"The Ministry attaches greatest importance to the conservation of biological diversity as a key factor in maintaining the environmental balance" said Deputy Minister of Health and Environment, Mr. Jassim Al-Falahi. Photo: UNDP Iraq/2019.
Baghdad, 29 September 2019 – The Ministry of Health and Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and with support from the Global Environment Facility, has launched Iraq’s sixth report to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The Report presents to the international community the achievements of the National Biodiversity Strategy 2015-2020 and evaluates the actions taken at the national level to implement the related national and global targets. It also presents the outcomes of monitoring the endangered species of flora and fauna, alien and invasive species in the Iraqi environment and the current and future situations of the natural reserves proposed for candidacy, as well as the circumstances of forests and desertified lands. The Report also addresses the challenges facing biodiversity in Iraq including climate change, drought, environmental pollution
"The Ministry attaches
"We believe that there is no sustainable development if the natural environment is not protected and its biological diversity is not preserved,” said the UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Ms. Zeina Ali Ahmed, “which directly impacts the lives and stability of Iraqis, and to the well-being in their areas." She added: "UNDP is a key partner of the Iraqi government and the Ministry of Health and Environment in implementing the national environmental and development plans and strategies. Therefore, we look forward to
The Report is a key instrument for the implementation of biodiversity targets,
By launching this report, Iraq has fulfilled its obligation under Article 26 of the Convention on Biological Diversity as a State Party expected to submit the sixth national report, which is consistent with the implementation of both the current Global Biodiversity Strategy (2011-2020) and the Global Biodiversity Targets.
For more information, please contact:
Mohammed Al-Bahbahanee, Communications Specialist
Tel: +964 77 0439 9222