#Norway #Desert Control #Sandnes #UN Innovation #Iraq Agriculture

Desert Control's Innovative Partnership with the UN

Desert Control AS, a pioneer in soil and water conservation technologies, has secured a key position within the United Nations World Food Programme's (WFP) Innovation Accelerator, specifically the SPRINT Programme. This collaboration aims to implement its groundbreaking Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) technology to bolster food production in Iraq, grappling with significant environmental hurdles such as drought and desertification.

Project Overview

This innovative initiative, backed by a WFP grant, will unfold over six months, with Desert Control partnering with Soyl (formerly Mawarid Desert Control) and the WFP's Iraq office. Their collective objective is to turn arid, inhospitable lands into fruitful agricultural regions through sustainable practices. This will take place at a site overseen by the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity under harsh desert conditions.

The pilot project aims to demonstrate how LNC can significantly improve soil quality while optimizing water usage, effectively transforming low-value lands into fertile grounds capable of yielding high-value crops.

Environmental Challenges in Iraq

As stressed by Ole Kristian Sivertsen, CEO of Desert Control, Iraq faces severe environmental challenges such as recurring droughts and pervasive water scarcity that threaten food security and livelihoods. By leveraging the WFP's Innovation Accelerator, Desert Control seeks to create a replicable model for countering these pressing issues. It's not just about improving food production; it’s about enabling local communities to sustainably manage their resources and enhance resilience against climate change.

The Role of the UN WFP Innovation Accelerator

Established in 2015, the WFP Innovation Accelerator is dedicated to identifying and nurturing transformative solutions to global food insecurity. Within this framework, the SPRINT Programme provides essential support, including funding and project management expertise. It aligns perfectly with Desert Control's mission to address food production challenges using innovative technologies, thus tackling core issues tied to hunger and resource scarcity.

Bernhard Kowatsch, Head of the WFP Innovation Accelerator, emphasized the importance of innovative solutions like Liquid Natural Clay, stating that they can significantly impact areas suffering from the dual challenges of food insecurity and climate change.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Kashif Shamsi, Group CEO of Mawarid Holding, echoes this sentiment, stressing the potential for the Innovation Accelerator to foster drastic changes in community agricultural practices in arid regions. Such innovations could pave the way for a comprehensive solution blueprint aimed at eradicating hunger.

The project's success will hinge on its ability to demonstrate how arid land can support productive agriculture—targeting crops including olive trees and pistachios, and possibly enhancing the broader ecosystem. The project will assess success through metrics such as reduced water use and improved plant health.

The Future of Food Production

Through this partnership, Desert Control aims to showcase how marginal lands can transition into productive agricultural spaces that bolster food security and stimulate local economies. Ole Kristian Sivertsen remarked, "Our goal is to show that healthy soil contributes to healthy plants, enabling sustainable practices that benefit both communities and the environment."

Desert Control and its partners are committed to greening the planet—leveraging science and technology to ensure a sustainable future for food production amid increasing global pressures. By participating in the WFP initiative, Desert Control not only contributes to local agricultural resilience but also aligns its vision with global efforts to nurture a healthier planet for all.

For further inquiries or detailed information on this significant initiative, stakeholders and interested parties can reach out to the project leads directly.

Contact Details

Ole Kristian Sivertsen
President and Group CEO

• - Email: ole.sivertsen@example.com
• - Mobile (NOR): +47 957 77 777
• - Mobile (USA): +1 650 643 6136

This initiative exemplifies how innovative thinking, when paired with collaboration among organizations, can address some of the world’s most formidable challenges, fostering a sustainable future for food security in vulnerable regions.