National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq 2024-2030.

This National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment serves as a cornerstone document for addressing Iraq's environmental challenges within the framework of national development policies. It outlines a comprehensive approach to safeguarding and enhancing the environment, guided by a Vision to create a healthy, sustainable environment that supports the growth of a safe, healthy society and a green economy. The Strategy focuses on five key strategic programs (1) Protection and improvement of the environment; (2) Climate change mitigation and adaptation; (3) Fostering partnerships; (4) Promoting environmental education; (5) Strengthening environmental governance. These programs address critical areas such as monitoring environmental quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in green infrastructure, strengthening institutional coordination, raising environmental awareness, and ensuring effective governance through legislation and policy integration. Each program is supported by specific strategic goals, totaling 28, designed to advance sustainability across all sectors of environmental activity. The document also addresses critical implementation aspects, including (i) Financing mechanisms, identifying national and external funding sources to support strategic initiatives; (ii) Monitoring and evaluation, establishing a detailed plan with performance measurement indicators to track implementation progress; (iii) an Action Plan providing a clear roadmap with an estimated budget to achieve the outlined strategic programs.
The Strategy prioritizes a sustainable and healthy environment, linking environmental well-being to societal and economic stability. It (i) upholds the right to a safe environment as a fundamental human right and emphasizes evidence-based decision-making grounded in scientific research and collaboration; (ii) respects Iraq's diverse regional contexts and addresses key environmental challenges such as water quality, waste management, biodiversity, and climate change adaptation, promoting inclusivity and equitable resource access; (iii) highlights cultural and social diversity, empowering youth and women to drive environmental awareness and innovation, and strengthens international cooperation to align Iraq's efforts with global sustainability goals.
The strategy outlines strategic programs across several key sectors (i) Waste Management: Focused on reducing natural resource loss and building sustainability through enhanced waste collection and management capacity, while increasing material recovery rates by advancing waste handling systems and transitioning to an efficient circular economy; (ii) Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Aimed at protecting and ensuring the sustainability of natural heritage, ecosystem services, and equitable sharing of genetic resources, alongside efforts to restore and sustainably manage terrestrial and marine ecosystems, combat desertification, and reverse land degradation; (iii) Water Resources and Water Security: Targets reducing water pollution, promoting sustainable water management, and improving sanitation for all in Iraq. It also seeks to minimize water loss, increase efficiency across sectors, ensure sustainable freshwater withdrawal and supply to address scarcity, enhance water demand and supply management, and develop non-conventional water resources; (iv) Coastal and Marine Ecosystems: Committed to protecting coastal and marine environments, fostering habitat and species recovery, and developing an integrated coastal area management approach with active stakeholder participation; (v) Agriculture and Food Security: Focuses on promoting climate-resilient, environmentally friendly agricultural practices that minimize pesticide and chemical fertilizer use, protect biodiversity, restore pastoral spaces, expand green areas, and enhance food security; (vi) Health Environment: Dedicated to safeguarding the environment, preserving public health from various pollutants, and preventing diseases affecting humans, animals, plants, and food safety; (vii) Chemicals and Hazardous Waste: Aims to implement and activate integrated management plans for hazardous chemicals and hazardous waste, ensuring their safe handling and disposal; (viii) Energy and Transportation: Seeks to invest in infrastructure and innovation to improve and apply clean technologies, mitigating the impacts of climate change while fostering sustainable development.