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Green Climate Fund Approves $27.7 Million to Combat Water Scarcity in Syria
The Green Climate Fund has approved a $27.7 million project to support Syria in addressing water scarcity risks. The project will include infrastructure improvements and modern irrigation systems in the water basins around the capital Damascus.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a $27.7 million project to reduce water-related risks in the areas of Syria most affected by climate change and water scarcity.
The decision was taken at the GCF Board meeting held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, from June 29 to July 3, 2026. Syria’s Ministry of Local Administration and Environment also attended the meeting.
The fund will provide $25 million in direct financing for the project titled “Strengthening Capacity to Address Water Scarcity Risks in the Areas of Syria Most Affected by Climate Change and Water Scarcity.” The remaining $2.7 million will be covered by co-financing. The project's implementation period has been set at five years.
Water Stress Indicators
The project geographically focuses on the Barada and Awaj basins in the Rif Dimashq province, and particularly targets the Eastern Ghouta region. Studies show that Syria faces an annual structural water deficit of approximately 3 billion cubic meters, and that water availability per capita is expected to drop to around 500 cubic meters by 2050.
The Barada and Awaj basins are the main freshwater source for Damascus and its surroundings, especially Eastern Ghouta, whose economy and livelihoods have historically depended on agriculture.
Beneficiaries and Plan
According to project documents, the work will proceed along three main axes. The first axis includes improving groundwater monitoring systems and establishing climate data networks; the second axis covers rehabilitating water infrastructure and reducing water loss through improvements to public water networks; and the third axis involves supporting the agricultural sector through the deployment of modern irrigation systems and the promotion of drought-resistant crops.
Approximately 200,000 people are expected to benefit directly from the project, and more than 1.5 million indirectly.
First Climate Investment in Syria
Officials from the Media Department of the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment told the Syrian official news agency SANA that the funding approval “opens a new era of cooperation with the fund in the field of climate action and sustainable development, and paves the way for developing new national projects that respond to Syria's priorities.”
The Green Climate Fund was established in 2010 as a financial mechanism under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. According to its official website, since its establishment, its portfolio exceeding $20 billion has been distributed to more than 130 developing countries.
Experts and researchers emphasize that drought in Syria is not solely caused by low rainfall, but is a complex crisis in which factors such as rising temperatures due to climate change and global warming, long-standing neglect, and ineffective management of water resources converge.
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