of the Horan Valley to identify the water imports of this strategic valley and include them in the water budgets of the Euphrates River stream.

2.     The construction of a rainwater harvesting dam on the banks of the valley near the Euphrates River is located in two villages, Al-Sihil and Al-Agaila. Each village has a population of about 1,500 people. This dam contributes to ensuring the sustainability of agriculture. There are also two desert areas in the nearby Euphrates River, about 4 km from the village of Al-Sihil.

3.     The construction of new weather station where the old station which installed in one of the oases was destroyed by military operations during the war against ISIS.

4.     Continued truffle farming experiments have proved to be a remarkable success in this region.

5.     The expansion of pistachio cultivation in this region for the success of its cultivation experience, where during the period of military operations in the region continued to achieve acceptable production through rainwater only and over seven years of displacement of farmers.

6.     Expansion of the construction of modern irrigation systems through a small dam for continuous water supply.

7.     The construction of solar, wind and biological power plants to provide a safe agricultural environment and does not cost the national electricity grid additional loads.

8.     Holding extensive symposiums bringing together the relevant specialties at the university and the relevant state departments.