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 and others. The Report information will be used to develop subsequent biodiversity conservation activities.

"The Ministry attaches greatest importance to the conservation of biological diversity as a key factor in maintaining the environmental balance, which would help achieve food security and economic development," said Deputy Minister of Health and Environment, Mr. Jassim Al-Falahi during the Report launching ceremony. Mr. Al-Falahi explained that “The report enables us to evaluate what the Ministry and concerned institutions have accomplished in the area of biodiversity conservation in the past years since the implementation of the National Strategy (2015-2020). Therefore, it is necessary to identify weaknesses and take action to overcome them.”

"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 enhance cooperation in the coming period.”

The Report is a key instrument for the implementation of biodiversity targets, through focusing on fulfilling the broader priorities addressed by the global sustainable development agenda: reducing hunger and poverty, improving human health and sustaining natural resources. It also provides information for the preparation of the fifth Global Biodiversity Outlook report.

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