"Sumereen' is a project designed to develop alternative employment and environmental resources for the younger generation in Thi Qar (Southern Iraq), a Governorate particularly rich in history and environmental resources to be preserved. The ancient site of Ur, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, can be a starting point for the socio-economic development of the Thi Qar Governorate. The programme focuses on the younger generation and women as actors capable of creating new paths for regional growth, creating job opportunities by combining sustainable tourism and plans to protect the area's natural and cultural heritage.
The programme takes into account the current difficulties caused by the water shortage in the area, which has increased social tensions, as well as the local economy based predominantly on oil, whose price collapse has created serious youth unemployment. 'Sumereen' therefore aims to create safe and sustainable access to the ancient site of Ur, and to promote Thi Qar as an eco-friendly tourist destination, increasing visitor interest in the area. As a result, 400 jobs for young people and women in the Governorate will be created in the field of sustainable tourism and cultural preservation.
To this end, a feasibility study will be carried out for a traditional eco-village and visitor tour in Chybaish, and a similar plan for the archaeological site of Ur, both approved by Undp and the local Iraqi authorities. Social youth movements in the area will be involved with campaigns to promote Thi Qar as an eco-sustainable and cultural tourist destination for both Iraqi citizens and international tourism. A number of vocational workshops on the production of local handicrafts, typical of the Nasiriyah area and the Mesopotamian Marshes, will also be conducted.
20 micro-projects for young entrepreneurs will also be launched to financially support small business activities related to the construction of the eco-village, some eco-sustainable sports activities and handicraft workshops. 180 women and young people will be placed in a six-month internship programme in local enterprises and organisations.
The 'Sumereen' project is funded by Undp and the European Union's 'Supporting Recovery and Stability in Iraq through Local Developmpent' programme. Project partners are: Humat Dijlah, Safina Project, Studio Carlo Leopardi.
