MEED Foundation, under the leadership of founder Amanj Yarwaessi, has launched a transformative initiative to tackle Iraq’s severe air quality challenges. Recognizing the widespread impact on health, agriculture, and tourism, the foundation set out to pioneer a groundbreaking air pollution monitoring project.

A vision born from urgency

The 2022 World Air Quality Report ranked Iraq as the second worst country globally for air quality, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 80.1 μg/m3. Baghdad was highlighted as the most polluted city in the region, showing a nearly 75 percent increase from the previous year.

For Yarwaessi, this news served as both a personal wake-up call and the catalyst for launching MEED Foundation’s initiative, which in turn serves as a powerful example of how determined individuals and organizations can confront environmental challenges head-on, inspiring similar efforts in communities around the world.

Laying the foundation for change

For decades, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have grappled with severe air pollution due to dust storms, outdated industrial practices, and substandard waste management, placing a significant burden on the country's healthcare system. Despite the severe pollution inundating residents on a daily basis, their awareness has been limited due to inadequate air quality monitoring.

Yarwaessi remarked, “With so few sensors available in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, we knew that as a newly established small non-profit, this was our opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.”

Building a network, empowering a nation

Inspired by IQAir’s city monitoring project in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, MEED Foundation realized that in Iraq, the key to addressing the poor air quality was to first gather and make accessible dependable air quality data. In 2023, they launched their air quality monitoring project in Iraq, which they later referred to as “the jewel in the crown of MEED Foundation.”

At the project’s outset, Yarwaessi and his team had a specific vision for what they needed in a reliable air quality monitor: affordability, accessibility, and sustainability. This vision underscores a universal truth: that impactful environmental change often begins with accessible, sustainable solutions that can be tailored to the unique needs of any community. MEED Foundation’s approach can inspire other regions facing environmental challenges to adopt similar strategies. Following this standard, they decided to choose IQAir’s air quality monitors early on.

MEED is committed to advancing environmental justice in Iraq. “IQAir places strong emphasis on public awareness, making air quality information accessible to anyone interested,” Yarwaessi noted. “This accessibility is exactly what we need. MEED’s alignment with IQAir’s ethos made partnering with them an easy decision.”

Overcoming challenges with innovation

Another significant challenge MEED Foundation faced was the general unfamiliarity with air quality monitoring in Iraq. The team approached a few companies and organizations who could help deploy and maintain the air monitors, finding few fully prepared for the long-term commitment required by the project.

The breakthrough moment occurred when MEED Foundation presented the project idea to two socially responsible entities: iQ Networks and Civil Development Organization. Both immediately aligned on issues regarding public health and the environment, granting the sponsorship of 30 air quality sensors across the region. With the steadfast commitment from both partners on necessary infrastructure and top-notch technical support, the project operation was assured of its sustainability.

Figure 1 Engineers from iQ Networks Installing the AirVisual Outdoor

Rapid growth, lasting impact

In just six months, MEED Foundation has established 30 stations across the country, accountable for more than 80% of the ground stations reporting real-time air quality data. These sensors now cover an area spanning 17,000 square kilometers, transforming Iraq from a region lacking sensors to one with comprehensive coverage. This rapid transformation demonstrates how dedicated efforts, supported by the right tools and partnerships, can quickly lead to meaningful improvements. It’s a reminder that even the most daunting environmental challenges can be addressed with innovative, community-driven solutions, offering a model for other regions around the globe.

Shining a light on environmental health

Initial doubts about the project’s value and expectations were quickly dispelled as it sparked widespread discussion. Notably, the foundation’s efforts have ignited a national dialogue on environmental health. Yarwaessi observed a growing public awareness of air quality, with MEED Foundation’s project becoming the talk of the town.

Figure 2 Announcing Air Quality Network at the 1st MEED Conference and on Kurdsat News

Reflecting on the project’s impact, Yarwaessi described it “like living in a dark room—and suddenly someone switched on the lights.”

Yarwaessi and his team were prepared for an overall positive response and were pleasantly surprised by the additional attention from educational institutions. During an event at the University of Sulaymaniyah, MEED Foundation’s air quality network generated significant academic interest. “The data transparency it brings is like an oasis on this previously arid land of environmental research,” Yarwaessi proudly remarked.

Figure 3 Panel Discussion at the University of Sulaymaniyah

Looking ahead: A blueprint for global change

People in Iraq still have a long way to go, and Yarwaessi has plans beyond their current achievement. With strategies to expand the network across Iraq, MEED Foundation is poised to make even greater strides. Their ongoing work not only promises to bring continued improvements to Iraq but also serves as an inspiration for similar initiatives worldwide. As communities around the globe face their own environmental challenges, MEED Foundation’s journey illustrates how visionary leadership and collaborative efforts can pave the way for sustainable development and healthier futures.

“As we are now recognized as experts in installing, operating, and maintaining air quality sensors, the authorities in Baghdad are also expressing interest and want to engage with us,” Yarwaessi said, noting that their progress is steady and methodical, aiming to create tangible improvements in the environment and public health in Iraq.

Yarwaessi is confident that MEED Foundation’s journey will stand as a powerful testament to the impact of community-driven initiatives and the critical role of sustainable development in creating a healthier future for Iraq. As other communities around the world look to address their own environmental issues, MEED Foundation’s success offers a compelling blueprint for how localized efforts can drive global change.

The takeaway

MEED Foundation’s work in Iraq demonstrates how even the most daunting environmental challenges can be addressed through local action. By establishing a comprehensive air quality monitoring network, Amanj Yarwaessi and his team have not only improved public health in Iraq but have also created a model that can inspire similar initiatives globally. This success shows that with the right vision and commitment, localized efforts can drive significant global change, paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for all.