The project Sumereen: Sumerian Youth for Economic Development and Cultural Heritage supports socio-economic growth through eco-tourism and cultural heritage preservation in the Governorate of Thi Qar, south of Iraq.

Funded by the European Union (EU), the project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Governorate of Thi Qar and non-governmental organizations, namely Un Ponte Per, Humat Dijlah, Safina Projects and Carlo Leopardi Studio. It is part of the programme Supporting Recovery and Stability in Iraq through Local Development.

The fact sheet introduces the project, its objectives and activities.

Highlights

• The European Union funded the project with US$2 million over two years.
• The objective of Sumereen is to promote the Governorate of Thi Qar as a tourist destination.
• The project prioritizes the conservation of tourist infrastructure in Ur and the Marshlands, capacity building and job creation, especially for youth and women.