The Syrian Future Movement follows with great interest and appreciation the announcement by the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment of the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) approval of the first national project for Syria, valued at US$27.7 million, entitled “Strengthening Resilience to Water Scarcity Risks in Areas Most Affected by Climate Change and Water Shortages in Syria.”
This decision was made during the 45th session of the Council, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, from June 29 to July 3, 2026, with the participation of a delegation from the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment.
First: The Syrian Future Movement commends this national achievement and praises the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment and the relevant authorities to secure this project, considering it a strategic step towards strengthening water security and adapting to the repercussions of climate change in Syria.
The Syrian Future Movement also commends the approval of this project, the first of its kind for Syria, by the Green Climate Fund, the world’s largest fund for financing climate change adaptation and mitigation projects in developing countries. Its cumulative funding has exceeded US$20 billion, benefiting more than 130 countries.
The Syrian Future Movement views this achievement as the culmination of several months of continuous efforts, including an in-depth technical study and evaluation by the Ministry’s central directorates in collaboration with partners, before its presentation to the Fund’s Board of Directors and its official approval.
We highly value the signing of the partnership agreement for the project’s implementation with ACTED (a French humanitarian organization working to provide emergency relief and long-term development) under the name WATER-RES, in the presence of representatives from the Fund and international partners, marking the project’s transition to its five-year implementation phase.
Secondly, the Syrian Future Movement emphasizes the strategic importance of this project in addressing the water scarcity crisis, one of the most prominent challenges facing Syria, especially in light of the repercussions of climate change and recurring droughts.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that the project aims to enhance resilience to water scarcity risks by improving the management of limited water resources, supporting water security in urban and rural areas, protecting agriculture and livelihoods in the most affected regions, and improving the preparedness of local institutions to adapt to future climate crises.
It is worth noting that Syria faces increasing water challenges due to drought, declining river levels, and the unsustainable management of water resources over decades of neglect and systematic destruction.
Thirdly, the Syrian Future Movement reiterates its consistent positions supporting water security and climate change adaptation, published on its official website, including:
- The statement on “Launching the National System for Assessing Damage to Buildings and Engineering Structures after Disasters” (dated May 12, 2026), which emphasized the importance of transparency and combating corruption in development projects, a principle applicable to the implementation of this project.
- The statement on “Repairing Bridges and Developing Vital Roads in Syria” (dated June 3, 2026), which stressed the need for transparent implementation mechanisms and the participation of the local community.
- The statement announcing the “Launching of the Comprehensive Plan for the Rehabilitation of Central Roads and Connecting Governorates” (dated June 29, 2026) welcomed the government’s efforts to develop infrastructure and called for enhanced transparency and community participation.
Fourth: The Syrian Future Movement reiterates that the project’s success hinges on adherence to the established timelines, ensuring quality implementation, and overcoming any obstacles that may arise.
Based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Ensuring full transparency in project implementation and publicizing disbursement and monitoring mechanisms, while involving the local community and oversight bodies in the implementation process. This will guarantee that funding reaches its intended beneficiaries and achieves the desired objectives, mirroring the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the fields of environment and sustainable development.
- Building the capacities of national personnel in water resource management and climate adaptation through specialized training programs and the exchange of expertise with international partners. This will ensure the project’s sustainability and empower Syrian personnel to manage and operate projects with high efficiency after the implementation period.
- Linking the project’s outputs to national development plans ensures that climate adaptation projects are integrated into a comprehensive sustainable development strategy and are not isolated from reconstruction and development efforts.
- Strengthening cooperation with international partners and donor institutions, and building upon this successful model with the Green Climate Fund and ACTED, to expand collaboration in the areas of environment, water, and sustainable development. This aligns with the Ministry’s emphasis that this step directly supports climate change adaptation efforts and enhances water resource management in Syria.
In conclusion, the Syrian Future Movement reiterates its welcome of this important national achievement and commends the efforts of the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment and all relevant stakeholders to enhance water security and climate change adaptation.
We also view this project as an investment in Syria’s future and a message of confidence from the international community in Syria’s ability to manage its development projects efficiently and transparently.
We call upon the Syrian government and international partners to continue along this path and ensure that climate adaptation projects become a catalyst for sustainable development, a source of improved lives for citizens, and a foundation for building a new Syria based on sustainability and social justice.
