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

1 Dr. Bushra Ali Ahmed Ministry of Environment Follow-up Directorate General Director of Planning & Follow-

2 Dr. Raghad Asad Kadim Ministry of Environment up Directorate

3 Dr. kais Hassan Alwan Ministry of Environment Planning & Follow up Directorate

4 Samia Nasr Hussian Ministry of Environment Planning & Follow up Directorate

5 Muna Fadhel Khalel Ministry of Environment Planning & Follow up Directorate

6 Shurooq Saad Qasim Ministry of Environment Technical Directorate

7 Rana Suhail Najm Ministry of Environment Technical Directorate

8 Rana Fadhil Shakir Ministry of Environment Directorate of Climate Change

9 Ahmed Mahdi Saleh Ministry of Environment Directorate of Climate Change

10 Ali Fayssal Abed Noor Ministry of Environment Urban Environment Directorate International Environmental

11 Ahmed Abdul Kareem Muslim Ministry of Environment Relations Department

12 Luay Abdul Nabi Khalaf Ministry of Environment Technical Deputy Minister Office Environment protection & Improvement

13 Hind Sameer Al mudhafar Ministry of Environment Directorate in Middle Region Environment protection & Improvement

14 Khalif Abadi Raddam Ministry of Environment Directorate in Middle Euphrates Region Environment protection & Improvement

15 Wasan Abas Jbarah Ministry of Environment Directorate in Southern Region Environment protection & Improvement

16 Viyan Fatherland Abdulrahman Ministry of Environment Directorate in North Region

17 Abas Taeh Masoud Ministry of Environment Legal Department

18 Ali Baker Kareem Ministry of Environment Governmental Coordination Office

19 Mohammed Abbas Saifullah Ministry of Environment Administrative Deputy Minister Office

20 Faiq Karem Salman Ministry of Environment Administrative Deputy Minister Office General Secretariat of the

21 Dr. Ameer Fadhil Abdul Rahman Public Policy Department Council of Ministers Industrial Development and

22 Maitham Adham Al Zubaidy Ministry of Industry and Minerals organization directorate /head of environment department Directorate of Planning, Studying &

23 Abdul Ghafoor M.A.Ghafoor Ministry of Oil Following up Directorate of Planning, Studying &

24 Rand Oday Yousif Ministry of Oil Following up

25 Nisreen Azeez Lefta Ministry of Health Technical Affairs Department

26 Mazin Ali Hussain Ministry of Electricity Directorate of Planning and Studies Directorate of Planning, Studying &

27 Maha Ibrahim Ministry of Electricity Following up

28 Osama Qusay Abul Al Sattar Ministry of Electricity Directorate of Planning and Studies Head of total quality management

29 Shaymaa modher Ministry of Electricity & organization development central department Department of Agricultural Extension

30 Dr.Rawea Mizel Mahmood Ministry of Agriculture and Training

31 Dhiyaa Ismaeel Fiza Ministry of Agriculture Forest and Desertification Directorate 5 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) List of contributors from the Iraqi Government # Name Ministry Department

32 Nahla Mohammed Jassim Mayoralty of Baghdad Planning & Follow up Directorate

33 Kareem Adab Chyad Mayoralty of Baghdad Directorate Solid Waste & Environment

34 Nidhal Habeeb Hasasn Ministry of Water Resources Directorate Solid Waste & Environment The General Authority for Dams

35 Laith Abdul Sattarb Jabbar Ministry of Water Resources and Reservoirs Ministry of Construction &

36 Suhair luay zeki Planning & Follow up Directorate Housing & Municipalities Public Ministry of Construction &

37 Sana Sami Aziz Technical Directorate Housing & Municipalities Public Ministry of Construction &

38 Osama Latef Mohammad General Directorate of Municipalities Housing & Municipalities Public

39 Muneer Abood Mohammed Ministry Foreign Affairs General Directorate of Municipalities Department of International Organization

40 Susan Ahmed Muhsen Ministry of Interior And conference The Ministry of Labour and Civil Defense Directorate/Environmental

41 Mustafa Abdul Hassan Jaber Social Affaires Police Department Environmental Protection &

42 Zahraa Jaafar Faraj Directorate of Planning and Studies Improvement Board Environmental Protection &

43 Heval Ahmed Mohammed Kurdistan Regional Government Improvement Board Environmental Protection &

44 Dilon Saleem Shamoon Kurdistan Regional Government Improvement Board Environmental Protection &

45 Parwar Ghaliub Hasan Kurdistan Regional Government Improvement Board

46 Mohanad Eyoob Mostafa Ministry Of Planning Kurdistan Regional Government

47 Dr. Muhummed Muhsin Al Syed Ministry Of Planning Regional & Local Development

48 Jabar Jumaah Luaibi Ministry Of Planning Regional & Local Development

49 Ban Ali Abood Ministry Of Education Regional & Local Development Ministry of higher education &

50 Yusra Sabah Obaid The Planning Directorate scientific research Ministry of higher education &

51 Ibrahim Mahdi Azooz Research & development department scientific research Ministry of higher education &

52 Zahraa Yahia Kadhimj Research & development department scientific research Ministry of higher education &

53 Dr. Nadheer Abood Fazaa University of Baghdad scientific research Presidency of the Council

54 Dr. Muna Sabah Qasem National Investment Commission of Ministers Presidency of the Council

55 Huda Mohammad Jasim National Investment Commission of Ministers 6 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) List of contributors from the UNDP # Name Ministry Department Environment, Energy, and Climate Change

1 Mr. Mamunur Rashid UNDP Portfolio Manager

2 Mr. Ammar Abu Drais UNDP International Expert

3 Dr. Abdul Hameed M. Jawad UNDP National Expert

4 Dr. Haider S. Abid UNDP National Expert

5 Mr. Mustafa A. Ali UNDP Project Assistant

6 Mr. Ibrahim Al-Taey UNDP Programme Associate

7 Mr. Ali Al-Muwali UNDP Project Officer 7 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Opening Remarks—His Excellency the Minister of Environment I am pleased to place the new National Strategy for Environmental Protection and Improvement in Iraq that covers the period 2024 – 2030 in your hands. This strategy has been devised in a way that reflects the high level of commitment of the Republic of Iraq and the official, civil, and local organizations it represents to the global agenda for sustainable development by working effectively within international fora and global agreements to achieve the required level of environmental protection, conservation of its components, and integration into development plans within the system of sustainable solutions. This strategy, along with the pollution reduction strategy, represents a roadmap for the Ministry of Environment, and many national partners have essential roles in it by dint of legislation that accorded them a major role in planning and implementation, as well as our full conviction in the Ministry of Environment of the importance of the public participation role to ensure the highest levels of coordination, and organizing the authorities, responsibilities, and duties among all national institutions. Confronting the increasing environmental and development challenges requires strengthing the Ministry of Environment’s role at the legislative, administrative, and technical levels, and that is what we continuously work on with all our partners to confirm the development of the Ministry’s ability in all dimensions to undertake its role and duty in protecting and improving the environment’s elements and the sustainable use of natural resources in the context of comprehensive plans for sustainable development in Iraq. Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to all members of the working group participated in preparing this strategy from the Ministry of Environment and other ministries and partner institutions for their great efforts and commitment. I also extend my gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for their financial, organizational, and technical support for preparing the strategy. His Excellency the Minister of Environment Nizar Muhammad Saeed Amedi 8 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The Summary This document represents the national strategy for Iraq seeks to continue developing environmental protecting and improving the environment in Iraq protection capabilities by reducing pressures on and the basic pillar through which the Ministry of different social, development, and environmental Environment tackles environmental issues within systems, by implementing comprehensive protection the national development policy frameworks. The measures considering gender aspects. Therefore, Ministry has- up to the present time- developed this national strategy has been developed to integrate several legislative frameworks, including laws and environmental protection measures within all the regulations for environmental protection and climate relevant sectors in Iraq. The process of preparing the change, among others. national strategy followed a set of steps that aimed at ensuring the effective participation of different institutions and experts under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment as the national authority The National Strategy for Environment Protection and responsible for environmental protection in Iraq, Improvement document was prepared based on an where it coordinates national efforts in terms of assessment of the current state of the environment policies, legislation, and implementation of measures according to scientific reports and published data and procedures related to environmental protection from different sectors. at the national level. The Republic of Iraq has always faced environmental The strategy addressed the strategic framework: risks, pressures, and challenges, such as population vision, mission, core values, and five strategic growth-- which has led to increased pressure on the programs that include all technical and environmental natural environment-- unsustainable use of natural dimensions and good governance of environmental resources, the construction of dams, and measures activity. to divert waterways by neighboring countries, which has led to a decline in the level of water resources and a negative effect on the environment. Neglecting environmental dimensions during the planning and implementation stages of development projects led to multiple environmental problems. These encompass not taking the necessary measures, enacting regulations and legislation, reorganizing the exploitation of land, water, and natural resources, and preventing harmful practices that impose pressure on environmental elements-- such as grazing, poaching, cutting trees, and hunting wild animals-- in addition to not regulating irrigation to stop the encroachment, and legalizing irrigation to stop this harmful encroachment of millions of tons has led to an increase in the area of desertified lands or those threatened by desertification. 9 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The Vision Healthy and sustainable environment conducive to the development of a safe & healthy society with green economy The Message Protection and Improvement of the Environment & work for the sustainability of all its components by adopting comprehensive planning approaches built on governance and partnership between institutions and individuals. 10 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) 11 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The first strategic program “Protecting and Improving the Environment” encompasses nine sectors that were identified through dialogues and consultations with the stakeholders (Figure 1) Figure 1: “Environmental Protection and Improvement Program” sectors Several strategic goals have been identified for each program. Twenty-eight strategic goals would contribute to achieving the desired sustainability at the environmental activity level in all sectors. The strategy also includes several supporting sections, including financing to clarify the sources available to finance the strategy from national and external sources. In addition, the strategy encompassed a monitoring and evaluation plan that aimed to monitor the implementation progress, which included performance measurement indicators and a road map. Finally, the national strategy encompassed an action plan, which included an estimated budget for achieving the suggested strategic programs. 12 1 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Part One: Introduction “Iraqi Ministry of Environment has accorded the utmost importance to the development and preparation of this strategy for environmental action in Iraq to serve as a guide and a platform for action for all stakeholders working in the public and private sectors and civil society organizations. The strategy aims at addressing the fundamental problems facing the environmental elements of Iraq over the next seven years.” 13 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The Challenges to the Iraqi legislation, reorganizing the exploitation of land, water, and natural resources, and preventing harmful Environment practices that put pressure on environmental elements such as grazing, poaching, cutting trees, The area of Iraq is (435,052 km²) where land hunting wild animals, and legalizing irrigation to stop comprises most of the area, while a limited sea this harmful encroachment of millions of tons of outlet overlooks the Arabian Gulf. Iraq is famous for shifting sand, which has led, in turn, to increasing its large river system consisting of the Euphrates and the area of desertified lands or those threatened Tigris rivers and their tributaries and the Shatt al- by desertification. It is worthwhile to note that the Arab, where the Tigris River supplies approximately areas exposed to the problem of desertification in (65.77%) of the total annual water quantities in Iraq. Iraq are increasing, as they increased from (26.8 The natural environment features in Iraq are diverse, million dunums) in 2018 to (27.3 million dunums) in as the mountainous areas, valleys, and forests 2020, in addition to the increase in the area of lands located in northern Iraq are spread in the Kurdistan threatened by desertification from (93.7 million region, to the hills represented by the Hamrin and dunums) in 2018 to (94.3 million). dunams) in 2020. Makhul hill series and others, to the plain areas located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, to the wastelands and arid steppes and the desert western plateau. The Mesopotamian Marshes, located in southern Iraq, are considered one of The Regulatory and Legislative the important natural environments, in addition to several natural and artificial lakes suchas Lake Framework in Iraq Sawa, Al-Tharthar, Al-Razzaza, and others, Dokan, The Environmental Protection and Improvement Darbandikhan, Dohuk, Samaquli, and Kuma Span, Council associated with the Ministry of Health which hold international importance. (1995-1997) is considered the first organizational structure that assumed responsibility for issuing Iraq is considered one of the dry and semi-arid environmental laws and instructions in Iraq until geographical regions, increasing the fragility of 2003, which witnessed a political change that led to its environments, ecosystems, and biodiversity. the establishment of the Ministry of Environment for Climate changes, such as low rainfall rates, have the first time in Iraq’s history to assume leadership also affected Iraq, causing a decline in lakes and of environmental legislation. Thus, environmental rivers water levels. Rising temperatures have also activity has transformed to institutional work with affected Iraq, which have led to an increase in a comprehensive vision that confirms that the drought, desertification, fires, and the intensity environment is one undividable unit and is not limited and frequency of dust storms. Despite these to areas or environmental sectors alone. pressures, large areas of Iraq are still of global and local importance that require protection, such as The Ministry of Environment Law No. (37) of the marsh areas- which have been included on the 2008 was issued, clarifying the structure and World Heritage List- in addition to the declaration of responsibilities of the Ministry, the goals it seeks to many protected areas of natural importance and the achieve, and the tasks assigned to it. Environment environmental services they provide with important Protection and Improvement Law No. (27) of 2009 economic returns. followed, consummating the legislative process for protecting the environment, noting that there are The pressures and challenges are not limited to many regulations and instructions related to the climate change, as the environment of Iraq faces Kurdistan region, the most important of which are many challenges, such as population growth-- the Environment Protection and Improvement Law which has led to increased pressures on the natural in the Kurdistan Region No. (8) of 2008 and the environment and the unsustainable use of natural Environmental Protection and Improvement Authority resources-- and the construction of dams by Law in the Kurdistan region No. (3) of 2010. neighboring countries, which has led to a decline in the level of water resources and a negative effect The first version of the environmental protection on the environment. Neglecting environmental strategy was developed in 2013 to achieve visions of dimensions during development projects’ planning sustainable development. Still, the implementation and implementation stages has increased of that strategy has stumbled as it was prepared at environmental stress. These include not taking the level of projects in the different sectors related the necessary measures, enacting regulations and to environmental issues as well as the security conditions 14 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) that Iraq underwent because of the military actions Concomitant with the requirements of the to eliminate the ISIS terrorist organization. Also, the international community to confront climate National Strategy to Reduce Environmental Pollution change, Iraq submitted its nationally determined and Action Plan in Iraq 2022-2030 has been launched contributions to the United Nations Framework to control and reduce pollution by setting specific Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in strategic goals that would be achieved through October 2021 with a pledge to reduce greenhouse an action plan. Accordingly, the proposed national gases by (17%) by investing 2% as unconditional strategy to protect and improve the environment in contributions and 15% as conditional contributions Iraq (2024-2030) would comport with Iraq’s Vision by 2030. 2030, which is deemed a comprehensive framework for the development process in Iraq linked to achieving sustainable development goals, and The Stakeholders works on creating a sustainable environment that comports with the national development plan for The strategy’s importance emanates from its the years 2018-2022, which is considered the most inclusion of the respective environmental sectors important step in Iraq’s sustainable development and does not exclude any of the Iraq state’s sectors: journey towards a future in which it aspires to be Thus, all are partners in protecting and improving an advanced country on the economic, political, the environment and its sustainability. It will be cultural, social, and environmental fronts. effective on all levels, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1: Interactivity and stakeholders in environmental protection, improvement, and sustainability 15 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) 2 Part Two: Strategic Plan 16 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The Vision The Message 17 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The Core Value of the Strategy Inclusivity The strategy is based on the following core values: The inclusiveness of the National Strategy for Environmental Protection and Improvement emanates from how its addresses all the enabling Sustainable healthy environment factors that can lead to environment population and its elements or that can lead to disturbing the The sustainable environment positively interacts environmental ecosystem, and the strategy’s ability with society and the economy and supports human to pose solutions for addressing the negative effects well-being, which establishes the necessity of of these factors, prioritizing the provision of water, adopting a comprehensive environmental approach soil, and high-quality environmental ecosystems, that addresses environmental challenges hand-in- adequate sanitation services, adequate waste hand with physical, biological, social, economic, and management, preventing pollution, preserving political factors. biodiversity, in addition to providing healthy, sufficient food to avoid unnecessary expenses resulting from curable pathogens. The inclusivity of Right to safe environment is a basic pillar for Iraqi the strategy also emanates from its inclusion of the citizen’s rights. climate component, which boosts immunity, raises the preparation level for adapting to the negative The sustainability and safety of the environmental consequences of climate change, and limits the elements of water, air, soil, and biodiversity is a dangers of natural disasters and contributes to its fundamental pillar of the citizen’s right to a healthy limitation through limiting gas emissions and in a way environment and ensuring environmental justice that achieves national aspirations and compliance as one of the basic pillars of human rights, which with international treaties alike. supports the stability of environmental, social, political, and economic conditions, which, in Attention to cultural and social diversity and turn, is reflected in the proliferation/prosperity of encouraging societal participation. development programs. Attending to cultural and society diversity and Evidence-based decision-making. enabling society’s members, including young adults and women, to have pioneering roles is one of the Dialogue with effective solutions “in reality” fundamental pillars of implementing a strategy characterizes decisions based on scientific facts. for protecting and improving the environment. Therefore, decision-making regarding issues related Environmental activity accentuates the need for to the environment needs to be based on the available including all society’s groups, including young evidence and scientific information, which requires adults and women, through their expected major conducting research, providing information, and role in spreading environmental awareness and fair relaying and making it available to all stakeholders. interaction with environmental resources—through a Cooperation between different relevant parties in green environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive providing the necessary information is extremely economy—which, in turn, greatly and fundamentally important to reach evidence-based decisions. curtails environmental problems. Encouraging societal participation would bolster the needed Respect for the national and local contexts entrepreneurship and innovation for facing the environmental challenges through transforming into The governorates of Iraq and its geographic areas a green economy where young adults and women differ tremendously in their areas, geographic play a primary role. characteristics, population, economy, and environmental problems, which necessitates Strengthening International cooperation considering the specificity of each area within a comprehensive framework that guarantees the Environmental activity is not confined to national, special procedures unique to the regulations of or even regional, borders, and it necessitates protecting and improving the environment and caters an international view. Goal 17 of the Sustainable to the national aspirations regarding achieving the Development Goals stipulates the reinforcement goals of sustainable green economic growth and of the methods of international cooperation and international commitments. invigorating it for sustainable financial development. To revive the global partnership for sustainable development, 18 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) environmental activity in Iraq would, thus, contribute sustainable communication channels at the national, effectively to the achievement of sustainable local, and international levels. Efficient coordination development goals and the reinforcement of encompasses ensuring the implementation of international partnerships and strategic programs necessary linkages (nexuses), such as the energy- for Iraq’s environment in 2030. transportation-urban environment nexus and the food / agriculture-water-energy-environment nexus, The National Strategy for Environmental Protection which lead to institutional and effective action and and Improvement in the Republic of Iraq aims at ensure that there is no duplication of roles that the achieving five major programs across all the target different entities play. sectors and they are: The Environmental Cultural Dissemination Program: Ensuring the promotion and upgrading of the knowledge level among all sectors of society Environmental Protection, Improvement and and at all levels of the importance and preservation Sustainability Program: The strategy seeks to of the environment and the multifaceted relations of protect and improve the environmental elements the environment with all actors in Iraq. This program of soil, air, and water and to preserve biodiversity encompasses the design and implementation of and land, water, and marine ecosystems. This awareness programs, which include target selection program encompasses monitoring the quality of and tools that are needed and appropriate to the environment’s water, air, and soil components, convey the environmental message efficiently and implementation of programs to control economic influentially. and human activities, licensing procedures, environmental approvals, environmental impact Environmental Governance Program: Providing assessment, and law enforcement studies, among rational governance that is capable of managing the others. environmental profile that integrates roles between different entities and contributes positively to integrating environmental considerations into the design, planning, implementation, and environmental control stages, implementing laws and legislation Climate Change Program: It includes assiduous and in force at the sectoral level, and influencing and sustained action to mitigate the effects of climate developing policies and legislation to ensure strong change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and institutional growth. adapting to the effects of climate change in the context of the gradual transformation of the green economy, investing in green infrastructure, and promoting green jobs. This program encompasses involving all relevant governmental bodies that regulate the work of sectors that climate change affects and that are affected by it, involving the private sector, civil society institutions, and other relevant actors effectively, as well as empowering partnerships with international organizations. Strengthening Partnerships Program: Strengthening and ensuring the Ministry of Environment’s capacity to coordinate with a wide range of relevant sectors and organizations to achieve national priorities and international commitments-- including relevant sustainable development goals and environmental agreements-- and to cultivate 19 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Part Three: Strategic Programs 20 3 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Waste Sector Facts and Figures in the range of (20.37) and (19.7) million tons/year during (2017) and (2020), respectively. Landfill in The number of municipal service establishments sites without environmental approvals is the most in Iraq increased in 2020 to (256) compared to the approved method of disposing municipal wastes, 2017 baseline of 251 municipal waste collectors and sites with environmental approval account for (61.9%), (64.6%) in rural areas, and (87.7%) and 28% of the total number of healthy landfill sites. (89.9%) in urban areas for the years (2017) and Iraq’s governorates saw a total of 87 transfer plants, (2020), respectively. of which only 14 have environmental approval. 2020 statistics indicate two waste screening and recycling As for the rate of waste generated per person, it plants in Iraq, which recycled 11,495 tons of regular was approximately 1.5 kg/day, having increased waste during 2020-- representing a very small by (25%) in 2020 from the baseline year (2017). proportion compared to what has been transported Statistics indicate that the normal amount of waste to landfill sites (19.7 million tons). Furthermore, in the raised and transported to health landfill sites was Kurdistan region, a waste transfer station in Tangro produces RDF as fuel for cement plants and waste sorting plants in Dohuk/Kwashi and Akre. Two Strategic Goals will be achieved in this sector, and they are: Strategic Goal (1): Reducing the loss of natural resources and building sustainability programs through raising the waste collection and management capacity. Strategic Goal (2): Increase the material recovery rate by increasing the waste handling capacity and moving towards an efficient circular economy. The proposed programs for the • Proposing a public-private road map to shift towards limiting the usage of single-use plastic Waste Sector on the household and commercial levels. • Developing a financially sustainable national • Conducting a market assessment and feasibility strategy and action plan for municipal solid study to determine investment projects and waste. programs related to organic waste. • Strengthing the municipal waste management • Preparing a baseline study and a roadmap to authority’s financial management and capacity shift to green jobs in the waste sector. for strategic planning. • Developing and implementing a policy and • Developing programs for waste management national construction and demolition waste and a circular economy to reinforce invention, management programs. training, research & development, and investment. • Designing and implementing national awareness campaigns of waste management. • Working on establishing hazardous waste treatment and landfill sites, increasing investment opportunities, and generating added returns from them. • Building municipal solid waste infrastructure and establishing sanitary landfill sites to reduce pollution and promote recycling. 21 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Ecosystems and Biodiversity Sector Facts and Figures Ten environmental areas were identified in Iraq that As for birds, of the available data from 2014, 410 are deemed environmentally important, and 4500 species had been registered including more than plant types were recorded in Iraq, of which 195 are 200 resident species, 182 migratory species, and 18 endemic species while 30 exotic and invasive plant species deemed priority protection. The proportion species were recorded. of resident breeding birds in Iraq is as high as 50%, underlining the significant role of marshlands Fifty-two fish species were recorded in the Tigris and as winter habitats for migratory waterfowl. This Euphrates Basins, dominated by the shipwrecked is evident when we consider the presence of 68 family, as well as 13 species of invasive fish. In important waterfowl species within the marshland the marshland area, 25 marine fish species were region, each contributing to the significance of registered, and six exotic species were found in both this area in the context of migratory corridors. The the rouge and the Al-Hawiza marshes. region’s importance to birds stems from the fact that it constitutes a shelter for migratory water birds that spend winter in the north and are an important Looking at mammals in Iraq, 80 species have been starting point for some species of migratory water registered, two of which are considered endemic to birds from western Siberia and Central Asia to the Arabian Peninsula region. The list of mammals eastern and southern Africa. Iraq has 74 important includes six species of insect eaters, 20 species bird areas, biodiversity and endemic bird areas. of bats, 19 species of predators, eight species of In the Kurdistan region, a type of tiger has been bones, and 26 species of rodents. Ten amphibian recorded. species have also been registered in Iraq, one of which is endemic to the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and 97 reptiles. Invertebrates comprise a large number of species; two crustacean species, 28 insect species, 102 radial vases, and two stingrays have been detected to date. Two strategic goals are accomplished in this sector, and they are: Strategic Goal (1): To protect and ensure the sustainability of natural heritage, and ecosystem services and to in order to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of their genetic resources. Strategic Goal (2): To protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, forest management, combating desertification and halting and reversing land degradation. The proposed programs for the • Developing a strategic plan for Ecosystem-based adaptation and ecosystem-based solutions in Ecosystems and Biodiversity Iraq. Sector • Developing a strategy for restoring critical habitats in Iraq. • Development of Iraq’s network of natural reserves to ensure integrity and comprehensiveness of ecosystems. • Creating a biodiversity and environmental systems database. • Developing the laws and regulatory frameworks for the natural heritage protection program. • Assessing climate change effects on ecosystems and biodiversity in Iraq. 22 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Water Resources and Water Security Sector Facts and Figures drying were (23.9) °C and were (25.17) °C in the 1990s; the high temperature were also (31.6) °C and The quantity of water processed for different uses (33.2) °C, and the amount of humidity was 61% and (agricultural, domestic, industrial, and environmental) became 41%. According to the year (2020)’s data, is estimated at about 31.82 billion m3 (2018). The the rate of immersion falls between (75-82%). data shows that the percentage of drinking water and household use in 2017 and 2020 are 6.8% and The data shows that both Nineveh and Salahuddin 14.5% respectively, noting that one of the most governorates registered the highest acceptable rate important challenges is the overconsumption of in the turbidity test, salinity, and bacteriological and water due to the lack of citizen awareness according residual chlorine tests at (100%) during (2017 and to the reports issued by the relevant authorities. 2021), while data shows that Thi-Qar governorate registered the lowest acceptable salinity level at The groundwater level differs between (3-300 m) (20%) and (4.1%) during (2017 and 2021). Basra While groundwater depths in some areas of the Governorate registered the lowest acceptable Kurdistan region range between (200-700 m) and percentage of salinity (11.08% and 2.6%) during the their annual renewable quantity is almost (4.3-5.243 years (2017 and 2021), respectively. billion m3) and increases or decreases depending on the amount of rainfall. Their quality and salinity There was also a 22.2% increase in the number of change according to their source of nutrition, being central medium and small-size treatment plants generally carbonic and fresh within Iraq’s northern and units in the sewage services sector, compared and northeastern regions, “Sulphuric” with weak and to 2017 and 202. There was a 34.4% increase in medium salinity in the eastern and western parts treated wastewater and a 1.73% decrease in the and turns into chloride water with high salinity within sewage servers service recipients (wastewater and the central and southern parts of easy sedimentary. shared) and an 11.52% and 5.3% increase in service recipients of the independent treatment system The marshland areas, which decreased from 15000 (ground tank) and the percentage of rainwater - 20000 km2 to fewer than 2,000 km2 of the Central networks recipients, respectively. Marshlands, the Hummar Marshland, and Al-Hawiza, shrank by 97%, 94%, and 66%, respectively, and This indicates that most of Iraq’s human populations they transformed into dry land with the migration of lack basic sanitation systems and 61% of the village the majority of the inhabitants of the marshland. The inhabitants deliberately used areas nearby their dehydration process coincided with a sharp decline homes to drain directly. Since more than one-third of in the water levels of the Tigris and Euphrates villages use water untreated directly from the river rivers following the construction of the dams in or marshland, the current sanitation situation raises Syria, Turkey, and Iran. The drying of the marshes serious public health concerns as water-borne contributed to changing climate conditions as the diseases risks and the provision of wastewater average temperatures over the 10 years before treatment services is of the utmost importance. In the cities of the Kurdistan region, there are no sewage treatment plants yet. Four strategic goals will be achieved in this sector: Strategic Goal (1): To reduce water pollution and ensure the sustainable management of water resources to maintain their sustainability and to promote sanitation for all in Iraq. Strategic Goal (2): Reduce water loss and increase water efficiency in all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawal and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity, and greatly reduce the number of people who face water scarcity. Strategic Goal (3): Enhance water demand and water supply management. Strategic Goal (4): Provide new non- conventional water resources. 23 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The proposed programs for the • Encouraging and supporting farmers to use modern irrigation methods and activating the Water Resources and Water roles of water users’ associations. Security Sector • Establishing industrial wastewater treatment plants. • Establishment of a financing facility/mechanism for the rainwater harvesting project. • Enhancing energy efficiency in well fields and pumping stations. • Implementation of new central water projects to improve water supply. • Improving decentralized water supplies and sanitation solutions at the governorates level. • Operationalizing the system of incentives, law enforcement, and mitigation measures against violators of water sources, as well as the water • Conducting feasibility studies to rehabilitate networks operating to prevent contamination rainwater drainage systems. from citizens and other sectors. • Improving the surface and groundwater quality • Rehabilitation and regulation of water systems through using main velometers and locks, as • Desalination of seawater through renewable well as linking all participants systematically energy sources. (household meters) and pursuing the electronic automation system project in the water sector. • Improved infrastructure for municipal and agricultural water transmission and distribution • Developing awareness programs for efficient networks. use of potable water (reducing consumption) and, thus, reducing water loss. • Sustainable use and reduction of over-pumping of groundwater. • Implementation of “Baghdad governorate water supplies improvement” project. • Continuous assessment and strict monitoring of water emerging from wastewater treatment • Improving irrigation efficiency programs. plants towards water sources. 24 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Sector Facts and Figures The Arabian Gulf is Iraq’s only port in the world, the sector in 2017 was 1, 521 people in the domestic as Iraq’s sea coast reaches a length of about 58 sector with an additional reported 832 people for kilometers and the port of Umm Qasr in Basra is one coastal marine fishing. Regarding aquaculture, has of the most important Iraqi ports overlooking the been active in Iraq since the 1970s and started in Gulf. Coral reefs exist in Iraqi coastal waters covering fresh water on a limited scale, with the expansion an area of 28 square kilometers in the Arabian Gulf in and semi-intensive production in the ground basins the Shatt Al-Arab estuary. Coral reefs are important and, according to recent statistics from the State and indicative of adaptation to one of the world’s Authority for Fisheries Resources Development, harshest coral reef environments, with seawater aquaculture production has increased in recent temperatures in this region ranging from 14 to 34 years, from 14,000 tons in 2004 to a record 31, degrees Celsius. The coral reefs also encompass 800 tons in 2017. Ostensible fish consumption was many living stone reefs, eight corals, opiooroids and estimated at 2.6 kg/person in 2016 and imports of the two-shelled ones. fish in 2017 and fish products were estimated at $148 million and exports at $80,000. The production of fish from inland waters in 2017 is about 28,900 tons, having sharply declined from 53,460 tons in 2013. While it reached about 6,300 tons in 2017 in sea water. The main fishing gear used for fishing are gill nets, traps, and trawls operating with 332 estimated fishing vessels in 2017, as well as 6,500 small indoor boats. Total employment in Two Strategic Goals will be achieved in this sector, and they are: Strategic Goal (1): Protect coastal and marine ecosystems and promote habitat and species recovery. Strategic Goal (2): Develop an integrated coastal area management approach participatively with all stakeholders. The proposed programs for the Coastal Ecosystems Sector • Implementing monitoring programs to monitor respond and align with integrated coastal area the marine ecosystems and operationalize management principles. control and law enforcement tools. • Developing marine biofouling mitigation strategy. • Implementation and development of a comprehensive strategy for integrated coastal area management. • Establishing and developing a marine reserve within the nature reserve network. • Developing legislation and regulations that 25 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Agricultural and (about 75%), while the remaining farmers depend on livestock or mixed crop and livestock production systems. There was a 42% reduction in the arable Food Security land area for the period between 2017 and 2020, with a 1.7% increase in desert land and 0.53% increase Sector in land threatened by desertification, while the area of demic land comprises the largest area with 6.7 million Dunums, which irrigated land followed-- (5.0) Facts and Figures million dunums-- and the land using wells at (2.8) million Dunums. The agricultural sector employs approximately 18.7% of Iraq’s workforce and women comprise 23.3%. It The number of insecticides used in 2016 reached is considered the second largest contributor-- at (133.437.482 litrs) in 2016 of liquid substances and 5%-- to domestic output after oil. It is one of (14.792.3755 kg) of solids and fungicides, (8.252.945 the most water-consuming sectors, consuming litres) for liquid materials, and (1.584.121.46 kg) for approximately 30 billion m3/year by 75-80% of Iraq’s solids. The quantity of insecticides was (4.872.29065 water resources. The decline in water resources litres) for liquid substances and (186.156 kg for solid would result in the loss of much land area, causing materials) and these numbers exclude Nineveh, heavy losses, as well as the increasing percentage Salahuddin, and Anbar governorates because of the unemployed due to the interruption of many of lack of data due to poor security conditions. agricultural projects, resulting in high poverty rates. Fertilizer use in the governorates for the year The use of unlined, open, and old irrigation channels, 2016 reached 35,830.6996 tons of Urea fertilizer not upgrading the infrastructure, and using old and 2.181,575.66 tons of composted fertilizer. As irrigation techniques have also only increased for the exorbitant use of fertilizers and pesticides, the Earth’s water levels, waterlogging, and soil large quantities of chemical fertilizers and salts are salinization. discharged into rivers through irrigation or rainwater, where direct agricultural drainage in rivers increases Agriculturally productive land comprises the concentration of nitrates, phosphates, and approximately (23.4 million Dunums), but the area heavy metals. Therefore, the system of agricultural currently under cultivation is estimated at almost (13 drainage systems would preserve the fresh river million Dunums). Crop production is considered the environment from pollution. main source of income for the majority of farmers Two Strategic Goals will be achieved in this sector, and they are: Strategic Goal (1): Promote the pattern of environmentally friendly and climate-resistant agriculture to ensure the reduced use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers to protect environmental components. Strategic Goal (2): Protect and restore pastoral spaces and increase green speaces to ensure sustainable use of biodiversity and achieving food security. 26 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Proposed programs for Agriculture and Food Security Health Environment • Developing a strategy and action plan for Sector improving the agricultural sector’s market (rationalization and orientation of domestic Facts and Figures consumption, exports, and imports). The healthcare sector generates an average of 331 • Enhance and increase the packing, storage, and cooling infrastructure for fruits and vegetables tons/month of hazardous medical waste in Iraq. that the private sector manages. The sector has generally adopted the separation of medical waste from non-medical waste--but 57% of • Strengthening organic agriculture through healthcare institutions only partially separate waste. sharing knowledge and market development. The sector generally processes medical waste by autoclave, which is currently used in all health • Conducting agricultural research to improve the suitability of innovation efforts in the agriculture services, not to mention one incinerator for each sector. 250 kg/hour. It is worth noting that the percentage of incinerators in hospitals is limited (54%) while • The development and implementation of a the presence of cutting devices with high pressure national afforestation programme in Iraq that is estimated at (18%); according to data from the comports with nature-based solutions and adaptation-based ecosystems. Ministry of Health, the percentage of treated solid waste is estimated to be 100%. • Supporting rural green growth and employment through ecosystem restoration. • Promote flexible crop planning, a comprehensive crop selection methodology and decision- In addition, governmental hospitals use shredding making process based on appropriate concepts and cutting machines or through medical of soil, water, and economic competitiveness. incinerators. Private hospitals and other health institutions transfer their medical waste to the • Increased use of hydroponics and environmentally nearest government hospital that owns the above friendly agriculture in urban and rural areas. incinerators so they can dispose of it if they • Assess the national and market feasibility of cannot do so themselves. The Kurdistan region utilizing the agricultural sector’s biological waste generates 63 tons/month of healthcare waste as resource potential. and, on the level of healthcare organizations, the environmental statistics for 2020 estimate the • Design and implementation of capacity-building number of organizations with chemicals, vaccines, programme in agriculture and forestry. and expired medicines at (169) health organizations and at (11.7%) of the total number of healthcare • Strengthening the agricultural sector against the negative effects of climate change. organizations in Iraq. • Adopting and spreading tissue agriculture for different fruit trees and crops and its importance in palm propagation. • Using modern technology in early warning and predictive climate scenarios to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the agricultural sector • Building an agricultural database that matches the requirements of international support mechanisms. • Supporting innovation and creativity with awards in the fields of green development and green economy. • Inspection visits to work sites to evaluate the work environment (including the private sector). • Recording statistics on work injuries and occupational diseases. 27 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) One strategic goal will be achieved in this sector: Strategic goal (1): To protect the environment, preserve public health from pollution of all kinds, and prevent diseases that affect humans, animals, plants, and food safety. The proposed programs for the this is followed by the food products industry at 30%, while the rest of the industrial activities were limited Health Environment Sector to 20%. Engineering sector companies and factories comprised the largest number in 2020, 15 companies • Develop a national database of health damages and 77 laboratories, while discontinued factories arising from pollution. accounted for 31.1% of the total number of labs. Comparing the number of enterprises operating for • Encourage and stimulate scientific research to assess the relationship between environmental the year 2020 with the year 2019 of 670, the number pollution and public health. of enterprises increased by 7.3% due to the growth of private activity in the manufacturing sector and in • Develop a national strategy to integrate all governorates. environmental health considerations into the Ministry of Health’s public health programmes. Available data indicate that the industrial sector • Develop a strategic plan for integrating green greatly contributes to air pollution while noting building concepts into the infrastructure. the absence of data on air pollutants that result from industrial operations due to the absence of • Developing green spaces in ways that are equipment to measure air pollutants. Available compatible with national considerations. information shows that several industries contribute to air emissions, such as cement factories, where • Develop programmes to address and adapt to their number (except in the Kurdistan region) in the diseases resulting from the negative effects of climate change. year (2017) reached 19 factories. Data also indicate that there are 58 dust deposits in these factories. • Preparing and implementing the National Most cement factories have been constructed Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction. without an environmental impact assessment study, and all cement factories dump cement dust that is • Conducting periodic professional examinations deposited from ovens in unorganized landfill sites. (medical and laboratory) for employees. While in the Kurdistan region, all cement factories • Recording statistics on work injuries and have had environmental impact assessment reports. occupational diseases. In (2017), (673) brick factories were distributed in Baghdad and the governorates. Available data indicate that 78% of the factories contain automated Industrial and Oil & Gas Production burning systems and mechanisms for monitoring environmental performance, as 66 legal procedures have been issued against brick factories that violate Sector environmental requirements. The asphalt factories numbered almost 350 in 2017. Available data for the Facts and Figures year 2017 indicate that 33% of these factories do not carry methods of controlling gas emissions such Statistics indicate that the number of industrial as dust deposits and that 9 legal measures were facilities in the public and other sectors increased taken in the same year against the asphalt factories by 3.9% compared to between 2017 and 2020, that violate environmental requirements. The data reflecting an increase in the amount of hazardous shows that there is 282 food industry factories in and non-hazardous waste of 100% and 117.9%, 2017, noting that a large number of them do not have respectively. The number of large industrial environmental approvals and 96 legal actions were enterprises operating in 2020 was 719, which is taken against factories that violate environmental divided into extractive industries (excluding oil) and requirements. manufacturing industries, which accounted for 50%; 28 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Companies and factories belongs to the Ministry As for the refinery sector, total refining capacity rose of Industry consume about 119.3 thousand cubic from 187 million barrels in 2017 to 200 million barrels meters of water per day and 39.7 thousand cubic in 2020. Petroleum reservoirs contain water, which is meters are discharged to water sources. It is worth drawn off during the production process and is one noting that the chemical and petrochemical sector of the largest liquid residues in volume containing a consumes 48.8% of the water used. The discharge mixture of organic and inorganic pollutants, as well of liquid residues from industrial activities in various as residual chemical additives used in the drilling sectors pollutes the environment, especially when process, which can contain quantities of petroleum the necessary treatments are not made to reduce material ranging from 500-2000 ppm. the pollutants. Data available from 2020 indicate that 49.3% of industrial sector companies and Solid waste constitutes the largest volume of factories rely on liquefied water as the main source waste from oil industry activities, and rock cover of water, followed by the Tigris River at 29.5% represents an important part of this waste, and and the Euphrates at 11.6% and 35.1% do not use other waste includes drilling mud and rock crushers. water or stop working. Figures for the year 2020 This waste that the oil sector generates is one of indicate that slaughterhouses consume about 155 the most dangerous solid pollutants as it contains thousand m3 of water annually, as 82% of this heavy hydrocarbons, such as aromatics and heavy water is processed from the public network, 9% metals. Then, the release of these materials into from tanks and 8% from groundwater. Data also the environment greatly contaminates it. Solid indicate that most of the water consumed in the oil pollutants can be divided into residues of slaughterhouses is disposed of as wastewater, operations that refine solid oil, residues of heavy with about 145 thousand cubic meters per year petroleum materials that result from oil derivatives of wastewater from the slaughterhouses in 2020. processing units, slime, and underdeveloped plumes They are disposed of in sewage or processing of industrial water treatment units, and sediments units. The data also indicate that 40% of these gathered in reservoirs, most of which comprise of industries rely on the wastewater drainage system heavy petroleum materials, as well as sand used while, 24.5% collect this water in specific locations, in filtration operations, drilling rigs, and empty and while 51.1% of these industries do not dispose of damaged barrels of some kinds of enhancers and any water. chemicals, indicating that solid pollutants that refining processes are estimated at about (2-3 kg) As for the disposal of non-hazardous waste, reuse per ton of crude oil. The toxicity of these residues is is the most frequent method, while available data up to 80%. The amount of gases that are burned in indicate that the amount of hazardous industrial oil sites throughout Iraq is a direct cause of the high waste produced in 2020 was 2.5 tons per day and proportion of gases emitted in or near the oil site. that the engineering sector produced most of this waste-- at 68% of the total waste. Data also indicate that transferring hazardous industrial waste to other sites is one of the most applied methods. As for oil production, Iraq has the fifth largest oil reserves in the world and the tenth largest gas reserves. In view of the increasing global demand for crude oil and Iraq’s need for the financial resources on which it relies to implement development plans, there is an increase in the quantity of crude oil produced or exported when comparing 2017-2020 and the increase in production and export would constitute increasing pressure on the components of the Iraqi environment. The movement towards increasing gas production to generate more profitable exports and generate power would be the basis for the transition towards gas exploitation instead of oil. Data also indicate that the investment in the amount of natural gas increased from 44% in (2017) to (52%) in the year (2020). 29 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Two Strategic Goals will be achieved in this sector, and they are: Strategic Goal (1): Promote the efficient use of resources by integra environmentally-friendly and modern technologies into production and promoting environmental consideration into the sector. Strategic Goal (2): To enhance awareness and the capacity to improve the understanding, management, enhance/promote reuse, recycling, replacement, protection, and resource values The proposed programs for the Industrial, Oil and Gas Production Sector • Developing support mechanisms to encourage• Development of a national strategy to increase creativity, innovation and scientific research on energy efficiency and movement towards clean green production and environmentally-friendly energy in the industrial sector industries • Develop a national strategy to reduce the • Enhance waste management within the circular environmental threats posed by the oil and gas economy concept, in particular industrial waste sector and integrate societal and environmental management and application of recycling responsibility considerations within it as the principles. principle of Extended Producer Responsibility. • Development of a national strategy to increase• Developing environmental monitoring programs water efficiency and access to treated in the industrial and oil and gas sectors. wastewater in the industrial sector. Chemicals and Farmers’ lack of awareness and weak controls by the responsible authorities led to the exorbitant use of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural activities. Hazardous Waste Farmers can easily purchase fertilizers and pesticides from local markets without restrictions, Sector resulting in high consumption rates, and exorbitant use of agrochemicals leads to an accumulation of non-biodegradable chemicals in the soil. In 2019, Facts and Figures Iraq’s pesticide consumption rate (excluding the Kurdistan region) was estimated at 428 thousand The Ministry of Environment’s 2020 inventory kilograms and 238 thousand liters of insecticides, estimates hazardous waste at 2547 tons: 39% from while fertilizer consumption was approximately 490 the agriculture sector, 26% from the industrial sector, thousand tons. There are also 55 government-owned 23% from the oil sector, and 9% from healthcare pesticide storage units, which store containers and waste. Additional hazardous wastes encompass expired materials, of which 74% do not comply with imported/used products such as automobile regular storage specifications. At the same time, parts, used tyres, leather, used electric devices 258 private storage units exist, of which 93% do and electronic appliances, and used household not comply with storage specifications. Improper equipment, which constitute a greater burden-- storage of agricultural chemicals in warehouses in addition to the domestic burdens-- and are causes damage to the containers or causes products prohibited under import controls for used materials to expire. Accordingly, damaged and expired and international agreements. containers are usually destroyed or buried, which leads to frequent spillages that contaminate the soil, as well as increasing the risk of fire. 30 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The major challenge that faces Iraq in waste Available data indicate that the quantity of hazardous disposal is in the hazardous wastes of both solid industrial wastes produced in 2020 was 2.5 tons per and liquid streams, as production of such wastes day and that the engineering sector produces most increases due to increased activities, particularly in of these wastes at 68% of the total of such wastes. the oil production sector, while noting the absence Data also indicate that transferring hazardous of a hazardous waste landfill in Iraq as the amount industrial wastes to other sites is one of the most of raised hazardous wastes raised is estimated at applied methods. (1191.7) and (1053) tons per year during the years (2017) and (2020) respectively. Two Strategic Goals will be achieved in this sector: Strategic Goal (1): Implement and activating integrated hazardous chemicals management plan. Strategic Goal (2): Implement and activating integrated hazardous waste management plan. The proposed programs for the Chemicals and Hazardous Waste Sector • Developing a capacity-building and awareness strategy for the chemicals and hazardous waste sector. • Implementing and developing policies and legislation to address the effects of chemicals and hazardous waste on the environment and society. • Developing strategic environmental assessment and licensing policies. • Developing and implementing legislation that governs handling hazardous chemical substances and wastes. • Development of the necessary infrastructure for treating and safely disposing of hazardous wastes. • Conducting periodic professional examinations (medical and laboratory) for employees. • Recording statistics on work injuries and occupational diseases. 31 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Energy and Transportation Sector Facts and Figures The past years have witnessed a great development years as a result of the restrictions the coronavirus in road networks that connect regions or towns and pandemic imposed. Iraq’s Water Transport Statistics villages, which led to double their previous size, and Reports 2016-2020 show the number of vessels for other transportation sectors such as air transport cargo carriage from Iraqi ports reached 2,868 for (airports and aircraft), road transport (railroads 2020, up from 2019 in the number of vessels coming and trucks) public transportation (buses and public from Iraqi ports, amounting to 2,060 for 2020 and fare) has also witnessed rapid acceleration in 1,836 for 2019. In contrast, the number of vessels government investments. The data cited in Iraq’s departing from Iraqi ports decreased from 2019, State of the Environment Report for 2017 indicate reaching 808 for 2020 and 1,284 for 2019. As for the that the transportation sector accounts for 40-50% State Shipping Company, the company owned eight of outstanding minute emissions and 80% of carbon operational vessels for the years 2016-2019, while monoxide emissions which are an element of air the number of vessels was seven for the year 2020. pollution. Looking at the energy sector, the number of power Road Transport Statistics Reports for 2016-2020 plants, excluding those in the Kurdistan region, indicate that the percentage of buses operating to increased by 6% between the years of 2017 and transport passengers was 53.6%, 38.3%, 32.9%, 2020. The increase in the per capita share of energy 35.3%, and 70.4% of the total number of buses other than the Kurdistan region is estimated at 453.8 available at the state company for transporting kWatts per hour, noting a decrease in the per capita passengers for the years 2016 – 2020, respectively. electricity sold (Mega Watt). Hour/year) 2.34%. The The percentage of trucks operating for the public reason for this decrease in the per capita energy transportation of goods reached 74.8%, 72.8%, 82%, processed is the violations and illegal connection to 78.7% and 75% of the total number of trucks available and the lack of application of mitigation measures. Gas by the state company for road transportation for the plants play the greatest role in electricity production, years 2016-2020, respectively. In the government with 37 gas plants producing approximately 40.8% transportation sector, the total number of vehicles of the total electricity output. At the same time, (cars and motorcycles) in the government sector in 12 diesel stations had the lowest production rate Iraq for the year 2019 was 9137,371 vehicles, which for the same year, contributing about 0.5% of total witnessed a 5% increase over the year (2018), as electricity production. the total number of vehicles reached (130,775) vehicles. The total number of private sector cars in Iraq’s energy sector witnessed a noticeable the Kurdistan region (7,026,106) in 2020 was 0.2%, improvement in electricity production between the according to private sector car reports for the years years 2014-2019, as the annual rate of increase 2016-2020. Railway statistics report for the years in electric power production was approximately 2017-2020 shows the total number of diesel trailers 4,000,000 m. and that production increased from reached 375 trailers with a 12% operation rate/ratio 67,767,995 Megawatts in 2014 to 85,508,046 for 2017 and 11% for the years 2018-2020. The total Megawatts in 2017 to become 87, 899, 993 Megawatts number of Chinese trailers was 120 for the years in 2019. To guarantee full electricity coverage, Iraq’s 2017-2020 with operational rates of 91-100% annual electricity import rate between the years 2014 and 2017 was approximately 12,000,000 On the other hand, the number of planes operating megawatts-- however, this value increased in in Iraqi airports reached 32 for the years 2017-2020. 2018 and 2019 to approximately 22,000,000 and The total number of flights landing and departing in 35,000,00 Megawatts, respectively. The percentage Iraqi airports for the different Iraqi, Arab, and foreign of lost electricity produced comprised approximately airlines for the year 2020 was 43,367. The flights 61.3% of the net output in 2019, saw a noticeable drop of 43% compared to previous 32 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) equivalent to 53,882,695 megawatts, of which Iraq contributed about 72,658 gigagrams equivalent technical loss did not exceed 22% only of the net of Carbon Dioxide in 1997, which is the baseline energy processed. The residual value of 39.3% year, to the atmosphere greenhouse gases, of represented administrative loss that did not have a which the energy sector is the largest percentage negative effect compared to environmental technical as the emissions from the energy sector comprised loss. The data also show that total electricity about 75% of the total emissions, the equivalent of consumption for each of the household, commercial, 54,419 gigagrams equivalent. Operating processes government, agricultural and industrial sectors was generate both types of residues, liquid and solid. about 42,088,620 Megawatts for the year 2019, Solid residues include iron residues, colored metals, which witnessed a 6% rise over 2018 consumption and empty barrels estimated in 2021 at 13,739 tons value of 39,593,993 megawatts. of scrapes.... etc. Moreover, industrial wastewater from power sector installations increased by 2.9% Realizing the Ministry of Electricity’s awareness of between the years of 2018 and 2021. the danger of being affected by climate change, it was planned to move towards using renewable energy projects, as contracts were made with reputable companies in this field to implement these projects to produce electrical energy using solar cell technologies to reach 12 kilowatts during the year 2023. One Strategic Goal will be achieved: Strategic Goal (1): Invest in Infrastructure and innovation in such a way that ensures the application, improvement, and innovation of clean technologies for mitigate the impacts of climate change. 33 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The proposed programs for the Energy and Transportation Sector • Improve energy demand management through environment and supporting capacity the development of a smart power grid. development for the growth of the energy services market. • Development of the renewable energy roadmap and investment plan. • Implementation of the energy sector monitoring, reporting and verification system. • Enhance and adjust power infrastructure in public buildings. • Adopt and operationalize the National Public Transport Fund and identify mechanisms • Adopt the concept of international environmental to increase the capital for public transport certificates in different sectors and buildings. infrastructure. • Developing necessary legislation to shift towards • Development of public-school bus services in all electric transport. governorates. • Implementing electric vehicle charging • Implement programs to improve pedestrian stations and services through a public-private green infrastructure in local commercial areas par tnership. and near public transport. • Increase public investment research and • Support deploying smart transport systems development in the energy sector. (ITS) to allow ideal integration and fare for public transport systems. • Improving the enabling and legislative • Develop a public-private strategy and road map to improve the environmental sustainability of the sector’s logistics. Establishment of low-carbon municipal bus fleets at the provincial level. • Establishing low-carbon municipal bus fleets at the governorate level. 34 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Climate Change Program Five goals will be pursued under this program Strategic Goal (1): Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the different sectors to achieve low-carbon economic development and transformation towards sustainable technologies. Strategic Goal (2): Assess the vulnerabilities and vulnerable areas and identify national and international adaptation actions. Strategic Goal (3): Provide funding for implementing mitigation and adaptation programs that support Iraq’s ambition to reduce emissions, address climate change’s negative impacts, and achieve nationally determined contributions. Strategic Goal (4): Capacity-building related to the framework convention on climate change, associated conferences, climate negotiations, Paris Convention, and carbon markets. Strategic Goal (5): Reduce the risk of natural disasters resulting from the impacts of climate change and establish monitoring and early warning systems for natural disasters. Partnerships Strengthening Program Two Strategic Goals will be achieved in this program. Strategic Goal (1): Develop partnership opportunities at the national, regional, and international levels in such a way that achieves Iraq’s Vision 2030. Strategic Goal (2): Promot green job opportunities suitable for the informal sector in waste management through multiple legislative and technical tools. Environmental Education Dissemination Program Strategic Goal (1): Disseminate the strategy in a way that guarantees that it reaches all stakeholders, local communities, and the public to induce social support for the efficient implementation of the strategy. Proposed programs: Awareness in the field of risk management in the work environment for chemicals and hazardous waste, Awareness in the field of safe handling of fertilizers, Health Awareness, Implementing safety requirements for workers. Environmental Governance Progam Two Strategic Goals will be achieved in this program: Strategic Goal (1): Institutional development for the Ministry of Environment to reach the ambitious goals and lead the next phase in environmental protection. Strategic Goal (2): Participate actively in formulating environmental policies and legal frameworks to ensure rational governance and transparent management. Proposed programs: The national policy to support and include occupational health and safety in all sectors, Legislating a special law for occupational health and safety that includes all social groups of workers in various sectors. 35 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Part Four: Strategy Implementation 36 4 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The Ministry of Environment is the main body representatives from all the concerned sectors that implements and responsible for organizing in the strategy. This committee is responsible and implementing this strategy. The Ministry of for overseeing and coordinating the strategy Environment must follow up on the implementation implementation. Sectoral ministries, ministerial and submit implementation reports periodically bodies, and governorate committees must to official bodies. Ministry of Environment must implement, within their specialty, the Strategy’s form a ministerial committee that comprises goals, contents, and solutions in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment. The Ministry of Environment should coordinate with environmental protection activities that the different donors and international organizations to align and stakeholders (state, companies, and individuals) are integrate international support for implementing the implementing. For the successful implementation of strategy’s goals. Civil society and other organizations this strategy, a number of factors must exist, which must also join the environmental protection efforts, are illustrated in Figure 3. in line with the strategy’s goals, and oversee the Figure 2: Success factors for the strategy implementation 37 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Funding and Sustainability The funding strategy for Iraq’s National Action Plan is structured around the following pillars. The following funding sources can be beneficial for the strategy implementation: A. General budget: Allocate a dedicated budget for implementing this strategy upon approval by the Prime Minister’s Office. This allocated budget will be utilized within the budgets of the Ministry of Environment and other ministries responsible for carrying out the strategy. B. External aid (grants and loans), international financing, and benefitting from international funds, such as the Green Climate Fund, the Adaptation Fund, and others. C. Public-private partnership projects. D. Participatory engagement with civil society organizations and guiding their programs towards achieving the ambitious objectives as a priority. 38 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Monitoring and Evaluation The monitoring and evaluation process (M&E) aims • The monitoring process shall occur throughout to provide continuous feedback on how the action the implementation phase of the strategy, plans associated with the proposed programs and aiming to enhance its overall structure and objectives of the strategy are achieved and track execution. This involves collecting fundamental the progress of the desired results, whether from data to answer questions related to progress, government and private sector institutions or local constraints, and challenges that may impede and international partners. The monitoring and the plan’s successful implementation. The evaluation process is also important as it identifies relevant are responsible for periodic and regular potential early-stage challenges and suggests ways data collection, which may involve reports or to resolve them. It also contributes to efficiently meetings. tracking the implementation of objectives and targets and proposes necessary improvements. Finally, it • Ministries carry out the evaluation process supports assessing the efficacy of the strategy and by assessing the programs and projects that achieving the envisaged results and their effect on have been completed and implemented. This the protection and improvement of the environment. evaluation is based on measurement indicators at either the sectoral level or the level of strategic The M&E methodology encompasses a number of objectives and their associated targets. steps summarized in the following: • The purpose of the evaluation process is to • The Ministry of Environment shall coordinate derive insights and propose enhancements with the different sectoral bodies to identify to the overall strategy. This iterative approach the body/entity (focal points) that shall be allows for adjusting objectives and targets responsible for overseeing the collection and during the strategy’s implementation phases updating of the required information related to every two years, contributing to realizing the the strategic objectives. adopted vision and mission. • To develop an electronic verification and assessment system (Monitoring and Evaluation System) centered at the Ministry of Environment. This system will incorporate a set of measurement indicators and will involve data input from sectoral authorities and all partners based on their respective roles. This arrangement will empower the Planning and Monitoring Department of the Ministry of Environment to take a prominent role in monitoring and overseeing the process, culminating in the preparation of periodic reports to assess progress in achieving the goals and their impact on preserving and enhancing the environment in Iraq. 39 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Performance Indicators on the Strategic Goals Level Environmental Protection and Improvement and Sustainability Program Waste Sector Indicators Baseline Values Road Map Cumulative target with the baseline value 2025 2027 2030 Baghdad municipality 15% 40% 100% (%) Safe disposal of waste and 30% reduction of pollution. Municipalities 10% 15% 25% 40% Baghdad municipality Percentage (%) of reduction in 1.20% 1.80% 3% (0%) household waste generation per capita. Municipalities (1%) 2 4 6 Baghdad municipality 87% 92% 95% Percentage (%) of increase in waste (85%) collection rate. Municipalities (55%) 65% 75% 85% Baghdad municipality (0) 1 2 2 Number of sanitary landfills constructed Municipalities (2) 4 8 12 Baghdad municipality (2) 1 1 0 Number of recyclable material recovery facilities established Municipalities (2) 3 4 5 Baghdad municipality (0) 0 40% 40% Percentage (%) of recyclable materials and recycled use Municipalities (0.5%) 1.5% 2.5% 4% Baghdad municipality (0) 0 1 2 Number of waste treatment plants and energy recovery facilities Municipalities (0) 0 1 2 40 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Ecosystems and Biodiversity Sectors Indicators Baseline Values Road Map cumulative target with the baseline value 2025 2027 2030 Percentage (%) of natural habitat included in Iraq's 1.50% - - 5% natural reserves network. Number of natural reserves established and declared 1 2 3 4 in Iraq Number of investment opportunities implemented in 0 0 1 2 the field of natural reserves Percentage (%) of updated biodiversity database and 50% -- --- 100% ecosystems in Iraq Establish a database for invasive and alien species 0 0 0 1 in Iraq Percentage (%) of decreased in hunting violations 0% 10% 15% 20% Percentage (%) of locally endangered species for 15% 0 0 25% which protective measures have been implemented Percentage (%) of monitoring and assessment of 0 15% 30% 45% contaminants in Iraqi marsh waters Percentage (%) of development and readiness of the laboratories to conduct research on genetic mutation 50% 0 75% 100% and its products Number of natural reserves nominated for declaration 0 0 1 2 on World Heritage lists Percentage (%) of utilization of natural resources by 0 0 0 50% local communities in the Southern Iraqi marshlands Percentage (%) of gaps identified in the site-specific documentation for sites nominated for inclusion on 50% 0 0 60% the World Heritage list Percentage (%) of issuance of National Register for 25% 0 0 60% natural heritage sites in Iraq Preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for droughts and water scarcity on the marshes 0 0 0 1 in southern Iraq 41 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Water Resources and Water Security Sector Indicators Baseline Values Roadmap cumulative target with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 Baghdad Municipality 100% 100% 100% 100% Increased proportion percentage (%) of people serviced with clean water supplies Municipalities (80% 90% 95% 100% in urban, rural and marshes areas Increase value is 20% Baghdad Municipality (350l/day) 300l/day 275l/day 275l/day Per capita consumption rate of clean water Municipalities (300l/day) 200-250l/day 200-250l/day 200-250l/day Baghdad Municipality 95% 96.5% 98.5% Percentage (%) of population in Greater Baghdad municipality connected to the sewage services Increase value is (6.5%) 20% 30% 45% 61% Percentage (%) of the population in Iraqi municipalities connected to the sewage services Proposed increased value is 41% 25% 42% 50% 59% Percentage (%) of sewage systems constructed and developed in Greater Baghdad municipality Increase value is 34% Percentage (%) of sewage systems constructed and developed in Iraq’s 0 10% 20% 30% Governorates Baghdad municipality (60%) - 90% 90% Percentage (%) of increase in treated Proposed increase value is 30% wastewater returned to rivers compared to baseline value The Municipalities amount of 5% 12% 22% treated water is 2,078 billion m3 Number of surface and groundwater 1 2 2 3 quality monitoring programs 70% of 5.3 billion 3.88 billion m3 30% of 5.3 billion m3 100% of 5.3 billion m3 m3 The annual rate of water quantity processed for the marshes Increased amount based on available water (5.3 billion m3) Provide an updated version of the strategic 1 - 1 - study of Iraq’s water and land resources Number of Implemented water harvesting 0 3 8 15 projects Percentage (%) of water stored in water 70% of 136 million harvesting projects 0 25% from 136 million m3 100% of 136 million m3 m3 Annual water savings rate 32% 35% 40% 50% Enhancing the overall irrigation efficiency Systems The increased value is 18% 42 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Sector Indicators Baseline Values Roadmap Cumulative target with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 Percentage (%) of Spillage control preventing pollution of Coastal and 5% 10% 20% 30% Marine Environment Reduction in the number of cases and fines related to marine and 8 6 4 2 coastal ecosystems Number of new legislation and regulations for sustainable management 1 - - 2 of marine fisheries Develop a plan for sustainable management of marine fisheries. - - - 1 - -- --- 1 Develop a marine reserve and develop a management plan. 0 1 - 1 Percentage (%) of marine area declared as a marine reserve 0 0 0 50% Percentage (%) of seawater contaminants reduction 12% 8% 6% 3% Establishment of marine and coastal ecosystems database - - - 1 Developing an integrated coastal area management action plan 0 0 0 1 Preparation of Iraq's marine habitat map 0 - - 1 Number of removed drowned objects from objects the regional water, 13 15 19 25 channels and Shatt Al-Arab 43 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Agricultural Food Security Sector Roadmap Indicators Baseline Values Cumulative targets with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 The number of crops utilizing organic 2 3 4 5 fertilizer The increased value (3) (%) increased investment in organic 0 0 1% 2% agriculture The increased value (2%) (%) decreased use of chemical 1 3% 6% 11% fertilizer The decreased value (10%) (%) increased use of environmentally 2% 4% 7% 12% friendly pesticides in agriculture. The increased value (10%) Number of licenses granted for the 0) 0 0 1 establishment of organic farms Feasibility study on the use of organic 0 0 0 1 fertilizer in agriculture (%) Use of alternative energy in 5% 15% 35% 65% agricultural activities The increase value is 60% (%) Use of non-conventional water 0 2% 10% 20% sources in agricultural activities. The Increased value of 20% Percentage (%) of farms using modern 20% 30% 50% 80% and efficient irrigation systems The Increased value of 60% National strategy for land degradation 1 0 0 2 reduction (land degradation neutrality). The Increase 1 23 Number of pastoral stations in Iraq 0 26 29 Increase value 6 Percentage (%) of beneficiaries of 20% livestock breeders from the self- 30% 45% 65% Increase value 45% sufficiency feed program Percentage (%) of pastoral land 10% 15% 25% 40% rehabilitated Increase value 30% Preparation of the national program to 1 2 2 2 combat desertification Preparation of the National Sand and 1 2 2 2 Dust Storm Control Program Percentage (%) of land protected from 20% 25% 35% 60% desertification Increase value 40% (%) Increased afforestation and forestry 1.60% - 2.60% 3.60% areas in Iraq Increase value 2% Number of oases recovered and 9 11 14 19 protected Increase value 10 Number of natural reserves 3 4 5 7 (biodiversity) Increase 4 Number of earth dams (water 7 9 11 15 harvesting) Increase value 8 Number of water traps (water 5 7 9 12 harvesting) Increase value 7 44 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Environmental Health Sector Road Map Indicators Baseline Values Cumulative targets with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 7% Percentage of government expenditure on health programs from Increase value (3%) 8% 9% 10% the total government expenditure 0 # of disease prevention programs implemented annually 0 0 9 Increase value 9 (%) increased use of environmentally friendly pesticides in 2% 4% 7% 12% agriculture. The increased value (10%) 32% Percentage of hospitals served by modern solid waste Increase value 38% 50% 60% 70% management projects 15% Percentage of hospitals served by liquid waste treatment units 16% 21% 26% Increase value 11% Number of health and environmental awareness programs Ministry of Education 5 7 9 10 implemented Increase value 5 Adoption of green buildings manual in all modern government 1 - - 2 buildings Number of governmental buildings converted into green buildings 0 - - 20 Manual building codes and thermal insulation 1 - - 2 Number of projects that implement energy-efficient principles 1 1 2 3 Volume of annual investments in construction material 0 2% 5% 10% manufacturing and sustainable technologies 45 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Industrial, Oil and Gas Production Sector Road Map Indicators Baseline Values Cumulative targets with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 0% Percentage (%) of treated wastewater used in industry Increase value (2%) 0 1% 2% sector 4 Water quality reports from the industry sector 5 6 7 Increase value 3 10 Number of Environmental parameters reported in the Increase value 6 12 14 16 industry wastewater quality reports 2 Annual number of measures taken to mitigate violations 3 5 7 Increase value (5) Industry 2 4 7 12 Increase value 10 Number of environment-friendly projects Oil 1 1 1 2 Increase value 1 Percentage of increased productivity in waste recycling 5% 6% 8% 10% facilities Increase value 5% Industry sector: base value 2%, 3% 5% 7% Increase the support to promote innovation and increase 5% research related to green production and environment- friendly industries. Number of cases in the oil sector 1100 1300 1520 Increase value 1000 Number of green jobs generated in industrial and oil 10 20 35 60 sectors Increase value 50 46 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Chemicals and Hazardous Waste Sector Indicators Baseline Values Road Map Cumulative targets with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 Survey reports of chemical pollution in environmental elements 150 170 190 210 Database for chemical inventory and disposal mechanisms 14 databases 19 24 29 Number of licenses associated with importing, exporting, and use of hazardous 1934 2034 2234 2417 chemicals Increase value 25% Ministry of Higher Education 3 Number of risk identification and specification guides 3 4 4 Increase value 1 4 Number of awareness programs for chemical usage 5 6 10 Increase value 6 Number of environmental approvals concerning establishing waste management 35 39 43 47 projects Higher Education 10% Percentage of chemicals annually treated and handled in an environmentally 20% 30% 40% friendly manner. Increase value 30% Number of implemented programs in accounting and assessment of hazardous 11 14 17 22 waste in the government sector Number of capacity-building programs implemented related to pollutant 35 49 63 77 assessment, analysis, and risk prevention measures Percentage (%) of participants in capacity-building programs in this Sector 100% 100% 100% 100% Annual worker assessment reports for chemical and biological prevention and Higher Education 1 1 1 1 inspection programs workers. Continuous 47 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Energy and Transportation Sector Indicators Baseline Values Road Map Cumulative targets with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 Percentage (%) of renewable energy (solar energy, wind 2% energy, and Hydro energy) in the energy mix up to 6.8$ 4.8% 5.6% 6.3% Increase value (4.3%) until 2030 69% - - - Percentage of natural gas in the fuel mix in electricity production Decrease value 10% 65% 56% 59% 59% 72% Percentage of production in both public and private 65% 64% sectors using natural gas increase 5% 18% - - - Percentage (%) of energy production through electric power generation technologies with low carbon pollution Increase value 15% 23% 33% 33% Number of sustainable and environmentally friendly 0 0 0 1 transportation projects Monitoring gas emissions from electric power generation 0 5 Locations 10 Locations 20 locations plant chimneys 48 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Climate Change Program Indicators Baseline Values Road Map Cumulative targets with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 Follow-up the implementation of technological needs Action Plan for Mitigation 0 1 1 1 Issuance and updating of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 1 2 -- 3 Percentage (%) greenhouse gases emitted from the waste sector 0 1% 2% 3% Percentage of achievement of conditional and unconditional NDCs 0 5% 10% 17% Vulnerability Assessment for Climate Change Report 0 1 2 3 Issuance and update of the National Climate Change Communication Report 1 2 3 4 Preparing climate change Atlas for adapting to climate change 0 1 2 3 Number of projects implemented related to nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based 0 1 2 3 adaptation principles Number of projects implemented to Strengthen agricultural sector resilience towards 0 1 2 3 climate changes and incorporate smart agriculture principles Preparing a complete curriculum for research and development 0 1 2 3 Number of implemented projects in Strengthening rural communities’ resilience towards 0 1 2 3 climate change Number of financed projects from Climate Funds 5 7 9 12 Developing and implementing the National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 0 1 -- 2 Preparing loss and damages reports resulting from natural disasters 4 7 9 12 Number of workshops related to climate action 0 3 5 8 Number of international participation cases in climate action 0 2 5 8 Number of training courses in climate action 0 5 10 16 49 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Partnership Support Program Indicators Baseline Values Road Map Cumulative targets with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 0 Stakeholder analysis report 1 2 3 Increase value 3 Number of Participants in Environmental Protection and Climate Change Regional and 150 200 220 300 International Seminars and Workshops Number of formal and informal green jobs in different sectors Number of awareness programs and mandatory guidance for investors on green 6 8 10 12 environmental investments Number of approved mechanisms for promoting green jobs in the informal waste (waste 0 1 2 3 pickers) sector Environmental Education Dissemination Program Indicators Baseline Road Map Values Cumulative targets with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 Number of implemented awareness and educational programs to introduce the National 6 6 6 6 Strategy goals for protecting and improving the environment Percentage (%) of college and university curricula and vocational training curricula 70% 80% 90% 100% developed concerning environment protection issues 50 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Environmental Governance Program Indicators Baseline Values Road Map Cumulative targets with baseline value 2025 2027 2030 4 Number of training programs for stakeholders involved in implementing the strategy 7 10 13 Increase value 9 Updating the Ministry of Environment’s organizational structure document and job 1 2 3 4 description Increase value 3 Number of environmental regulations and laws issued or updated 0 1 2 - Special database for environmental legislation and laws 1 1 1 1 2 Environmental Performance Indicator Report 3 4 5 Increase value 3 Percentage of coverage of economic effects of environmental degradation related to the 40% 55% 75% 100% annual study to estimate the cost of environmental degradation in Iraq Increase value 60% Environmental Public Policy in Iraq 0 - 1 - Percentage (%) of achievement according to monitoring and evaluation program report of 0 1 2 3 achieved strategic goals of the Environment Protection and Improvement Strategy Increase value 3 0 Number of implemented programs to Improve civil society inclusiveness Increase value 20% 40% 100% 100% 51 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Part Five: Action Plan 5 In this Part, the needed action plan for achieving the strategy and its ambitious goals will be clarified. 52 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Environment Protection and Improvement and Sustainability Program Waste Sector Sustainable Development Goals Ambitious targets Indicators responsibility Estimated Budget (USD) Strategic Goal (1): Reducing the loss of natural resources and building sustainability programs through raising the waste collection and management capacity. Target (1): Safe disposal of waste and reduction of pollution by 60% at Baghdad Municipality. Baghdad Municipality did not determine Percentage (%) of safe waste disposal Baghdad Municipality level and by Ministry of Construction, Housing, and the budget. and pollution reduction 20-30% at the municipal level in Iraqi Public Municipalities 50,000,000 governorates. Target (2): Reducing household waste generation rate by intensifying Baghdad Municipality Percentage (%) of household waste 10,000,000 awareness programs and focusing Ministry of Construction, Housing, and generation rate reduction 10,000,000 on reducing the use of single-use Public Municipalities packaging materials. Target (3): Increasing the waste Baghdad Municipality Baghdad Municipality did not determine collection rate by up to 85% at the Percentage (%) of achieved increase in Ministry of Construction, Housing, and the budget. Governorate level and 95% at the average waste collection rate Public Municipalities 65,000,000 Baghdad Municipality level. Target (4): Establishing two (2) sanitary Baghdad Municipality Baghdad Municipality did not determine landfill sites for waste disposal on the Number of sanitary landfill sites Ministry of Construction, Housing, and the budget. governorates level and two sites on implemented and approved. Public Municipalities 250,000,000 Baghdad Municipality level. Strategic Goal (2): Increase the material recovery rate by increasing waste handling capacity and moving towards an effective circular economy. Number of recyclable material recovery Baghdad Municipality - facilities at Baghdad Municipality level Target (1): Establishing two recycling facilities at Baghdad Municipality level Percentage (%) of recyclable and to recycle and use recyclables to reach usable materials collected and recycled Baghdad Municipality - a recycling percentage of up to (20%) at Baghdad Municipality level. to convert waste into a resource that contributes to advancing the economy. Number of waste screening, recycling, and power generation projects at Baghdad Municipality - Baghdad Municipality level Target (2): Establish three sites in Number of recyclable material Ministry of Construction, Housing and three governorates in Iraq to recover recovery facilities at the level of Iraq’s 50,000,000 Municipalities recyclable material to reach a recycling Governorates rate of up to (1-3%) of the total waste weight to convert waste into a resource contributing to the economy’s Percentage (%) of recyclable materials Ministry of Construction, Housing and 50,000,000 enhancement. recycled at the Governorate Level Municipalities 53 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Ecosystems and Biodiversity Sector Sustainable Development Goals Ambitious targets Indicators responsibility Estimated Budget (USD) Strategic Goal (1): Reducing the loss of natural resources and building sustainability programs through raising the waste collection and management capacity. Target (1): Reach a minimum protection Percentage (%) of natural environments rate for natural environments of 5% of Ministry of Environment 100,000,000 included in Iraq's natural reserves Iraq's total area within the network of nature reserves or through the use of other means with a focus on the Marsh areas Number of reserves established and and wetlands Ministry of Environment 100,000,000 announced in Iraq Target (2): Creating reserves for a socio- Number of investment opportunities economic development opportunity implemented in the field of environmental Ministry of Environment 100,000,000 and encouraging investment through reserves promoting public-private partnerships. Target (3): To establish an inclusive database of Iraq's plant and animal species that would guarantee the Percentage (%) of biodiversity and provision of information on the status Ministry of Environment 5,000,000 ecosystems database update in Iraq of species, endangered species, the associated opportunities, and popular uses Target (4): Establish a database on Establishment of a database of invasive Ministry of Environment 5,000,000 invasive and exotic species in Iraq and exotic species in Iraq Percentage (%) of hunting violation Ministry of Environment 5,000,000 reduction Target (5): Develop an inclusive hunting regulation plan that protects species and habitats. Percentage (%) of endangered species locally and that have had protective Ministry of Environment 5,000,000 measures Target (6): Implementing a monitoring Percentage (%) of monitoring and program for the quality of Iraq's marshland Ministry of Environment assessment of contaminants in Iraqi 50,000,000 water to ensure the sustainability of Ministry of Water Resources marsh waters biodiversity Percentage (%) of development and Target (7): Enhancing the laboratory readiness of the laboratories Uued to Ministry of Environment 5,000,000 readiness working in genetic engineering conduct research on genetic mulation and its products. Number of natural reserves nominated for Ministry of Environment 50,000,000 promotion on global heritage lists Target (8): Establish a database on the Percentage (%) of filling gaps identified global values of Iraq's natural sites and in the files of sites nominated for World Ministry of Environment 10,000,000 issue the National Register of Natural Heritage lists Heritage Sites in Iraq Percentage (%) of issuance of draft National Registry for Natural Heritage Ministry of Environment 50,000,000 Sites in Iraq Percentage (%) of natural resources utilized by local communities in the Ministry of Environment 50,000,000 Target (9): Estimate the return to local southern Iraqi Marshland areas communities of the world heritage sites (Central Marshes and Western Himar) in Preparing a study to assess the Thi-Qar Governorate to protect them from Ministry of Higher Education, Ministry of environmental effects of droughts and degradation Water Resources, Ministry of Environment, 1,000,000 water scarcity on the marshes in southern and Ministry of Science and Technology Iraq Strategic Goal (2): To protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, forest management, combating desertification and halting and reversing land degradation Target (1): Restore (120 thousand hectares) of degraded natural land areas, Percentage (%) of areas recovered from including forests, pastoral areas, and Ministry of Agriculture 20,000,000 degraded wild natural areas others, through the implementation of rehabilitation and recovery programs Target (2): Preserve and restore degraded ecosystems associated with water (%) Protected areas within the network of Ministry of Agriculture availability, such as forests, water bodies, 15,000,000 nature reserves or other means Ministry of Environment mountains, etc., when preparing water budget 54 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Water and Water Security Sector Sustainable Development Goals Ambitious targets Indicators responsibility Estimated Budget (USD) Strategic Goal (1): Reducing the loss of natural resources and building sustainability programs through raising the waste collection and management capacity. Baghdad municipality, Ministry of Target (1): Increase the supply of clean water in Percentage (%) of people served with clean Construction, Housing and Municipalities/ urban and rural areas at the Baghdad Municipality water supply in urban, rural, and Marshes - Directorate General of Water and Water level and in Iraq's governorates areas Directorates operating in governorates Target (2): Maintain a daily rate of supply and Baghdad Municipality, Ministry of consumption of water fit for human consumption in Per capita consumption rate of water fit for Construction, Housing and Municipalities/ - different demographic locations between (200-240 human consumption Directorate General of Water and Water liters per person per day) Directorates operating in governorates Percentage (%) of the population connected Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Target (3): Creating sewage systems to increase 335,071,790 to the sewage service. Municipalities / Baghdad Municipality the population connected to sewage service at the Baghdad Municipality level and the Iraqi governorates Ministry of Construction, Housing, and Percentage (%) of sewage networks built - Municipalities / Baghdad Municipality Percentage (%) of monitoring and Target (4): Increase percentage of recycling and safe Ministry of Environment assessment of contaminants in Iraqi marsh - use of wastewater Ministry of Water Resources waters Target (5): To improve the quality of surface and groundwater by reducing pollution and preventing the discharge and leakage of pollutants or liquid Number of surface and groundwater quality Ministry of Environment in Coordination with 65,000,000 residues to water sources in all governorates of Iraq, control programs Ministry of Water Resources with the need to implement groundwater recharge programs Target (6): Convert (5.3 billion m3) of water annually into marshland to cover (2851 square km) in good Annual average of water quantity processed Ministry of Water Resources 10,000,000 water revenue years. These indicators decrease in for the marshes. proportion to water scarcity. Strategic Goal (2): Reduce water loss and significantly increase water efficiency across all sectors, ensure sustainable withdrawal and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity, and greatly reduce the number of people who face water scarcity. Update the strategic study of Iraq's water Target (1): Apply the integrated water resource Ministry of Water Resources 2,000,000 and land resources management approach across the Republic of Iraq by targeting watersheds and major water harvesting Number of water harvesting projects sites, including the establishment of water Ministry of Water Resources 15,000,000 implemented harvesting projects, which, upon establishment, are hoped to achieve an estimated water storage of 136 million m3. Percentage (%) of water stored on the level Ministry of Water Resources 20,000,000 of Iraq's water harvesting projects Target (2): Increase investments to improve water collection and storage infrastructure, and attention to maintaining dams and operational systems, and Number of dams and operational systems Ministry of Water Resources 200,000,000 providing all dams with seismic sensitization devices developed and launched and controlling the quantity of water storage and the sustainability of the ecosystem. Strategic Goal (3): Water demand and supply management. Target (1): Apply ecosystem-based adaptation programs and nature-based solutions to ensure increased storage of surface and rainwater for multiple to secure water for domestic use, irrigation, livestock, aquaculture, industry and environmental Rate of water saved annually. Ministry of Water Resources 10,000,000 sustainability by: development of water resources management through the implementation of plans to distribute water revenues to governorates and work to eliminate abuses of water quotas and to hold accountable those responsible Target (2): Increase the overall irrigation efficiency to (60%) by using modern irrigation methods (pipe- Percentage (%) increase in the overall Ministry of Water Resources\ Ministry of 15,000,000 closed irrigation, spray and drip irrigation) and lining irrigation efficiency Agriculture the channels and irrigation streams. Strategic Goal (4): Provide new non-conventional water sources. Target (1): Creating storage to store approximately Number of established dams and Ministry of Agriculture 30,000,000 200,000 - 400,000 m3 of water in suitable areas excavations and annual water storage rate Target (2): Excavations to book approximately Percentage (%) of storage in dams and Ministry of Agriculture 40,000,000 20,000 - 40,000 m3 of water. traps The Ministry of Water Resources reserves reservations about the estimated budget in the water and water security sector for goals and indicators due to the variation in prices, and they can be estimated when preparing programs. 55 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Sector Sustainable Development Goals Ambitious targets Indicators responsibility Estimated Budget Strategic Goal (1): Protect the coastal and marine ecosystems and promote habitat and species recovery Target (1): To reduce oil pollution Percentage (%) control of spillages that Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Oil, affecting the coastal and marine led to pollution of the coastal and marine 25,000,000 and Ministry of Transportation environment and implement efficient environment programs to address its different impacts, and work on facing and preventing the discharge of petroleum tailings, fuel residues, balance water Reduction in the number of cases and for oil tailings, and cargo vessels to fines for polluting the marine and coastal Ministry of Environment 10,000,000 surface water or maritime fields, whether environment disposal from fixed or mobile waste or loading operations. Number of regulations for sustainable Ministry of Agriculture 2,000,000 Target (2): Apply the sustainable maritime management of sea fishery wealth fisheries management approach while protecting species, habitats, and Development of a strategy for environmental ecosystems. Ministry of Environment sustainable management of marine 1,000,000 Ministry of Agriculture fisheries Establishment and declaration of a marine reserve and development of a Ministry of Environment 4,000,000 Target (3): Establish a marine reserve management plan to protect species, habitats, and ecosystems. Percentage (%) of Marine Area Declared Ministry of Environment 2,000,000 as a Reserve Target (4): Implement the coastal and marine water quality control program, Ministry of Environment which would necessarily help implement Percentage (%) of seawater Ministry of Transportation 10,000,000 rapid and effective response plans contaminants reduction Ministry of Oil to reduce the impact of water quality emergencies. Target (5): Establish a database on Iraq’s Establishment of marine and coastal Ministry of Environment 2,000,000 marine and coastal environment. environment database Target (6): Recover drowned objects from Number of drowned objects recovered regional waters, channels, and Shatt from regional marine waters, channels, Ministry of Transportation 2,000,000 Al-Arab to facilitate sailing and preserve and Shatt Al-Arab the environment. Strategic Goal (2): Develop an integrated coastal area management approach in a participative manner with all stakeholders. Target (1): Developing and Implementing Developing Coastal Area Integrated the Integrated Management for Coastal Ministry of Environment 2,000,000 Management Action Plan Areas. Target (2): Map marine ecosystem habitats and prepare an inclusive Preparation of Iraq’s marine habitat map Ministry of Environment 2,000,000 blueprint for coastal area uses. 56 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Agricultural and Food Security Sector Sustainable Development Goals Estimated Ambitious targets Indicators responsibility Budget Strategic Goal (1): Promote the pattern of environmentally friendly and climate-resistant agriculture to ensure reduced use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers to protect environmental components. Number of crops targeted by the use of organic Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 fertilizer Target (1): Promote agricultural practices that increase the number of organic substances in the soil (organic carbon sequestration) annually by (10%). Percentage (%) increase in investments in Ministry of Agriculture 5,000,000 organic agriculture Percentage (%) of chemical fertilizer usage Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 reduction Target (2): Reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, chemicals and insecticides in agriculture. Percentage (%) increase in using environmentally friendly pesticides in Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 agriculture. Declaring the marine protected area and Ministry of Environment 4,000,000 developing the management plan Target (3): Establish a marine protected area to ensure the protection of species, habitats and ecosystems Percentage (%) of the marine area that has Ministry of Environment 2,000,000 been declared as protected area Percentage (%) of using alternative energy in Target (4): Increase the use of alternative energy in agricultural activities by (25)%. Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 agricultural activities Percentage (%) of using non-conventional water Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 Target (5): Reduce the percentage of water used in agriculture from 85% to 75% and sources in agricultural activities. compensate for non-conventional water sources, additionally developing irrigation systems. Percentage (%) of farms using efficient irrigation Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 systems Target (6): Enhancing soil quality control programs and, establishing land quality The National Strategy for Land Degradation Ministry of Agriculture and 2,000,000 information database and determine land suitability for different human uses. Reduction (Land Degradation Neutrality) the relevant ministries Strategic Goal (2): Protect and restore pastoral spaces and increase green spaces to ensure sustainable use of biodiversity and achieve food security. Target (1): Increase the number of pastoral reserves to cover (125 Hectares) in (6) Number of pastoral stations in Iraq. Ministry of Agriculture 5,000,000 governorates. (%) of beneficiaries of livestock breeders from Target (2): Achieve self-sufficiency in feed for livestock farmer. Ministry of Agriculture 6,000,000 the self-sufficiency feed program Target (3): Multiplying the endangered native pastoral plants (e.g., food and other Percentage (%) of rehabilitated pastoral land Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 plants). Percentage (%) of rehabilitated and protected Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 agricultural land Target (4): Reduce the areas of arable, desertified, or desertification-threatened Preparing the national program to combat Ministry of the Environment 1,000,000 agricultural land to (40%). desertification and Preparing the National Sand and Dust Storm Ministry of Environment 1,000,000 Control Program and relevant stakeholders Target (5): Stabilize approximately (25%) of the total sand dune area and develop Percentage (%) of land protected from Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 necessary plans to achieve a dune stabilization rate of approximately 55% by 2030. desertification Percentage (%) of forestry areas in Iraq Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 Target (6): Increase the area of the green spaces by increasing the number of forests with a total area of 3,750 hectares. Number of biodiversity reserves Ministry of Agriculture 15,000,000 Target (7): Rehabilitate 6 oases (with 50-200 hectares area), keeping in mind covering Number of oases recovered and their protected Ministry of Agriculture 20,000,000 different plant species of crops and trees. Target (8): Sustainable farming (10 million) of palm trees and fruitless and local shrubs Number of Seedlings Produced Ministry of Agriculture through the use of non-conventional water sources and non-conventional irrigation methods (spraying and drip) within a clear program of afforestation with promoting Number of dirt reimbursements (water harvest) Ministry of Agriculture agriculture and preservation of species as the original habitat of Iraq, and the preservation of green spaces by stopping urbanization on agricultural land Number of water harvesting projects Ministry of Agriculture 57 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Health Environment Sector Sustainable Development Goals Ambitious targets Indicators Responsibility Estimated Budget Strategic Goal (1): To protect the environment, preserve public health from pollution of all kinds, and prevent diseases affecting humans, animals and plants and food safety. Percentage (%) of government Target (1): Combat climate change and expenditure on health programs from the Ministry of Health 120,000,000 environmental pollution-related diseases total government expenditure Target (2): Prevent waterborne diseases, Number of disease prevention programs food, animal sources, pathological Ministry of Health 4,000,000 implemented annually threats, and health risks. Target (3): Strengthening environmental health programs to contribute to Number of health and environmental Ministry of Health 500,000 preventive health services and primary awareness programs implemented health care. Target (4): Treat wastewater from hospitals and determine the percentage Percentage (%) of hospitals served with Ministry of Health 44,000,000 of treated water within the environmental wastewater treatment units protection and improvement strategy. Target (5): Including (50%) of hospitals Percentage (%) of hospitals served in modern solid medical waste with modern solid waste management Ministry of Health 10,080,000 management projects (shredding and projects. autoclave) Target (6): Adopt the green buildings The adoption of the green buildings manual in all modern government manual in all the new governmental All Ministries 1,000,000 buildings and work on expanding the buildings transformation of existing government buildings into green ones, which promote energy efficiency, provided that the green Number of government buildings space in new projects is (25%) or greater All Ministries 10,000,000 converted into green buildings of the total area. Ministry of Housing Target (7): Adopt building codes and Preparing a manual of building codes Ministry of Planning thermal insulation to implement new 1,000,000 and thermal insulation Central Authority for Standardization and investment opportunities. Qualitative Control Target (8): Oblige new investment projects to consider a scientific foundation in the selection of air Number of investment projects that conditioning and water heating systems consider energy efficiency program Investment Commission 50,000,000 that enhance energy efficiency and the principles selection of thermal insulation-assisted building materials. Target (9): Encouraging investments in Volume of annual investments in sustainable construction materials and construction materials manufacturing Ministry of Industry 40,000,000 technology manufacturing projects for projects and sustainable technologies use in new housing projects. 58 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Industrial, Oil and Gas Production Sector Sustainable Development Goals Ambitious targets Indicators Responsibility Estimated Budget Strategic Goal (1): Promote the efficient use of resources by integra environmentally friendly and modern technologies into production and promoting environmental consideration into the sector. Target (1): Increase the efficiency of treated wastewater in the industry sector Percentage (%) of treated wastewater used in industry sector Ministry of Industry 10,000,000 by 2%. Industry water quality reports Ministry of Industry 1,000,000 Target (2): To improve the quality of the water discharge to comply with Number of environmental parameters of the discharged water environmental limits and to prevent the Ministry of Oil - quality reports discharge of any industrial water outside environmental limits, according to the environmental regulations and legislation. Ministry of Industry Number of mitigation actions to decrease violations (annually) 2,000,000 Ministry of Oil Target (3): To increase the energy efficiency in the industrial sectors and work on the establishment of heat recycling projects in the state-owned company for iron and steel for the purpose of generating Percentage (%) of energy efficiency programs in the industrial Ministry of Industry 60,000,000 electric power and heating iron scrape, sectors Ministry of Oil and to seek attention to the provision and introduction of heat recycling technology resulting from the furnaces of the cement industry. Target (4): Increasing resource usage efficiency, recycled materials as alternative inputs to raw materials in different Percentage (%) of raw material efficient usage programs in the Ministry of Industry 50,000,000 industries, and reach an advanced industrial and oil sectors Ministry of Oil percentage in discarding with the use of freshwater in oil extraction Target (5): Rehabilitate production lines in the Ministry of Industry’s configurations to be environmentally friendly, as well as adopt economic incentives that enhance production efficiency, environmental Ministry of Industry Number of environmentally friendly projects 200,000,000 commitment, and sustainable Ministry of Oil development, and change consumption patterns, including the selection of more resource-efficient and less harmful products Target (6): Increase the production capacity of the recycling activities of waste resulting from production processes and Percentage (%) increase in the recycling activities of waste from The Ministry of Industry 70,000,000 consumables such as aluminum scrape production processes and c tailings, tyres, freon gas and vacuum distillation tower tailings Strategic Goal (2): Enhance awareness and the capacity to improve the understanding, management, and enhance/promote reuse, recycling, protection and resource values. Target (1): Increase the employment rate Increased support to encourage creativity, innovation, and Ministry of Industry in the green economy and introduce scientific research on green production and environmentally 25,000,000 Ministry of Oil innovation and systems for productive friendly industries processes through climate change initiatives. This is accomplished through the availability of resources and Ministry of Industry technical support through international Number of green jobs generated 20,000,000 Ministry of Oil environmental agreements. All estimated costs for the goals in this table are exclusively for the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Oil has reserved reservations about setting estimated amounts for its work within these goals. 59 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Chemicals and Hazardous Waste Sector Sustainable Development Goals Estimated Ambitious targets Indicators Responsibility Budget Strategic Goal (1): Implementing and activating integrated hazardous chemicals management plan. Target (1): Prepare comprehensive surveys Ministry of Higher Education and Survey reports on the chemical pollution in of the chemical pollution in elements of the Scientific Research 1, 000, 000 environmental components environment (soil, air, water). Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Interior Ministry of Environment Target (2): Inventory of chemicals disposed of in A database of chemicals and mechanisms for Ministry of Higher Education environmentally safe ways and consequent risk 1,000,000 their disposal Ministry of Science & Technology assessment. Ministry of Industry National Security Advisor Target (3): To activate and update the legal and Ministry of Interior Number of licenses associated with importing, regulatory framework for licensing the import, Ministry of Environment exporting, storing, and using hazardous 3,000,000 export, storage, and use of hazardous chemicals Ministry of Commerce chemicals. and coordinating with the legal department. Intelligence Service Ministry of Environment, National Security Advisor, Target (4): Issue hazard identification guides and Number of risk and specifications identification Central Authority for Qualitative Control and specifications of chemicals to avoid risks arising 1,000,000 guides Measurement, Ministry of Higher Education and from dealing with different chemicals Scientific Research Ministry of Environment, National Security Advisor, Central Authority for Standardization and Target (5): To cooperate with international Qualitative Measurement organizations specializing in environmental Number of awareness programs for chemicals’ Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific 1,000,000 issues and related to chemicals and their waste uses Research (international conventions). Ministry of Industry Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Goal (2): Implement and operationalize integrated hazardous waste management plans. Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Science and Number of environmental licenses and audit Technology, National Security Apparatus, Ministry 30,000,000 reports for waste treatment projects Target (1): Safe disposal and treatment of of Higher Education and Scientific Research hazardous wastes through environmental licensing of hazardous waste treatment projects. Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Science and Quantity of chemicals and hazardous wastes Technology, National Security Apparatus, Ministry 30,000,000 treated environmentally yearly of Higher Education and Scientific Research Number of programs implemented in accounting Target (2): Inventory and assessment of and evaluation of hazardous wastes in the All Ministries 3,000,000 hazardous wastes in the government sector. government sector Number of capacity-building programs Target (3): Build capacity in pollutant implemented in pollutant assessment, analysis, All Ministries 3,000,000 assessment, analysis, and risk prevention and risk prevention measures measures, as well as continue to conduct training courses in chemical safety and security in the handling of hazardous chemicals. Percentage (%) of participants in capacity- All Ministries 3,000,000 building programs in this sector Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Target (4): Develop the performance of Annual evaluation reports of workers in Ministry of Health environmental prevention and inspection in the chemical and biological prevention and 1,000,000 Ministry of Higher Education field of hazardous wastes. inspection programs 60 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Energy and Transportation Sector Sustainable Development Goals Ambitious targets Indicators Responsibility Estimated Budget Strategic Goal (1): Invest in infrastructure and innovation in a way that ensures the application, improvement, and innovation of clean technologies to mitigate the impacts of climate change Percentage of renewable energy (solar Target (1): Increase the renewable energy energy, wind energy, and hydro-energy) Ministry of Electricity 700,000,000 share in the total energy mix to (6.8%) in the total energy mix Target (2): Increase the reliance on natural gas from the fuel mix in the Percentage (%) of natural gas Ministry of Oil electric power sector by 2030, with the dependency in the fuel mix in the 8,848,750,000 Ministry of Electricity completion of Iraq’s gas sector licensing electrical energy sector projects and securing financial allocation. Target (3): To implement program to develop increased use of natural gas, Percentage (%) of the number of public energy production and transportation, and private sector investment projects Ministry of Electricity 11,265,143,302 and to increase public and private sector associated with the use of natural gas investment projects in this field. Target (4): Reducing total energy Percentage of electrical energy consumption from fossil fuel sources by production using low-carbon Ministry of Electricity 1,926,694,000 relying on natural gas fuel. technologies. Number of passengers and travelers Ministry of Transportation 15,000,000 utilizing public transportation Target (5): Increase the percentage of passengers using public transport to (10- 20%) including buses and trains. Number of sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation Ministry of Transportation 4,375,290,400 projects Target (6): Monitor gas and precision Number of sites where monitoring Ministry of Electricity emissions within the chimneys of electric 10,000,000 programs are functioning. Ministry of Environment power plants The estimated cost is either from international funding, such as grants or investment and not from the operating budget of the Ministry of Electricity. 61 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Climate Change Program Sustainable Development Goals Estimated Ambitious targets Indicators Responsibility Budget Strategic Goal (1): Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the different sectors, achieving low-carbon economic development and transformation towards sustainable technologies. Target (1): Shifting towards sustainable techniques in Tracking the technology development needs a document and a Ministry of Environment 1,000,000 different fields and sectors. technology action plan for mitigation and implementation. Ministry of Environment Issuance and update of the NDC report 1,000,000 Target (2): To implement Iraq's commitments to the and Relevant Ministries United Nations Climate Change Convention and the Paris Agreement Ministry of Environment Issuance of the national communication reports and relevant Ministries Baghdad municipality Target (3): Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from Percentage (%) of Greenhouse Gases emanating from the waste and Ministry of 10,000,000 waste (CH4, CO2) by (3–5%). sector Municipalities Target (4): Meet the NDC requirement to reduce GHGs by Achievement rate of NDCs' conditional and unconditional Ministry of Environment (17%) distributed between 2% of unconditional contributions 150,000,000 contributions and relevant Ministries and 15% of conditional contributions. Strategic Goal (2): Assess vulnerabilities and vulnerable areas and identify needed national and international adaptation actions. Ministry of Environment Preparing Climate Change Atlas for adapting to climate change 1,000,000 and relevant ministries Target (1): Identify the areas most vulnerable to climate change in Iraq and promote its sustainability Preparing climate change vulnerability report Ministry of Environment 1,000,000 Target (2): Apply nature-based solutions techniques and Number of implemented projects for the nature-based solutions Ministry of Environment Ecosystem-based adaptation principles in the agricultural, 100,000,000 and Ecosystems-based Adaptation concepts and relevant ministries water, forest, and other sectors. Target (3): To improve and develop agricultural practices Number of implemented projects to promote the agricultural to achieve the principles of adaptation and transition to sector’s resilience to climate changes and introduce smart Ministry of Agriculture 100,000,000 possible agricultural production systems and to increase agriculture concepts investments in climate-smart agriculture. Target (4): Implement the climate change assessment program at the national level and promote education, Develop an integrated curriculum with the ministries of training, scientific research and development and innovation Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Ministry of Education 10,000,000 to mitigate and adapt to the potential impacts of climate Science and Technology for innovation and development change. Target (5): Strengthen the resilience of rural communities Number of implemented projects to enhance rural communities’ Ministry of Agriculture 10,000,000 affected by desertification against climate change. resilience against climate change Strategic Goal (3): Provide funding for implementing mitigation and adaptation programs that support Iraq’s ambition to reduce emissions, address climate change’s negative impacts, and achieve Nationally Determined Contributions. Target (1): Enhancing climate funding opportunities, including Number of projects funded by Climate Funds Ministry of Environment 250,000,000 but not limited to Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund Strategic Goal (4): Capacity building related to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, associated conferences, climate negotiations, Paris Convention, and carbon markets. Target (1): Capacity-building related to Climate change Number of workshops related to climate change Ministry of Environment 1,000,000 negotiation Number of international participation cases in the climate Target (2): International partnerships in climate change Ministry of Environment 1,000,000 change Target (3): Capacity-building in climate action. Number of climate action training courses Ministry of Environment 500,000 Strategic Goal (5): Reduce the risk of natural disasters resulting from the climate change and establish monitoring and early warning systems for natural disasters Target (1): Assess disaster management related to climate Preparing and implementing the national strategy to mitigate Ministry of Environment 1,000,000 change at the national level and promote education, training, disaster (disaster risk reduction) scientific research and development, and innovation in mitigation and adaptation to the potential impacts of climate Preparation of the losses and damage report resulting from change. Ministry of Environment 1,000,000 natural disasters 62 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Partnership Strengthening Program Sustainable Development Goals Ambitious targets Indicators Responsibility Estimated Budget Strategic Goal (1): Develop partnership opportunities at the national, regional, and international levels to achieve Iraq’s Vision 2030. Target (1): Develop a comprehensive analysis of stakeholders Ministry of Stakeholder’s analysis report 2,000,000 to ensure effective communication plans Environment Target (2): To strengthen Iraq's presence in regional and Number of participants in seminars and regional and international environmental protection and climate change international workshops related to environmental protection All the ministries 4,000,000 platforms. and climate change Strategic Goal (2): Promote green job opportunities suitable for informal sector in waste management through multiple legislative and technical tools. Number of green formal and informal jobs in the different All ministries 100,000,000 sectors Target (1): Promote the principle of employment in green formal and informal jobs. Number of awareness programs and mandatory guidance Investment for investors and investment bodies on green environmental Authority 2,000,000 investments Ministry of Industry Baghdad Target (2): Develop appropriate mechanisms to promote green Number of approved mechanisms to promote green jobs in Municipality jobs in the informal waste sector and strengthen its role in 2,000,000 the informal waste (collectors) sector Ministry of providing decentralized waste collection services. Municipalities Environmental Education Dissemination Program Sustainable Development Goals Estimated Ambitious targets Indicators Responsibility Budget Strategic Goal (1): Develop partnership opportunities at the national, regional, and international levels to achieve Iraq’s Vision 2030. Target (1): The Ministry of Environment coordinates with media organizations to implement awareness and educational Number of awareness and educational programs Ministry of Environment, Ministry programs to introduce goals and the objectives of the National implemented to introduce the objectives of the of Education, Ministry of 3,000,000 Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment, National Strategy for Environmental Protection and Higher Education and Scientific acknowledging the importance of using available visual, audio, Improvement Research and written media tools, as well as social media sites. Target (2): Promote and devise school and university curricula Ministry of Education, Ministry of Percentage (%) Number of school and university and vocational training curricula related to environmental Higher Education and Scientific curricula and vocational training curricula devised on 5,000,000 protection in order to form a future young adult nucleus able to Research, and Ministry of Labor issues related to environmental protection. support environmental protection and improvement. and Social Affairs 63 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Environmental Governance Program Sustainable Development Goals Estimated Ambitious targets Indicators Responsibility Budget Strategic Goal (1): Develop partnership opportunities at the national, regional, and international levels to achieve Iraq’s Vision 2030. Targe (1): Strengthen the technical and managerial capacities of relevant staff and key Number of stakeholders' training Ministry of Environment 5,000,000 stakeholders to ensure effective strategy implementation. programs to implement the strategy Update of institutional structure Target (2): Develop the institutional structure and job description for the Ministry of document and job description in the Ministry of Environment 2,000,000 Environment Ministry of Environment Target (3): Establish an environmental database containing environmental laws, Database for environmental legislation Ministry of Environment 2,000,000 legislation, and regulations. and laws Target (4): To launch a program for issuing and modifying environmental determinants in the field of quality of different environmental components, with the importance that Environmental Performance Index Ministry of Environment 1,000,000 this program includes issuing Iraq's national environmental guides in different fields Report such as air quality manual, water, soil, etc. Target (5): To promote and prepare the annual study to estimate the cost of environmental degradation in Iraq, covering most of the economic effects of Percentage (%) of coverage of Ministry of Environment environmental degradation, to observe a monetary indicator that contributes to economic effects of environmental Ministry of Planning 2,000,000 enhancing decision-making mechanisms in the field of environmental protection and degradation in the annual study International Organizations improvement Strategic Goal (2): Participate actively in formulating environmental policies and legal frameworks to ensure rational governance and transparent management. Target (1): Review and develop existing legislation and laws to meet the strategy’s Number of environmental legislation ambitious objectives/goals and enhance the informal sector’s participation in the Ministry of Environment 1,000,000 and laws issued or updated strategy’s implementation. Target (2): To develop and disseminate Iraq's environmental policy at the level of Iraq Environmental Public Policy in Iraq Ministry of Environment 2,000,000 and at all segments. Percentage (%) of achievement Target (3): Ministry of Environment implements a program to assess the achievement according to monitoring and evaluation of the strategic objectives for protecting and improving the environment, with program to assess the verification of Ministry of Environment 1,000,000 stakeholders and different sectors promoting this program with data. strategic objectives for environmental protection and improvement Several programs have been Target (4): Propose programs to improve the inclusiveness of civil society and implemented to improve the inclusivity different social groups, such as women, youth, minorities, etc., in policy, decision and All Ministries 4,000,000 of civil society and different social implementation of the proposed environmental strategy. groups. 64 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) 65 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Baseline Report 2024-2030 66 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) 71 77 106 165 188 67 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) PREFACE The entities involved in the formulation of the The Iraqi Ministry of Environment is implementing a National Environment Strategy in Iraq included the project to formulate a new strategy for environmental following: action in Iraq to guide environmental efforts for all stakeholders, whether working in the public or private sectors and civil society organizations. a. Iraqi Ministry of Environment (MoEnv): the Furthermore, the strategy aims to address the national focal point and direct supervisory fundamental challenges facing the environment entity for the formulation, preparation and in Iraq during the next five years. The strategy for implementation of the strategy. protecting and improving the environment in Iraq (2024-2030) adopts the achievement of two basic b. Stakeholders from sectoral ministries, public and interrelated objectives: and private sector institutions and civil society organizations are involved in the discussion • Preparing a comprehensive baseline report on and formulation of the strategy and in its the state of the environment in Iraq based on implementation. official data from all related sectors. The report adopted the available data for the last five years c. The United States Agency for International (2017-2022) to give the possibility to diagnose Development (USAID) as it is funding the the current environmental situation and map process. out its trends during the mentioned period. The baseline report is supported by analyses d. United Nations Development Programme including pressures, responses, gaps and (UNDP) as a technical support body. priorities. • Based on the analyses presented in this report, the national strategy will be formulated to identify priorities and mechanisms for action in the environmental sector for the next five years, while identifying implementation tools and methods for follow-up and evaluation. The timeframe for the methodological steps adopted for the strategy formulation is presented below: • The UNDP initiated the project’s activities in coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Environment in January 2022. • Nominating the advisory experts, which included an international and national team members by the UNDP in July 2022. • Revision of the previous National Environmental Strategy and Action Plan (2013-2017). • The first workshop involving different stakeholders was held in Erbil in October 2022 (Appendix 1). • Collecting data and information and writing a baseline report on the state of the environment in Iraq, which was completed in December 2022. • Conducting the second workshop in December 2022 to approve the baseline report and the strategy’s table of contents (Appendix 2). • Completing the writing of the strategy on June 2023 and summiting it to the Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders. • Endorsement of the strategy in 2024. 68 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) sectors. Statistical data for the last five years INTRODUCTION were adopted f, noting that the latest data for most sectors related to the environment were from 2017-2020 and in some sectors, data were OBJECTIVES available for the year 2021. The report aims to: • Official data, studies, reports, and strategies: The official studies prepared by the relevant ministries were obtained from three sources: • Prepare the Baseline Report on the State of the MoEnv website and the UNDP and through the Environment which is the first product of the local consultant. Many studies and reports have draft National Strategy for the Protection and been obtained, the most important of which are Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024- the National Communications Report, the Fifth 2030) and will contribute to paving the way for National Report of the Convention on Biological the preparation of the strategy. Diversity, the National Biodiversity Strategy, the Action Plan, and other official reports. • Present the state of the environment in Iraq and future expectations in order to assist the project • Informal data and studies: Research studies team and relevant authorities in formulating and from the academic and research sector have preparing the national strategic dimensions for been relied upon in the event that data cannot the environment. be obtained from the sources described above. Where scientific research published in • Raise the level of environmental awareness by accredited international journals was relied upon informing all relevant authorities about the state to obtain some information such as the state of of the environment in order to enhance their biodiversity. participation in environmental decision-making and enhance the role of the concerned sectors • Data provided directly by ministries and other in protecting and improving the environment. sectors: A national workshop was held with stakeholders in Erbil in October 2022, where • Build a database to follow up on environmental the project For the preparation of this report, changes at the level of all sectors related to the an approved methodology to identify sources of environment. information and collect these data was followed. The sources of information were identified in cooperation with the MoEnv and UNDP, where METHODOLOGY it was agreed to adopt a number of national reports and strategies and the main official FOR PREPARING THE sources of information. There were four sources of information as follows: BASELINE REPORT For the preparation of this report, an approved methodology to identify sources of information and collect these data was followed. The sources of information were identified in cooperation with the MoEnv and UNDP, where it was agreed to adopt a number of national reports and strategies and the main official sources of information. There were four sources of information as follows: • Statistical data issued by the Central Bureau of Statistics at the Ministry of Planning: These data were obtained from the official website of the Bureau where statistical reports and raw data were obtained for each of the targeted 69 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) STRUCTURE AND CONTENT OF THE REPORT The Baseline Report consists of main five sections as follows: 70 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) CHAPTER ONE: ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL FEATURES OF IRAQ 1 71 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) LOCATION OF IRAQ Iraq is located in the Middle East and is geographically considered within the West Asia region, sharing borders with Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Turkey (Figure 1.1). 72 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS Table 1.1: General information about the geography of Iraq 73 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 1.2: Geographical Characteristics of Iraq Source: UNEP Abstract (2007) “UNEP Iraq” Iraq is characterized as one of the arid and semi-arid geographical areas, which led to the fragility of its environment and ecosystems and the elements of biodiversity contained which are more vulnerable to of climate change effects. This is evidenced by climatic phenomena that it has never experienced before, such as low rainfall rates, low water levels of lakes and rivers, high temperatures at unprecedented rates, the occurrence of fires, the increase in intensity and frequency of dust storms, and the changing time periods for their occurrence, and the increasing phenomenon of desertification, which caused pressure on the balance of the ecosystem. Despite these pressures, large areas of Iraq are still of global and local importance, for example, marsh areas, which were included on the World Heritage List, as well as the declaration of many protected areas as naturally rich and the environmental services they provide as an important economic return. On the other hand, surface water is the main resource in Iraq (Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries and the Shatt al-Arab), and there has been a significant decrease in water resources due to dams and irrigation and development projects that were established on these rivers in neighboring countries to secure their water shares and use them to generate hydropower, which affected Iraq’s water share and quality, and the effects of climate change have caused a decrease in the quantities of water received into its rivers, as the water sector is one of the most fragile sectors in the face of climate change. It is worth noting that the natural environmental features are distributed over most of the area of Iraq, where it is characterized by the diversity of terrain, from mountains, valleys and forests in northern Iraq, especially in the Kurdistan region, to the hills as in the Hamrin ridge, and from sedimentary plain between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to arid deserts. Iraq contains the western desert plateau in the west, as well as the natural marshes area in the south, which is one of its natural environmental elements, including the Hawizeh Marsh and the Hammar Marsh, as well as the presence of several natural and artificial lakes such as Sawa Lake Tharthar, Razzaza and others. Figure 2.1 highlights the natural environmental features of Iraq. TOPOGRAPHY Iraq is characterized by its geographical diversity and is divided into four main regions: the desert plateau (west of the Euphrates), the island (between the upper Tigris and the Euphrates), the northern highlands of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and the sedimentary plain that extends from central Iraq to the Arabian Gulf (Table 1.3) and (Figure 1.3). Table 1.3: Geographical regions of Iraq (Source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Environment Statistics Section, 2017 and 2020) Details Area in km- Percentage The plains including the marshes and lakes 132500 30.5 Semi-mountainous Lands 42000 9.7 Mountains 92000 21.1 Deserts 168552 38.7 Total 435052 100 74 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 1.1: Topographic Map of Iraq (Source: General Authority for Survey) 75 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The desert plateau extends along the area west of as salt deposits, where there is a lake in southwest the Euphrates River towards the desert of Syria, Baghdad such as Bahr al-Salt, a reference to the Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which is a dry area in most density of salt deposits, which reaches a thickness seasons of the year and is inhabited by Bedouins of 20 centimeters, and there are also two lakes north and has many valleys, some of which reach a length of Bahr al-Salt, namely the Habbaniyah and Tharthar of 400 km and the rain fall in winter sometimes forms lakes. floods that threaten the Bedouins living in it. The desert covers the western and southwestern parts Iraq is characterized by its wide plains and swamps, of Iraq, and it consists of limestone hills and sand and the plains consist of a flat central area known dunes that extend into the desert of Syria, Jordan as the island in the north and the blackness of Iraq and the desert of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In in the south. This area is penetrated by the Tigris this desert spreads dry valleys that are filled with and Euphrates rivers, and it rises gradually towards water after rainfall. the west towards the Levant desert, and towards the southwest towards the Najd plateau. The Iraqi The island (semi-mountainous zone) is an area planes occupy about 20% of the entire country, and between the sedimentary plain and the mountainous they extend in a rectangular shape 650 km from area where the ground level begins to rise gradually. northwest to southeast between the city of Samarra This area begins between the Tigris River north of on the Tigris River and the city of Ramadi on the the city of Samarra and the Euphrates River north of Euphrates River in the north, the head of the Arabian the city of Hit and extends to Syria and Turkey and Gulf in the south, and the slopes of Zagros in the east was called the island because it is located between and the Badia al-Sham in the west. These plains are the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. characterized by levelness, and their altitude does not exceed 100 m above sea level in most areas. The The mountainous area is mostly located in the northern part is characterized by drought and lack of Kurdistan region and covers an area of 92,000 km2 fertility, while the southern section is characterized and begins south of the city of Kirkuk with Jabal by fertility, because it includes the fertile delta plain Hamrin and extends east to Iran, west to Syria between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. and north to Turkey. It is formed in the shape of a mountain arc that starts in the northwest of Iraq and heads towards the east, then bends towards the southeast, occupying about one fifth of the total area of Iraq. The first is part of the Zagros Mountains extending between Iran and Iraq, and the Taurus Mountains in Turkey, and the altitude here is more than 3000 m, where the highest peak in the mountains of Iraq is located is the Hasarost Peak (3607 m). The second region is a transitional zone between the low plains in the south and the high mountains in the north, occupying about 75% of the area of the highland region, and its altitude ranges between 400-1000 meters above sea level, and is of great economic importance. The Highland region is interrupted by narrow longitudinal plains cut through narrow rugged rivers, such as the Little Zab, the Great Zab and Diyala. The sedimentary plain area begins south of Baghdad and extends to the Arabian Gulf, which is the area where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers pass, where these two rivers are linked by a group of channels and this area includes a group of marshes, some of which are permanent and others seasonal. The area was called the sedimentary plain due to the large quantities of sediments of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, such as sand and mud in the region, as well 76 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) CHAPTER TWO: STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN IRAQ 2 77 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) CHAPTER TWO: STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN IRAQ WATER Resources Iraq is famous for its large river system, which of its water in the summer between Hit and Nasiriyah consists of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers; the Tigris due to branches, streams and swamps. The two River, which originates in Turkey and enters Iraq at the rivers meet at the city of Qurna. They form a single town of Fishkhabour, is connected to it after entering stream known as the Shatt al-Arab, which traverses the Iraqi border from its left bank by five tributaries 204 km before emptying into the Arabian Gulf at the that supply it with (65.77%) of its total annual waters, city of Faw. In addition, there are lakes, marshes and namely: T Rehe Khabur, the Great Zab, the Little swamps in Iraq, which occupy about 15.5 thousand Zab, the Azim and Diyala, and continues its course km2, the largest of which is the Hawizeh Marsh, towards the Arabian Gulf, cutting a distance of 1418 which extends between Iraq and Iran. Table (1.2) km inside Iraqi territory. The Euphrates River, which shows the water imports of the Tigris River and its also originates from Turkey, and enters Iraqi territory tributaries and the Euphrates River for the water after passing through Syria, extends within Iraq for a year (2019-2020) by months. distance of 1213 km approaching the Tigris at the city of Baghdad, and branches at the city of Musayyib into two large branches, Hilla and Hindi, and they meet at the city of Shinafiya, and it is divided again into two branches, Samawa and Suwayer, and unites again near the city of Al-Khader. The river loses 63% Table 1.2: Water imports of the Tigris River and its tributaries and the Euphrates River for the water year (2019-2020) by months Source: Ministry of Water Resources / Planning and Follow-up Department / Environmental Policies Section 78 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Surface water: It is one of the main water resources in Iraq and consists of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries and the Shatt al-Arab. Before the construction of dams in the upper two rivers, the amount of surface water changed from season to season throughout the year, increasing during the spring (rainy season or flood) and decreasing in the summer and autumn seasons (dry season) and varying in its quantities from year to year depending on the variation in the amount of rain and snow sources. However, after the neighboring countries built a number of dams several years ago on the course of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries, the water resources to Iraq decreased significantly, which threatens to affect the water and food security of Iraq, because it caused the drying up of large areas of agricultural land that extend along the banks of the two rivers, especially the Tigris River. This calls for the need to sign agreements with neighboring countries (Turkey - Syria - Iran) on shared waters to determine the water shares entering Iraq, quantitatively and qualitatively, in line with the principles of partnership and equity to cover the current and future needs of Iraq and the establishment of joint water projects. Figure 1.2: Surface water quantities (billion cubic meters) Annual revenues and uses in Iraq This water is used for multiple economic uses, namely: agriculture, industry and services, hydroelectric and thermal electricity and drinking water. The following table shows the distribution of surface water uses to economic activities. The largest use of surface water is by the agricultural uses and hydroelectricity. 79 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 2.2: Distribution of Surface Water Use (Million Cubic Meters) by Economic Sectors in Iraq Looking at the distribution of water uses by governorate, the data indicate that the share of Nineveh governorate is the lowest, reaching 1.7% of the total water used in Iraq. Wasit governorate was the highest at 15.6%. Figure 2.3 shows the percentage of distribution of water use for (agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses) for the water year 2019-2020 by governorate. Figure 2.3: Percentage (%) Distribution of Water Use by Governorate Also, Table (2.2) shows the storage levels achieved in dams and lakes (reservoirs). 80 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table (2.2) Storage levels achieved in dams and lakes (reservoirs) Source: Ministry of Water Resources / Planning and Follow-up on 1/10/2020 compared to the same date of 2019 Department / Environmental Policies Section Basin Dam or lake Achieved on 1/10/2019 Achieved on 1/10/2020 Water level (m) Live storage (billion m³) Water level (m) Live storage (billion m³) Mosul Dam 316.55 5.98 320.78 7.23 Haditha Dam 145.68 7.61 145.15 7.34 Tigris and Euphrates basins Tharthar Lake 56.56 25.43 54.66 21.57 Habbaniyah Lake 49.61 2.01 49.88 2.12 Total 41.03 38.26 Lower Zab Dukan Dam 503.12 4.78 497.16 3.42 Basin of the Adhaim River Dam on the Adhaim River 128.4 1.25 124.38 0.87 Darbandikhan Dam 471.51 1.45 468.50 1.29 Diyala Hamrin Dam 102.57 1.97 96.90 0.76 Total 3.41 2.05 Live storage up to lower ports (billion m³) 50.47 44.60 Table 2.3: Amount of Water Released in Lakes and Reservoirs by Source: Ministry of Water Resources / Planning and Follow-up Months for the Water Year (2019-2020) Department / Environmental Policies Section Months (m³/s) Loc-ation Water Annual Year Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Aprl May June July Aug Sep Total (billion m³) 2018 0 43 822 602 1430 1775 4215 3652 1025 152 0 0 36.03 - 2019 Tharthar Lake 2019 0 0 46 43 203 616 821 663 51 0 0 0 6.3 - 2020 2018 0 5 10 16 14 29 17 14 188 182 301 283 2.8 - 2019 Habbaniyah Lake 2019 92 78 169 282 112 348 178 69 47 69 108 103 4.37 - 2020 2018 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 - 2019 Razzaza Lake 2019 0 0 94 83 34 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.6 - 2020 Groundwater: scale. Moreover, this water is also used to irrigate the green belts. The amount of renewable groundwater annually is (4.3-5.234 billion m3) and increases or decreases • Treated wastewater: The amount of wastewater according to the amount of rainfall. increases with the increase in the population, and despite its relatively large quantities, the
Water from other sources: treated wastewater reaching about 580 million m3 in recent years, its use as a source of water is still in its early stages, as it was used in Baghdad • Agriculture channels: It is the water returned and some provinces in a very limited way to from agricultural projects, between the Tigris irrigate some areas of the green belt. and Euphrates rivers mainly, and comes annually at about 3.8 billion m3 of poor quality due to agricultural use on regular agricultural crops Data from 2020 shows that water loss is 20%. with salinity exceeding 3000 parts per million. Table 2.4 indicates the total and produced raw This water is used to feed the marshes provided water quantity, the percentage and average of the that its salinity does not exceed (4000 mg/liter) quantities of water lost during water distribution and is also used by the Ministry of Petroleum network, and the amount of water distributed free of in oil extraction facilities. Part of this water charge and sold for the year 2020. Figure 4.2 shows is desalinated by the Ministry of Agriculture; the percentage of population served by potable however, desalination is performed at small water distribution networks by environment for the year 2020. 81 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 2.4: The total amount of raw water produced, the percentage and average of the quantities of water lost during transportation in the water distribution network, and the amount of water distributed free of charge and sold for the year 2020. Average quantities of Average quantities of Percentage of average Average amount of Average amount of Average quantity of raw water withdrawn to water produced from water losses during water loss during water distributed free of potable water supplied water production plants water production plants transportation in the transportation in the charge (m³/day) (sold water) (m³/day) * (m³/day) (m³/day) water distribution water distribution network network (m³/day) 18,662,038 15,795,940 20.1 3,174,901 305,619 12,315,419 Figure 2.4: Percentage of Population Served by Potable Water Distribution Networks by Environment for the Year 2020 LAND AND VEGETATION COVER The land makes up the vast majority of Iraq’s area • Upper Mesopotamia: of 435,052 km² while Iraq has approximately 105 km of coastline and 716 km² of territorial seas. The The highlands between the Tigris rivers north of geography of Iraq varies and can be divided into five the Hamrin Mountains and the Euphrates north of main regions: the desert in the west and southwest Hit are known as the island and are part of an area of the Euphrates River, Upper Mesopotamia extending west to Syria and Turkey. Water flows in (between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers), the the area in deep valleys. The southwestern regions northern highlands of Iraq, the lower Mesopotamian of this area are classified as desert or semi-desert. regions and the Mudmashat extending from Tikrit to The northern parts that include places like the the Arabian Gulf. Nineveh Plains, Dohuk, and Zakho are mainly made up of Mediterranean vegetation. The mountains in the northeast are an extension of the Alpine system that stretches east from the • Lower Mesopotamia: Balkans through southern Turkey, northern Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan and eventually to the Himalayas in Pakistan. The desert is located in the southwestern It starts from the north of Baghdad and extends to provinces along the borders with Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf, where the Tigris and Euphrates Jordan and geographically belongs to the Arabian rivers are located above the level of the plain in Peninsula. The following describes these areas in more detail: 82 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) many places and the whole region is a river delta rainfall. Western and southern Iraq covers a vast intertwined with rivers and irrigation channels. desert area of about 168,000 square kilometers, The Tigris and Euphrates rivers also carry large nearly two-fifths of the country’s area. The Western amounts of salt, as high groundwater levels and Desert rises as an extension of the Syrian desert to poor subsurface drainage lead to a concentration heights of more than 490 meters. The elevation in of salts near the soil surface. In general, soil salinity the southern desert varies from 300 to 800 meters. increases from Baghdad in the south to the Persian It reaches a height of 951 meters at Mount Unaizah Gulf and severely limits productivity. at the intersection of the borders of Jordan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia • Highlands: • Tigris and Euphrates River System: The northeastern highlands start south from Mosul to Kirkuk and extend to the borders with Turkey and The Euphrates River originates in Turkey and enters Iran. The mountains of this highland area is ranging Iraq in the northwest and the Tigris River rises in from 1,000 to 3,611 meters near the Iranian and Turkey but enlarges through several rivers (valleys) Turkish borders. With the exception of a few valleys, in Iraq, all of which join the Tigris River over Baghdad the mountainous area is only suitable for grazing in and Diyala, which are joined at about thirty-six the foothills and plains, however, sufficient soil and kilometers below the city. Both the Tigris and rainfall make farming possible. There are also large Euphrates rivers overlap a number of canals in the oil fields near Mosul and Kirkuk. marshes region. Moreover, the marshes act as silt traps and the Shatt al-Arab is relatively silt free as it • Deserts: flows south. Syria built a dam on the Euphrates River The deserts are located to the west and southwest which led to a significant decrease in the flow of of the Euphrates River and are part of the Syrian water and floods no longer represented any problem desert and the Arabian Desert covering parts of in the mid-eighties as it had previously been, and Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and most of the Arabian in 1988, Turkey also built a dam on the Euphrates Peninsula. The sparsely populated lower areas River that would further restrict the flow of water. of nomadic peoples consist of a vast rocky plain It is worth noting that there was no change in the interspersed with sandy expanses. A forked pattern land-use map (Table 2.5) between 2017 and 2020. of valleys – watercourses that dry up most of the year – stretches from the border to the Euphrates. Some valleys are more than 400 kilometers long and face short but heavy flooding during winter Table 2.5: Land Use by Area and Percentage in Iraq Source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Environment Statistics Section, 2017 and 2020 Area (Million Dunum) Percentage Type of use 2017 2020 2017 2020 Desert and nomadic 54.0 54.0 31 31 areas Total arable land 23.4 13.5 27.4 27.4 Water surfaces and 47.7 47.7 27.4 27.4 residential lands Natural pastures 16.0 16.0 9.2 9.2 Natural forests 7.0 7.0 4.0 4.0 Barren mountains 1.7 1.7 1.0 1.0 Total in Iraq 149.8 139.9 100 100 83 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) As for soils in Iraq, soil surveys and classification • Class V: began before 1950. At this time, the number and It is suitable for pastures and forests and is not type of soil units in Iraq were not complete due to the suitable for growing field crops due to severe lack of semi-detailed or detailed surveys covering all erosion and is exposed to floods and harsh weather parts of Iraq. Only 35% of Iraq is covered by semi- conditions. detailed surveys with soil maps ranging from a scale of 1 to 50,000 to 1:25,000. There is no general soil map (soil classification or any other system) covering • Class VI: the whole of Iraq yet The excavation carried out in More determinants than the fifth variety and is 1960 using the 1938 system is the common work suitable for pastures to a lesser degree. carried out on Iraqi territory and has classified 17 large groups of known soil groups. So, the need for • Class VII: a semi-detailed survey to develop a large-scale soil map is absolutely necessary. In order to develop a Suitable for grazing, forests and wildlife. general map of soil in Iraq following the USDA soil classification, 300 samples representing all Iraqi soil • Class VIII: types expected from previous work were collected. It is not suitable for cultivation and is used as Data collected using the 2012 soil classification key reserves. has been reclassified. The digital soil map is developed on a scale of 1: 500,000. The results indicated that there are five soil ranks, each one showing some Soil is an important natural resource and is a natural differences with common characteristics that reflect body consisting of mineral and organic substances, the influence of the prevailing soil formation factors, water and air in which the plant fixes its roots and and their order was arranged according to their from which it derives its nutritional needs. The soil of dominance as follows (Aridisoils 62.5%), (Entisoils Iraq is characterized by other general characteristics, 16.2%), (Inceptisoils 12.6%), (Mollisoils 3.8%) and namely: (Vertisoils 1.2%). Twelve branches belonging to the dominant groups were identified. Therefore, the land ‒ Poor in organic matter, due to the lack of natural was divided according to its productive capacity into vegetation and high temperatures, especially eight varieties: during the summer months, which leads to oxidation of organic matter and reduces its • Class I: accumulation in the soil. Suitable for the cultivation of all field crops, ‒ Rich in salts and other nutrients, due to the vegetables and orchards and is free of any specific nature of the rocks from which they are derived, problems. as well as the lack of rain and the increase in the amount of evaporation in most parts of Iraq, • Class II: which leads to the accumulation of salts in the Suitable for all field crops, but it is characterized soil. by a lower density than the first variety due to the presence of some determinants such as salinity and The characteristics of the soil in Iraq vary from one degree of slope. region to another depending on the variation of the terrain, climate and natural vegetation, so soils in • Class III: Iraq can be classified as follows: Average production due to the presence of some • First: determinants such as poor puncture. Sedimentary plain soil: Movable soil from the • Class IV: fragments of the original rocks that are located in places far from the sedimentary plain, where It is used for crops to a limited degree due to the the water of rivers and valleys transported those presence of soil and climate determinants. fragments and deposited them in the sedimentary plain area, and its soil is characterized by a high percentage of clay and silt and a lack of sand, so its 84 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) fabric ranges from soft to medium, and in general it • The soil of the Shatt al-Arab region and the is a deep soil up to several meters deep and contains coastal flats: It extends in the form of a narrow a high percentage of lime and a low percentage of longitudinal range along the Shatt al-Arab from gypsum and a low percentage of organic matter and the south of the city of Qurna to the northern high salinity, and can be divided as follows: coast of the Arabian Gulf and is affected by the phenomenon of tides, which have a major role • Soil for river terraces: It extends within the area in washing salts from the soil near the course between the mouth of the Adhaim River and of the Shatt al-Arab and thus are good for Balad in the south and the Fatha area in the north agricultural production, especially palm trees and is one of the oldest types of sedimentary and vegetables. soil, as it was formed during the rainy era, which was characterized by the washing away of large • Saline land also spreads away from the course quantities of sediments by running rainwater of the Shatt al-Arab and occupies the coastal from the mountainous region and deposited area on the Arabian Gulf and Khor Al-Zubair and in those geographical locations, so the bulk of is affected by the tide due to the low land level these sediments consists of gravel and coarse and this soil consists of clay sediments and has fragments as well as silt and the percentage of high salinity. lime rises and reaches about 40% and therefore it is a poor soil in terms of agricultural production. • The soil of the coastal edges extends between the Iraqi-Iranian border and the eastern edges • Floodplain soil: Occupies the area extending of the Tigris flood plain within the spatial space from the south of the soil of the river terraces that starts from the southeast of Khanaqin to to the marshes area in southern Iraq and was the northeast of Maysan province and was formed by the sediments of the Tigris and formed by the sediments brought by waterways Euphrates rivers during repeated floods and descending from the Iranian highlands and due to the irregular distribution of the amount consists of coarse sediments in locations near of sediment between nearby places and places the border and gradually decreases roughness far from riverbeds, as the soil of the terraces until it becomes of soft fabric in which the and the basins has been formed. The soil of the proportion of clay rises in the eastern section of rivers terraces is characterized by its medium the Tigris flood plain and its salinity is medium. weaving and good drainage, and the low level of ground water in it because it is higher than Second: the neighboring lands, and the low percentage of salts compared to the soil of the basins, which The soil of the desert plateau consists of rock is suitable for the cultivation of various crops, fragments that date back to different geological noting that the soil of river basins increases eras under the influence of erosion and weathering the proportion of clay, forming soft or medium factors due to rain, wind and temperature variation, tissue, poor drainage, high ground water level, as the soil minutes in some locations were subjected and the percentage of salts, and most of them to the process of erosion by running water or wind, have turned into arable land, especially in the so its thickness is shallow does not exceed a few southern section of the floodplain. centimeters and its thickness ranges in other places such as the valleys of the depressions between 3-7 m. In general, it consists of clay, alluvial and • Marshes and Marsh Soil: The boundary sandy deposits, in addition to some calcareous between the permanent marshes and the soil components, so agriculture is concentrated in those of river basins is formed within the geographical valleys and depressions, as in the Zubair district in area extending between the cities of Nasiriyah, Basra province, the areas of Al-Haidariya and Al- Amara and Qurna, which is a newly formed soil Khan in Karbala province, as well as some sites in that is subject to inundation with the waters the provinces of Najaf and Anbar. of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which leads to the addition of a percentage of clay and silt annually. It is characterized by a high ground Third: water level due to the low land level as well Soil of the mountainous and semi-mountainous as the high percentage of organic matter, as it region: Its characteristics differ from the soil reaches in some locations more than 10% due characteristics of the sedimentary plain and the to the density of vegetation cover that spreads in them. 85 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) western plateau due to the different terrain and maintaining the ecological balance. the quality of the rocks from which it is derived, as well as the different climatic conditions and natural • The problem of drought and desertification vegetation, and can be classified as follows: is among the most important challenges that negatively affect the abundance of vegetation • Dark chestnut soil: It covers the valleys and cover, and it can be said that the deterioration plains that exist between mountain ranges, such of vegetation cover in arid and semi-arid as the plain of Shahr Zour and Rania and Sindhi areas represents the most serious factors of and is rich in mineral and organic materials and desertification. In Iraq, most of the desert and may reach a depth of several meters as well as semi-desert (or valley) areas are classified as being well drained, so it is one of the types of pastures of arid and semi-arid areas, with an fertile soil in which the productivity of agricultural area of more than 200,000 km2 (about half crops is high. of Iraq’s total area), which is an extension of the Syrian and Saudi deserts and includes • Deep and medium brown soil and spread in the the desert of the island and the northern south and southwest of the mountainous region, (western) and southern Badia. As a result of the and covers the plains, valleys and foothills and absence of sound scientific management and may increase in depth in the depressions and mis-exploitation represented by overgrazing decrease above the highlands and is fertile and and early and cutting trees and shrubs for the rich in mineral and organic materials and this purpose of fuel, as well as the secretions of helps to spread demi-agriculture in it as in the wars, military activities and other factors that province of Kirkuk and the Erbil plain. led to disruption in this ecosystem and created an imbalance between natural plants on the • Red brown soil: It spreads to the south of the one hand and humans and their animals on the previous soil (deep and medium structure) other, and one of the most prominent results and is characterized by a reddish-brown color was the deterioration of vegetation cover and containing calcareous or gypsum materials. the exposure of some species to the risk of extinction, or the disappearance of some species in their natural habitats and the emergence of • High mountain soil: It covers high mountain other undesirable species. peaks and steep slopes and is shallow due to continuous erosion and is therefore unsuitable for agriculture. DESERTIFICATION • In summary, it can be deduced that the soil in The threat of desertification is a global problem Iraq is exposed to two main problems: that occurs in many environments around the world, where large areas of land are transformed over time 1. The problem of erosion and washout due to into desert or semi-desert lands, causing economic running water or wind and health risks. By taking a simple look at the natural map of the region, you can estimate the extent of 2. Salinity problem. the desertification problem by observing signs and evidence. Among these signs and evidence of • Forests are one of the indicators of vegetation desertification are the following: abundance, as the total area of forests in 2017 and 2020 is estimated at 5.4 and 2.8 million • The presence of barren sandy areas in the dunums, respectively, a decrease of 48%. As for middle of agricultural land. the vegetation cover, it symbolizes the growth of plants in a certain area, including all the plant • Immersion of irrigation channels, trocars, trees, forms inside it. As a general term, it refers to buildings and external roads with dust. forests, grasses, gardens, algae, and every vegetation cover found on the planet. The term • Lack of natural plants and wild animals. vegetation has emerged for its importance in 86 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) • The increasing phenomenon of dust storms • 1. Northern Sand Belt and their health hazards, air pollution and dust accumulation in cities. • 2. Eastern Sand Belt • 3. Central Sand Belt • The presence of a clay and alluvial layer under the sand dunes, which indicates that this sand Although Iraq is known for its water resources, the has recently encroached on it. desert covers a large percentage of its area, while the phenomenon of desertification is now besieging The continued overuse of land, water and natural non-desert lands, as it eliminates the fertility of the resources without taking appropriate measures has land and reduces its productivity, and creeps rapidly resulted in a decrease in plants, which constitute towards the green line west of the Euphrates and an important element of the biological cycle of puts great pressure on the rural population and the soil, which in turn maintains and improves the forces them to leave their villages and places of physical properties of the soil against erosion original residence. Figure (6.2) shows a map with and desertification factors, which was helped the distribution of the main land covers in Iraq, by the prevailing hot and dry weather conditions where it is found that barren and arid lands occupy accompanied by dry winds in the summer and the large areas, especially in the western plateau, while absence of rain, in addition to the presence of sandy there are important areas of the land covered with desert on the edges of the sedimentary plain. bushes and shrubs. As for the covers that include agricultural areas, it is noted that they have small The failure to take the necessary measures, enact areas and that they are located around the irrigated regulations and legislation, reorganize the use of areas, except for the northern regions. The map (Fig. land, water and natural resources, and prevent 6.2) also shows the distributions of water bodies harmful practices such as overgrazing, logging, and wetlands in Iraq. hunting wildlife and rationing irrigation to stop this deadly encroachment of millions of tons of quicksand, which in turn has led to an increase in the area of land desertification or threatened by desertification. In general, Iraq has been facing serious desertification problem, represented by the increase in land areas affected by salinity and waterlogging, the significant deterioration that has occurred in vegetation cover, and the increase in areas covered by moving sand dunes as a result of land degradation and wind erosion. In general, the factors described below are among the most important natural and human factors that have contributed to the exacerbation of desertification: 1. Wind and water erosion. 2. Creeping sand dunes. 3. Salinization and waterlogging. 4. Human mismanagement of land, water and natural resources. The factors mentioned above have contributed in turn to the deterioration of vegetation cover in Iraq as a result of the formation of sand dunes and the occurrence of sand and dust storms, and the paths of the dunes are formed in the form of three sand belts as shown in Figure (5.2): 87 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 2.5: Active sand dune areas in Iraq (Source: Ministry of Environment: National Action Programme to Combat Desertification in Iraq) It is noted from Table (2.6) that the total land affected by soil erosion or desertification for the year 2016 was about (160,588,000 dunums), which indicates the exacerbation of desertification in Iraq. It is noted from Table (2.7) that there is a continuous increase in the area of land threatened by desertification. Table 2.6: Area affected by soil erosion and desertification in Iraq (Source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Environment Statistics Section, 2017 and 2020) Affected area (dunums) Percentage Type of desertification Intensity 2016 2021 2016 2021 - Wind erosion Light-medium 5724000 3.56 Severe-very severe 2612000 1.63 Water erosion Light-medium 18764000 11.68 Severe-very severe Soil salinization Light-medium 5288000 No updated data 3.29 Severe-very severe 26716000 16.63 Soil hardening Calcification 67084000 41.77 Gypsum 34400000 21.42 Total in Iraq 160588000 100 Table 2.7: The most important indicators of desertification in Iraq (source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Department of Environmental Statistics, 2017-2020) Indicators 2018 2019 2020 Area of desert and desertified land (million dunums) 26.8 27.3 27.3 Area of land threatened by desertification (million dunums) 93.7 94.3 94.3 88 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) According to the National Action Programme to sources. Besides land quality and climate, other Combat Desertification in Iraq, which constitutes factors such as trade, management systems, a comprehensive framework and the action plan of services and capital investments affect the the Iraqi government, taking into account the set of geographical distribution of the population and the relevant national policies, strategies and programs population density of that distribution. In turn, the and in line with the requirements of international disparity in geographical distribution was reflected in conventions, in particular the International the difference in the social structures of regions and Convention to Combat Desertification, the plan cities among themselves on the basis of differences of the National Action Programme to Combat in their historical functions or in their natural Desertification and its proposed procedures and conditions, despite their possession of common projects aim to achieve the following strategic interests. It is easy to see that the characteristics of objectives: an commercial river city such as Mosul differ from a tribal town on the edge of the desert, such as Souq 1. Rehabilitate ecosystems, conserve natural al-Shuyoukh, from a holy religious city such as Najaf resources and limit their degradation. or from Baghdad, the center and the capital. The primary factors influencing the population can be 2. Develop and strengthen institutions, human summarized as follows: resources and legislative frameworks. First: Natural Factors 3. Improve awareness, education and education at all levels. • Water resources: Since the dawn of history, Iraq’s civilization has been POPULATION associated with the presence of water, and the population has been concentrated in huge numbers in Mesopotamia and the narrow strip along the Tigris The estimates of the Central Bureau of Statistics at and Euphrates rivers. the Ministry of Planning indicate that the population of Iraq for the year 2020 has reached (40,150,174) • Environment: million people compared to 2021, where it reached (41,190,658) million people, with a growth rate Iraq is characterized by the diversity of its geographical of 2.59%, and the population of Iraq for the year environments. There are four environments, the first 2021 is distributed by (20,810,479) million males, is the sedimentary plain area, which is a low plain constituting (51%) of the total population, while the area and constitutes a spacious plain cut by huge number of females was estimated at (20,380,179) rivers that leave their heavy load and lead to the million people, constituting (49%) of the total emergence of sedimentary land interspersed with population. It is estimated that the urban population water areas, as is the case in the southern regions of of Iraq reached (28,779,201) people for the year Iraq. The plain area constitutes one third of the area 2021, representing (69.9%) of the total population of Iraq (500,132 km2) and this sedimentary plain of Iraq, while the population of rural areas reached extends between the city of Balad on the Tigris River (12,411,457) people, or (30.1%) of the total population and the city of Ramadi on the Euphrates River from of Iraq. These estimates showed that the capital, the north and the Iranian border from the east and Baghdad, is the highest governorate in population the desert plateau from the west and includes the for the year 2021, with an estimated population of marshes and lakes area. Due to the scarcity of rain (8,780,422) million people, constituting (21.3%) of the in these environments and the high temperatures, total population of Iraq, while Muthanna Governorate dry climates suitable for certain types of plants and came as the least populous governorate with about animals have been formed, and with the abundance (880) thousand people, constituting (2.1%). of food they have attracted populations who have adapted to these environments, creating adaptive Population is closely linked to nature as they and associated communities, and forming distinct determine the pattern of their settlement on the social and economic patterns. The population in this land and the pattern of their economic activity. area is concentrated near the rivers, constituting The population lives on resources, especially land two thirds of Iraq’s population. The second region and water provided by the natural environment for is the plateau, which is located in western Iraq and them, and often determine the resources, quantity occupies about 39% of the country’s area (168,552 and quality, pattern of stability. The majority of the km2) and ranges in altitude between (100-1000 m) population is concentrated near rivers and water 89 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) and includes the island region. It is characterized century, the importance of the administrative by the scarcity of rainfall and the dry climate, all of factor has increased regarding the prosperity of which impose a life of movement and living a Bedouin governorate centers, and their rise as administrative lifestyle. The third mountainous region is located in centers where government institutions are located. the northern and northeastern part of the country These centers expanded at the expense of the rest and extends to its common borders with Syria, Turkey of the cities that have declined in their administrative and Iran in the west, north and east, and this area role. occupies 21% of the area of Iraq (92,000 km2) and includes the governorates of: Sulaymaniyah, Erbil The development of administration mechanisms and and Dohuk. With high mountains, the population, local governance and its impact on the distribution the cold environment and the abundance of water of the population, as the emergence of local created different patterns. Between the low plains in government institutions in Iraq was linked to the the south and the high mountains in the far north and implementation of governance policies in terms northeast, there is an undulating transition zone that of classifying the city according to its importance occupies half of the mountainous area (67,000 km2), and population and spatial size. Currently Iraq of which (42,000 km2) is outside the mountainous consists of 18 governorates that differ in terms of environment and ranges in altitude from (100-200 area and population size, and the governorates m) and (25,000 km2) within the mountainous area of the Kurdistan region have an administrative and ranges in altitude between (200-450 m). status (federal region) different from the rest of the provinces of Iraq. Anbar province is the largest • Climate: and least populated province in Iraq, while the holy province of Karbala is the smallest province, and Climate is one of the important natural factors Baghdad has the largest population. Administratively, affecting the geographical distribution of the the governorates, in turn, are divided into a group of population, because of its effects on human organic districts, where there are 118 districts belonging to functions, as well as its impact on the quality of soil the governorates of Iraq, while the neighborhoods and natural and agricultural plants. Iraq is dominated are the smallest units. The administrative standard by a subtropical continental climate, characterized is adopted to differentiate between administrative by mild cold winters and very hot dry summers, units, where there are 393 districts administratively while the Mediterranean climate prevails in northern affiliated to these provinces. The concentration Iraq with mild winters and summers. The first rain of public services and institutions of government, line crosses the Euphrates passing through southern which encouraged the population in the neighboring Harran, then crosses the Khabur on the road with rural areas to either work in the urban center or Mount Sinjar and bends to the southeast to cross enjoy existing services, made the administratively the Tigris River south of Mosul and continues the classified urban settlements attractive areas for mountain line in eastern Iraq. This line marks the the population coming from the nearby countryside boundary of the steppe and is the meeting point of where there are health centers, hospitals, doctors’ the worlds of agriculture and nomadism. The 100 mm clinics, schools and libraries, as well as police rain line crosses the Euphrates south of Deir ez-Zor, stations and army units. then runs southeasterly to the Tigris between the small Zab and Diyala rivers, then runs south, passing Economic Factors: The past four decades of west of Baghdad, crossing the middle of As-Sawad development in Iraq, through its development to the Arabian Gulf, marking the beginning of the plans, programs and policies, have witnessed the desert. The fact that rainfall is limited to the winter adoption of distorted central mechanisms in the season between October and March, its scarcity, field of allocation and distribution of investments has forced the population to rely on surface water at the sectoral and geographical level, which led resources for agriculture within the plain area and to the deepening of structural imbalances and on groundwater resources within the plateau region. the concentration of the results of development in specific governorates without others and • Second: Administrative Factors increasing the disparity in the levels of economic, social and urban development and thus rooting the Administrative centers attract the population, as phenomenon of (spatial duality) in Iraq. the administrative factor have a an impact on the establishment of cities and with the change and development of the state and the management system in it and over the course of the twentieth 90 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The effect of the population distribution pattern on deterioration of vegetation cover and the loss of population density: The relationship between the biodiversity, as climate change poses a threat diversity of natural environments and the distribution to vital economic investments, as well as social, and density of the population in Iraq is clear, as the economic and health repercussions, the spread of phenomenon of population density is associated diseases and the exacerbation of epidemics. with the governorates located in the plain region, such as in Baghdad, Babylon, Qadisiyah and Diyala, Statistical analyzes indicate increasing trends in and decreases in the plateau provinces such as the average temperature in all stations belonging to Anbar. The impact of the environment also extends the General Authority for Meteorology and Seismic to the governorate itself, in the governorates located Monitoring, for example, the monthly average of on the banks of the rivers, the plain extends along it the minimum and maximum temperature for the and we find it a suitable place to encourage human year 2020 in the city of Baghdad was 16.9 and settlement, so that rivers and their branches and 32.3 degrees Celsius, respectively, and the data fertile plains suitable for agriculture are preferred indicate that the general average for the previous for the population. The population density in Iraq is 40 years in temperature in the city of Baghdad has estimated at about 73 people per square kilometer, reached 22.7 degrees Celsius, while the general which is a moderate percentage compared to average in the city of Baghdad for the year 2020 international standards, but this percentage does not has reached 24.5° C with an average increase of constitute the reality of population density, as cities 1.8° C. While the monthly average of the minimum are concentrated in the cities of Mesopotamia, as and maximum temperature for the year 2020 in the the population density rises if we exclude the wide city of Mosul was 14.2 and 29.1 degrees Celsius, deserts to about 119 people per square kilometer. respectively, the data indicate that the general average for the previous 40 years in temperature in the city of Mosul has reached 20.2 degrees Celsius, CLIMATE while the general average in the city of Mosul for the year 2020 reached 21.4 degrees Celsius, with an increase rate of 1.2 degrees Celsius. The impact of climate conditions varies in terms of temperature, amount of rainfall, atmospheric The monthly average minimum and maximum pressure and winds between parts of Iraq as a result temperature for the year 2020 in southern Iraq of the variation of natural conditions such as terrain, in the city of Basra was 18.4 and 32.1 degrees natural vegetation, the impact of water bodies and Celsius, respectively, and the data indicate that the the abundance of water from one season to another, general average for the previous 60 years in the and the impact of climate elements is clearly shown city of Basra reached 24.9 degrees Celsius, while during the summer and winter, which are the two main the general average for the year 2020 reached seasons in Iraq, while during the spring and autumn 30.1 degrees Celsius, with an increase rate of 5.2 seasons, they are transitional seasons that do not degrees Celsius. It is noted from the indicator of exceed two months throughout Iraq, in which the the highest daily maximum temperature that the climate elements are moderate. The most important average daily temperature in Iraq has reached (47 elements of the climate in Iraq will be addressed as degrees Celsius) and the highest daily average was follows: recorded in the city of Nasiriyah in southern Iraq (49.9 degrees Celsius). • Temperature Based on temperature data in Baghdad, Mosul and Temperature is one of the most important climate Basra, shows that the general average temperature elements, due to its direct impact on other climate in previous years was about 22.6 degrees Celsius, elements such as atmospheric pressure, wind and while the general average in the three cities referred rain. Temperatures in Iraq vary during the night to above for 2020 reached 25.3 degrees Celsius, and day and between summer and winter, which with an increase rate of 2.7 degrees Celsius. determines the characteristics of the prevailing climate in Iraq, which is a continental climate. • Relative Humidity Perhaps the greatest impact of climate change as a result of unprecedented high temperatures is its The distribution of relative humidity on the surface threat to food security as a result of the decline in of the earth varied according to the variation rates water resources and agricultural production, the of evaporation and the distribution of the amount 91 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) of water vapor in the air. Statistical analyzes indicate The continued decrease in the amount of different trends in the average relative humidity in precipitation as a result of climate change, in all stations belonging to the General Authority for addition to the increase in consumption rates in Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring, for example, Iraq and neighboring countries that are considered the general average for the previous 40 years in upstream countries for incoming water sources will relative humidity in the city of Baghdad was 44.3%, exacerbate the scarcity of fresh water in our country while the general average in the city of Baghdad in the future, which will create clear challenges in for the year 2020 was 42%, with a decrease rate of the water sector in Iraq in the coming decades. 2.3%. Statistical analyzes indicate a sharp variation in the amount of rain in all stations belonging to the General The general average for the previous 40 years in Authority for Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring. relative humidity in the city of Mosul was 53%, and For example, the monthly average amount of rain for the same percentage was recorded in the city of for 2020 in the city of Baghdad was 155.6 mm, while the year 2020. As for the general average for the the general average for the previous 30 years in the previous 60 years in relative humidity in the city of amount of rain in the city was about 124.5 mm. Basra, it reached 43%, while the general rate in the city for the year 2020 reached 42%, with a decrease In the city of Mosul, the monthly average of rainfall rate of 1%. in 2020 was 353.7 mm, while the general average for the previous 30 years in the amount of rain in the • Rain city was about 396.2 mm. In the city of Basra and during 2020, the monthly average amount of rain The depressions coming from the Mediterranean was about 84 mm, while the general average for the Sea are the main reason behind the rainfall in Iraq previous 30 years in the amount of rain in the city and the amount of rain varies throughout Iraq, it was about 127.5 mm, a sharp decrease by 34%. The usually decreases in the central regions and the following table shows the amount of rainfall from southwestern regions, and statistical analyzes 2019-2020 (Table 2.8). indicate decreasing trends in the number of rainy days, most of the area of Iraq is within the desert and there are lands located within its area that receive rainwater of less than 150 mm per year, and as a result, Iraq is considered one of the countries that rely very heavily on neighboring countries such as Turkey, Syria and Iran to provide fresh water sources flowing into Iraq through the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries. 92 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Dust storms Dust and sandstorms have increased for several and Seismic Monitoring indicate increasing trends reasons, including climate change in Iraq because in the number of dust storms that occurred in Iraq is one of the country’s most vulnerable to Iraq during previous years, where 4 storms were climate change and desertification due to increasing recorded in Baghdad in 2017, compared to one in drought, with high temperatures that exceed fifty 2020. Table (2.9) shows the measurements of falling degrees Celsius in summer. The decrease in the dust by governorates. amount of water and the scarcity of water resources led to a strong drought that caused a sharp decline Data is not available due to the interruption of in vegetation cover, which led to increased wind stations or the malfunction of measuring devices in erosion as a result of wind gusts. Experts attribute the each of the governorates (Nineveh, Saladin, Diyala, occurrence of frequent dust storms at an escalating Baghdad and Dhi Qar), while in the governorates pace in the Middle East, especially in Iraq, to climate (Kirkuk, Babylon, Wasit, Qadisiyah, Maysan and changes accompanied by high temperatures, lack Basra) no readings were available for some months. of rain and desertification that affects agricultural and pastoral lands. Statistical analyses in all stations belonging to the General Authority for Meteorology Table 2.8: Rainfall (mm) for selected sites and comparing it with the general average during the water year (2019-2020) by months Monthly total amount of rainfall during the water year 2019-

2020 Annual T Location General rate Percentage Total T1 T2 K1 K2 February March April May

1 Sulaymaniyah 43 14 105 56 92 146 54 8 518 641 80.8

2 Erbil 3 3 32 61 62 113 38 3 315 388 81.2

3 Mosul Dam 25 1 76 66 51 197 29 6 451 351 128.5

4 Dukan Dam 57 28 63 92 127 129 38 16 550 662 83.1

5 Dabs 72 9 46 52 41 113 28 1 362 315 114.9

6 Baghdad 12 1 26 19 10 23 3 0 94 109 86.2

7 Samarra dam 6 5 105 19 45 24 2 0 206 137 150.4

8 Darbandikhan 44 6 87 93 129 134 70 4 567 620 91.5

9 Najaf 31 4 12 5 11 5 13 0 81 96 84.4

10 Badra 9 1 7 5 0 0 1 0 23 117 19.7

11 Samawah 0 7 0 0 26 2 0 0 35 140 25.0

12 Haditha 3 1 9 4 0 31 1 0 49 152 32.2

13 Saddat Al- 2 1 14 20 23 4 2 0 66 103 64.1 Hindiyah

14 Kut dam 6 4 47 16 46 2 1 0 122 210 58.1

15 Nasserite 3 15 0 0 0 1 0 0 19 77 24.7

16 Ali Al Gharbi 1 0 25 41 13 37 0 0 117 109 107.3 The general average was adopted instead of the arithmetic mean because there are missing years in the timeline 93 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 2.9: Annual average amount of falling dust (g/m²) by governorate for the year 2021 Months Annual Region Governorate Maximum Minimum Rate K2 Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept T1 T2 K1 Nineveh .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Northern Kirkuk .. 6 9 10 6 8 8 6 8 .. .. .. 7.6 10 6 Governorate Saladin .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Diyala .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Anbar 27 28 28 28 29 28 27 30 29 31 30 26 28.4 31 26 Baghdad .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Central Governorate Babylon 5 7 16 10 15 11 7 16 9 .. .. .. 10.7 16 5 Wasit 10 12 24 .. .. 11 .. .. .. 14 8 15 13.4 24 8 Karbala 10 12 17 10 21 19 53 13 9 6 11 13 16.2 53 6 Qadisiyah 13 15 14 21 10 3 12 14 12 7 .. 10 11.9 21 3 Najaf 46 10 12 13 25 14 14 19 11 15 8 16 16.9 46 8 Muthanna 18 19 16 21 18 20 17 14 11 13 13 12 16.0 21 11 Southern Governorate Maysan .. .. 14 .. .. 17 17 17 15 .. 14 .. 15.7 17 14 Dhi Qar .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Basra 10 10 .. .. .. 10 .. .. .. .. .. .. 10.0 10 10 NATURAL SYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY STATUS 10 ecoregions have been identified in Iraq, some of which are considered environmentally important areas (Figure 7.2) and include the following: 1. Arabian desert, desert areas and dry shrubs 2. Broadleaf pine forests of the Eastern Mediterranean 3. Mesopotamian shrubs 4. Middle East steppes 5. Semi-desert Gulf regions 6. Tropical and semi-desert deserts of the Red Sea 7. Tropical and semi-desert deserts of southern Iran 8. Alluvial salt marshes of the Tigris and Euphrates 9. The forest steppes of the Zagros Mountains 10. Marine environment 94 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 2.7: Ecozones in the State of Iraq (Source: World Animal Facility and Nature Iraq (WWF and Nature Iraq) 95 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The variation of environments and ecosystems in Aquatic Plants: They were divided into three main Iraq has contributed to the provision of biodiversity categories: permanently submerged, partially as summarized below: submerged and floating plant communities. Three First: Plants communities of permanently submerged plants have been identified, dominated by herbaceous plants of theVallisneria spiralis Najas armada and 4500 plant species have been recorded in Iraq, Ceratophyllum demersum. Partially submerged including 195 endemic species, according to studies plant communities included plants such as carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry Potamogeton crisps (Potamogetonaceae), longleaf of Environment, Kew Park in England, Nature of pondweed (Potamogeton nodosus), and water grass Iraq, the Middle East Botanical Center at the Royal (Myriophyllum verticillatum). Finally, plant species Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, the Missouri Botanical such as the Diriyah marsh flower (Nymphoides Garden in the United States of America and Old peltata) or the ciliary lily (Nymphoides indica) Dominion University in the United States of America. dominated floating plant communities. The vegetation cover of the marsh areas in Iraq is dominated by Phragmites australis plants that reach Al-Hilli (1977) introduced a simplified classification 8 meters in height due to the availability of nutrients system for plants in the marshes where vegetation and herbs of the type (Typha angustifolia) with the cover was classified into six categories based on the presence of a large number of other plant species growth of the dominant species and their position seasonally submerged in water. Ether and Tarfa relative to the average seasonal depth of water, plants (Tamarix spp.) are found on the wet banks where tall grassy plants formed the main vegetation of the swamps with extensions of weeds of various type in most of the marsh areas and consisted of species such as Juncus arabicus, grass (Paspulum three main communities: distichum), Saadi (Carex divisa) and others. Scirpus litoralis community mixed with a number Three main groups of plants have been identified of other plants, namely the white water- in the marsh area (Al-Hilli, 1977), each of them is crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis), the Nymphoides associated with specific topographic, formative and (Nymphoides indica) and the (Cressa cretica). climatic conditions: The community of plants of the Southern cattail Dry Plants: Dry plant communities live on the semi- (Typha domingensis) is mixed with a number of other desert high plateau around the actual marshes and plants, namely the reed (Phragmites australis), the most of them are found in non-saline to slightly saline submerged champlain (Ceratophyllum demersum) soil. They are divided into eight main communities and the plant (Jussiaea repens). named after their distinctive plant species: round- winged silhouette (Bienertia cycloptera), Aslih Additionally, the community of reed plants (Malcolmia grandiflora), Jordanian Salsola (Salsola (Phragmites australis) is mixed with a number of jordanicola), Salsola (Salsola incanescens) and simple other plants, namely the Polygonum (Polygonum pyramid plant (Zygophyllum propinquum), Ajram salicifolium) and the sabkha halfa (Cladium mariscus), (Anabasis setifera), Acidosis (Hammada elegans) and the height of the reed plants exceeded six and Arfaj (Rhanterium epapposum) respectively. meters during the summer. Halophytes: Halophytic communities are limited In 2009 study was carried out with the aim of to lowlands below shallow water levels around establishing the Central Marshes National Park which flood-prone areas. Six plant communities have was proposed in June 2008 and six categories of main been identified, all located within highly saline habitats have been identified namely inland, running layers (high chloride and sodium ions). These water, river or canal water, inland stagnant water, communities are dominated by bacillus (Polygonum swamp vegetation, desert, forests and herbaceous salicifolium), Ludwigia adscendens, white water- plants. The dominant habitat subcategories in the crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis), Typha domingensis, central marshes have been identified as follows: (1) Phragmites australis, and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Rooted submerged vegetation (2) Upper vegetation respectively. An additional 38 plant communities (3) Floating vegetation (4) Ground shrubs (5) Non- were identified in well-drained riparian habitat. vegetative river or canal (6) Non-vegetative desert These plant communities are dominated by Alhagi and (7) Sunken vegetative communities. mannifera, Prosopis farcta, Populus euphratica, and Cynodon dactylon. The ecosystems in Iraq vary, including forests, as the data in Table 2.10 show the distribution of forests by governorates. 96 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 2.10: Distribution of forests in the Iraqi governorates according to statistics for the year 2016 Area of natural Area of artificial Governorate Types of cultivated plants forests (dunums) forests (dunums) Najaf None 910 Olive, Eucalyptus, Sidr, Palm, Quinoa and Carpus Babylon None 4626 Eucalyptus, Casuarina and Olive Dhi Qar None None None Basra 1000 Eucalyptus, Athel, Quinoa and Carpus Eucalyptus, olive, cypress, pine, raspberry, acacia, Kirkuk 2799 2026 chinaberry, cazulina, janar, brushe, challic, willow, gough, sesame, casuarina, athel Eucalyptus, Casuarina, Cypress, Sesame, Athel, and Baghdad 7514 Gough Muthanna 100 None Athel, olives and eucalyptus Eucalyptus, athel, olive, dudonia, acacia, casuarina, lusita Wasit None 50512 and quinocarpus Qadisiyah None 14752 Olives, athel, eucalyptus and white lands Holy Karbala None 240 Olive, eucalyptus and palm Diyala None 10716 Eucalyptus and Gough Eucalyptus, athel, casealina, sidr, sea thistle and the Maysan 238 170 bottle-brush crimson Second: Animals Fish species endemic to the marsh areas have been Freshwater fish recorded: catfish (Silurus triostegus), Binni (Barbus Mesopotamichtys sharpeyi) and the common carp The Tigris and Euphrates Basin are the main areas (Barbus Luciobarbus xanthopterus). for fish species, including 52 species belonging to seven families dominated by fish from the family In addition, three endemic species have been Cyprinidaewith. 34 species have been recorded, 22 recorded for the Tigris and Euphrates river basin, of which are endemic to the Tigris and Euphrates namely (Glyptothorax steindachneri) and blind fish Basin (Coad, 1996). At the bottom of this basin, of the type (Caecocypris basim) and (Typhlogarra 44 native species, 13 exotic species of freshwater widdowsoni), where they are considered the last fish and 14 endemic species have been recorded two endangered species according to the Red List in the Tigris and Euphrates basin, where most of of Endangered Species of the International Union these species belong to the family of Cyprinidae, for Conservation of Nature, both of which are cave- especially the genus Barbus, and some of these dwelling species and are not found in Marshes. A species are economically important. The status of new type of Avanius (Aphanius mesopotamicus) has most of these marsh species is still unknown but it is also been described to reside in the Karmat Ali area clear that the large number of endemic fish species of Basra on the Shatt al-Arab. Protection priorities may contribute significantly to the potentially for freshwater fish species in northern Iraq have exceptional universal value of the marshes. Three been assessed as shown in Table 2.11 (Abd et al., 2009). 97 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 2.11: Freshwater Fish Species in Northern Iraq Scientific Name Arabic Name Priority protection Tenualosa ilisha Ilish fish High Alburnoides bipunctatus Schneider fish Likely to be high Barbus barbulus Binni Likely to be high Barbus esocinus Mangar fish Likely to be high Barbus grypus Carp High at the regional level Barbus subquincunciatus Binni Likely to be high Barbus xanthopterus Gattan High Caecocypris basimi Blind fish None Cyprinion kais None Medium Typhlogarra widdowssoni Blind fish High Cobitis taenia None Unknown Glyptothorax kurdistanicus None None Glyptothorax steindachneri None None Liza Abu Liza Medium Liza klunzingeri Liza Medium Acanthopagrus latus Porgies Medium Marine water fish includes six species of insectivorous, 20 species of bats, 19 species of predators, eight species of Several species of marine fish regularly enter the hoofed creatures and 26 species of rodents. The Shatt al-Arab River and have been recorded in the water dog (Lutrogale perspicillata) is an important interior up to the Hamar Swamp, some of which species that lives in marsh areas. used to travel across the Tigris and Euphrates rivers to varying degrees, but dams and diversion plans 2. Amphibians have now prevented their movement (Coad, 2010). 25 marine fish species have been recorded in the Ten species of amphibians have been recorded marsh area as shown in Table 2.12. in Iraq, such as the yellow spotted salamander (Neurergus crocatus) and the Kurdish water salamander (Neurergus microspilotus), the latter of Invasive fish which is endemic to the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Thirteen exotic species introduced in the Tigris and 3. Reptiles Euphrates basin (Coad, 1996) were recorded, six exotic species from the Hammar Marshes (Hussain 97 species of reptiles have been recorded in Iraq, the et al., 2008) and four exotic species were found most important of which is the Euphrates softshell in both the Hammarr and Hawizeh Marshes: Carp turtle (Rafetus euphraticus) endemic to Iraq. Many (Ctenopharyngodon idella), Carp (Cyprinus carpio) species endangered and threatened sea turtles and Golden Carp (Carassius carassius), and Catfish have been reported in Iraqi marine waters, such as: (Heteropneustus fossilis) (Hussain et al., 2008). Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta); green turtle (Chelonia mydas); subspecies of hawksbill turtle 1. Mammals (Eretmochelys imbricata bissa); Olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys Eighty species of mammals have been recorded in Iraq, including two species considered endemic to the Arabian Peninsula, the (Gerbillus mesopotamiae) and the (Gerbillus cheesmani). The list of mammals 98 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 2.12 : Types of marine fish in the marshes Figure 2.8: Causes of degradation of species, habitats and ecosystems Family Scientific Name Arabic Name Carcharhinidae Carcharhinus leucas Bull shark Thryssa Hamiltoni None Engraulidae Thryssa whiteheadi None Clupeidae Tenualosa ilisha Ilish fish Netuma bilineatus Unknown Ariidae Plicofollis layardi Unknown Liza klunzingeri Liza Mugilidae Liza subviridis Liza Hemiramphus marginatus Hemirhamphus Hemiramphidae Rhynchorhamphus georgii Rhynchorhamphus Belonidae Strongylura strongylurus Unknown Platycephalidae Platycephalus indicus Bartail flathead Sillaginidae Sillago sihama Sillago sihama Acanthopagrus berda Unknown Sparidae Acanthopagrus latus Unknown Sparidentex hasta Sparidentex hasta A real-life example that has caused the degradation of ecosystems and negatively impacted species is Johnius belangerii Unknown Sciaenidae Otolithes ruber Otolithes ruber the increased salinity of water and pollution is also expected to play a role in reducing fish diversity. Wars, Gobiidae Bathygobius fuscus Unknown fragmentation of agricultural land, and industrial and Scatophagidae Scatophagus argus Unknown urban activities have also caused the degradation of Iraq’s biodiversity in terms of type and density (World Stromateidae Pampus argenteus Silver pomfret Bank, 2017). In general, biodiversity is particularly Pampus chinensis Pomfret low in the central plain and the Baghdad region due Soleidae Brachirus orientalis Sole to the region’s history of sustainable agricultural activity and population density (UNEP, 2007). THREATS TO ECOSYSTEMS AND Another challenge is the pollution of Iraq’s marine BIODIVERSITY waters, where Iraq’s coastal water belt is characterized by a high fertility rate that attracts Gulf fish during Habitat and Ecosystem Degradation mating seasons and is a corridor for migratory fish. Pollution from oil activities in Iraqi ports has caused The value of ecosystems and their services is severe water damage, damaged biodiversity and affected by one or more human practices (Figure negatively impacting fish stocks (World Bank, 2017). 8.2), resulting in losing their ability to regenerate and The UNEP report to the UN General Assembly carry out their vital functions, affecting biodiversity concluded that mining activities negatively affect and habitats negatively. Unregulated hunting, environmental processes by altering soil properties, harvesting of threatened species, species trade, destroying vegetation and killing flora and fauna. unsustainable development and lack of protection Landmines and unexploded ordnance also introduce in many of Iraq’s most important biodiversity sites toxic substances into the environment when their are among the causes of degradation of species, envelope is eroded and decomposed, making them habitats and ecosystems. The use of poisons, water-soluble, carcinogenic, and highly toxic to electric shocks, explosives used in fishing and mammalian species, aquatic microorganisms and wastewater, as well as the high salinity of lakes and fish, even in small quantities. rivers, have also affected biodiversity. As for hunting, it has caused the loss of many species, as the mountain ibex (Capra aegagrus) has been assessed as an endangered species according to the red lists of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the water dog (Lutra 99 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) lutra) is hunted in the humid areas of northern Iraq, Table 2.13: Invasive plant species registered in Iraq and large numbers of waterbirds were affected by hunting such as Abu Hashish ducks, Houbara Scientific Name Common English Arabic bustards and others. name Name Ceratophyllum demersum Coontail ‫شمبالن مغمور‬ Soil quality is an important factor as it supports food security and provides a suitable environment Acacia saligna Coojong ‫سنط‬ for obtaining supportive vegetation cover for many species. Therefore, poor soil quality and Aegilops triuncialis Barbed goatgrass ‫دوسر ثالثي‬ ‫البوصات‬ pollution will cause the transfer of dangerous pollutants to plant tissues, which in turn will be ‫أغروستيس‬ Agrostis gigantean Black bent transmitted to humans, and contaminated soil will ‫عمالق‬ cause the transfer of these pollutants, especially Arundo donax Giant reed ‫غاب عمالق‬ in rainy seasons, to rivers, surface water bodies or groundwater. Healthy ecosystems and healthy Brassica tournefortii Mustard ‫حرشاء‬ vegetation cover help preserve and prevent soil Bromus rubens Brome grass ‫عشب‬ contamination. People in the marshes depend on natural resources in their daily lives, where fish are Butomus umbellatus Flowering rush ‫عناز خيمي‬ food sources, and the availability of the reed plants can be used as fodder for buffaloes. Therefore, the Cenchrus ciliaris Buffel-grass ‫سبط مهدب‬ degradation of these natural resources will have a ‫قنطريون‬ significant impact on the sources of income and Centaurea solstitialis Yellow star-thistle ‫صيفي‬ livelihood of many residents. ‫سكورجيرة‬ Coronilla varia Crown vetch ‫متغيرة‬ Invasive Alien Species Cyperus rotundus Nutsedge (nutgrass) ‫سعد مستدير‬ Dalbergia sissoo Indian rosewood ‫ساسم‬ Those species that have been introduced intentionally or unintentionally and have been able Erodium cicutarium Common stork’s-bill ‫رقمة شوكرانية‬ to adapt to the surrounding conditions to spread Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp-agrimony ‫القنب‬ over large areas and in large numbers, which affects the natural environment and affects communities. Frangula Nous Alder buckthorn ‫عوسج أسود‬ In Iraq, 30 species of invasive exotic plants were recorded as shown in Table 2.13. Hypericum perforatum Perforated St. John’s Wort ‫حشيشة القلب‬ Imperata cylindrical Cogongrass ‫حلف‬ For example, two types of catfish considered as invasive exotic species were recorded in Lepidium latifolium Tall whitetop ‫رشاد عريض‬ ‫األوراق‬ the Shatt al-Arab region in the eighties, namely (Heteropneustes fossilis) and (Heteropneustes Lotus corniculatus Common bird’s-foot trefoil ‫لوطس ياباني‬ holbrook) and the number of exotic species rose to nine since then until 2015 and it is expected that the Melilotus Alba Sweet clover ‫حندقوق أبيض‬ number is increasing, but needs more studies. The Onopordum acanthium Thistle ‫أقسون شوكي‬ presence of these invasive alien species negatively affects the original species as they compete with Panicum repens Torpedograss ‫ثمام زاحف‬ them for food and breeding places, and invasive species transmit diseases, and currently alien Phalaris arundinacea Reed canary grass ‫خرفار قصبي‬ species dominate the fish community in the Shatt Poa pratensis Blue grass ‫قبأ المروج‬ al-Arab. .Prosopis spp Mesquite ‫سلم‬ Rumex crispus Curly dock ‫حماض أصفر‬ Salsola tragus Windwitch ً‫روًث‬ Tamarix ramosissima Salt cedar ‫الطرفاء‬ Trifolium repens White clover ‫نفل زاحف‬ 100 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Depletion of Natural one of the most important Iraqi ports overlooking the Gulf. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers run from Resources northern to southern Iraq, which were the basis for the emergence of the world’s first cultural centers on Mesopotamia, which were established in Iraq Exploitation or depletion of vital resources as a throughout history for 8,000 years, by the Akkadians, result of practices such as unregulated hunting Sumerians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. that eliminate species or reduce their numbers to a degree that does not enable them to sustain their populations. Depletion of natural resources Coral reefs are available in Iraqi coastal waters can deplete biodiversity and expose a number of covering an area of 28 square kilometers in the threatened and endangered species. Arabian Gulf at the mouth of the Shatt al-Arab River and the presence of coral reefs is important and indicative of adaptation to one of the harsh One of the clear examples caused by the depletion coral reef environments in the world with sea of natural resources is the decline in the number water temperature in this area ranging between 14 of Zubaidi fish (Pampus argenteus), which is and 34 degrees Celsius. Coral reefs include many considered one of the most important commercial living stone corals, octagonal corals, avioroids and fish in the Arabian Gulf region and in Iraq in particular. bivalves. According to (Ali et al., 2000), Iraq has accounted for about 22% of the total of this species, but it is currently considered endangered and suffers from a sharp decline in numbers due to overfishing and ECOSYSTEM SERVICES poor management of fish stocks, but the effects of Ecosystems are defined as dynamic complexes environmental pollution and changing water quality, of plants, animals, and microorganisms (or what particularly salinity, is one of the reasons for its low is known as biodiversity) that interact with their numbers. Other important marine fish species facing environment and ecosystems generate services extinction is the Ilish fish (Tenualosa ilisha), which known as ecosystem services or nature’s contribution faces overfishing at sea, the mouth of the Shatt to people’s lives. Ecosystem services are classified al-Arab and the Shatt al-Arab River. River pollution, into four categories: increased salinity and lack of fresh water also affected the population. 1. Supply Services: They are the services that ecosystems provide to humans such as CLIMATE CHANGE raw materials, food, shelter, energy, medical resources and other resources necessary Climate change negatively affects species, for in order to promote well-being and improve example, high temperatures and low rainfall diversified economic activities. rates may cause changing breeding seasons or migration, which negatively affects the species 2. Regulatory Services: They are the services that and exposes it to more pressure. Currently, desert ecosystems provide to humans by regulating the areas in Iraq constitute up to 31% of the total area ecological balance and include air, water, soil, and unsustainable agricultural practices over the floods and diseases. years have exacerbated the effects of dry climates contributing to increased desertification rates. Low 3. Supportive Services (Assistance): They are fertility, high soil salinity, erosion and sand dune the services provided by ecosystems in terms stretches are pervasive problems as well. of supporting the existence of the necessities of life such as providing shelter and housing for a myriad of plants and animals in addition to COASTAL AND MARINE preserving their diversity. Providing water and HABITATS food, which are the most important elements that sustain and keep people alive. The Arabian Gulf is the only seaport for Iraq to the 4. Cultural Services: They are non-material world, as the length of the seacoast of Iraq is about services such as providing green spaces for 58 kilometers, and the port of Um Qasr in Basra is hiking, walking, tourism, beaches and seascapes 101 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) that contribute to entertainment and tourism (grass carp and silver carp), mullet, and native fish activities, and what many natural components (local barbs). The aquaculture sector operates at provide for the spiritual and religious side of the public and private levels and is mostly active peoples of different cultures. in the central and southern regions of the country. Annual production reached about 5,000 tons in Therefore, the preservation and sustainable the late eighties. Aquaculture production declined management of natural capital is essential because mainly during the economic sanctions imposed on any deterioration or loss of it or one of its elements Iraq due to the limited production of fish fingerlings will cause environmental, societal and economic in hatcheries. According to recent statistics problems, and the planet will become vulnerable released by the Public Authority for Fish Resources to risks and severe events such as floods and Development, aquaculture production has increased droughts, and will lead to more wars and conflicts in recent years, from 14,000 tons in 2004 to a record to achieve food and water security and others, 31,800 tons in 2017. which will cause the displacement and migration of many people. Apparent fish consumption was estimated at 2.6 kg/ capita in 2016 and in 2017 imports of fish and fishery One study focused on the Central Marshes region products were estimated at $148 million and exports and aimed to evaluate a series of ecosystem at $80,000. services where a Toolkit for Ecosystem Service Site-Based Assessment (TESSA) was adopted to determine biophysical and economic values. AGRICULTURE Data on key ecosystem services included fish trade, plant collection, buffalo milking and fodder The agricultural sector is one of the most water- collected over a six-month period in 2014. The consuming sectors in Iraq, as it consumes about study estimated ecosystem services within the 30 billion m3/year. The percentage of water Central Marsh area of nearly 40,000 hectares over consumption in this sector ranges between 75- 6 months with a total of $860,078.23 distributed 80% and the decrease in water resources will between $86,637.25 from plant collection, greatly affect the agricultural aspect in Iraq and $551,334.80 from fish trade and $167,303.70 from will lead to the loss of farming land, causing heavy buffalo milk trade and $54,804.00 from feed trade. financial losses due to Iraq’s dependence on foreign The average income per capita in Iraq in 2014 is imports of agricultural crops, as well as other $6720. losses represented in the increasing percentage of unemployed after the cessation of work in many agricultural projects, leading to high poverty rates, FISHERIES which are closely associated with the establishment of projects, especially agricultural and industrial, Fisheries information from the Food and Agriculture which will leave its clear effects on the economic Foundation (FAO) was monitored where fish situation. Moreover, what increases the waste in the production caught from inland waters in 2017 was quantities of water used in agriculture is the use of around 28,900 tonnes, down sharply from 53,460 unlined, open and old irrigation channels and the tonnes in 2013. Catches in offshore waters reached lack of modernization of infrastructure and the use about 6,300 tonnes in 2017. The main fishing gear of old irrigation techniques and traditional farming used in sea fishing are gill nets, traps and shrimp patterns, which led to high ground water levels used trawls that work with 332 estimated fishing vessels and increased waterlogging and soil salinization. in 2017 as well as 6,500 small inland boats. The total employment in 2017 for the sector was 1,521 The agricultural sector employs approximately 18.7% people in the inland sector with an additional 832 of the country’s workforce, women constitute 23.3%, people reported for coastal fishing. and is the second largest contributor of 5% of GDP after the oil sector (World Bank, 2019). Agricultural As for aquaculture, it has started in Iraq since the development is critical to achieving its vision of a seventies in fresh water, but on a limited scale, more diversified economy with job creation and despite the availability of water resources, and private sector participation. extensive and semi-intensive carp culture prevails in ponds. Other cultured species include carp 102 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 2.14: Distribution of Arable Land by Governorates Governorate Arable Land/ dunum Exploited Land Irrigated Fertile Lands Land that uses Currently/Dunam /Lands /Dunam well water/ Dunam Dunum Najaf 10998168 358022 255596 None 72192 Babylon 1254474 1015840 1135642 11508 Dhi Qar 2530879 525345 831863 None 300 Basra 5196114 114867 85203 29664 Kirkuk 2051435 1232437 555119 1496334 191609 Baghdad 1281378 707856 983866 None 214588 Muthanna 1453453 271152 271152 122960 Wasit 4643292 2040377 2662000 626688 Qadisiyah 1872490 928836 928836 None 3100 Holy Karbala 1028619 220456 197194 69467 29130 Diyala 3265043 786351 1524604 1740237 265088 Maysan 2547273 643669 1281888 1265385 3300 Land suitable for agricultural production constitutes governorate covers an area of 11,165 dunums and approximately (23.4 million dunums), but the area is famous for the cultivation of palms, citrus fruits of cultivated land currently constitutes only about and olives, but it suffers from water scarcity and (13 million dunums), and crop production is the constant power cuts, which affect agriculture. As for main source of income for the majority of farmers the province of Baghdad, it has an area of 136,463 (about 75%) while the rest depends on livestock or dunums and is famous for citrus and palm cultivation, mixed crop and livestock production systems. Small but it suffers from a large number of threats, the most farming systems dominate the sector and are usually important of which are encroachment on agricultural characterized by traditional methods and meagre land, razing farmland and converting them into capital investments resulting in low productivity. residential lands, the deteriorating security situation, There is also limited social capital that causes especially in the outskirts of Baghdad, which led poor integration along the supply chain. Table 14.2 to the farmer’s abandonment of their farms, water shows arable land by governorates for 2016 and scarcity, salinization of agricultural land, lack of no information is available about the governorates reclamation projects, lack of support provided by the of Nineveh, Saladin and Anbar due to the security Ministry of Agriculture, flooding the local market with situation. imported products, and the emergence of insect or fungal infections. Muthanna Governorate, which Najaf Governorate, which covers an area of 31,191 covers an area of 33,042 dunums, is characterized dunums, is characterized by a number of citrus by palm cultivation, but it suffers from water scarcity crops and palm groves, but it suffers from dredging, and the spread of agricultural pests, while Wasit erosion and urbanization, while the province of Governorate has an area of 86,938 dunums and is Babylon, which has an area of 133,663 dunums, is famous for citrus cultivation, as well as the Qadisiyah famous for the cultivation of palm and fruits, and Governorate, which has an area of 35,374.98 the province of Dhi Qar is characterized by an area dunums, and is famous in addition to citrus cultivation of 45,409.5 dunums with palm plantings, and the for the cultivation of palms, olives and fruits. The scarcity of water, high salinity in the soil, insects area of the holy city of Karbala is 117,576 dunams and lack of irrigation channels are among the most and is characterized by the cultivation of citrus, key challenges it faces. In addition, the area of palms and deciduous fruits, and the area of Diyala Basra province is about 23,551 and is characterized province is 46,351 dunums and Maysan province is by palm cultivation, but it suffers from a number 12,316 dunums and are characterized by palm and of challenges, the most important of which are citrus planting. It should be noted that there is no neglect, wars, water salinity, dredging, reduced information about the provinces of Nineveh, Saladin farmland, previous wars and land salinization. Kirkuk and Anbar due to the security situation. 103 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Iraq has gone from being a smallholder-driven, Agricultural practices in Iraq are dominated by the food-producing country that can cover its needs to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides due to becoming a major food importer, driven by decades the lack of farmers awareness, so agricultural land of sanctions, conflict, wars, inefficient government contains large amounts of chemical fertilizers and policies, extreme weather events resulting from salts that are discharged into rivers through irrigation climate change, water scarcity, disruption of value or rainwater. Drainage of agricultural drainage into chains, and distortion of linkages between producers rivers with salts, fertilizers and pesticide residues and markets. Moreover, Daesh (ISIS), which began increases the concentration of nitrates, phosphates in 2014, has displaced entire communities, limited and heavy metals. Therefore, a full-fledged system access to inputs and markets, and destroyed of agricultural drainage networks will preserve the agricultural infrastructure. The Ministry of Agriculture freshwater environment from pollution. Agricultural has estimated that Iraq has lost nearly 40 percent of drainage that carries highly toxic pollutants resulting its agricultural production in the after the ISIS crisis from the overuse of pesticides and fertilizers is and the sector has not yet fully recovered. discharged into rivers with the agricultural drainage networks not fully connected to the main drainage The wheat value chain is characterized by high system. participation from the ministries of Agriculture and Trade to ensure that the needs for local wheat Pesticides are chemical compounds used to protect are met, as this product is one of the main ones, plants from diseases and damage caused by especially in the northern governorates, and it is agricultural pests, such as insects, fungi, viruses classified as a strategic crop for the state’s food and bacteria. They are a double-edged sword, in security, where local production is mainly fed into addition to their importance in pest control, their the public distribution system, which is a food excessive and wrong use might cause significant basket that is distributed to all Iraqis. Most of the damage to the environment and humans as a result wheat production (70% of the cultivated area) is of toxicity and slow and partial decomposition, as carried out on irrigated land and generates 75% of they need a long period of time to decompose and the total national production, while 25% is grown in according to the type of pesticide and its solubility, rainfed areas (30% of the cultivated area). Despite spread, washing and filtration in addition to other efforts to support local production, wheat flour is factors, the pollution of soil and water with these Iraq’s second-highest import and because of its toxic chemicals has negative effects on plant and higher quality than local wheat, it is usually destined animal organisms, and if these pesticides reach for private bakeries and other processors. water sources, especially phosphorus, chlorine and zinc, they cause water pollution and death. As for pastoral lands, Table 2.15 shows the area of land that constitutes natural pastures according There are many challenges facing the environment to 2016 statistics, with the exception of the of Iraq due to the use of pesticides and the governorates of Diyala, which did not send their reasons for these challenges stem from the lack of data, and the governorates of Nineveh, Saladin and commitment of farmers to the special safety period Anbar due to the security situation. and scientifically recommended concentrations Table 2.15: Distribution of pastoral land by for each pesticide because some of them are not governorate proficient in reading and writing or do not follow the instructions of the agricultural experts in the Index Index value for 2020 region and do not rely on specialists in diagnosing the infection and determining the appropriate type Quantity of imported Industrial 366 tons, laboratory 535 materials,( of pesticide and farmers carry out manual spraying chemicals )compressed gases 61 tons operations without the use of prevention and health Quantity of pesticides safety tools such as masks and gloves and use the inventoried in the government Solid pesticides 24934 kg, liquid pesticides and private sectors 195405 liters containers and mixing tools for household purposes throughout Iraq and then wash them on the riverside. Pesticides are Damaged pesticides in Damaged liquid pesticides 75,000 liters, also used in overfishing operations in addition to the Essaouira warehouses damaged solid pesticides 2956 kg use of these dead fish after drying as poultry feed. Hazardous waste in Solid 1,672,168 kg and liquid 618,125 liters government institutions The number of pesticides used during 2016 Electronic and Electrical amounted to (133,437,482 liters) of liquid materials pcs 13430 Waste and (14,792,3755 kg) of solids, while fungicides Permit for the transport of hazardous waste inside Iraq certified companies 6 amounted to (8,252,945 liters) for liquid materials and (1,584,121.46 kg) for solids, and the amount of Licenses for companies specialized in the treatment of certified companies 8 bush pesticides reached (4,872,29065 liters) for hazardous waste 104 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) liquid materials and (186,156 kg for solids), excluding Table 2.16: Index of the quantity of chemicals and the governorates of Nineveh, Saladin and Anbar due hazardous waste by the Ministry of Environment for to the lack of data due to poor security conditions. the year 2020 As for fertilizers, which are essential nutrients for Governorate Natural pasture area plant growth, they may be organic such as animal manure, sewage waste, decaying plants, or mineral Najaf 4100 produced in factories. Organic fertilizers are one of the solutions to get rid of the problem of waste Babylon None and prevent environmental pollution and make the concentration of nutrients appropriate in the fruits Dhi Qar None without having harmful effects on human health in the long term. The quantities of fertilizers used Basra 2140 in the governorates for the year 2016 amounted to (35,830,6996 tons of urea fertilizer) and Kirkuk 114108 (2,181,575.66 tons of compound fertilizer), excluding the governorates of Nineveh, Saladin and Anbar Baghdad None did not send their annual reports due to the poor security situation. Muthanna Wasit 2800 CHEMICALS AND Qadisiyah None HAZARDOUS WASTE Holy Karbala 2 MANAGEMENT Maysan 120000 The issue of chemicals and waste management has become one of the important topics that have won global attention because their impact threatens human health and the environment directly and indirectly due to the widespread use of chemicals in various areas of life and chemicals and hazardous waste are important challenges facing the environment in Iraq, especially in terms of comprehensive management of (import, internal transport, cross-border transport, storage, destruction ... etc.). Among the most important indicators related to chemicals and hazardous waste, which were indicated by the Technical Department at the Ministry of Environment, are shown in Table 2.16. 105 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) CHAPTER THREE: THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PRESSURE ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN IRAQ 3 106 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) CHAPTER THREE: THE MAGNITUDE OF THE PRESSURE ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN IRAQ INTRODUCTION The natural environment is currently facing enormous challenges, due to rapid development, and the effects of climate change and global warming, which are a clear reflection of human activities. Environmental protection and sustainable development are key topics of great interest at the local and international levels. In Iraq, the environment and its natural resources face many pressures due to the irrational use of these resources as a result of the abnormal conditions experienced in Iraq, as well as the implementation of development plans in all sectors with absence of environmental considerations. In general, environmental pressures are associated with a set of driving factors, which are formed by a set of natural or human influences that directly or indirectly cause a change in the ecosystem, and direct driving factors affect environmental processes, including: on climate change, pollution, land changes and overexploitation of resources, while indirect factors include demographic, economic, social, political, technical and cultural factors. Understanding the factors or drivers that generate pressures on the environment will generate important information to guide the development of appropriate policies and strategies, including the strategy for protecting and improving the environment in Iraq. This section focuses on those driving factors and pressures common to many of the environmental topics addressed in the State of the Environment report in Iraq, and these factors are usually man-made, in the sense that they are the result of various human activities, independent or overlapping with each other. 107 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) PRESSURES INFLICTED BY THE Table 3.1: Iraq Population Estimates for the Year (2020-2030) (Source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics) POPULATION INTRODUCTION Year Population 2020 40,150,174 In Iraq, the environment and its natural resources 2021 41,190,658 face many pressures due to the irrational use of these resources as a result of the abnormal conditions 2022 42,248,900 experienced in Iraq, as well as the implementation of development plans in all sectors with absence 2023 43,324,000 of environmental considerations. In general, 2024 44,414,800 environmental pressures are associated with a set of driving factors, which are formed by a set of 2025 45,520,500 natural or human influences that directly or indirectly cause a change in the ecosystem, and direct driving 2026 46,639,900 factors affect environmental processes, including: 2027 47,771,600 on climate change, pollution, land changes and overexploitation of resources, while indirect factors 2028 48,914,100 include demographic, economic, social, political, 2029 50,061,500 technical and cultural factors 2030 51,211,700 This chapter summarizes the population growth in Iraq, which is information through which we can develop a picture of the magnitude of the pressures MAIN INDICATORS on the country’s environment as a result of the volume of activities practiced by the population and Based on the statistical report issued by the Central the volume of services provided to them by the state. Bureau of Statistics at the Ministry of Planning for This chapter also provides details on spatial and age the year (2021), the most important population population divisions that can be used to classify the indicators and the pressures arising from them can country’s regions according to levels of pressures be summarized as follows: on the environment and its natural resources such as rivers. Population inflation is one of the most The population of Iraq for the year 2021 is distributed difficult challenges that may face any country in by (20,810,479) million males, constituting (51%) of the world, especially developing countries, which the total population, while the number of females often suffer from political, security, and economic was estimated at (20,380,179), constituting (49%) problems accompanied by institutional inability the total population (Figure 3.1). to formulate public policies, development and economic strategies that would accommodate the Figure 3.1: Population distribution by gender in Iraq requirements and pressures of growing population inflation, and Iraq is one of the countries facing a challenge in this area resulting from high fertility rates among its population, as the rapid population growth in Iraq puts pressure on the aging infrastructure, and dwindling natural resources. According to the estimates of the Ministry of Planning for the year (2020), the population of Iraq is currently approximately (40,150,174) people, and it is estimated that it may reach (51,211,700) people by the year 2030, where the annual growth rate in Iraq will be (2.55) as in Table (3.1). . 108 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) It is estimated that the urban population of Iraq reached (28,779,201) inhabitants for the year 2021, with a percentage of (69.9%) of the total population of Iraq, while the population of rural areas reached (12,411,457) inhabitants, or (30.1%) - Figure (3.2). These estimates showed that the capital, Baghdad, constituted the largest governorate in terms of population on 2021, with an estimated population of (8,780,422) inhabitants, constituting (21.3%) of the total population of Iraq, while Muthanna Governorate came as the least populated governorate with about (880) thousand inhabitants, and by (2.1%) - Figure (3.3) (3.4). The urban population in the city of Baghdad reached (7,488,087) inhabitants, or (87.5%) of the total population of the province, while the population of rural areas reached (1,070,538) inhabitants, or (12.5%) of the total population of the province while in Muthanna Governorate, the number of urban areas population reached (398,334) people, or (46.4%) of the total population, while the population of rural areas was (459,318) inhabitants, or (53.6%) of the Figure 3.2: Percentage distribution of the total population (Figures 3.5 and 3.6). population by environment Figure 3.3: Population Distribution by Governorate Figure 3.4: Population Distribution by Governorate 109 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 3.5: Percentage of Population Distribution by Governorate and Environment Figure 3.6: The most important statistics of the indicators of the municipal services sector 110 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Source: These maps were drafted in the GIS Center Figure 3.7: Distribution Percentage of the Young Population in Iraq and are not official documents of administrative borders but are for the purpose of displaying population data only. The population of Iraq under the age of 15 years has reached 16,247,342 people, accounting for 40.5% of the total population. Among them, the number of males is 8,368,978 people, making up 51.5%, while the number of females totals 7,878,369 people, comprising 48.5% of the total population of this age group. Furthermore, the urban population in this age group stands at 10,794,818 people, composing 66.4%, whereas the rural population comprises 5,454,524 people, representing 33.6% of the total population of this age group (see Figure 3.7). Regarding the population of Iraq between the ages of 15 and 64 it amounts to 22,668,103 people, making up 56.5% of the total population. Among this age group, the number of males is 11,335,526 people, accounting for 50.0%, while the number of females stands at 11,334,577 people, also comprising 50.0% of the total population in this age range. Additionally, the urban population within this age group totals Figure 3.8: The Population of Iraq Age Groups 116,321,666 people, representing 72%, while the rural population comprises 6,346,437 people, making up 28% of the total population in this age group (see Figure 3.8). The number of young populations aged between 15 and 24 years in Iraq amounts for 8,021,531 individuals, making up 20% of the total population, Among this age group, those aged 15-19 years constitute 10.7% of the total population, while those aged 20-24 years make up 9.3% of the total population (see Figure 3.7). 111 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) PRESSURES FROM THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES SECTOR INTRODUCTION The municipal services sector stands as one of the largest sectors and it significantly impacts natural effective project management can be facilitated resources. This influence is directly correlated with through the implementation of development plans. the size of the population. The issue of municipal services is one of the most important topics that The Municipality of Baghdad, located in the heart draws the attention of decision-makers, politicians of the capital city Baghdad and the municipal and planners, It involves the development of directorates in the governorates, constitute the appropriate service management methods and local authority responsible for the coordination and active engagement of local communities in the administration of municipal services. These services ongoing enhancement of municipal services, all with are vital to the well-being of citizens and encompass the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for drinking water, sanitation, solid waste management, citizens. Service institutions within this sector face as well as the maintenance of parks, gardens, numerous economic, political, social, and cultural the environment, building regulations, population changes and challenges. These changes have services, and other initiatives aimed at promoting a led to a heightened focus on the services they healthy and comprehensive societal well-being. The provide. In response to the surrounding challenges, significant factors and challenges stemming from municipalities, in general, are striving to enhance the delivery of municipal services will be discussed, their services and transition towards leadership in with reference to relevant indicators, as follows: sustainable development. This transformation and related to water quantity and quality indicators, MAIN INDICATORS particularly concerning drinking water services (as shown in Table 3.2), reveals an increase in the number Based on the statistical reports issued by the of potable water production plants with an increase Central Bureau of Statistics within the Ministry of in the quantity of water for drinking and domestic Planning for the year (2021) and the reports issued use produced compared to 2017 and 2020 by 6.8% by the Municipality of Baghdad and the Ministry of and 14.5%, respectively. However, it is noteworthy Construction, Housing and Municipalities, the key that there has been no corresponding increase in indicators of services and the associated pressures the percentage of the population served by potable can be summarized as follows: water networks. It’s important to highlight that one of the major challenges contributing to the inefficient Water for Drinking and Domestic Use use of water is the low level of awareness among citizens. Reports issued by relevant authorities have Iraq is grappling with a multifaceted crisis, which is indicated this lack of awareness as a significant anticipated to persist and may result in humanitarian, issue. economic, security and social repercussions, including population displacements. Statistical data Table 3.2: Main Statistical Data Related to Water Quantity and Quality Indicators (Source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Environment Statistics Section, 2017 and 2020) Index value for the year Index 2017 2020 Water imports of the Tigris River and its tributaries and the Euphrates River for the water year 2019-2020 40.06 49.59 (billion m3/year) Water imports per capita (m3/year) 1095.6 1237.09 Quantity of water supplied for (agricultural, domestic, industrial and environmental) uses (billion m3/year) 38.69 46.05 Highest annual total amount of rainfall (mm) )Sulaymaniyah( 571 )Darbandikhan( 567 112 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Highest annual evaporation amount from dams and reservoirs (million m3) )Tharthar( 466.78 )Tharthar( 387.58 Number of water production plants 4987 5327 Average amount of raw water withdrawn to water production plants (million m3/day) 16,7 18.7 Average amount of drinking water produced (million m3/day) 13.8 15.8 Quantity of actual production of net water from water projects (million m3/day) 9.2 10.4 Actual production of pure water from water pools (million m3/day) 4.5 5.3 %( Percentage of water loss 24.3 20.1 %( Percentage of population served by potable water systems 83.4 83.4 %( Percentage of urban population served by potable water systems 90.3 91.7 %( Percentage of rural population served by potable water systems 68.9 65.6 Average per capita supply of potable water supplied to the total population (liter/day) 327 356 Amount of water entering the marshes (billion m3/year) 3.2 5.86 The scarcity and fluctuation of electrical energy required for operation and the lack of awareness among 100 100 %( citizens regarding rationalizing consumption are among the most important problems When examining the disparities in water quantity However, it’s important to note that approximately and quality in central and southern Iraq over the 16% of this water demand was not met between past two decades, It is evident water that water 1998 and 2018. In contrast, governorates such as quality in Iraq is suboptimal due to various factors. Babil, Karbala, Qadisiya, Dhi Qar, and Muthanna These factors include war, lack of maintenance, consistently face frequent shortages in their public encroachments, and ineffective water monitoring. water supplies, occurring almost every two years. Consequently, there has been a notable increase in waterborne infections, which frequently result in The information provided by the Baghdad illness or even fatalities. Governorate Water Directorate reveals that the city of Baghdad operates a total of 13 drinking water The primary contributor to Iraq’s exceptionally purification projects. Additionally, there are five poor water quality is the ongoing war, which has raw water stations established to fulfill the needs severely contaminated natural water sources. The of implementing the green belt in accordance with devastation caused by the conflict has led to the the city’s foundational design. This design aims seepage of heavy metals, oils, sewage, medical to ensure a clean and healthy environment while waste, and other hazardous materials into local land providing raw water for the irrigation of gardens and water sources. and crops in residential and green areas. With the growing demand for drinking water and domestic The statistics reveal that among the remaining use, these stations have also been repurposed marsh dwellers, only 13% have access to a piped to equip water complexes for the production of water supply. Meanwhile, 23% of villages rely on potable water, particularly in areas located far from purchasing water from tankers, and 38% of villages the purification projects. obtain potable water from reverse osmosis units. Disturbingly, over one-third of the population The percentage of the population served with in these areas directly accesses drinking water pure drinking water has reached 100% for all from the marshes without any form of treatment. areas within the fundamental design of the city of This practice is hazardous as the marshes are Baghdad. The production of drinking water in this contaminated with pesticides, salts, and untreated area amounts to 4,205,000 cubic meters per day. sanitary and industrial discharges from their sources. The city of Baghdad features 13 ground tanks for water storage, with four located on the Karkh side Najaf governorate stands out with the highest and nine on the Rusafa side. Additionally, there water supply penetration and overall water demand. 113 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) is a tenth reservoir currently under construction to residual chlorine, with a 100% compliance rate for address the increasing water demand in the city. both years. Conversely, drinking water purification In contrast, the urban population in Ota reports a projects in Dhi Qar governorate demonstrated the service rate of approximately 60%. On the other hand, lowest acceptable rate in turbidity examination, Dhi Qar governorate reports the lowest percentage with figures of 20% and 4.07% for 2017 and 2021, of service to the rural population, standing at 25% respectively. Furthermore, the drinking water (refer to Table 3.3). purification projects in Basra governorate recorded the lowest acceptable percentages in testing salt Based on the drinking water quality reports from the concentration, with rates of 11.08% in 2017 and years 2017 and 2021, it is observed that drinking 15.25% in 2021, as indicated in Table 3.4. water purification projects in the governorates of Nineveh and Saladin consistently achieved the highest acceptable percentages in various examination parameters, including turbidity, salt concentration, bacteriological examination, and Table 3.3: Number and Percentage of Population Served by Potable Water Distribution Networks by Environment and Governorate for the Year 2020 Population Number of Served Population % Percentage of population served Governorate Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Total Nineveh 2,382,132 1,546,083 3,928,215 2,310,668 1,159,562 3,470,230 97.0 75 88.3 Kirkuk 1,243,881 438,928 1,682,809 1,169,248 390,646 1,559,894 94.0 89 92.7 Diyala 848,350 875,888 1,724,238 848,350 700,710 1,549,060 100.0 80 89.8 Anbar 933,217 932,601 1,865,818 737,241 652,821 1,390,062 79.0 70 74.5 Amanat Baghdad 6,311,527 0 6,311,527 6,311,527 0 6,311,527 100.0 0.0 100.0 Outskirts of 1,176,560 1,070,538 2,247,098 705,936 428,215 1,134,151 60.0 40 50.5 Baghdad Babylon 1,049,856 1,124,927 2,174,783 892,378 618,710 1,511,088 85.0 55 69.5 Karbala 858,171 425,313 1,283,484 832,426 370,022 1,202,448 97.0 87.0 93.7 Wasit 873,884 578,123 1,452,007 873,884 462,498 1,336,382 100.0 80 92.0 Saladin 757,567 922,448 1,680,015 606,054 451,999 1,058,053 80.0 49 63.0 Najaf 1,106,811 442,977 1,549,788 1,084,675 416,398 1,501,073 98.0 94 96.9 Qadisiyah 778,901 580,741 1,359,642 638,699 365,867 1,004,566 82.0 63 73.9 Muthanna 398,334 459,318 857,652 338,584 298,557 637,141 85.0 65 74.3 Dhi Qar 1,416,271 790,243 2,206,514 1,175,505 197,561 1,373,066 83.0 25 62.2 Maysan 865,530 306,272 1,171,802 778,977 260,331 1,039,308 90.0 85 88.7 Basra 2,487,658 575,401 3,063,059 2,238,892 489,091 2,727,983 90.0 85 89.1 Total 23,488,650 11,069,801 34,558,451 21,543,044 7,262,989 28,806,033 91.7 65.6 83.4 114 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.4: Percentage of acceptability of drinking water tests in the governorates Acceptability by Acceptability by examination Acceptability of salt Residual chlorine Governorate bacteriological examination % of turbidity % concentrations % acceptability % Year 2017 2021 2017 2021 2017 2021 2017 2021 Nineveh 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Saladin 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Kirkuk 99.9 100 97.01 100 100 100 100 100 Diyala 97.61 100 98.8 99.27 99.87 100 99.9 100 Baghdad 55.22 96.86 99.68 98.78 97.79 99.44 99.26 99.64 Babylon 90.36 68.93 100 100 99.97 98.64 99.87 100 Holy Karbala 99.89 47.3 100 99.67 100 100 100 99.89 Najaf 82.84 95.69 98.6 100 96.15 99.85 94.94 99.97 Wasit 62.18 - 96.87 - 100 - 99.78 - Diwaniyah 78.24 16.85 96.42 98.95 99.14 100 99.31 100 Muthanna 62.26 34.28 46.74 35.69 99.35 98.94 99.57 99.85 Maysan 23.99 40.49 19.45 19.84 100 100 100 100 Dhi Qar 20 4.07 90.86 98.84 100 95.24 100 99.45 Basra 92.61 71.56 11.08 15.25 99.92 100 99.88 99.87 Anbar 95.51 100 100 100 100 100 99.38 100 In the sewage services sector, there has been a The medical effluent in hospitals, which can amount notable increase in the number of central treatment to hundreds of liters per day, varies depending on the plants and medium to small treatment units hospital’s capacity and the number of its specialties. compared to 2017 and 2020, with a significant rise It is disposed of into the sewage network after of 22.2% (Table 3.5). Additionally, there has been a undergoing on-site disinfection operations. Most of substantial increase of 34.4% in the percentage of these effluents are a result of washing laboratory and treated wastewater in Iraq. However, there has been a microbiology instruments, as well as from the fixation decrease in the percentage of the population served of clinical pathology histological examinations used by sewage networks (both waste and shared) by for diagnostic purposes. Additionally, some effluents 1.73%. On the flip side, there has been an increase in arise from the use of drugs in the treatment of the percentage of those served by the independent cancerous diseases and small amounts of blood treatment system (ground tank) and the percentage fluids. This category also includes remnants from of those served by the rainwater network, with rates routine washing of the clothing worn by laboratory of 11.52% and 5.3%, respectively. These statistics employees, which may be contaminated with highlight that many human settlements in Iraq lack blood fluids or body fluids. Furthermore, the waste basic sanitation systems, and approximately 61% from the blood bank includes blood fluids that do of villagers resort to using areas near their homes not meet donation criteria due to the presence of for sanitation directly. Furthermore, as more than pathogens or containers of expired blood fluids. a third of villages directly utilize water from rivers Liquid waste and feces generated from laboratory or swamps without any form of treatment, the tests, as well as blood samples used for laboratory current sanitation situation poses significant public testing, also contribute to these effluents. The health concerns. Waterborne disease outbreaks liquids resulting from dialysis operations are diverse, are frequent, underscoring the critical need for and effluents from the preparation and cooking of wastewater treatment services. food for patients, as well as from patient bathing, are additional sources of medical effluent in hospitals. 115 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) In the treatment of liquid waste resulting from process is essential to ensure the discharged water various activities, a common practice is to complies with environmental regulations. However, conduct an analysis and monitor its biological it’s important to note that this practice places and chemical components using environmental significant demands on the sewage network and monitoring devices. Following these assessments can impact the overall quality of wastewater in the and in accordance with established environmental region. Proper management and maintenance of controls, the waste is typically directly discharged the sewage infrastructure are critical to handle this into the sewage system. It then undergoes further additional pressure and maintain compliance with treatment through a final filtration process to ensure environmental standards. it meets the specifications and standards set by the Ministry of Environment. This meticulous treatment Table 3.5: The most important statistics of the indicators of the sewage sector (source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Environment Statistics Section, 2017 and 2020) Index value for the year Index 2017 2020 Number of central treatment plants and medium and small treatment units 54 66 %( Percentage of treated wastewater generated to treatment plants and units 45 60.5 %( Percentage of treated wastewater to design capacity of treatment plants and units 50.2 70.9 Amount of sludge produced by treatment plants and units (thousand tons/year) 22.34 34 Number of primary treatment plants - 2 Number of secondary treatment plants 25 64 Number of central treatment plants 26 36 Number of central treatment plants operating (partially operational) 19 28 Number of stalled central treatment plants 7 8 Number of central treatment plants operating within the basic design of the municipality 10 12 Number of medium and small treatment plants 28 30 Number of medium and small treatment plants operating (partially operational) 15 24 Number of medium and small treatment plants located within the basic design of the municipality 21 20 Number of total pumping stations 1282 1332 Number of stalled pumping stations 19 12 %( Percentage of people served by sewage networks (Waste and Shared) in urban areas 51 50 %( Percentage of Employees of Sewage Networks (Waste and Shared) in Iraq 34.6 34 %( Percentage of Employees of the Independent Treatment System (Ground Reservoir) in Iraq 51.2 57.1 Percentage of those not served by sewage networks (waste and shared) and independent treatment 14.2 8.9 %( system (ground tank) in Iraq %( Percentage of those served by rainwater checks (rain and shared water) in Iraq 39.4 41.5 Percentage of those served by sewage networks (waster and shared) and their network is connected to 29.1 28.9 %( treatment plants and units in Iraq Percentage of governorates that suffer from the problem of poor awareness and misuse of sewage 100 100 %( networks In the municipal services sector, as indicated in Table 3.6, there has been a 4.36% increase in the percentage of the population served in the waste collection service in Iraq, excluding the Kurdistan region, when comparing the years 2017 and 2020. Conversely, there has been a 3.28% decrease in the amount of waste that was removed. At the same time, there has been a significant increase in the amount of regular waste that was recycled, with a growth of 17.83%. It is worth noting that there has also been a 25% increase in the amount of waste generated per capita per day. 116 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.6: The most important statistics of the indicators of the municipal services sector Index value for the year Index 2017 2020 Total number of municipal institutions 251 256 %( Percentage of beneficiaries of the urban waste collection service 87.7 89.9 %( Percentage of beneficiaries of the waste collection service in Iraq (excluding Kurdistan Region) 61.9 64.6 Amount of waste collected (ordinary waste, debris and scrap) (million tons/year) 20.37 19.7 Amount of hazardous waste collected (tons/year) 1191.7 1053 Average amount of waste generated per capita (kg/day) 1.2 1.5 %( The most common disposal method is landfill in sites that are not environmentally approved 93.8 87.5 Number of landfill sites with environmental approvals 57 74 Number of landfill sites not environmentally approved 148 146 Number of waste sorting and recycling plants 1 2 Regular amount of recycled waste (tons/year) 9755 11495 The issue of solid waste is increasingly receiving in place, encompassing collection, transportation, attention from states due to its harmful effects on sorting, treatment, recycling, and final disposal, public health, the environment, and the degradation are not yet fully developed. These processes of the overall quality of life. Additionally, it poses lag behind the waste management methods and social and economic challenges, incurring significant recycling practices seen in many other countries. costs that could be saved or avoided with proper Iraq currently lacks comprehensive strategies management. and plans that include standards for handling these wastes to effectively control environmental as there is no approved strategy for solid waste pollution. At present, there is no approved strategy management at the present time, but rather adopts for solid waste management. Instead, the approach waste management in three stages: collection, in Iraq primarily involves three stages: collection, transport and landfill. For example, the city of transport, and landfill. For example, the city of Baghdad is divided geographically into (14) municipal Baghdad is geographically divided into 14 municipal departments and three municipal sections. These departments and three municipal sections. These departments, through the cleaning departments, departments, along with their cleaning divisions, collect and reduce waste on a daily basis by undertake the daily collection and reduction of mechanical and human effort, and a committee is waste through both mechanical and manual efforts. currently being formed by the General Secretariat of To address these challenges and move towards the Council of Ministers for the purpose of preparing more sustainable waste management, a committee the national plan for waste management and in is being formed by the General Secretariat of the the short, medium and long term, and includes Council of Ministers. The committee’s purpose is representatives from the Secretariat General Council to develop a national plan for waste management of Ministers, Ministry of Housing, Construction and in the short, medium, and long term. It includes Municipalities, Municipality of Baghdad, Ministry of representatives from the Secretariat General Council Environment and National Investment Commission. of Ministers, the Ministry of Housing, Construction While the quantities of solid waste generated annually and Municipalities, the Municipality of Baghdad, are on the rise, the waste management mechanisms the Ministry of Environment, and the National 117 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Investment Commission. This collaborative effort is Figure 3.8: Gross per capita waste production per a step towards improving Iraq’s waste management city strategies and practices. The current waste management situation in general results in significant losses as a valuable and substantial resource is being squandered. This resource could meet essential needs, particularly in the face of the ongoing financial crisis. Instead of utilizing these resources, large quantities of waste continue to accumulate in various areas, often at haphazard collection sites and transfer stations that do not adhere to environmental standards. Furthermore, the practice of indiscriminate and intentional burning of all types of waste, including materials that could be recycled, has become a primary means of disposal. Unfortunately, this method contributes to air pollution, adding to the environmental challenges caused by random and unregulated landfills located in several crucial areas. Data from the Baghdad Solid Waste Management Plan of 2011 provides insight into waste production rates. It reveals that for Baghdad city, the production rate of organic waste, glass, paper and cardboard, metal, and plastic waste is 0.412, 0.02, 0.118, 0.060, and 0.012 (kg/capita/day), respectively, in relation received environmental approval, while the remaining to the total per capita waste production. In areas 73 lack such approval. surrounding Baghdad city, these rates are 0.535, 0.073, 0.085, 0.097, and 0.103 (kg/capita/day), One of the significant challenges Iraq faces in waste respectively. Notably, organic waste or food waste disposal pertains to hazardous waste, whether in constitutes the most significant portion of waste solid or liquid form. The production of hazardous generation, accounting for 62.2% of the total waste, waste is increasing, particularly due to heightened while glass waste makes up the smallest percentage activities in sectors such as oil production. at 6.1% (see Figure 3.8). This data underscores the Regrettably, there is currently no established pressing need for improved waste management and regulated landfill specifically designated for practices and the importance of recycling and hazardous waste in Iraq, highlighting a critical gap resource recovery. in the country’s waste management infrastructure. The current situation of sanitary landfill sites in Iraq is a cause for concern. The majority of these sites fail to meet environmental standards, and they are often mismanaged, leading to various negative environmental consequences, including incineration. Iraq has a total of 192 sanitary landfill sites located across all governorates. Of these, only 28% have obtained environmental approval, while the remaining 72% lack such approval. In addition to landfill sites, diversion stations play a role in waste management, temporarily collecting municipal solid waste from different areas before being transported to final landfill sites. Iraq has a total of 87 diversion stations spread across all governorates. However, only 14 of these have 118 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) PRESSURES FROM THE MAIN INDICATORS INDUSTRIAL SECTOR Preparation of Industrial Facilities INTRODUCTION Table 3.7 presents the key statistics for the industrial The industrial sector holds significant importance sector in Iraq. It shows that the percentage of the in Iraq due to its crucial role in establishing the number of factories in the public and mixed sectors material foundation for progress across various increased by 3.9% when comparing data from 2017 domains, including the economic, political, and to 2020. Furthermore, there was a significant rise in social spheres. Furthermore, industrial activities the amount of hazardous and non-hazardous waste represent a significant contributor to air pollution, generated by public and mixed sector companies characterized by the release of harmful gases and and laboratories, with an increase of 100% and particles. This pollution stems from the utilization of 117.9%, respectively. outdated technologies in the production processes, the obsolescence of production lines, inadequate In the year 2020, the total number of large industrial maintenance procedures, and a lack of efficient establishments in operation reached 719. These control measures. Moreover, the industrial sector establishments are categorized by their economic exerts a direct impact on water and soil pollution activities, with 50% engaged in extractive industries by discharging liquid or solid waste without proper (excluding oil) and manufacturing industries, treatment or with only rudimentary treatments. followed by 30% involved in the manufacturing According to the Environmental Reality Report of of food products. The remaining 20% encompass 2017, industrial sector-related pollution emerges various other industrial activities (Table 3.8). as a prominent source of environmental pollution, particularly affecting water resources due to: • Many industrial activities in Iraq are established without due consideration for environmental conditions, often choosing their locations near rivers or disposing of waste without taking environmental factors into account. • The water recovered from industrial processes often contains high concentrations of pollutants, and a significant portion of it is released into rivers without proper treatment. The discharge of liquid waste from various industrial sectors results in environmental pollution, causing physical, chemical, and biological impacts on the elements of the environment. These effects can vary depending on the type of industry and the technology employed. Current environmental legislation mandates the provision of effective treatment facilities for liquid waste discharge from industrial activities. These specialized facilities are designed to reduce pollutant levels through a series of consecutive stages, ensuring that pollutant concentrations remain within the limits set by existing legislation. We will now address the most significant drivers and pressures resulting from industrial activities by referencing their respective indicators as follows: 119 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.7: Main statistics of industry sector indicators (source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Environment Statistics Section, 2017 and 2020) Index value for the year Index 2017 2020 %( Percentage of operating laboratories affiliated to the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (public sector) and mixed sector companies 66.3 68.9 Monthly average amount of hazardous industrial waste generated from the factories of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (public sector) and 1.25 2.5 mixed sector companies (tons/month) Monthly average quantity of non-hazardous industrial waste generated by the laboratories of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (public sector) 3825.9 8336.9 and mixed sector companies (tons/month) Percentage of operating plants affiliated to the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (public sector) and mixed sector companies that rely on the 26.5 49.3 %( liquefaction network as a source of water Daily average amount of water used in the laboratories of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (public sector) and mixed sector companies that 71.2 119.3 rely on the liquefaction network as a source of water (thousand m3/day) The average daily amount of water discharged from the laboratories of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (public sector) and mixed sector 36.3 39.7 companies that rely on the liquefaction network as a source of water (thousand m3/day) Number of red meat slaughterhouses 104 103 %( Percentage of the number of stalled red meat slaughterhouses 58.6 54.4 Quantity of effluents discharged from red meat slaughterhouses (thousand m3/day) 136 145 Number of red meat slaughterhouses that own incinerators 34 40 Quantity of solid waste generated from red meat slaughterhouses (thousand tons/year) 16.02 20.6 Table 3.8 presents data on the number and percentage of laboratories affiliated with the Ministry of Industry (public sector) and mixed sector companies, categorized by their functional status and sector for the year 2020. Number of laboratories by functional condition Percentage of distribution by functional condition Number of Sector Companies Working Stalled Total Working Stalled Total Chemical and 8 12 21 33 36.4 63.6 100.0 petrochemical Engineering 15 64 13 77 83.1 16.9 100.0 Food and 2 9 9 18 50.0 50.0 100.0 Pharmaceutical Textile 1 30 7 37 81.1 18.9 100.0 Construction and Industrial 3 25 20 45 55.6 44.4 100.0 Services Mixed Sector 13 15 0 15 100.0 0.0 100.0 Companies Total 42 155 70 225 68.9 31.1 100.0 Table 8.3: Number and percentage of laboratories by financial situation and sector for the year 2020 120 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) In 2020, the engineering sector boasted the highest Figure 9.3: Number of Laboratories of the Ministry of number of companies, with a total of 15 companies Industry and Mixed Sector by Sector for 2020 and 77 laboratories (see Figure 3.9). Notably, stalled factories accounted for 31.1% of the overall number of laboratories. When comparing the number of operational establishments in 2020 to that of 2019, which stood at 670, there was a notable increase of 7.3%. This increase can be attributed to the growth of private activities within the manufacturing sector across all governorates (see Figure 3.10). Examining the scale of the industrial sector, the data reveals a rise in the number of large industrial establishments that have been operational in recent years. These establishments are categorized Figure 10.3: Number of Establishments by Sector for based on their primary economic activities, with a 2019-2020 significant presence in both extractive industries and manufacturing (see Figure 3.11). The industrial indicators for the year 2020 highlight that the manufacturing of other non-metallic mineral products took the lead in terms of the number of establishments within the manufacturing sector, followed closely by the activities in the food products industry. Air Quality The available data pertaining to the industrial sector underscore its substantial contribution to air pollution. It is important to note, however, that there is a lack of data regarding air pollutants stemming from industrial processes due to the absence of monitoring devices Figure 11.3: Number of major industrial establishments for airborne pollutants. Consequently, reliance will be placed on the data found in the Environmental Reality Report of 2017, which furnishes information on air emissions originating from the industrial sector. This report indicates that several industries in Iraq are significant contributors to air emissions, including: • Cement Plants: The number of cement factories reached 19 in Iraq in 2017, while there are approximately eight cement factories in the Kurdistan region. Data indicates that there are 58 dust precipitators in these laboratories, and all of these precipitators are functioning effectively. It is noteworthy that there are no air quality measurements available for cement plants. Additionally, it’s important to highlight that the majority of cement factories in Iraq were constructed without conducting an environmental impact assessment study or obtaining environmental approval. Many of these factories are situated near major population 121 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) centers, including Kufa Cement Factory, Badoush Cement Plant, Fallujah Cement Plant, Effluents South Cement Factory, and Kubaisa Cement Plant. Furthermore, these cement plants In total, the companies and factories under the dispose of cement dust generated from kilns at Ministry of Industry consume approximately 119.3 unregulated landfill sites. thousand cubic meters of water per day, with a daily discharge of about 39.7 thousand cubic meters into water sources. Notably, 48.8% of the water used • Brick Factories: In 2017, Iraq had a total of 673 is consumed by the chemicals and petrochemicals brick factories spread across Baghdad and sector. The discharge of liquid waste from industrial various governorates. Available data indicates activities across various sectors contributes to that 78% of these factories are equipped with environmental pollution, resulting in physical, automatic burning systems. Moreover, there is chemical, and biological effects on the elements of an established mechanism for monitoring the the environment, particularly when the necessary environmental performance of these industries, treatments to reduce pollutants are absent. These which has resulted in the issuance of 66 legal effects can vary depending on the type of industry procedures against brick factories that have and the technology adopted. violated environmental requirements. Current environmental legislation mandates the • Asphalt Plants: In 2017, Iraq had a total of 350 establishment of efficient treatment units for asphalt plants. Data available from 2017 indicates industrial discharges. These specialized facilities that 33% of these plants lack means to control are designed to reduce pollution loads through a gas emissions, such as dust precipitators. series of consecutive stages, ensuring that pollutant Furthermore, in the same year, 9 legal actions concentration levels remain within the limits set by were taken against asphalt plants that had existing legislation. violated environmental requirements. Table 3.10 presents data on the number of factories • Food Laboratories: The number of food affiliated with the Ministry of Industry and Minerals laboratories in 2017 reached 1,282. A significant (public sector) and mixed sector companies, portion of these facilities did not possess categorized by the water source used, drainage environmental approvals. In the same year, 96 destinations, and sector for the year 2020. legal actions were taken against laboratories that had violated environmental requirements. Table 3.10: Number of factories affiliated to the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (public sector) and mixed sector companies by water source used, drainage destinations and sector for the year 2020. Number of plants that do not Number of plants that do not Number of laboratories by water source used Number of laboratories by discharge bodies Number of laboratories Store in select locations Sewer network Agricultural use Subterranean Euphrates River Liquefaction Rotate Shatt Al-Arab Tigris River Other Total Taps River Other Total use water drain water Sector Chemical and 33 3 3 4 10 2 1 23 10 13 3 4 3 0 1 0 24 9 petrochemical Engineering 77 28 1 3 24 0 0 56 21 3 8 3 7 0 0 0 21 56 Food and 18 0 0 0 7 1 0 8 10 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 8 10 Pharmaceutical Textile 37 4 9 0 14 0 0 27 10 1 3 2 14 0 2 0 22 15 Construction and Industrial 45 7 4 0 3 3 0 17 28 6 3 2 8 1 1 0 21 24 Services Mixed Sector 15 1 0 0 14 0 0 15 0 4 0 0 9 0 0 1 14 1 Companies Total 225 43 17 7 72 6 1 146 79 27 20 11 44 1 6 1 110 115 122 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 3.12: shows the quantities of water used and discharged from the industrial sector during the last four years. The available data for 2020 concerning the industrial Finally, it should be noted that slaughterhouses are sector (Figure 3.13) reveals that 49.3% of industrial another source of liquid waste in Iraq. Figures for companies and factories primarily depend on 2020 show that slaughterhouses consume about liquefied water as their main water source. This 155,000 cubic meters of water annually. 82% of this is followed by the Tigris River at 29.5% and the water comes from the public network (liquefaction), Euphrates River at 11.6%. Notably, 35.1% either do 9% from tankers and 8% from groundwater. The data not use water or have ceased operations. also indicate that most of the water consumed in slaughterhouses is disposed of as wastewater. The Data show that 40% of these industries rely on the amount of wastewater from slaughterhouses in 2020 sewage network to discharge wastewater, while was about 145,000 cubic meters per year. They are 24.5% of them collect this water in specific locations, disposed of in sewer pits or treatment units. and 51.1% of these industries do not discharge any water Figure 3.14. Figure 3.13: Percentage distribution of water sources used in industries for 2020 123 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 3.14: Percentage distribution of water sources used in industries for 2020 Solid Waste Table 3.11 provides information on the number and percentage of factories affiliated with the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (public sector) and mixed sector companies that dispose of solid industrial waste based on the waste classification and sector for the year 2020. Table 3.12 shows the monthly average amount of hazardous and non-hazardous solid industrial waste generated from factories affiliated to the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (public sector) and mixed sector companies that dispose of solid industrial waste according to the classification of waste and sector for the year 2020. Table 3.11: Number and percentage of factories that dispose of solid industrial waste according to the classification of waste (for the year 2020) Number of plants according to their Percentage Distribution of Plants by Percentage disposal of solid industrial waste Number of Disposal of Industrial Solid Waste of plants Number of plants that do Sector that do not laboratories not dispose of Non- Non- release Hazardous Total solid waste Hazardous Total hazardous hazardous solid waste Chemical and 33 0 5 5 28 0.0 100.0 100.0 84.8 petrochemical Engineering 77 12 26 38 39 31.6 68.4 100.0 50.6 Food and 18 1 4 5 13 20.0 80.0 100.0 72.2 Pharmaceutical Textile 37 3 3 6 31 50.0 50.0 100.0 83.8 Construction and 45 0 5 5 40 0.0 100.0 100.0 88.9 Industrial Services Mixed Sector 15 0 4 4 11 0.0 100.0 100.0 73.3 Companies Total 225 16 47 63 162 25.4 74.6 100.0 72.0 124 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.12: Monthly average quantity of hazardous and non-hazardous solid industrial waste generated from factories affiliated to the Ministry of Industry and Minerals (public sector) and mixed sector companies Amount of solid industrial waste (kg/month) Percentage of solid Sector industrial waste Hazardous Non-hazardous Total Chemical and petrochemical 0.0 7,036.6 7,036.6 0.1 Engineering 1,733.0 179,613.0 181,346.0 2.2 Food and Pharmaceutical 65.0 14,343.1 14,408.1 0.2 Textile 750.0 59.7 809.7 0.0 Construction and Industrial 0.0 8,134,333 8,134,333 97.5 Services Mixed Sector Companies 0.0 1,500.0 1,500.0 0.0 Total 2,548.0 8,336,885.4 8,339,433.4 100.0 Table 3.13: indicates the method of solid waste disposal by industry type. Number of laboratories by methods of disposal of Number of laboratories by methods of disposal of hazardous solid waste non- hazardous solid waste Number of laboratories Reused in the same company Reused in the same company Transferred to a health site Burned in an incinerator Burned in an incinerator Sent to another party Sent to another party Released in sites Released in sites Other Buried Other Sold Sold Sector Chemical and petrochemical 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 Engineering 77 0 0 4 0 5 2 3 5 2 1/4 3 0 2 1 Food and Pharmaceutical 18 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 Textile 37 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 Construction and Industrial 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 1 0 Services 125 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Types of Waste: The information shows that • Waste from the red meat slaughterhouses: there are several types of waste produced by the According to data from 2020, waste generated industrial sector in Iraq, namely: by red meat slaughterhouses is estimated at approximately 20,000 tons per year. These • Non-hazardous solid industrial waste: In slaughterhouses often sell a significant portion 2020, available data indicates that the total of their usable waste, such as skin and heads, amount of non-hazardous solid industrial waste while the remaining parts are either incinerated generated reached 8,336 tons per month. A or disposed of at municipal assembly sites. significant portion of this waste, approximately 97%, originates from the construction sector • Waste from white meat slaughterhouses: and industrial services. Regarding the disposal The data also indicates that white meat of non-hazardous waste, the industrial sector slaughterhouses produce around 140 tons of predominantly resorts to reuse as the primary solid waste annually, with a majority of them method. situated in agricultural areas. • Hazardous industrial waste: Also in 2020, the data shows that hazardous industrial waste production amounted to 2.5 tons per day. The majority of this hazardous waste, around 68%, is generated by the engineering sector. When Figure 3.15: Quantities of non-hazardous industrial waste it comes to disposal methods for hazardous in the last three years (tons/month) industrial waste, the data suggests that sending it to other destinations is one of the most commonly employed practices. Figure 3.16 shows the quantities of hazardous industrial solid waste and slaughterhouse waste in the last three years . Moreover, the shortcomings within the government PRESSURES FROM THE HEALTH health sector have fueled the growth of the private health sector, making it challenging for SECTOR various segments of the population to access appropriate healthcare due to the high costs INTRODUCTION associated with private healthcare and the absence of a comprehensive health insurance system. In The health sector in Iraq continues to grapple continuation of the discussion in the first chapter with numerous problems and challenges, primarily addressing environmental challenges in Iraq, we will stemming from the exceptional circumstances now highlight the most significant challenges within faced by Iraqi society. The healthcare system the healthcare sector. These key environmental remains plagued by issues related to the quality challenges in the field of health include: of services, as well as the limited availability and inadequacy of medical supplies. This shortfall has had adverse repercussions, notably in the realm of inadequate oversight of imported and sold medicines and food products, a failure to implement necessary measures to address water, air, and soil pollution, weak enforcement of legislation and guidelines concerning noise sources and modern communication infrastructure such as towers. All of these factors have taken a toll on the human and environmental health in Iraq. 126 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) • Internationally prohibited weapons: level of health control remains below the required standards, if not entirely absent. Consequently, notably depleted uranium, were extensively there is a lack of assurance regarding the safety of utilized by the US military in the bombardment food consumption by Iraqi citizens, particularly in of infrastructure, as well as strategic military and the case of frozen dairy, meat, chicken, and fish. civilian sites in Iraq. In the 1991 war alone, the US army deployed over 300 tons of depleted uranium, Some reports have raised concerns about the and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, estimates vary presence of formalin (a substance suspected to be between 170 to 1700 tons, according to reports carcinogenic) in certain imported dairy products, from the United Nations. Despite the substantial the detection of pesticides in imported frozen quantity of depleted uranium employed, neither meat, and the treatment of some food products local nor international bodies, nor any United with gamma rays, which can lead to the formation Nations organizations, have conducted a thorough of free radicals associated with cancer. Moreover, and comprehensive study to address this critical there are concerns about the import of fish raised in issue, propose suitable solutions, or investigate contaminated water sources and the sale of expired the presence and impact of depleted uranium on foodstuffs after altering or removing the expiration human health and the environment, including its date. various components. It is well-established that ionizing radiation from radioactive elements, such as Furthermore, issues related to the inadequate depleted uranium, can result in a range of illnesses storage, transportation, and sale of milk derivatives, that may manifest rapidly and lead to swift fatality in juices, soft drinks, fish, chicken, and frozen meat cases of high concentrations. Furthermore, diseases have been noted. Additionally, the repeated freezing may emerge years later, including certain types of and thawing of frozen food products can render cancers. Ionizing radiation also has repercussions them susceptible to the growth and proliferation on the offspring of individuals exposed to it and of bacteria and microbes. These issues collectively influences the growth and development of fetuses pose a significant threat to public health in Iraq. during pregnancy. ‒ Mobile Towers and Antennas: Despite the • Sources of medicines: existence of guidelines provided by the Ministry of Environment, as published in the The sources and origins of medicines entering Iraq Iraqi Gazette, issue 4157 on 5/7/2010, with the since 2003 have exhibited significant variation and aim of safeguarding individuals from potential unpredictability. This has made it challenging, even biological effects associated with non-ionizing for experts, to accurately identify them. Importantly, radiation generated by mobile phone systems, the import and distribution of medicines are no it is a common occurrence to witness the longer exclusively managed by the Ministry of presence of numerous, and perhaps even Health; private companies and drug stores have hundreds, of communication towers on the become active participants in the pharmaceutical rooftops of residential houses and buildings trade. Regrettably, this expansion in the supply in every neighborhood and city. Regrettably, chain has opened the door to the introduction of these installations often disregard the provided expired medical materials and medicines or products guidelines and existing laws. from unverified sources, raising concerns about the quality and safety of pharmaceuticals available in ‒ Indiscriminate Slaughtering: In Baghdad and the country. the provinces, the phenomenon of slaughtering animals indiscriminately on roadsides and in • Food Safety: squares is widespread. They occur without the necessary hygiene conditions or official health According to a 2013 UN report, Iraq relies heavily control, which contributes to the pollution of on food imports, including beef, poultry, oils, fats, the environment with slaughter residues, the and dairy products. Furthermore, Iraq acquires multiplication of insects on it and the spread approximately 60-70% of its vegetable supply from of diseases. Despite working to combat this neighboring countries. Additionally, it is expected phenomenon from time to time, it is still a that Iraq’s reliance on wheat imports from abroad will common phenomenon spread within cities, increase by 70% in the future. including the capital, Baghdad, as well as the spread of the phenomenon of breeding or selling Despite the substantial quantities of food entering animals in some public and open places. Iraq daily from various countries and sources, the 127 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ Noise: The issue of noise in Iraq, particularly in the city of Baghdad, has escalated due to the large MAIN INDICATORS influx of vehicles without proper regulations and Health indicators encompass multiple dimensions that the absence of stringent laws to deter the use provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare of alarm devices in restricted areas. Instances of situation at various levels. These indicators offer gunfire and the excessive use of alarm devices at precise numerical data and percentages reflecting events like weddings, funerals, sports matches, the progress achieved in hospitals and health and other gatherings have further contributed to facilities over the past few years. this problem. The situation is compounded by the widespread use of electricity generators, as well From Table 3.14, it is evident that the number of as activities related to construction, excavation, government hospitals increased by 8% in 2020 craft workshops, industrial laboratories, compared to 2017. Simultaneously, there was a 22% sound recording studios, household electrical increase in the total number of hospitals. It’s worth appliances, and more. noting that there was a 9.7% decrease in popular medical clinics, whereas there was a significant Additionally, a recent phenomenon has emerged, rise in specialized centers and primary health involving the modification of motorcycle and car care centers, marking a 32.7% and 5.5% increase, exhaust systems to produce the maximum possible respectively, during the same period. noise from their engines. It is important to note that prolonged exposure to loud noise and sounds can Furthermore, there was a notable 9% reduction in viral lead to various health effects, including discomfort, hepatitis cases, contrasted by an alarming increase heightened stress, nervous tension, sleep in the number of cases related to immunodeficiency disturbances, insomnia, reduced concentration disease and cancer, which saw a surge of 121% and and comprehension, and an increased prevalence 40%, respectively. of hearing impairments. Furthermore, continuous, and loud noise can have detrimental effects on the development of embryos during the early stages of pregnancy. Table 3.14: The most important statistics of health indicators (source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Environment Statistics Section, 2017 and 2020) Index value for the year Indicators 2017 2020 Number of government hospitals 273 295 Number of private hospitals 127 155 Number of popular medical clinics 378 341 Number of specialized health centers 180 239 Number of primary health care centers 2658 2805 Number of cases of chickenpox 64489 - Number of cases of scabies 13514 - Number of cases of viral hepatitis 25458 23164 Number of immunodeficiency disease cases 95 210 Number of tuberculosis cases 7707 - Total incidence of cancerous tumors 25598 35864 128 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) HEALTH CONTROL Since its establishment in 1935, the Ministry of Health has placed a special focus on health control, carrying out responsibilities related to the monitoring and supervision of food establishments and laboratories to ensure adherence to health standards and regulations in accordance with the approved mechanisms and legal frameworks. This commitment aims to ensure that the community enjoys access to safe and pathogen- free food and water. Table 3.15 presents data pertaining to the operational health control activities at the governorate level, while Table 3.16 provides information on health control, inspection visits, and the measures undertaken in 2021. Additionally, Table 3.17 displays data on health control activities conducted in food factories, and Table 3.18 showcases the health control activities related to water quality for the year 2021. Table 3.15: Executive health oversight activity in Iraq No. of periodic investigations Health education courses Audit staff workers of communicable disease No. of cards No. of No. of Seminars No. of Para Administrative Para medical Health Unit for medical vaccinated participant courses and service medical staff cards persons workers against typhoid 7921 1675 7277 83 360 0 142 24 Baghdad/ Al-Karkh 8504 4033 7241 230 466 0 171 7 Baghdad/ Al- Rusafah 7454 626 5281 177 414 0 125 24 Basrah 6836 147 6688 71 442 0 129 13 Nainawa 2179 725 919 140 121 0 46 0 Missan 2928 1470 2248 215 186 0 75 6 Al-Diwanya 3953 501 984 103 54 0 94 5 Dyala 4428 5 3437 106 62 0 99 2 Al-Anbar 3362 0 1320 96 110 0 124 7 Babil 6175 6 4629 212 263 0 123 2 Karbala 4275 4176 853 66 53 0 144 0 Karkuk 2591 733 819 46 53 0 65 0 Wasit 6064 2552 4044 306 350 0 140 1 ThiQar 1826 722 1355 120 96 0 51 1 Al-muthanna 5661 3649 5536 745 414 0 54 5 Salah Aldeen 5891 412 3012 39 129 0 74 2 Najaf 80,048 21,432 55,643 2,755 3,573 0 1,656 99 total 129 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.16: Health monitoring activity and actions No. of investigated samples Type of field visits for general shops No. of general shops Imported Local Quantities if No. of inspected materials visits Invalid Valid Invalid Valid Liquid Solid Multi Individual Assigned No of No. of No. Health Unit material material sectors to courts Closed and inspected Total exceeding visits shops 141 4489 71 1462 94248 265549 1852 700 89 5274 45006 5534 Baghdad/ Al- Karkh 56 5442 150 5506 1475933 492216 368 523 230 4105 82622 6491 Baghdad/ Al- Rusafah 186 3752 284 2279 86111 442154 284 299 29 1305 74308 5447 Basrah 173 675 617 3278 19366 228742 346 974 3 447 47424 5139 Nainawa 7 1041 24 255 9202 49859 187 134 0 402 10988 1017 Missan 6 80 50 1057 74269 50308 403 290 0 475 62267 1816 Al-Diwanya 16 1213 93 2301 320706 369902 577 584 46 592 29765 2596 Dyala 5 17 0 298 219344 55868 959 1014 0 174 25908 2490 Al-Anbar 21 80 62 419 87559 215107 546 1198 0 748 34531 3104 Babil 73 1756 71 1553 244511 361237 302 473 0 3007 33541 4814 Karbala 3 1187 135 3337 155772 241095 151 242 0 864 24369 4081 Karkuk 0 310 38 1610 22172 49942 295 572 91 561 17509 1842 Wasit 61 522 91 256 21295 69597 424 664 0 1778 40470 2989 ThiQar 0 5 25 100 120063 117793 375 468 0 732 13756 1677 Al-muthanna 2 34 8 72 33806 51902 747 2717 0 1876 40616 3383 Salah Aldeen 37 417 80 3344 44334 70512 287 180 0 328 28875 2371 Najaf 787 21020 1799 27127 3028691 3131783 8103 11032 488 22668 611955 54791 total 130 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.17: Health monitoring on the food industry plants No. of trade markers Unaccredited factories Food factories Non Registers No. of fined Closed No. Total No. Assigned Closed No Visited No. Factories Health Unit registers factors to the total No. courts - 140 193 129 65 1 103 2275 183 Baghdad/ Al-Karkh 56 260 74 68 89 7 158 3251 263 Baghdad/ Al- Rusafah 4 0 0 0 - - 6 1417 133 Basrah - 152 33 33 11 - 24 2201 265 Nainawa 24 18 9 2 3 1 1 1139 45 Missan - 41 0 0 - - 3 450 64 Al-Diwanya - 106 5 5 2 1 24 1285 108 Dyala - 29 12 0 6 - - 791 66 Al-Anbar - 109 3 0 9 2 27 2568 332 Babil - 106 0 0 - - 108 1234 100 Karbala 32 85 0 0 - - 46 2919 96 Karkuk - 20 6 3 2 - 38 568 56 Wasit - 56 3 9 3 - 25 391 75 ThiQar - 35 1 0 - - 24 365 35 Al-muthanna 27 31 0 0 - - 29 518 57 Salah Aldeen - 114 2 0 1 7 21 1325 118 Najaf 143 1400 341 249 191 19 637 22697 1996 total 131 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.18: Health monitoring activities on water quality Tab water samples for lab examination Water projects stations & parks No. of results of samples PHCC No. of results of samples Visited No. Total No. Served of actually Health Unit with workers drinking Invalid Valid No.Total Invalid Valid Total No. water 488 1418 1906 107 202 296 498 660 55 Baghdad/ Al-Karkh 821 1052 1873 106 335 215 550 636 53 Baghdad/ Al- Rusafah 944 4 948 126 761 3 764 1701 167 Basrah 229 1425 1654 56 45 397 442 619 53 Nainawa 1195 100 1295 30 389 0 389 708 59 Missan 526 651 1177 70 649 1186 1835 1944 162 Al-Diwanya 505 1591 2096 69 138 812 950 941 94 Dyala 0 0 0 115 179 1640 1819 2227 264 Al-Anbar 608 1175 1783 110 521 1479 2000 1968 164 Babil 733 731 1464 56 486 471 957 948 79 Karbala 159 1470 1629 55 32 496 528 552 46 Karkuk 1209 448 1657 71 801 761 1562 2316 193 Wasit 283 0 283 74 133 4 137 1380 115 ThiQar 851 40 891 39 645 58 703 1032 68 Al-muthanna 302 486 788 44 379 498 877 1298 123 Salah Aldeen 367 866 1233 78 181 571 752 972 81 Najaf 9220 11457 20677 1206 5876 8887 14763 19902 1776 total 132 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.19: shows data on COVID-19 infection, recovery, and percentages during 2021 at the governorate level. Recovery per. From the Covid-19 cure cases Infection per. From the Covid-19 cases number of recoveries total number of infections Health Unit 15% 227759 15% 228616 Baghdad/ Al-Karkh 11% 160729 11% 161383 Baghdad/ Al-Rusafah 1% 20697 1% 21420 Madinat Al-Tib hospital 28% 409185 27% 411419 Baghdad governorate 11% 167436 11% 168007 Basrah 3% 47226 3% 47686 Nainawa 4% 60138 4% 60569 Missan 3% 46832 3% 47179 Al-Diwanya 4% 55922 4% 55970 Dyala 1% 12669 1% 12691 Al-Anbar 3% 41327 3% 41738 Babil 4% 58016 4% 58412 Karbala 3% 43950 3% 44572 Karkuk 5% 79113 5% 79394 Wasit 5% 66674 4% 67424 ThiQar 1% 21055 1% 21164 Al-muthanna 2% 32741 2% 33181 Salah Aldeen 5% 68003 5% 68396 Najaf 82% 1210287 81% 1217802 total (Excluding KRI) NA NA NA NA Erbil NA NA NA NA Duhok NA NA NA NA Sulimaniyah 100% 1487250 100% 1498600 total 133 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) MEDICAL WASTE consumes about 85% of Iraq’s water resources. Due to the usage of open and outdated irrigation Medical waste generated by healthcare institutions, channels, inadequate water resource management, research centers, laboratories, and other sources dilapidated infrastructure, and the application poses a significant risk to both human health and of traditional irrigation methods (e.g., surface the environment. It exerts additional pressure on irrigation) for certain crops like rice, the volume of solid waste management, and improper handling irrigation water has exceeded recommended levels can lead to the potential exposure of workers and over time, leading to elevated water tables and soil the wider community to infectious diseases and waterlogging and salinization. This poses significant physical injuries, including wounds. Furthermore, it challenges to sustainable agricultural practices and can result in environmental damage. necessitates better water management strategies in the sector (Table 3.20). The Ministry of Health’s strategy for managing medical waste involves a shift from previously used incinerators to heat treatment devices, such as Table 3.20: Main agricultural statistics (source: Ministry shredding autoclave kilns. These heat treatment of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Environment devices are currently in use across all health Statistics Section, 2017 and 2020) departments. In addition to this, each department Index value for the year is equipped with an incinerator with a capacity of Indicators 250 kg per hour. This approach aims to enhance the 2017 2020 safe and efficient disposal of medical waste while minimizing the associated risks to health and the Arable land area (million dunums) 23.4 13.5 environment. Area of desert land (million dunums) 26.8 27.2 PRESSURES FROM THE Area of land threatened by desertification (million dunums) 93.8 94.3 AGRICULTURE SECTOR Area of contaminated hazardous areas (munitions, 479.3 2,574.7 remnants of war, minefields, etc.) (million m2) INTRODUCTION Agriculture stands as one of the primary economic activities that significantly contribute to the national economy, and its connection to food security is integral to national stability. The attainment of food security hinges on the availability of locally produced food. When the agricultural sector experiences growth and development, it plays a pivotal role in diversifying the economy, reducing poverty, improving the trade balance, and fostering growth in associated sectors. Developing the agricultural sector also aids in addressing unemployment, curbing the volume of imports, advancing society, strengthening the economy, and ensuring that local agricultural products are safer for consumers compared to imports. This is especially crucial given the association between many modern diseases and food consumption, and the positive impact of agricultural development on environmental conditions. However, it’s important to note that, according to Iraq’s Nationally Determined Contributions on Climate Change, the agricultural sector is one of the most water-intensive sectors in the country, accounting for approximately 35 billion cubic meters of water consumption per year. This sector 134 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) MAIN INDICATORS ARABLE LAND Table 3.20 indicates a significant reduction in the area of arable land during the period between 2017 and 2020, with a notable decrease of 42%. Simultaneously, there has been an increase in desert lands and lands Table 21.3 Artificial forest area Total area of Natural forest ***Forest areas of the Department of Forestry and Desertification projects Governorate The are a of forests belonging natural and area to the directorates of agriculture artificial forests Existing forest area Wooded areas during of the governorates and the list Total until 31/12/2020 until 31/12/2019 2020 Nineveh .. 35 0 35 198 233 Kirkuk 638,220 3,294 0 3,294 968 642,482 Diyala .. 644 0 644 25 669 Anbar 0 0 0 0 664 664 Baghdad 0 3,390 10 3,400 0 3,400 Babylon 0 0 0 0 1,821 1,821 Karbala 0 0 0 0 237 237 Wasit 0 10,672 10 10,682 100 10,782 Saladin 0 0 0 0 140 140 Najaf 0 0 0 0 658 658 Qadisiyah 0 0 0 0 820 820 Muthanna 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dhi Qar 0 0 0 0 0 0 Maysan 0 0 0 0 250 250 Basra 0 0 0 0 270 270 Total 638,220 18,035 20 18,055 6,151 662,426 Kurdistan Region Duhok 1,040,908 - - - 8,068 1,048,976 Sulaymaniyah 570,496 - - - 15,980 586,476 Erbil 543,032 - - - 8,536 551,568 Total 2,154,436 .. .. .. 32,584 2,187,020 Total Iraq 2,792,656 18,035 20 18,055 38,735 2,849,446 Data unavailable .. Natural forests in Kirkuk province except Garmian district * Decrease in forest areas belonging to the projects of the Department of Forestry and Desertification due to terrorist and military operations in the governorate ** The forest areas of the Department of Forestry and Desertification represent only wooded land and not the total area of the forest 135 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) vulnerable to desertification, marking a 1.7% and 0.53% rise, respectively. Most notably, the area of open land in 2017 and 2020, which remains at risk, has expanded from 479.3 million square meters to 2,574.7 million square meters, representing a substantial increase of 437%. ‒ Forests Table 3.21 provides data on the area of natural and artificial forests, measured in dunums, for each governorate in the year 2020. The source of this information is the Ministry of Agriculture, specifically the Planning and Follow-up Division, as well as Statistics. ‒ Irrigation Method Fertile lands comprised the largest expanse, covering approximately 6.7 million dunums, followed by irrigated lands at 5.0 million dunums, and lands utilizing wells, which accounted for 2.8 million dunums (as shown in Figure 3.17). This situation underscores a significant concern due to the reliance on rainfall and surface water sources, as there has been a noticeable decrease in rainfall and a critical decline in water inflows from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This vulnerability highlights the pressing need for sustainable water resource management practices in order to safeguard agricultural productivity and mitigate potential water shortages. ‒ LANDS THREATENED BY DESERTIFICATION AND SAND DUNE Table 3.22 provides information on the distribution of land areas threatened by desertification and sand dunes by governorates for the year 2020. It’s important to note that data concerning the extent of land affected by soil erosion and desertification in Iraq is presented in Table 3.23, with data available for the year 2016. Unfortunately, data for the subsequent years (2017-2020) is not available. Figure 3.17: Area of cultivated land according to the nature of irrigation for the year 2020, Source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics 136 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.22: Area of desert, desertified areas, those threated by desertification and sand dunes for the year 2020 (Source: Ministry of Agriculture/Planning and Follow-up Department/Statistics Department) Desert and desertified lands Lands threatened by desertification Governorate Sand Dunes (Dunum) (dunums) (dunums) Nineveh 2,293,220.0 4,137,640.0 1,078,000.0 Kirkuk 11,725.7 661,980.0 0.0 Diyala 657,476.0 1,737,990.0 49,147.6 Anbar 7,467,920.0 45,804,400.0 72,126.0 Baghdad 87,973.6 414,612.0 0.0 Babylon 26,921.8 317,202.0 2,656.2 Karbala 428,932.0 1,094,350.0 29,768.2 Wasit 1,106,680.0 2,093,360.0 25,764.7 Saladin 929,360.0 4,982,240.0 1,235,420.0 Najaf 666,568.0 10,287,900.0 31,597.3 Qadisiyah 338,226.0 1,300,360.0 59,516.0 Muthanna 6,515,160.0 13,796,000.0 1,486,770.0 Dhi Qar 1,459,660.0 1,759,030.0 68,566.4 Maysan 1,439,960.0 2,423,940.0 91,724.4 Basra 3,348,780.0 2,920,310.0 10,781.8 Total 26,778,563.1 93,731,314.0 4,241,838.6 Kurdistan Region Duhok .. .. 0.0 Sulaymaniyah .. .. 0.0 Erbil .. .. 0.0 Total 441,798.1 563,086.0 0.0 Total Iraq 27,220,361.2 94,294,400.0 4,241,838.6 Data not available, Note: The percentage of desert and desertified lands (15.6%) and lands threatened by desertification (53.9%) and their total (69.5%), which represents the .. percentage of degraded land of the total area of Iraq 137 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.23: Area affected by soil erosion and desertification in Iraq in 2016 (Source: Ministry of CONTAMINATED HAZARDOUS Agriculture/Planning and Follow-up Department/ AREAS Statistics Department) Table 3.24 presents data on the extent of Affected area hazardous areas contaminated with various forms Type of desertification Intensity (dunums) of explosives, including confrontation land, cluster Light - Medium 5,724,000 munitions, remnants of war, minefields, explosive Wind erosion Intense - Very intense 2,612,000 devices, and unexploded ordnance. The data covers Light - Medium the period from 2004 to 2020. This data highlights Water erosion 18,764,000 the significant issue of land contamination with Intense - Very intense hazardous materials and the devastating impact it Light - Medium 5,288,000 Soil salinization has on large areas of land, including those that were Intense - Very intense 26,716,000 previously used for agricultural production. The Calcification 67,084,000 contamination has resulted in substantial land loss Soil hardening Gypsum 34,400,000 and poses considerable risks to the population and their livelihoods. Total area affected by soil 160,588,000 erosion and desertification Note: Data for the years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are not available, so data for 2016 was published Table 3.24: Area of hazardous areas contaminated with various forms of explosives, measured in square meters (m2), including confrontation ground, cluster munitions, remnants of war, minefields, improvised explosive devices, and unexploded ordnance. The source of this information is the Ministry of Environment, specifically the Department of Planning and Follow-up. Governorate Open (risk remains) Closed (removing risk) Ongoing work Total Nineveh 28,921,324 384,841,565 28,596,539 442,359,428 Kirkuk 25,829,533 78,780,794 11,289,769 115,900,096 Diyala 357,910,246 11,826,773 1,126,666 370,863,685 Anbar 184,370,482 651,690,946 12,983,051 849,044,479 Baghdad 13,893,027 92,550,950 0 106,443,977 Babylon 247,321,170 4,917,769 71,076,472 323,315,411 Karbala 6,181,780 7,294,845 0 13,476,625 Wasit 110,145,024 40,639,950 0 150,784,974 Saladin 87,937,419 263,883,252 474,866 352,295,537 Najaf 3,822,584 11,382,827 0 15,205,411 Qadisiyah 41,284,712 49,998,268 19,502,084 110,785,064 Muthanna 86,131,733 138,030,941 27,300,918 251,463,592 Dhi Qar 89,564,834 109,745,528 13,167,308 212,477,670 Maysan 70,502,662 282,369,044 7,976,733 360,848,439 Basra 1,220,916,525 954,848,928 38,202,552 2,213,968,005 Total 2,574,733,055 3,082,802,380 231,696,958 5,889,232,393 Note: 1- The value (0) means that no detection of contaminated hazardous areas in the governorate is carried out or the area value is less than (m²) As a result of the modernization work of non-technical surveys, the total contaminated areas were reduced from the previous year in the governorates (Karbala, Wasit, Najaf and -2 Muthanna) The closed areas in Karbala province decreased from the previous year as a result of checking their data with the coordinates and correcting the connection of the dangerous -3 .area with the area of the concerned governorate 138 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) POLLUTION OF THE SOIL results in the accumulation of non-biodegradable chemicals in the soil. Pesticide pollution is a significant form of chemical soil pollution that stems Soil pollution results from the accumulation of from agricultural practices employing organic or various substances, including toxic compounds, inorganic compounds to combat harmful organisms salts, chemicals, radioactive materials, and all that threaten both human and animal food sources, pathogenic factors in the soil, all of which have as well as agricultural productivity. The chemical adverse effects on plant growth, animal health, and compounds comprising pesticides are applied in human well-being. The presence of these pollutants various ways, depending on the location and type in the soil is primarily attributed to human activities, of infestation. Some are directly added to the soil although some of them can occur naturally, such as surface, while others are injected beneath the soil the accumulation of mineral elements in the soil in surface. Additionally, some pesticides are sprayed concentrations exceeding permissible limits. Factors onto plant leaves or bushes, while others are contributing to soil pollution encompass: applied directly to seeds before planting. Some are distributed in the form of dust (fogging) on plants. 1. Seepage of waste from landfills into the soil. The misuse of pesticides concerning their quality, quantity, concentrations, application methods, and 2. Discharge of factory waste into the soil. timing has led to environmental pollution, affecting soil, water, and air. It is noteworthy that there is a 3. Contaminated water infiltrating the soil. discrepancy in pesticide usage over the years from 2017 to 2021, as evidenced by Table 25.3. In 2019, 4. Underground storage tank explosions. Iraq’s pesticide consumption was estimated at 428.5 tons and 238.9 thousand liters. Improper storage of agrochemicals in warehouses can result in container 5. Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers. damage or product expiration. Damaged and expired containers are typically disposed of or buried, 6. Leakage of solid household waste into the soil. leading to frequent spills that contaminate the soil. The accumulation of municipal waste in urban areas, A similar situation exists with chemical fertilizers, coupled with the absence of organized landfills, which represent another source of soil pollution. stands as a primary contributor to soil pollution Data reveals a consistent increase in the quantity of in Iraq. The rapid population growth has led to an fertilizers used over the period from 2017 to 2021, upsurge in waste generation, placing considerable signaling the likelihood of a rise in soil pollutants. strain on the existing waste management infrastructure. Consequently, many families resort Hazardous waste, encompassing electrical and to improper disposal methods and haphazard electronic equipment, components, and accessories, waste accumulation. Furthermore, the current along with damaged or expired parts and products waste management system exhibits inefficiency containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), due to the lack of proper waste collection, sorting, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), polyvinyl chloride treatment, and disposal facilities. It is worth noting (PVCs), and toxic compounds like lead, mercury, and that the existing waste management system relies cadmium, also play a significant role in soil pollution. on a limited number of landfill sites, many of which do not meet the requisite landfill conditions. In 2017, there were approximately 195 landfill sites, which According to data from the Ministry of Environment, increased to 220 by 2020. Notably, the quantity of the total amount of hazardous waste generated waste disposed of in 2017 was estimated at 20.37 from various sectors in 2020 was estimated to million tons, decreasing to 19.7 million tons by 2020. be approximately 2.547 tons. This waste was This decline, in the face of a growing population, distributed across different sectors as follows: 39% signifies that substantial volumes of waste are being originated from agriculture, 26% from industry, managed on the soil surface, thus significantly 23% from the oil sector, and 9% from healthcare contributing to soil pollution. waste. Additionally, there is a significant quantity of hazardous waste stemming from imported or used products, including items like auto parts, used tires, The lack of awareness among farmers and inadequate leather, used electrical and electronic appliances, regulatory oversight by the relevant authorities have resulted in the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. The overuse of agrochemicals, in turn, 139 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) and used household equipment. These items facilities often transport their medical waste to the impose a substantial burden, in addition to domestic nearest government hospital with these incinerators sources of hazardous waste. It’s important to note for disposal when they lack the means to treat it on- that the importation of such used items is regulated site. Unfortunately, the majority of these incinerators and prohibited under used import controls and fail to meet environmental standards and operate at international conventions. temperatures insufficient for complete combustion. As a result, they do not effectively destroy all toxic Moreover, the healthcare sector in Iraq consistently and infectious elements of medical waste, leading generates an average of 331 tons of hazardous to its disposal in municipal waste. This situation medical waste per month. Although there is a persists despite instructions from the Ministry of general practice of segregating medical waste from Health regarding the proper management and non-medical waste, it’s worth noting that 57% of segregation of waste (both hazardous and non- healthcare institutions only partially adhere to this hazardous) and the treatment of healthcare waste, segregation process. Medical waste in Iraq is typically further contributing to soil pollution. managed through various methods, including autoclaves, chopping and shredding machines, or medical incinerators situated within government hospitals. Private hospitals and other healthcare Table 3.25: The most important indicators of pesticide and fertilizer use in Iraq (Source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Department of Environmental Statistics, 2017-2020) Indicators 2017 2018 2019 2020 Total pesticides used to control (insects, fungi, diseases, non- 283.2 175.5 428.5 11.9 insect and bush) (tons) Total pesticides used to control (insects, fungi, diseases, non- 251.3 488.8 236.9 60.0 insect, and bush) (thousand liters) Quantity of fertilizers prepared for governorates (thousand tons) 479.5 503.1 490.8 523.3 Human activities across various sectors, whether disrupted ecosystems. This disruption primarily industrial, service-related, or agricultural, are occurs due to the leakage of hydrocarbon pollutants significant contributors to soil pollution. These into the soil, with adverse consequences for the activities commonly release untreated solid and environment and soil quality. liquid waste onto adjacent lands, resulting in soil contamination by a variety of chemical compounds In conclusion, it is evident that the national and elements. Among the most prominent pollutants institutional and legal framework lacks clear are heavy metals such as cadmium, copper, nickel, instructions, standards, or laws that define the lead, zinc, mercury, chromium, and others. These factors of soil pollution. Furthermore, there is an heavy metals are noteworthy due to their ease of absence of a well-established program to combat transfer to the soil and their persistence, making soil pollution. As a result, diagnosing soil quality and them difficult to decompose. They remain stable in assessing the extent of pollution remain challenging the soil for extended periods, potentially altering the tasks. chemical composition of the soil when present in concentrations exceeding normal limits. This poses a serious environmental threat and underscores the importance of addressing soil pollution resulting from human activities. Likewise, pollution stemming from the oil industry, including activities related to extraction, refining, the natural gas sector, and the transportation and distribution of petroleum products, has significantly 140 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) PRESSURES FROM THE WATER SECTOR INTRODUCTION Iraq faces significant challenges arising from the The major surface water sources in Iraq, particularly adverse impacts of climate change, particularly due the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries, to its location in an arid and semi-arid region. This originate from outside Iraqi borders. These water geographical setting has exacerbated the scarcity of sources have been significantly impacted by freshwater resources, transforming it into a pressing development projects and dams constructed in the crisis with potentially severe consequences. As a upstream countries. Consequently, water resources response to this crisis, there is growing pressure on in Iraq have come under immense pressure, resulting the consumption of groundwater and surface water in a substantial reduction in the water allocations systems, including strategic storage in reservoirs received by Iraq. This situation is a cause for concern and dams. as it could potentially give rise to internal crises and contribute to instability, especially within the Changing economic structures, expanding context of Iraq’s political, economic, social, ethnic, populations, and the process of urbanization, and environmental challenges. coupled with the emergence of various industries that have substantial water requirements, are the principal drivers behind the increasing demand for water. This demand encompasses various purposes, including human consumption, agriculture, and industrial applications. 141 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) MAIN INDICATORS ANNUAL REVENUES OF THE TIGRIS AND EUPHRATES RIVERS AND THEIR TRIBUTARIES The annual water flow from the Tigris River was estimated at 11.44 billion cubic meters in 2020, a decrease from 13.81 billion cubic meters in 2017. Additionally, the annual water flow from the tributaries was estimated at 13.63 billion cubic meters in 2017 and increased to 17.95 billion cubic meters in 2020. As for the Euphrates River, the annual water flow was estimated at 13.16 billion cubic meters in 2017 and significantly increased to 20.20 billion cubic meters in 2020 (Table 3.26). Table 3.26: Annual revenues of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their tributaries Annual Revenue (Billion/ Annual Revenue (Billion/ The River and its Tributaries % Percentage % Percentage m3) 2017 m3) 2020 Main Tigris 13.81 34.1 11.44 23.1 Upper Zab 7.32 17.9 10.23 20.6 Lower Zab 3.09 7.6 4.29 8.7 Tributaries Adhaim 0.81 2 0.94 1.9 River Diyala 2.41 5.9 2.49 5.0 Total revenues of the Tigris 27.44 67.5 29.39 59.3 River and its tributaries Euphrates 13.16 32.5 20.20 40.7 Total revenues of the Tigris 40.60 100 49.59 100 and Euphrates WATER IMPORTS PER CAPITA Iraq’s per capita water imports were estimated at 870.8 cubic meters per year in 2018, and this figure increased to 1237.09 cubic meters per year in 2020. It is worth noting, as shown in Figure 3.18, that there is a fluctuation in the per capita share of water due to its dependence on water revenues and the ongoing growth in the population. Figure 3.18: Iraq's Annual Water Per Capita 142 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) THE AMOUNT OF WATER PREPARED FOR DIFFERENT USES In 2018, the total amount of water allocated for various purposes, including agricultural, domestic, industrial, and environmental uses, was approximately 31.82 billion cubic meters. This amount increased to 46.05 billion cubic meters in the year 2020. It is also important to consider the average per capita allocation of potable water and domestic use by governorate, as shown in figures 3.19 and 3.20 for the years 2018 and 2020. Figure 3.20: Average per capita water used for drinking and domestic use supplied to the population during 2018 Figure 3.20: Average per capita access to water used for drinking and domestic use supplied to the population during 2020 143 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) PERCENTAGE OF SUBMERSION IN THE MARSHES Since 1985, efforts were initiated to drain the via tributaries, with further embankments within marshes, primarily as an unintended consequence the marshes themselves to expedite their drying of the Iran-Iraq war. It’s important to note that process. (Table 3.26) some of these marshes had been designated as restricted zones due to the conflicts. Iraqi authorities This process significantly altered the way of life in conducted engineering operations that resulted in the region, which had endured for more than 5,000 the desiccation of the water in the Hawizeh marshes, years. The once-vast marshes, spanning an area of which are located near the Iraqi-Iranian border. 15,000 to 20,000 square kilometers, dwindled to less than 2,000 square kilometers. The central marshes, The marshes once covered an extensive area of over in particular, experienced a staggering 97% reduction ten thousand square kilometers in southern Iraq. and transformed into arid lands. This led to the mass However, during the Iraqi/Iranian war in the 1980s, migration of the marshes’ population. The drying authorities excavated the so-called Victory Canal operations were compounded by a substantial between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This canal decline in the water levels of the Tigris and Euphrates led to the displacement of the marshes’ inhabitants rivers. This reduction was primarily attributed to the as they sought to escape the conflict. Subsequently, construction of dams in Syria, Turkey, and Iran, as as the water levels in the marshes dwindled, the well as the international blockade imposed on Iraq, remaining inhabitants also migrated away, leaving which persisted for several years. behind the marshes that had previously acted as vital natural filters for the waters of the Iraqi Tigris The desiccation of the marshes had a significant and Euphrates rivers. These marshes had been influence on the alteration of climatic conditions, home to numerous migratory birds, playing a crucial thereby affecting agricultural circumstances and role in the ecosystem. Regrettably, with the decline human life. The average temperature in the region in water levels and the departure of their inhabitants, increased, as the temperature for the ten years prior the marshes began to slowly deteriorate and die. to the drying was 23.9°C, but it rose to 25.17°C in the 1990s. Similarly, the maximum temperature also In the early 1990s, following the conclusion of the experienced an increase, from 31.6°C to 33.2°C. Second Gulf War, extensive efforts were undertaken Furthermore, there was a notable decrease in to drain the marshes in southern Iraq. Government humidity levels, dropping from 61% to 41%. These authorities initiated a large-scale engineering changes in climate can be attributed to the fact that campaign with the objective of draining the marshes. the prevailing northwest winds in the region began The Al-Ezz River was created to divert the water from blowing over dry land where there was no moisture the Tigris and Euphrates rivers that used to flow into to mitigate the high temperatures. the marsh areas of Al-Batira, Al-Aridh, and Al-Majar Al-Kabir. This resulted in the conversion of most The transformation of environmental structures of the lands in these marshes into semi-reclaimed resulted in the displacement of the majority of the projects, covering an area of approximately 450,000 Marsh Arab population, who had developed a unique acres. These marshes included regions like Al Gedi, way of life that was entirely dependent on water. Al-Sahin, and Al-Sikal, and the engineering effort It’s important to highlight that the drying process involved the active participation of various parties, caused an increase in temperature, a decrease along with the full utilization of resources from the in humidity, and a higher demand for water for irrigation departments. Embankment dams were agricultural crops due to increased evaporation rates. constructed to block the flow of water from the Livestock, in particular, required larger quantities rivers that used to nourish the marshes, redirecting of water and were at greater risk of drought as a them to flow into the Euphrates River near Qurna. result. Additionally, rare birds left the region, and This operation also entailed altering the course of numerous species of birds, plants, and animals faced the Euphrates River from its previous location east extinction. Furthermore, the drying of the marshes of Nasiriyah to the general estuary. The estuary led to the spread of salts in the soil and alterations in originally served as a channel for saline water, leading its characteristics, including the disintegration of soil to Khor Al-Zubair in the Arabian Gulf. Additionally, an molecules. This made it easier for the wind to carry embankment dam was built between the district of away essential elements necessary for agricultural Medina and the governorate of Nasiriyah to prevent production. the flow of Euphrates water into the Hammar marsh 144 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.26: Rates of Immersion in the Iraqi Marshes Area after recovery (km2) Total submerged Area before Percentage Marsh Name Governorate and unsubmerged drying (km2) Excluded from Currently of Immersion Unsubmerged area (km2) Immersion submerged Maysan 1800 745 105 950 1055 90.0 Hawizeh Basra 550 228 20 302 322 93.8 Total 2350 973 125 1252 1377 90.9 Maysan 1450 220 460 770 1230 62.6 Basra 500 345 - 155 155 100.0 Central Marshes (Qurna Marshes) Dhi Qar 1050 15 450 585 1035 56.5 Total 3000 580 910 1510 2420 62.4 Basra 1200 637 89 474 563 84.2 Hammar Dhi Qar 1800 600 182 1018 1200 84.8 Total 3000 1237 271 1492 1763 84.6 Maysan 3250 965 565 1720 2285 75.3 Grand Total for Basra 2250 1210 109 931 1040 89.5 Each Governorate Dhi Qar 2850 615 632 1603 2235 71.7 Total marshes 8350 2790 1306 4254 5560 76.5 the Euphrates River and increase to more than 250 meters at the Iraqi-Jordanian and Saudi borders. However, in the vicinity of the Euphrates River and along the Euphrates Fault, the groundwater level experiences a sharp decline as it flows toward the sedimentary plain. In the Jazira region, groundwater depths typically range between 10 to 20 meters. Within the foothills, these depths extend from 20 to 30 meters. In the area between Baghdad and Kut, groundwater depths vary from 1 to 5 meters. The sedimentary plain, on the other hand, features notably shallow depths, sometimes falling below a meter. Moreover, the high salinity of the soil in this region presents a significant challenge with regard to groundwater in the sedimentary plain. 145 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Water began to gradually return and cover some of the marshes in southern Iraq after April 2003. GROUNDWATER The local marshland residents played a role in this process by intentionally creating fractures in the The hydrogeological characteristics depicted on the dams that had prevented the flow of water into hydrogeological map of Iraq indicate that Iraq can be the marshes. Although this effort was somewhat physiographically divided into the following regions: random, it led to the flooding of a significant the mountainous region, the undulating region, the portion of the dried-up marshes. In May 2003, the Western Desert, the islands, and the sedimentary Ministry of Water Resources took the initiative to plain. Within each of these regions, the depths and coordinate a controlled, scientific plan for the revival quantities of groundwater exhibit variations. and rehabilitation of the marshes in the southern governorates. They established the Marshes Recovery In general, the flow of groundwater aligns with Center, which played a crucial role in opening dams, the topography of the various regions in Iraq. The canals, and gates of closed regulators, thereby sedimentary plain area, being the lowest in terms increasing the flow of water toward the desiccated of topography in Iraq, serves as the focal point for marshes. Even though a decade had passed since groundwater movement from all surrounding areas. the marshes had dried up, there were positive signs Consequently, the sedimentary plain functions as of environmental improvement in the dry marshes the primary drainage area for groundwater from all of the south. In addition, heavy rains in 2003 regions across Iraq. contributed to raising water levels, particularly as it was a year marked by abundant rainfall, surpassing The depths of groundwater throughout Iraq also the general average. This was especially true in the vary, as they are located at depths ranging from (3 upper Tigris and Euphrates basin in Turkey, following m) to more than (300 m) (Figure 21.3). The depths a four-year drought (1999-2002). For the first time of the underground groundwater are very important since the early 1990s, streams and waterways were factors in the investment of groundwater, and its filled with water, and the rate of discharge in the uses, as it is very important in estimating the costs channels increased, despite high evaporation rates. of drilling, the quality of the rigs used, the drilling Despite the somewhat random and unsupervised route, the designs of the wells and the quality of nature of the restoration efforts, they resulted in the the pumping equipment used. Noting that these emergence of a diverse biological and environmental depths increase in the Western Desert towards the landscape. Changes in plant and animal communities west, ranging from 10 meters along the banks of the occurred due to hydrological alterations and Euphrates River to increase to more than 250 meters increased water levels in rivers and marshes, which at the Iraqi-Jordanian and Saudi borders, but near impacted soil and water characteristics. These the Euphrates River, and along the Euphrates Fault, changes led to alterations in the region, including an the groundwater level drops sharply towards the expansion of submerged areas, a decrease in dried sedimentary plain.In the Jazira region, the depths areas, and increased water flow in the canals and of groundwater range between 10-20 meters, while rivers in various directions, revitalizing the marshes within the feet of the hills, these depths range and ecosystems. Additionally, key branches of the between 20-30 meters, and the depths between Tigris and Kahla River, feeding the Hawizeh Marsh, Baghdad and Kut range from 1-5 meters. The depths were reconnected, and the Kassara channel, linking are shallow in the sedimentary plain, sometimes the Hawizeh Marsh to the Tigris River, was reopened. reaching less than a meter, and with the presence of high salinity in the soil in this area, groundwater Significant portions of the marshes have successfully posed a major problem in the sedimentary plain. The returned to their natural state, although the quantities depths of groundwater in Iraq exhibit considerable of water responsible for this restoration are somewhat variation, spanning from as shallow as 3 meters lower than the water levels experienced prior to the to exceeding 300 meters (see Figure 21.3). These drying of the marshes. Based on data regarding the groundwater depths play a vital role in the utilization immersion rates in the marshes for the year 2020, and investment of groundwater resources. They the percentage of inundation typically falls within the have a significant impact on the estimation of drilling range of 75% to 82% (Table 26.3). costs, the selection of appropriate drilling equipment, the planning of drilling routes, well designs, and the quality of pumping equipment. It is worth noting that these depths tend to increase in the Western Desert, particularly towards the west. Depths range from approximately 10 meters along the banks of 146 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The annual renewable groundwater supply in Iraq ranges from approximately 4.3 to 5.243 billion cubic meters, and this quantity can vary in response to changes in rainfall, typically reaching about 8.8%. The quality of groundwater and its salinity levels also fluctuate in accordance with the movement of groundwater. In the northern and northeastern regions of Iraq, groundwater is generally bicarbonate and fresh. In contrast, within the eastern and western parts of the country, it tends to be sulfuric and exhibits weak to medium salinity. As one moves towards the central and southern parts of the sedimentary plain, the groundwater transitions into chloride water with high salinity. You can refer to Table 3.27 for a detailed presentation of the most critical groundwater indicators in Iraq. Table 3.27: Groundwater indicators in Iraq, source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics Governorate Name Number of Wells Productivity rate l/s Salinity rate mg/L 2017 2020 2017 2020 2017 2020 Nineveh - 57 - 6.5 - 3333 Kirkuk 6 14 6 8 2500 2150 Diyala 9 30 5 5 4500 879 Anbar 14 27 6 4.5 3500 1873 Baghdad 159 18 3 2 5000 1981 Babylon 22 - 3 - 4000 - Karbala 73 9 6 5 3250 2998 Wasit 2 9 5 5.5 3250 14182 Saladin 29 44 5 6.5 4500 2545 Najaf 42 19 5 4 4500 1767 Qadisiyah 27 - 4 - 5000 - Muthanna 35 9 5 9 4500 3472 Dhi Qar 77 1 3 1.5 7000 6100 Maysan 31 14 5 5.5 5000 5222 Basra 26 3 5 4.5 5000 15000 147 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) PRESSURES FROM THE TRANSPORT SECTOR INTRODUCTION In recent years, Iraq has experienced substantial growth in its road network, with significant expansion both in interregional connections and within urban and rural areas. These expansions have exceeded their previous scale and have incurred substantial costs. Additionally, other transportation sectors, including air transport, which involves the development of airports and aircraft, road transport, which includes the establishment of railways and the utilization of trucks, and public transport, featuring buses and public taxis, have also witnessed a noteworthy acceleration in government and private investments. These investments have elevated the transportation sector to a level where it competes on an international scale. Global experiences underscore the crucial importance of developing and organizing transportation sectors due to their direct connection to the civilizational and urban advancement of nations. The transport sector assumes a pivotal role in various facets of modern life as a consequence of the increasing reliance of populations and economic activities on the evolution of transportation services. This is essential for meeting the transportation and mobility needs of both individuals and goods. The progress of many countries in terms of economic and social development is intricately tied to the advancement of the transport sector, particularly the road network. Furthermore, investments in transportation carry significant political, economic, and social implications, both on a national and individual level. As the global population continues to grow, leading to an increased demand for transportation services, there is a corresponding surge in the demand for the fuels that power various modes of transport. One of the consequences of this heightened demand for fuel in the transportation sector is the increased level of air pollution. This is especially pertinent in the case of Iraq, where the fuel contains a substantial amount of sulfur, resulting in the emission of sulfur dioxide along with suspended particles, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, and unburned hydrocarbons. 148 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) MAIN INDICATORS AIR TRANSPORTATION Between the years 2017 and 2020, the number of of 43% in comparison to previous years, primarily aircraft operating at Iraqi airports for the Iraqi General due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 Company for Iraqi Airways reached a total of 32 pandemic, as illustrated in Figure 3.22 and Table aircraft. In the year 2020, the cumulative number of 3.28. landing and departing flights at Iraqi airports, serving various Iraqi, Arab, and foreign airlines, amounted to 43,367 flights. These figures are based on the Air Transport Statistics Report for 2020. Notably, the number of flights experienced a significant decline Figure 3.22: Number of flights landing and departing from Iraqi airports for the years 2016-2020 Table 3.28: Air Transport Indicators in Iraq Details Index 2017 2020 Number of aircraft operating at Iraqi airports 32 32 Number of flights at Iraqi airports on Iraqi Airways flights 36,933 11,150 Number of (landing) flights at Iraqi airports on Iraqi Airways flights 18,400 5,398 Number of flights (departures) at Iraqi airports on Iraqi Airways flights 18,533 5,752 Number of passengers (arrivals + departures) at Iraqi airports and transported 3,840,077 786,032 on Iraqi Airways State Company aircraft Quantity of goods and mail transported for various Iraqi, Arab and foreign 33,369 35,419 airlines and for all airports (tons) Number of employees for the General Organization of Civil Aviation 2,078 1,350 Number of employees for the General Company of Iraqi Airways 3,128 2,758 149 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 3.23 illustrates the distribution of landing and outbound flights for Iraqi Airways in 2017, segmented by airports. Meanwhile, Figure 3.24 depicts the distribution of landing and outbound flights for Iraqi Airways in the year 2020, also categorized by airports. Figure 3.23: Distribution of Iraqi Airways flights for 2017 150 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 3.24: Distribution of Iraqi Airways flights for 2017 151 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) MARINE SHIPPING Regarding maritime transport, Iraq has two key • Public Transport Sector entities responsible for maritime activities. The first is the State Company for Ports of Iraq, which Two major companies operate in Iraq’s public primarily concentrates on offering maritime services transport sector: The General Company for Land to both commercial and oil vessels. The second is Transport and the General Company for the the State Company for Maritime Transport, which Transport of Passengers and Delegates. plays a crucial role in maritime transportation within the country. According to land transport statistics reports for the years 2016-2020 (Figure 3.26), the percentage of The water transport statistics reports for Iraq buses used for passenger and delegation transport, between 2016 and 2020 reveal that the number of out of the total number of buses available at the ships involved in the transportation of goods arriving General Company for the Transport of Passengers and departing from Iraqi ports reached 2,868 in and Delegations, amounted to 53.6%, 38.3%, the year 2020. This marks an increase compared 32.9%, 35.3%, and 70.4% for the years 2016-2020, to the year 2019, when there were 2,060 incoming respectively. ships, and 1,836 ships in the year 2019. In contrast, the number of ships departing from Iraqi ports Figure 3.26: Number of buses of the General Company witnessed a decrease in 2020, amounting to 808 for the Transport of Passengers and Delegations and the number of buses operating from them for the years ships, compared to 1,284 ships in 2019, as indicated 2016-2020 in Figure 3.25. Figure 3.25: Number of ships arriving and departing from Iraqi ports for the years 2016-2020 The percentages of trucks used for public transport of goods amounted to 74.8%, 72.8%, 82%, 78.7%, and 75% for the years 2016-2020, respectively, out of the total number of trucks available at the General Company for Land Transport (Figure 3.27). Regarding the General Company for Maritime Transport, the number of operating ships owned by Figure 3.27: The total number of trucks of the General the company remained constant at eight ships for Company for Land Transport and the number of trucks the years 2016-2019. However, in the year 2020, the operating for the years 2016-2020 number decreased to seven ships. ROAD TRANSPORTATION The land transport sector is divided into four sections: the public transport sector includes buses and trucks, private and government cars, as well as train transportation. 152 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) • Government Transport Sector • Railway Sector In the government sector of Iraq, the total number As per the railway statistics reports covering the of vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, for years 2017 to 2020, the total number of diesel the year 2019 amounted to 9,137,371 vehicles. This trailers was 375. In the year 2017, the operating rate represented a 5% increase compared to the year was 12%, and it slightly decreased to 11% for the 2018 when the total number of vehicles stood at subsequent years, 2018 through 2020, as indicated 8,130,775 vehicles, as depicted in Figure 3.28. in Figure 3.30. Figure 3.28: Number of vehicles operating in the Figure 3.30: Total number of diesel locomotives compared government sector for the years 2017-2019 to the number of operating locomotives for the years 2017-2020 As for the Chinese locomotives, the total number of locomotives reached 120 for the years 2017-2020 • Private Transport Sector with operating rates of 91-100% (Figure 3.31). In the private sector, including the Kurdistan Region, Figure 3.31: Total number of Chinese type locomotives and the total number of cars reached 7,026,106 cars for operating locomotives for the years 2017-2020 - Wetlands the year 2020. This marked a slight increase of 0.2% ecosystem Research Group, University of Exeter, U. K. 146 compared to the year 2019 when the number of cars pp, 1993. was 6,888,201. These statistics are based on reports for private sector cars from the years 2016 to 2020, as shown in Figure 3.29. Figure 3.29: Number of private sector vehicles for the years 2016-2020 153 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 3.32: Fuel efficiency for passenger transport Amount of Fuel Consumed in the for the years 2017-2020 Transport Sector Understanding the number of flights landing and departing from Iraqi airports is critical for estimating the quantity of fuel consumed in this sector and, by extension, the extent of air emissions and their impact on air pollution. Data from the 2017 State of the Environment Report in Iraq indicates that the transport sector is responsible for 40-50% of suspended particulate matter emissions and 80% of carbon monoxide Figure 3.33: Fuel efficiency for cargo transport for emissions, which are major contributors to air the years 2017-2020 pollution. Analyzing the current state of the transport sector in Iraq, including all modes of transportation (air, sea, and land), is essential for determining its contribution to air pollution. This analysis also helps in estimating the improvements and developments needed to align with the goals of Iraq’s National Environment Strategy. The analysis of the current state of the transport sector should encompass the types and quantities of transportation used, the specific types of fuel used in each mode of transportation, the amount of fuel consumed for various distances traveled, and the resultant emissions based on fuel consumption. the subsequent years (see Figure 3.33). Fuel consumption in the railway sector primarily depends on two important factors: mileage and The number of kilometers traveled in the years 2017- fuel efficiency. Data from railway statistics reports 2020 was 169, 178, 164, and 31 million passenger- from 2017 to 2020 indicate the fuel efficiency of kilometers, respectively. During the same years, the passenger and freight trains. For passenger trains, number of ton-kilometers traveled was 55, 199, 190, fuel efficiency is measured in liters of fuel consumed and 559 million tons-kilometers, respectively. per kilometer traveled (liters per passenger- kilometer), with 0.02 liters per passenger-kilometer Consequently, the total fuel consumption for in 2017, showing subsequent increases in the passenger and cargo transportation in 2017 was following years (see Figure 3.32). approximately 4,480,000 liters. This amount increased by 68% in 2022 due to the rise in freight The fuel efficiency of freight trains is measured in transportation activities, leading to higher fuel liters of fuel consumed per kilometer traveled (liters consumption (see Al-Shatal 3.34). per ton-kilometer) and was 0.02 in 2017, declining in 154 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Figure 3.34: Fuel consumption for freight and passenger transport in the railway sector for the years 2017-2020 PRESSURES FROM THE ENERGY SECTOR INTRODUCTION The production, transmission, and delivery of To address these challenges, Iraq relies on its electrical energy to the citizens have a significant national resources of oil and natural gas for impact on the environment and cannot be completely electricity generation. The country is coordinating avoided. However, these impacts can be mitigated with the Ministry of Oil to plan for the future, through the adoption of measures that promote particularly regarding the provision of natural gas, energy efficiency technologies across all sectors, which is essential for operating power generation including production, transmission, and distribution. facilities serving various sectors, including Additionally, diversifying energy sources is critical. residential, industrial, agricultural, and commercial. This approach aligns with the Ministry of Oil’s goal to Given the national conditions of electrical energy harness associated gas for the national economy’s scarcity, increased demand, a growing population, benefit and diversification. and the effects of climate change in Iraq, the Ministry of Electricity faces high-cost challenges compared Iraq is also committed to increasing its reliance on to neighboring countries. These challenges include renewable energy sources to tackle the mentioned ensuring a continuous and reliable supply of electrical challenges. It has issued instructions related energy to citizens 24/7, reducing environmental to renewable energy, established incentives to pressures, adhering to measures that combat climate encourage investments in this sector, prioritized its change, and promoting environmental preservation use by citizens, and enacted laws promoting energy and sustainable development. The third challenge is efficiency. to meet the projected increase in future demand. 155 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) MAIN INDICATORS GENERAL STATISTICS Regarding the energy sector’s activity in Iraq, the (megawatts-hour/year) of 2.34% is observed. The most significant statistics in this field (Table 3.29) decrease in per capita energy supplied can be indicate a 6% increase in the number of electric attributed to network violations and the inadequate power plants, excluding the Kurdistan region, in enforcement of deterrent measures by the relevant comparison to 2017 and 2020. authorities The rise in the per capita energy allocation, excluding the Kurdistan region, was estimated at 453.8 kWh. However, upon referring to the same table, a decrease in the per capita electricity consumption Table 3.29: The most important statistics of the indicators of the electric power sector (source: Ministry of Planning, Central Bureau of Statistics, Environment Statistics Section, 2017 and 2020) Index Index value for the year 2017 2019 Number of power plants excluding Kurdistan Region 67 71 Quantity of vector electricity generated except for the Kurdistan region (Kwh) 85,508 87,900 Amount of electrical energy imported from neighboring countries + investment (KWh) 9,365 35,305 Amount of electrical energy purchased from the Kurdistan Region (KWh) 1,857 1,585 Total electrical power system (KWh) 94,873 123,205.3 Quantity of electrical energy prepared for sale (KWh) 40,770.62 42,086 %( Percentage of household consumption of electricity sold 61.3 61.4 %( Percentage of government consumption of electricity sold 18.5 12.3 %( Percentage of industrial consumption of electricity sold 12.3 11.2 %( Percentage of commercial consumption of electricity sold 6.1 6.2 %( Percentage of agricultural consumption of electricity sold 1.7 1.4 %( Percentage of consumption of electricity sold by those exceeding 6.2 7.5 Per capita electrical energy sold (mW. hour/year) 1.28 1.25 156 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ENERGY PRODUCTION SOURCES Iraq relies on multiple sources of electrical energy Up until 2019, gas plants played the most significant production to meet its diverse needs. These sources role in Iraq’s electricity production, with 37 gas include steam stations, which produce electricity stations contributing to approximately 40.8% of the using steam, gas stations that generate electricity total electricity production. On the other hand, the through gas combustion, hydroelectric stations, 12 diesel plants had the lowest production rate for which produce electricity using water, and diesel the same year, accounting for roughly 0.5% of the stations that use diesel generators for electricity total electricity production, equivalent to 6,608,869 generation. MWh (see Figure 3.35). Figure 3.35: Quantities of electrical energy production from different stations MWh POWER OUTPUT Iraq faces a severe electricity shortage, estimated at energy from 67,767,995 MWh in 2014 to 85,508,046 about 20-25% of its total needs during the summer MWh in 2017, ultimately reaching 87,899,993 MWh of 2019. The primary cause of this shortage is the in 2019. This increase is essential to meet the entire destruction of electric power plants and the theft electricity demand. Iraq’s annual electricity imports of certain parts due to the challenging conditions from 2014 to 2017 were about 12,000,000 MWh. Iraq has experienced in recent years. This shortage However, these imports significantly rose in 2018 and imposes significant costs on the economy, wastes 2019, resulting in Iraq’s electricity imports amounting production time, and leads to capital asset damage. to approximately 22,000,000 and 35,000,000 MWh, It also disrupts normal business operations and respectively. Table 3.30 illustrates the rate of energy affects reliability. In a country experiencing both production in MW for the years 2018-2021. cold winters and extremely hot summers, electricity shortages lead to individual hardships as the lack of Table 30.3: Output power rate MW power from the grid has resulted in the proliferation of private diesel generators. The continued operation Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 of these private generators leads to high generation costs, environmental pollution, and significant Production 12,112 14,000 14,274 14,563 carbon emissions into the atmosphere. MW The energy sector in Iraq has made significant progress in electrical energy production between 2014 and 2019. The annual increase in energy production quantities reached approximately 4,000,000 MWh, raising the production of electrical 157 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ENERGY WASTED The percentage of losses in the electrical energy reducing the percentage of energy loss and lifting produced constituted approximately 61.3% excesses will contribute significantly reducing (electrical statistics) for the year 2019 of the net emissions, especially if the sources of electricity production, equivalent to 53,882,695 MWh, of which generation are oil or gas. Figure 3.36 shows the the technical losses did not exceed only 22% of the readings of the quantities of electricity produced, net energy processed, and the remaining value of imported, and lost for the years 2014-2019. 39.3% represented administrative losses, which do not have a negative impact compared to technical losses in terms of environment, so increasing the efficiency of electrical power systems, whether in the production, transmission or distribution stage, Figure 3.36: Quantities of production, import and technical and administrative losses in electrical energy for the years 2016-2019 158 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The amount of fuel consumed in production Table 3.31 shows the quantity and type of fuel consumed in gas, thermal and diesel power plants for the period 2018-2021. Table 3.31: Quantity and type of fuel consumed in electric power plants Station Year N.G (m3) GAS Oil (L) Diesel Oil (L) Fuel Oil (L) N.G Crude Oil Type Thermal 862,297,225 4,129,082 1,012,800 907,285,453 5,797,220,034 N.G )L( Gas 9,589,730,461 643,373,171 392,535,400 177,272,329 3,350,043,262 Diesel 0.00 21,311,766 0.00 561,718,006 0.00 2018 Gas 1,110,075,033 10,838,794 289,056,080 1,152,567,523 2,342,940 Diesel 0.00 31,382,398 0.00 3,502,821,425 0.00 2019 Gas 16,794,199,334 621,120,798 428,379,540 832,508,098 2,060,946,008 Diesel 0.00 29,880,749 0.00 1,016,000,066 0.00 2020 Gas 14,665,734,159 228,061,672 475,846,400 1,707,422,420 3,367,430,238

2021 Diesel 0.00 31,107,920 0.00 1,200,420,362 0.00 POWER CONSUMPTION The data presented in the environmental statistics the consumption in 2018, which was estimated at reports for Iraq’s Electric Power sector indicate 39,593,993 MWh (see Figure 3.37). Table (3.32) that the total consumption of electrical energy provides the per capita energy consumption rates across all sectors, including domestic, commercial, for the years 2018-2021. governmental, agricultural, and industrial, amounted to approximately 42,088,620 MWh in the year 2019. This marked a 6% increase compared to Figure 3.37: Quantity of electrical energy consumption for the years 2018-2019 by sector. 159 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.32: Energy consumption per capita Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 Total Produced Energy (MWh) 105,849,827 123,205,305 126,465,458 127,525,228 Population 32,814,590 33,678,525 34,558,451 35,453,043 Per capita (kWh) 3.226 3.658 3.659 3.597 RENEWABLE ENERGY ‒ The use of diesel and heavy fuel in electric power plants. Recognizing the Ministry of Electricity’s awareness ‒ Lack of pollution control devices and monitoring of the importance of climate change vulnerability, devices for sources of energy production. a plan was put in place to move toward the implementation of renewable energy projects. Reputable companies in this field were engaged to ‒ Associated gas burning in oil extraction undertake a portion of these projects. The French operations and oil industry. company Total was awarded a contract for a capacity of 1000 megawatts, the UAE’s Masdar Company ‒ Industrial sites, power plants and oil refineries for 1000 megawatts, and the Norwegian company established in the past do not meet environmental Scatec for 525 MW. It’s worth noting that work is requirements. ongoing to complete the remaining projects, which will collectively yield a total production capacity of ‒ The acute shortage of electricity supply to

7500 MW by 2025, as outlined in Cabinet Resolution the population, and therefore reliance on No. 312 of 2021. alternatives, such as private diesel generators, to secure household electrical needs while Renewable energy projects are currently in the causing air pollution in urban areas. planning and contracting stage, and various forms of clean energy are expected to play a role in the ‒ Limited use of renewable energy in electric next five years. power generation. ‒ Based on the above, there are three main factors that cause air pollution mainly in the energy sector: ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS ‒ Natural gas flaring operations are associated In 1997, the base year, Iraq produced about 72,658 with oil extraction operations. gigagrams of carbon dioxide equivalent from greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The energy ‒ Quantities of natural gas consumed in different sector had the largest share of this contribution, industries. with emissions accounting for approximately 75% of total emissions in Iraq, equivalent to 54,419 gigagrams. This percentage was distributed among ‒ The amount of fuel consumed to produce different sectors, including the residential sector, electrical energy. which produced approximately 10,918 gigagrams as a result of the use of liquefied gas. Electricity production activities of various sources contributed 24,239 gigagrams of carbon dioxide. Iraq’s energy production sectors contribute significantly to air, water, and soil pollution due to increased air emissions, untreated industrial wastewater, and land pollution due to effluent spills. This pollution is generally attributed to: 160 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) The Ministry of Electricity relies on speculative … These wastes are first presented to the government estimates based on programs and not on monitoring sector and the Ministry of Industry and Minerals in devices to measure emissions, as carbon dioxide case of desire to purchase these wastes, where they emissions are estimated at one million tons/year as are disposed of according to the approved contexts. in Table 3.33. Table 3.33: Estimates of gas emissions from power plants Table 3.34: Quantity and quality of wastewater (m3/year) Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 Million tons 33,970 34,200 39,967 77,640 Wastewater and Industrial 5,410,976 5,480,562 5,486,534 5,567,977 The Ministry of Electricity relies on speculative Water m3 estimates based on programs and not on monitoring devices to measure emissions, as carbon dioxide emissions are estimated at one million tons/year as in Table 3.34. PRESSURES FROM THE OIL PRODUCTION SECTOR LIQUID AND SOLID WASTE The operations generate both liquid and solid INTRODUCTION waste. The Ministry of Electricity generates various quantities and qualities of solid waste, including The extraction and manufacturing of petroleum iron waste, non-ferrous metals, and empty barrels. products significantly contribute to environmental In 2021, the estimated amount of scrap was 13,739 pollution in various elements, including water, air, thousand tons, etc. Furthermore, there are various and soil. This pollution arises from activities such types of waste, some calculated by weight, while as drilling oil wells, both exploratory and productive, others are counted in numbers only. Moreover, which may involve mud and chemicals that can waste management and procedures are in place. for leak or mix with the environment’s components. these wastes through: Such activities result in groundwater, surface water, and land pollution in the vicinity of drilling sites. - Forming a technical committee to consider these Additionally, the burning of associated natural gas materials consumed in accordance with the contexts and the radioactive pollution linked to the oil industry and instructions 2. are environmental concerns. - The approval of the Honorable Minister is then Older Iraqi oil refineries, which lack modern obtained to delete these articles in accordance technology, serve as significant sources of pollution with the terms of reference contained in the budget in this sector. This section addresses the primary instructions for the year 2019. environmental pressures resulting from extraction and industrial activities. - Coordination between public companies for several wastes is carried out by the competent authorities MAIN INDICATORS in the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Higher Education (formerly the formation of the CRUDE OIL PRODUCTION Ministry of Science and Technology) (issuing a Iraq has the fifth largest reserves of proven oil certificate of absence of these materials supporting reserves in the world and the tenth largest reserve the absence of radioactive materials and hazardous of proven gas reserves, and in view of the increase and biological chemicals before requesting the in global demand for crude oil and Iraq’s need for disposal of these wastes, and in the event that the financial resources on which it relies in implementing presence of pollution is supported, the destruction development plans and meeting its financial needs, and treatment are carried out jointly in the presence there is an increase in the amount of crude oil of the Ministry of Environment and the security produced or exported when comparing the years authorities. 2017-2020 as shown in Table 3.35. The increase in production and exports will put increasing pressure Preparing an inventory of the materials to be on the components of the Iraqi environment. disposed of with all their details and weights by committees formed in the general company. 161 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.35: Oil Production Indicators PETROLEUM PRODUCTS Indicators 2017 2018 2019 2020 Despite the increase in total refining capacity in Amount of oil produced (million 1543.2 1609.8 1670 1465 Iraq during the period from 2017-2020, oil refining barrels) capacity in Iraq increased from 187 million barrels in Amount of oil exported (million 2017 to 200 million barrels in 2020 (Table 3.38). 1207.8 1445.9 1448 1257 barrels) Quantity of oil supplied to refineries 186.1 220.6 334 197 The consumption rates of petroleum products in (million barrels) Quantity of oil supplied for electricity Iraq are affected by several factors, including the 62.5 12.9 51 57 (million barrels) number of population, GDP, prices of oil products, air temperature, as well as the number of cars and progress in the technological techniques used, GAS PRODUCTION Table 3.38: Amount of refined crude oil The efforts of the Ministry of Oil are one of the great efforts in the field of transforming the gas sector Indicators 2017 2018 2019 2020 into a profit-generating sector, which is not as much exploited at present. The trend to increase gas Amount of refined production in order to obtain more profitable exports crude oil 187.0 222.5 235.2 200.0 and power generation will be the main starting point (million in the transition process towards the exploitation of barrels) gas instead of oil. Table 3.36 shows the quantities of associated gas produced during the years and Table 3.39 shows the amount of domestic 2017-2020. consumption of various petroleum products during the years 2017 and 2021, which indicates a steady The environmental reality indicates that the amount increase in consumption, which constitutes a great of gas produced, used and burned is constantly pressure on the environment as a result of the high increasing (Table 3.37), but the production of levels of pollutants resulting from the consumption marketed natural gas is not commensurate with or combustion of fuel. the total production of natural gas and is not commensurate with Iraq’s large reserves, in addition to what the gas industry suffers in Iraq and its low ability to convert natural gas into gaseous products that enhance the added value of this industry and the momentum of other industries and sectors. Table 3.36: Associated Natural Gas Production Indicators Indicators 2017 2018 2019 2020 Amount of associated gas 1,009,518 269,117.0 469,245 409,211.1 produced (MQMQ) Table 3.37: The amount of natural gas produced, consumed and burned in Iraq Indicators 2017 2018 2019 2020 Amount of gas produced (mqmq) 29,870 31,358 32,699 28,738 Consumer Quantity (Mqmq) 13,231 14,522 15,453 14,812 Amount of Gas Burned (Mqmq) 16,639 16,834 17,258 14,173 %( Investment Percentage 44 46 47 52 162 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Table 3.39: Domestic consumption of petroleum products gasoline Jet fuel White oil Gas oil Fuel oil Liquid gas Naphtha Dry gas Year M3 M3 M3 M3 M3 M3 M3 M3 2017 7,196,000 281,000 1,752,000 6,462,000 15,451,000 1,621,000 - 13,231,000 2021 9,273,955 171,859 1,789,274 9,562,042 10,553,758 1,788,790 211,531 15,249,466,845 EFFLUENTS Oil reservoirs contain formation water, which is withdrawn abroad during the production process, and it represents one of the largest liquid wastes in terms of volume, which is dealt with in the extractive oil industries, which contain a mixture of organic and inorganic pollutants, as well as containing the remnants of chemical additives that are used in the process of drilling wells, and this water can contain quantities of petroleum materials, which range between 500-2000 parts per million. SOLID WASTE Solid waste constitutes the largest volume of waste generated from the activities of the oil industry, and the rock cover constitutes an important part of this waste, and other waste includes drilling mud and .rock crushers These residues released by the oil sector are one of the most dangerous solid pollutants due to their content of heavy hydrocarbons, such as polycyclic aromatics, as well as heavy metals found in crude oil, and then the release of these materials into the environment leads to significant pollution. Solid oil pollutants can be divided into residues of solid oil refining operations, and heavy oil residues resulting from oil derivatives treatment units, mud and mud left over from industrial water treatment units and sediments collected at the bottom of tanks, most of which are composed of heavy petroleum materials, as well as sand used in filtration processes, drilling mud, empty and damaged barrels for some types of improvers and chemicals, noting that the solid pollutants released by refining operations are estimated at about (2-3 kg) per one ton of crude oil .and the toxicity of these residues reaches 80% 163 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) EMISSIONS The emission of greenhouse gases is the main cause shows the number of gases burned in oil sites of climate change in the world, which is an added throughout Iraq, which will necessarily be a direct and significant threat to the environment, as it led cause of the high rates of gases emitted at the oil to a reduction in water levels due to the low rate site or nearby cities. of rainfall and high salinity of water, as well as the increase in periods of drought and desertification. All operations in the oil sector, whether in extraction or refinery operations, participate in increasing the percentage of gas emissions and Table No. (3.40) Table 3.40: Number of Gases Burned in Burners by Company and Type Year North Oil Basra Oil Central Oil Dhi Qar Oil Missan Oil Sweet gas Acid gas Natural Gas Natural Gas Natural Gas Natural Gas 2017 13,507,310 808,303,074 3,565,218,095.3 1,098,020,267 - 1,777,349,549 2021 12,119,839 738,442,837 11,011,189,197 225,971,115 516,958,012 2,019,590,551 164 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) CHAPTER FOUR: IRAQ’S ENVIRONMENT’S RESPONSE TO PRESSURE 4 165 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Environmental governance is a relatively new To put this vision into practice, the Ministry of concept associated with the increasing awareness of Environment Law No. 37 of 2008 was enacted, communities and a growing interest in the principles outlining the ministry’s structure, responsibilities, of good governance. The definition of governance, objectives, and tasks. This was followed by the according to the Arabic Language Academy, Protection and Improvement of the Environment Law associates it with the term ‘good management.’ No. 27 of 2009, which complements the legislative Its origin can be traced back to the ancient Greek process for environmental protection. The following word, denoting a set of laws, practices, policies, are the most important laws, legislations and and standards that govern the interactions of environmental instructions in Iraq: individuals with their environment. It also regulates relationships between various stakeholders and ‒ Environmental Protection and Improvement Law upholds principles such as justice, transparency, No. 27 of 2009 and equality. ‒ Internal Regulations of the Ministry of Environmental governance serves as a code Environment Formations and Functions No. 1 of of conduct focused on achieving sustainable 2011 development goals, protection the environment from pollution, preserving limited and non-renewable ‒ Water Resources Conservation Regulation No. 2 resources from unauthorized access, and positively of 2001 impacting local communities by promoting justice and environmental sustainability. This is accomplished ‒ Regulation of the maintenance of public rivers through the alteration of behavioral motivations, and waters from pollution No. 25 of 1967 the enhancement of scientific knowledge, the adoption of decision-making methods related to environmental issues, and their support. It ensures ‒ Instructions for the prevention of non-ionizing the equitable distribution of all benefits gained radiation issued by mobile phone systems No. through the implementation of environmental 1 of 2010 development programs. ‒ Instructions for the formation and tasks of the Environmental Protection Council No. 2 of 2010 ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION IN FORCE ‒ Instructions of the formations and tasks of the Council for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Governorate No. 1 of 2012 The Environmental Protection and Improvement Council, associated with the Ministry of Health (1995-1997), was the first organizational structure ‒ Instructions for the accreditation of consulting in Iraq to take on the responsibility of issuing offices and laboratories in the field of environmental laws and regulations until 2003. environmental protection No. 1 of 2011 In 2003, with Iraq’s transition to a new political ‒ Conditions for granting environmental approval system, both the political and institutional for the establishment of radio and television systems experienced significant changes. broadcasting stations No. 2 of 2011 For the first time in Iraq’s history, the Ministry of Environment was established, tasked with ‒ Environmental Determinants of Project leading environmental legislation. This marked a Construction and Monitoring the Safety of substantial and pivotal development, aiming to Implementation No. 3 of 2011 shift the traditional perspective that had prevailed in Iraq’s environmental efforts. Environmental ‒ Safety Instructions in the Use of Asbestos Silk work evolved into a more comprehensive view, No. 1 of 2002 emphasizing that the environment is a unified entity, not fragmented. It highlighted that environmental ‒ Instructions of National Emission Determinants protection should encompass not only specific for Activities and Works No. 3 of 2012 aspects or environmental sectors but also required a specialized ministry to implement legal provisions ‒ Instructions for Dose Limitations of Exposure to related to environmental protection across various domains. 166 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Ionizing Radiation No. 1 of 2010 ‒ Law of the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Kurdistan Region No. 3 of ‒ Internal Regulation for Controlling the Use of 2010 Sources of Radioactivity in Iraq No. 1 of 2006 ‒ Regulation of the establishment of nature ‒ Law on the Protection of Wild Animals No. 17 of reserves in the Kurdistan Region No. 9 of 2011 2010 ‒ Kurdistan Region Forestry Law No. 10 of 2012 ‒ Forestry and Quarrels Law No. 30 of 2009 ‒ Noise Prevention Law No. 21 of 1966 MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS ‒ Safety Instructions in the Storage and Handling of Chemicals No. 4 of 1984 In order to achieve the international partnership for the preservation of the environment, the ‒ Instructions for the manufacture, handling, and Government of Iraq has signed and ratified many storage of pesticides No. 2 of 1990 multilateral international environmental conventions and treaties, including the following: ‒ System of National Determinants of the Use of Treated Wastewater in Agricultural Irrigation No. ‒ Convention on Biological Diversity 3 of 2012 ‒ Convention on the Regulation of Trade in ‒ Ambient Air Protection System from Pollution Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna or CITES No. 4 of 2012 Convention (CITES) ‒ Ozone-Depleting Substances Control System ‒ Basel Convention on the Control of No. 5 of 2012 Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal ‒ Instructions for Environmental Protection from Municipal Waste No. 2 of 2014 ‒ United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ‒ Internal Regulations of the Environmental Police Department No. 1 of 2015 ‒ Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement on Climate Change. ‒ Hazardous Waste Management Instructions No. 3 of 2015 ‒ Rotterdam Convention to promote better management in international trade in hazardous ‒ Instructions for the safe transport of radiation chemicals and pesticides for the protection of sources No. 2 of 2015 human health ‒ Noise Control Law No. 41 of 2015 ‒ Stockholm Convention on the Protection of Human Health from Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) ‒ Biosafety of genetically modified organisms and their products n°2 of 2015 ‒ Kuwait Regional Convention for Cooperation in the Protection of the Marine Environment from ‒ Noting that there are many regulations and Pollution instructions related to the Kurdistan Region, which can be summarized as follows: ‒ United Nations Framework Convention to Combat Desertification ‒ Law No. 8 of 2008 on the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Kurdistan Region ‒ Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity 167 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ Convention on the Conservation of Migratory ‒ Decisions of the Jakarta Conference (2015) that Species of Wild Animals emphasize the need to provide the requirements of occupational safety and health requirements ‒ Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, when practicing work. Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti- personnel Mines ‒ Seoul Declaration for the Development of Occupational Health Services for All (31st ICOH ‒ Convention on Cluster Munitions Conference) in 2015. ‒ Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (2030) ‒ Convention 155: Occupational Health and Safety 1981. ‒ Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol for the Protection of the Ozone Layer ‒ Convention 161: Occupational Health Services 1985. ‒ Ramsar Convention on Wetlands ‒ Convention 174: To prevent major industrial ‒ Convention on the Prohibition of the accidents (non-essential). Development, Manufacture, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction ‒ Convention 184: Safety and Health in Agriculture 2001. ‒ Minamata Convention on Mercury ‒ Convention 62: Convention on Safety Provisions ‒ International Convention for the Control and in the Construction Industry (1937). Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments ‒ Convention 152: Convention on Occupational Safety and Health Provisions in Port Handling ‒ International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Operations (1979). Pollution Damage ‒ Convention 155: Convention on Occupational ‒ Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Safety and Health and the Work Environment Management (SAICM) (1981) and accompanying directives. ‒ World Heritage Convention ‒ Convention 161: Convention on Occupational Health Services (1985). ‒ Promotional Framework Convention for Occupational Safety and Health No. 187 of 2006. ‒ Convention 167: Convention on Safety Provisions in Construction (1988). ‒ Occupational Safety and Health and Work Environment Convention No. 155 of 1981. ‒ Convention 170: Safety in the use of chemicals. ‒ Decisions of the Seoul Occupational Safety and Health Conference (Seoul Declaration) (2008). The declaration emphasized that “promoting high standards of safety and health at work is the responsibility of society as a whole and all members of society must contribute to achieving this goal by ensuring that occupational safety and health is prioritized in national agendas and by building and promoting a national preventive culture of safety and health.” ‒ Istanbul Declaration for Occupational Safety and Health (2011). 168 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) POLICIES & STRATEGIES to worsen in light of environmental degradation and the consequences of climate change, which today poses an additional threat, from the perspective of A number of policies and strategies have been increasing water demand and rising temperatures issued with the aim of protecting the environment in in a food-insecure environment. It pointed to the Iraq, including the following; possibility of turning to new sources of growth, especially (green development), if infrastructure, NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY 2013 housing, and transport systems are rehabilitated, in a way that enables society to adapt to climate change. Objectives have been set to achieve this In 2013, Iraq developed its first environmental priority: strategy. The strategy is formulated in order to achieve the visions of sustainable development. This has been facilitated through the adoption ‒ Reducing environmental pollution and of policies and principles based mainly on greenhouse gas emissions. modern environmental concepts prepared by developed countries and societies that preceded ‒ Efficient use of water resources. Iraq in addressing environmental problems and requirements, namely: ‒ Environmental friendliness. ‒ Sustainability of natural resources ‒ Developing consumption and production patterns to achieve environmental sustainability. ‒ Green Environmental Policy ‒ Protection of biodiversity and revitalization of ‒ Environmental Audit marshes. ‒ Charging polluters related costs NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN ‒ Participatory 2018-2022 ‒ Ecotourism The National Development Plan for the years 2018- 2022 is the most important step in the sustainable ‒ Compensation for damages development journey in Iraq with regard to Iraq’s Vision 2030, towards a future in which it aspires to be an advanced country at the economic, political, IRAQ VISION 2030 cultural, social, environmental, and psychological levels. The National Development Plan is prepared It is a comprehensive framework for the as a frame of reference for the national objectives development process in Iraq developed in relation of sectoral strategies, national documents and the to the sustainable development goals to represent a international sustainable development goals 2015- roadmap towards achieving those goals in five axes, 2030 to achieve the goals and priorities set out in one of which is the sustainable environment axis, Vision 2030. The environmental objectives set out in which seeks to provide a clean, safe and sustainable the National Development Plan include: environment for the current and future generations, through the localization of the environment element ‒ Ensure the availability and sustainable in development plans and policies, in order to management of water and sanitation services achieve a sustainable improvement in the quality of human life, ensure sustainability in production and ‒ Reduce air pollution and its impacts consumption patterns, and reduce the repercussions of environmental pollution and climate change, in ‒ Protect, restore, and increase the sustainable order to achieve the required environmental balance. use of ecosystems It promotes the protection of biodiversity, within an effective implementation framework of international ‒ Addressing climate change and its impacts environmental conventions and their obligations. ‒ National Pollution Control Strategy The vision diagnosed the water issue, which threatens 169 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ The National Strategy for the Reduction of outlines a concrete strategy for addressing climate Environmental Pollution and the Action Plan change. in Iraq 2022-2030 were developed with the aim of controlling and reducing pollution by Despite strong political support from the outgoing setting specific strategic objectives that will be government to address climate change’s effects, achieved through an action plan. Iraq still faces several significant challenges. These include limited institutional capacity to translate adaptation policies into on-ground ENVIRONMENTAL projects, inadequate data, and analysis regarding COMPONENTS the impacts of climate change on different sectors and communities, weak monitoring and reporting processes, and ineffective financing strategies. CLIMATE CHANGE Iraq’s NDC policies on food and water provision underscore the importance of building resilience Since ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2021, the in these sectors through the development of a Iraqi government has made significant progress in comprehensive water and land strategy lasting scaling up its response to climate change impacts until 2035. However, due to challenges related through new adaptation and mitigation strategies. to institutional capacity and funding, creating One of the driving factors behind these efforts a comprehensive operational strategy requires was Iraq’s ambition to secure climate financing via international support and collaboration with other the Green Climate Fund, attached to fulfilling the local stakeholders. Corruption in budget allocation conditions outlined in the Paris Agreement. This and expenditure, as well as the enforcement of motivation is partly fueled by the need to offset the laws, hampers proposed solutions to protect water loss of income resulting from low oil prices during resources and prevent the commercial or private use the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s financial of agricultural land. crisis was exacerbated by these low oil prices, given that over 90% of government budget revenues were REDUCING AIR POLLUTION previously derived from the oil sector. Additionally, Iraq aims to attract increased foreign investment in In order to reduce air pollution, the following clean energy, which could further boost agriculture responses must be implemented: and food production, sectors that are heavily reliant on fossil fuels. ‒ Updating legislation on air quality and reducing air pollution. With the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Iraq finalized its previously ‒ Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, through mentioned Nationally Determined Contribution the implementation of Nationally Determined (NDC) in December 2021. Iraq committed to a Contributions (NDCs) to climate change that are voluntary reduction of greenhouse gas emissions committed to the preparation of the National by 1 to 2% by 2030, with the possibility of further Adaptation Plan and mitigation actions. reducing emissions by up to 15% provided there is international technical and financial support, as well as political and security stability at the national level. ‒ Strengthening the ambient air quality assessment This plan primarily targets the oil, gas, electricity, program and equipping all governorates with air and transport sectors, which collectively account quality monitoring stations. for 75% of Iraq’s total greenhouse gas emissions. ‒ Ensure the effective application of self- The development of the NDC sets the stage for monitoring practices and equip fixed and mobile potential investments of up to $100 billion over the sources of pollution with fixed measuring devices next decade to help transition the economy to a for gas emissions. climate-neutral state, a crucial step that enhances food and water security. To bolster Iraq’s resilience ‒ Continue the Green Belt project, intensify to climate change, the previous government vegetation, and stabilize the soil to reduce the reinstated the Ministry of Environment, which had impact of dust storms. been merged with the Ministry of Health in 2015 to reduce expenditures. Furthermore, the government ‒ Control vehicle emissions by enhancing is working on the launch of a ‘Green Paper,’ which inspection and control procedures while 170 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles ‒ Support and encourage the use of modern and cleaner fuels. technologies to reduce pesticide consumption ‒ Support cost-effective mass transit systems ‒ Manage the import and handling of toxic between cities and develop transport chemicals in Iraq with guidance for storage, infrastructure in major cities. transportation, and disposal. ‒ REDUCING WATER POLLUTION ‒ Continue to implement the dismantling and repair of facilities and sites related to Iraq’s previous ‒ In order to reduce water pollution, the following nuclear programme and the safe disposal of responses must be implemented: radioactive materials and waste, as well as the clearance of areas contaminated by mines and ‒ Support and develop a water quality monitoring remnants of war. system. ‒ Reduce salinity, waterlogging and expose soils ‒ Use treated wastewater for irrigation or return to desertification by continuing to stabilize sand treated wastewater to rivers to boost water dunes, intensify vegetation and land reclamation imports. activities. ‒ Completing the connection of drainage networks REDUCE POLLUTION FROM SOLID WASTE to the main drainage system to prevent the MANAGEMENT discharge of river water. To reduce solid waste pollution, the following ‒ Improve wastewater treatment systems across responses must be implemented: Iraq and prevent any network overruns. ‒ Develop and implement integrated municipal ‒ Oblige polluters to treat pollution, pay the waste management strategies at the national, costs of associated damages, and adhere to regional and local levels. environmental determinants. ‒ Encourage the reduction, recycling and reuse of ‒ Implementation of contingency plans for oil and municipal waste. chemical spills and ballast water management plans for marine waters. ‒ Implementation and application of rules and regulations related to municipal waste ‒ Activating strategic measures for regional management. cooperation on water shares with neighboring countries to reduce water scarcity and its ‒ Establish a national system for the management impacts. of hazardous waste including medical waste. ‒ Apply the law to reduce pollution (including ‒ Effective participation of the private sector in salinity) in Iraqi rivers in southern Iraq, especially waste management. the Shatt al-Arab and the marshes. ‒ Promote and apply sustainable solutions in ‒ REDUCING SOIL POLLUTION converting waste into energy or organic fertilizer. ‒ To reduce soil and land pollution, the following ‒ Assess contaminated sites in Iraq in conflict responses should be implemented: areas and develop plans for clean-up and disinfection procedures. ‒ Reduce the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals through a strict control system used in the import ‒ Apply environmentally friendly methods of waste of chemicals including pesticides. disposal such as cutting and sterilizing medical waste instead of incineration. ‒ Ensure that agricultural land is protected and preserved from diversion to other uses through the application of strict laws. 171 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ Establish a hazardous waste management ‒ Establish modern industrial cities to establish system through the development of a database small industries in specific locations that comply of hazardous waste, and enforce legislation, in with environmental determinants to control and accordance with the requirements of relevant treat pollution and close existing industries that international conventions. pollute the environment near residential areas. ‒ Encourage research to develop technologies ‒ Provide economic tools (fee reduction/waiver, for the disposal, recycling and treatment of low-interest loans, certificates of appreciation, hazardous chemicals and wastes and assess awards) for technology development, adoption their impacts on the environment and public of clean technology, implementation of health. pollution control measures and compliance with environmental standards. ‒ End open burning by holding violators accountable and educating citizens. ‒ Establish clean production centers and promote environmentally friendly production technologies ‒ Support national legislation related to the and practices. management of radioactive materials and waste and regulatory and executive bodies to carry out ‒ Implement national emergency response their tasks in controlling and treating radioactive plans and prevent accidents that pollute the contamination. environment. ‒ REDUCING POLLUTION FROM THE ENERGY REDUCING POLLUTION FROM SECTOR THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR ‒ To reduce pollution from the energy sector, the To reduce pollution from the industrial sector, the following responses must be implemented: following responses must be implemented: ‒ Using the natural base solution method by ‒ Develop and modernize industrial processes and afforestation of the land surrounding the power technologies to improve air and water treatment plants. units through industrial modernization centers. ‒ Improving the efficiency of transportation and ‒ Conduct environmental impact assessment distribution and following modern technological studies for existing facilities established before methods that help adapt to high temperatures. Law No. 27 of 2009 and proposing corrective actions to combat pollution. ‒ The specifications of electrical equipment used in the electricity sector change in line with the ‒ Replace heavy oil fuels with alternative fuels increase in temperatures. (clean fuels such as gas) in power plants and other industries (such as brick factories). ‒ Achieving balance and integration between the various means of transport and making it ‒ Promote and support industries to modernize an integrated system to maximize the volume their technologies and control air emissions and of transport in Iraq and setting regulations wastewater discharge. governing this. ‒ Improve industrial waste management by ‒ Developing and providing mass public transport promoting waste recycling and reduce methods and infrastructure to avoid traffic congestion and issue relevant legislation. and improve living standards, including the provision of railway lines to transport goods and ‒ Strengthen the monitoring system to monitor equipment between governorates and improve environmental performance and ensure their efficiency. compliance with environmental legislation. 172 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ Provide advanced transport technologies that testing and measurement systems for are resilient to the negative effects of climate environmental pollutants. change. ‒ Full support to the regulatory body, the ‒ Seeking to develop airports and land, sea and Ministry of Environment and its branches in the river transport centers and walking modern governorates and the Environmental Protection environmentally friendly trains such as electric Council in the Kurdistan Region. trains. ‒ Procedures and tools to raise the level of ‒ Supporting maritime transport and its importance environmental awareness of the public regarding in linking Iraq with the world and its impact on sources of pollution, pollutant-producing the movement of international trade and raising industries, medical institutions and sanitation, in the standard of living of the individual. order to ensure understanding, cooperation and support environmental measures. ‒ Conducting comprehensive studies to assess the effects of climate change and rising ‒ Develop procedures that facilitate public temperatures on the transport sector. participation in environmental management, women’s participation in decision-making and in ‒ Adopting renewable energy as a means of all aspects of environmental management. generating electricity. ‒ Provide administrative and judicial resources ‒ Reducing associated gas emissions by in relation to violations of environmental laws, modernizing oil production facilities and accompanied by appropriate systems of adequate treatment units and launching associated gas and deterrent means of law enforcement such as investment projects. fines and penalties, including liability provisions under criminal jurisdiction for serious violations. STRENGTHENING THE ‒ Training employees and affected sectors of society through partnership with NGOs and LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL civil society organizations to monitor facilities in FRAMEWORK remote areas. The following responses should be implemented ‒ Providing adequate funding to executive at the legal and institutional level to ensure the institutions. appropriate implementation of pre-established comprehensive laws, regulations and standards ‒ Encourage environmentally friendly initiatives related to the environment: and provide economic tools to reduce pollution. ‒ Take an integrated approach to environmental ‒ Supporting the institutional framework for protection to ensure mutual agreement and environmental protection in the Kurdistan Region. coordination between all national programs including Iraq’s Vision 2030, the National Development Plan, and the Rafidain Restoration INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE Document. ‒ Establish a reliable data collection system based MINISTRY OF PLANNING on scientific foundations covering all regions of Iraq. ‒ Preparing a report on development gaps, which indicates a shortage in housing, work and services magazines and their repercussions on ‒ Develop effective systems and institutions the local environment. for monitoring and reporting on emissions, discharges and environmental quality as well as intensive capacity building for inspectors ‒ Preparing a draft law on slums for the purpose (including environmental inspectors) – including of regulating housing abuses within cities and providing a suitable housing environment. 173 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ Selecting sites for new cities and expanding the ‒ The project of rehabilitating the Buaitha landfill basic designs of existing cities for the purpose cell with a capacity of (1000 tons/day), where of creating a healthy environment suitable for the procedures of landfill techniques are applied living, reducing overcrowding in existing cities through a lined cell to preserve groundwater and and providing new job opportunities. a pipe network to collect methane gas, and the project is currently under implementation. ‒ Nominating many rural villages for development and preparing basic designs for them in order to ‒ Waste Tire Recycling Project: The project aims to encourage housing in the countryside instead of reduce pollution resulting from tire accumulation, migrating to the city. as the project works on the production of rubber granules that are used in the manufacture of ‒ AMANAT BAGHDAD (muqarnas tiles) and granules used in cement factories and building containers. ‒ Waste Treatment and Electric Power Production Project MINISTRY OF CONSTRUCTION, ‒ Due to the increase in the amount of waste HOUSING AND PUBLIC sorted per day, which reaches an average of (9000 tons/day), there has been a move towards MUNICIPALITIES the use of technologies and the production of electrical energy through investment offers HOUSING SECTOR submitted by companies specialized in this field and in coordination with the Ministries ‒ Iraq, represented by the Ministry of Construction, of Electricity and Environment, the National Housing and Public Municipalities, joined the Investment Commission, the General Secretariat membership of the Global Alliance for Building of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of and Construction, which is the leading global Planning, where several measures have been platform for governments, the private sector, taken to facilitate the implementation of the civil society and intergovernmental organizations project, including the issuance of a decision to increase work to stop emissions from by the Council of Ministers to purchase the buildings and the construction sector efficiently produced energy at promotional prices in and effectively through the use of thermal addition to drafting the waste management law, insulation techniques, environmentally friendly preparing the terms of reference and a study on air conditioning systems, effective design of the components and proportions of waste in the buildings, utilization of natural energies and city of Baghdad. promoting the production of environmentally friendly building materials and local products. ‒ Design and implementation of the project of managing treated wastewater for the uses of ‒ Issuing many building codes that contribute to the green belt through the installation of a site the adoption of environmental standards and treatment unit with a capacity of (15000 m3/ requirements through the Iraqi Building Code day) to treat the wastewater released in the project, including (natural lighting, interior Saqlawiya trocar to irrigate the green belt area, lighting, city beauty, waste code, thermal where the project aims to reduce pollutants and insulation code, sanitation code in buildings, develop an unconventional water source for earthquake resistant buildings code, green agricultural purposes to overcome the scarcity building code) and distributing them to many of rainwater. state institutions. ‒ Implementation of the tertiary treatment project ‒ Coordination with the advisory bodies to use the for wastewater with a capacity of (300,000 m3/ effective design of buildings and new projects day), which is a stage that comes after the current to make the most of lighting and solar energy treatment of wastewater through the installation and the use of thermal insulation techniques as of three units, two at the site of Rustumiya and well as modern building techniques such as (ICF, one in Karkh/Al-Buaitha, and the requirements GRC) for the inclusion of the two projects have been prepared and will be announced soon. 174 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ Rationalization of electrical energy consumption to treat water collection in areas not currently by replacing lighting installations from fluorescent covered by services and for the purpose to LED to reduce heat and greenhouse gas of eliminating swamps and random water emissions at the Ministry’s headquarters gatherings and accelerating rainwater drainage. and structures, as well as in projects under implementation. ‒ Work is ongoing and continuous on the management of networks and treatment plants ‒ Encouraging the implementation of housing with the aim of expanding the water sector, projects according to the style of modern building reducing the negative effects of climate change, systems to become green and environmentally rehabilitating the sewage sector, increasing friendly cities. treatment plants to provide alternative water sources, reducing pollution of rainwater, recycling ‒ Disseminating knowledge and awareness in the solid waste and preserving the environment. field of climate change risks, promoting scientific research and building capacities in the field of ‒ Spreading environmental awareness among technological development, and providing the citizens by removing violations and reducing opportunity to prepare extensive studies to water pollution. increase the knowledge aspect in this field. ‒ The Directorate of Diwaniyah Sewers has ‒ Highlighting the roles of the resident engineer for completed the project of expanding the sewage the projects supervised by our departments in plant in the Khairi area with a design capacity coordination with the authorities (beneficiaries, (20,000 m3/day), which contributes to reducing implementers) the need to pay attention to pollution in the water, and formed a team from planting and afforestation of squares and the concerned departments to prepare the increasing green spaces, especially palm trees designs of the green belt for the center of because of their importance in stabilizing the Diwaniyah district, which is fed from treated soil, preventing desertification and improving water from the central treatment plant, and the atmosphere. there is also a project under implementation that includes a wastewater treatment plant with ‒ Contribute through our researchers and a design capacity of (100,000 m3). It is also participate in the issuance of scientific codes rehabilitating the sewage treatment plant from in the field of green building and benefit from Khairi area in the center of Diwaniyah district, natural lighting and solar energy. and the implementation project of the sewage plant in Al-Daghara district is in progress. ‒ SANITATION SECTOR ‒ Implementation of the methane electric power ‒ Completion of sewage projects by the Baghdad production unit in the sewage treatment unit Sewerage Directorate and entered into service project for the holy city of Karbala/Phase II and years ago, which are (Mahmoudia treatment III, in addition to that, the Karbala Sewerage plant, bridge, cities, Latifiya, Al Zohour.) The ones Directorate treats wastewater according to in the process of completion are (Youssoufia the approved environmental determinants and sewerage project, Rasheed, Tarmiya) and according to the laws and instructions in force, projects in the referral phase are (Abu Ghraib in addition to providing the necessary support project, Al Nasr, Al Salam, Saba Al-Bur, Al-Wahda, for industrial projects as far as it is related to Nahrawan), where it treats and filters sewage strengthening cooperation with the aim of water and makes it within the determinants preserving the environment. and controls approved by the World Health and Safety Organization and the use of the resulting water for agriculture and afforestation (green belt) and increase green areas for the treatment of gases and dust, as well as treatment plants contain odor and gas removal systems, which treat gases emitted from human waste. ‒ Establishing 59 filter stations distributed in the districts and suburbs of Baghdad Governorate 175 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) WASTE SECTOR ‒ The Ministry is working on recycling waste according to the Ministry’s specialization (tire recycling, plastic recycling, lead recycling), where ‒ Preparing the national plan for waste the recycling of consumed tires was started in management in Iraq and includes five aspects the State Company for Rubber Industries and (technical, legal, financial, human resources, tires through the spent tire recycling plant, awareness and media). in addition to recycling lead in the foundry of the State Company for the Automotive and ‒ Preparing an integrated database (amount of Equipment Industry. waste, landfill sites, transfer stations, sorting and recycling plant). ‒ Establishing (3) factories affiliated to the general formations of the Ministry for the production of ‒ Preparing an action plan for waste management economic lamps (LED) in order to contribute in (Ramadi, Basra, Kirkuk, Dhi Qar). to reducing electrical energy consumption and thus contribute to reducing gas emissions. ‒ Preparing all documents for the new model sanitary landfill sites (bills of quantities, technical ‒ Work on the rehabilitation of existing factories and specifications, plans, construction accounts, current production lines to be environmentally feasibility studies, environmental impact reports, friendly and low on pollution. soil tests) in the cities of (Mosul, Tikrit, Baquba, Kut, Ramadi, Karbala, Diwaniyah, Samawah, ‒ Seeking to localize the sustainable development Nasiriyah, Amara). goals and follow an integrated methodology to implement the goals and agenda 2030 ‒ Preparing a draft law on the management of by enabling decent work, capacity building, municipal solid waste. adopting intersectoral methodologies, collecting data related to the sustainable development ‒ Updating the position of municipal institutions in goals, preparing programs for entrepreneurship the governorates regarding the afforestation of and climate change, empowering women green areas and the work of the national project economically through training and sometimes to plant one million trees in Iraq. financing them and developing entrepreneurial businesses. MINISTRY OF INDUSTRY ‒ Seeking to consolidate the principles of green economy, sustainability of environmental The Ministry of Industry is actively involved in resources and poverty eradication through the monitoring various issues, with a primary focus on practices of the companies of the Ministry of climate change, water, environmental approvals, Industry and Minerals. mines, radiation, the Minamata Agreement, chemicals, industrial waste, and the ozone agreement. Below, describes both the actions WATER USES that have been implemented and the proposed responses. ‒ Implementation of (15) environmental projects to treat liquid tenders at an estimated cost of (135) billion dinars, in addition to the implementation Climate Change and rehabilitation of (7) water treatment projects ‒ Develop a plan to replace the fuel used in at the expense of qualifying companies during the cement industry furnaces from black oil to gas past ten years, with an emphasis on companies for all plants, and the conversion of (6) furnaces to adhere to environmental determinants. to gas instead of black oil has been completed. ‒ A specialized nanotechnology team has been ‒ Coordination has been made with the Ministry formed in our Ministry with the aim of studying of Environment to include the technology of the areas of use of nanotechnology in water recycling heat generated from cement kilns treatment in order to develop methods of for the purpose of producing electrical energy treatment of wastewater. or heating within the technological needs document (TNA) and waiting for the document to be approved to start implementation procedures. 176 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ENVIRONMENTAL APPROVALS Chemicals To coordinate with the Ministry of Environment ‒ A sub-committee, the Technical Committee to ensure that our companies’ laboratories obtain of the Data Bank, was formed in order to fulfill environmental approval to continue their work in the commitment of the Ministry of Industry accordance with environmental conditions and and Minerals to the decisions of the Central determinants. Data Bank Committee headed by the Ministry of Environment and supervised by the Council of Ministers’ Advisors, and one of its most Landmines important tasks is to demonstrate the possibility of benefiting from stagnant chemicals in our ‒ Coordination with the Ministry of Environment/ Ministry’s companies. Department of Mine Affairs for the purpose of following up on the pollution caused by military ‒ A comprehensive study was submitted to the operations that were in areas close to our Ministry of Environment on the movement of companies’ factories. hazardous chemicals in the warehouses of our companies’ laboratories and factories, classifying ‒ Introducing the subject of artificial intelligence all these materials, indicating the quantities for the purpose of mine detection and detonation of stagnant materials, and making important through the formation of a committee of recommendations on them to avoid their concerned companies affiliated to our ministry accumulation and damage by obsolescence, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment/ since the destruction process requires large Department of Mine Affairs. sums of money. ‒ Chemicals were classified into (98) substances RADIATION that were not covered by the Ministry of Environment’s guideline (Manual for Coordination with the Iraqi Authority for the Control Classification of Chemicals Threatening National of Radioactive Materials for the purpose of following Security), including (4) substances bearing the up the transport, circulation, and safe disposal characteristics of the red list and (14) substances of radioactive sources in the laboratories of our bearing the characteristics of the blacklist. companies. ‒ An internal electronic system has been created ‒ Removal of radioactive contamination in the to classify chemicals and the possibility of iron and steel factory is one of the tasks of our obtaining detailed reports on the condition, Ministry. qualities, and movement of the material for several years in each company. ‒ Removal of radioactive contamination in the General Company for Iron and Steel in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment to INDUSTRIAL WASTE issue the final site launch certificate after taking the necessary measures for the storage and ‒ Our Ministry’s companies in the engineering treatment of treated waste. sector are working to benefit as much as possible from the solid waste they put forward, as is found in the Diyala State Company, your State MINAMATA CONVENTION Company and the General Company for Mining (MERCURY AND MERCURY Industries, especially non-hazardous waste. COMPOUNDS) Coordination is ongoing with the Ministry of Environment/Technical Department for the purpose of completing the requirements for the phase-out of mercury and its compounds to fulfill the commitment of our Ministry to implement the terms of the agreement, as Iraq recently joined the agreement. 177 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ The chemical sector in Iraq does not produce ‒ The introduction of a new production line in hazardous solid waste, while hazardous waste the State Company for Steel Industries to may be reused at sites, as happens in the produce foam as an alternative to the traditional State Company for Rubber Industries and Tires, production line, where the use of freon gases while the rest of the laboratories send it to and hazardous materials for foam blowing was other parties for the purpose of destruction in dispensed with. accordance with the directives and instructions of the Ministry of Environment. MINISTRY OF HEALTH ‒ There are sustainable practices for a number of companies in our ministry to reduce production ‒ Implement good management programs for losses by following a policy of sustainable medical waste within the health institution, production and consumption, and most starting from sorting it at its source and ensuring companies are keen to reduce the amount of its final treatment to ensure that it does not waste. cause the spread of infection. ‒ The phosphorgypsin in the general phosphate ‒ Preparing the environmental guide for health company is stored in tight concrete warehouses institutions to be a reference for the process of away from any human activity complexes at a hazardous medical waste management, which certain depth in the ground and the company is shows all stages of medical waste management not working. (sorting, collection, transportation, treatment). ‒ As for sulfur foam residues, and regarding ‒ Replacing used incinerators with heat sulfur stacks in Al-Mishraq General Company, treatment devices such as shredding autoclave all chemical security and occupational safety devices which are currently used in all health requirements were followed to avoid risks, as a departments, with one incinerator per circuit specialized team was formed to assess the risks with a capacity of 250 kg/hour. and determine their condition. ‒ Launching a project to install liquid waste ‒ Our Ministry is committed to environmental treatment units in government hospitals with the agreements with regard to hazardous waste (Membrane Bioreactor) system and the (MBBR) (Basel and Stockholm Conventions) and the system for the purpose of reducing pollution Ministry is also committed to local legislation rates and contributing to improving water quality. such as the Public Health Law No. 89 of 1981. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE OZONE CONVENTION ‒ Implementation of a national program for the ‒ Completion and operation of two Freon Gas propagation of seeds of the highest grades Recycling Centers (HCFC) in the State Company of the wheat crop in the degraded lands that for Electrical and Electronic Industries and the suffer from low productivity, where good results General Company for Southern Fertilizers to were obtained and the degraded lands were replace imported gases, especially R 22 gas converted into productive lands by cultivating used in air conditioners. (1065) dunums in the governorates of Wasit, Maysan, Holy Karbala and Diyala for several ‒ Work with the Ministry of Environment to agricultural seasons. find environmentally friendly alternatives to refrigerant gases (Freon). ‒ Treatment of (900) thousand dunums of creeping sand dunes on farms, traffic roads and ‒ Follow the policy of determining the shares of irrigation channels in the governorates where Freon gases HCFC at the companies of our sand dunes are present. ministries and mixed sector companies and provide the General Directorate of Industrial ‒ Establishing (23) stations for the development Development with various instructions in of natural pastures and sowing pastoral seeds coordination with the Ministry of Environment during the rainy season in large areas of land according to the decisions of the Implementation prone to degradation. Committee. 178 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ Establishing (35) desert oasis in desert areas • Applying the spray system to achieve justice in by planting salt-degrading plants and drought water distributions between one governorate conditions. and another and within the governorate itself, as well as following up on the distribution of water ‒ Establishing (9) sites in the Iraqi Hammad area to ensure that it reaches the main rivers in good to develop vegetation cover and reduce land quantity and quality. degradation by taking advantage of rainfall. • Drilling wells in areas far from surface water ‒ Preparing a document on neutralization of the sources and liquefaction stations in all impact of land degradation and submitting it to governorates for public benefit using drilling rigs the Secretariat of the United Nations clarified the of the Public Authority for Groundwater (one of areas of degraded land in Iraq, which amounted the Ministry’s authorities). to (25-26%) of the area of Iraq, where it was adopted as an official document. • The Ministry puts within its future plans the issue of switching from open to closed irrigation ‒ Disposal of salt puncture water and preventing to transfer water and distribute it to agricultural its discharge to rivers or groundwater by lands, which is one of the most important methods implementing a network of trocar channels and of confronting climate change, in addition to that, discharging it towards the general estuary, which it will contribute to strengthening Iraq’s position starts from northern Baghdad to the Arabian in negotiating with upstream countries. Gulf and a length of 565 km with the connection of the eastern rat trocar to it with a length of 261 • Expanding and deepening the nutrients of the km and is also linked to the general mouth of the marshes to maintain good quantities of water eastern trocar with a length of 172 km. through the available releases received in accordance with the operational program of the Ministry for the purpose of reducing the effects MINISTRY OF WATER of water scarcity, facing drought and reducing RESOURCES the impact of the lack of water supply in the marsh areas. ‒ Water scarcity is one of the most prominent problems that put pressure on the environment ‒ The inclusion of the city of Chabayish in Dhi Qar in Iraq as a result of the failure of the countries of Governorate among the cities of global wetlands, the Upper Tigris and Euphrates rivers to maintain during the work of the fourteenth conference on Iraq’s share, and how they have cut off the wetlands, which was held in the Swiss capital, sources of some rivers, which greatly affected Geneva. water revenues, in addition to the lack of rain and high temperatures as a result of climate ‒ Starting the implementation of the first phase of change. The Ministry of Water Resources has the Bada’a Canal project, which has a total length taken measures to confront water scarcity and of 220.5 km, starting from the Bada’a regulator in the resulting effects such as the impact of water Dhi Qar and to the sedimentation basins in Basra storage and the deterioration of water quality, and with a discharge of 21 m3/s. This project will and these measures include: provide a fixed water share with good quantity and quality for drinking for Basra Governorate • Follow-up, organize and control water releases by converting the canal from open to closed for and ensure justice in water distributions between piped water transport. governorates in accordance with the general water budget prepared by the Ministry, and in ‒ Preparing studies by Al-Raed Research cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Station/National Center for Water Resources giving priority to the provision of drinking water Management (one of the formations of the and then securing water to irrigate orchards as a Ministry of Water Resources) on the use of national necessity, while determining the areas irrigation methods such as sprinkler or drip that can be cultivated with the available water irrigation, smart irrigation and responsive drip quotas. irrigation. 179 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ Studying the proposal to establish a cutting dam ‒ Monitoring and removing abuses and in Basra Governorate to prevent salt intrusion. consumption along the paths of rivers feeding the marshes through the committees formed ‒ Orientation towards the establishment of water between the departments of marshes and harvesting dams in the western and northern wetlands projects in the southern governorates regions and the Samawa and Najaf Badia to and the directorates of water resources in mitigate the effects of water scarcity and those governorates and taking the necessary preserve the ecosystem and biodiversity. measures against violators. ‒ Developing and updating laboratory equipment ‒ Delivering potable water by providing basin in the Ministry’s authorities to conduct chemical, tanks to the inhabitants of the marshes and physical and soil tests and identify sources of adjacent villages. pollution and trace elements. ‒ Installing and operating desalination plants in ‒ Launching continuous campaigns to remove those areas and changing the suckers of some encroachments on the river column and hold plants from the secondary rivers due to their low violators accountable to reduce losses and discharges and levels. ensure access to the prescribed water quotas. ‒ Submit project proposals related to wastewater ‒ Continuous cooperation and coordination with treatment and recycling, in addition to other IUCN UNDP and UNESCO on the development environmentally friendly projects. of dams and dam monitoring programs and the use of modern technology in controlling water ‒ Clean energy (solar energy) is used in the releases. operation of water level monitoring stations and in the operation of cameras at the natural ‒ Continuous coordination with UNESCO in the component management site (Hawizeh Marsh) preparation of national reports on World Heritage in Maysan Governorate, as well as the intention sites that were included in 2016 to preserve to complete the use of clean energy in the rest and sustain these sites within international of the sites. standards. ‒ Coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT for the purpose of urging the Turkish and Iranian sides to hold a meeting to discuss the water MARINE POLLUTION situation and the common problems of rivers in order to overcome the water scarcity crisis. ‒ Follow-up to the implementation of oil spills control ‒ The Ministry continues to follow up with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to approach the ‒ Periodic and continuous recovery of submersions competent authorities of the Turkish and Syrian sides to inform us of the reasons for the decrease in the discharges achieved for the Euphrates AIR POLLUTION River while providing us with discharges at the Turkish-Syrian border periodically due to their ‒ The use of low sulfur fuel from the year 2020 for importance in preparing our operational plans. the ships of the company for maritime transport under the Ministry of Transport. ‒ Securing water quotas for the marsh areas in coordination and cooperation with the rest of the ‒ Using energy-saving LED lamps in the Ministry’s Ministry’s authorities by coordinating with the headquarters building and its authorities instead concerned authorities to provide water quotas of the regular lamps. with periodic monitoring of water discharges and levels. 180 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) ‒ Coordination with Toyota to test hybrid cars for and types of stations and their geographical a period of (2) months and send a report to the distribution and generating capacities, data General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers in on the activity of transmission networks in order to exempt hybrid cars from customs and terms of energy received from production and taxes and in coordination with the Ministry of exported to distribution networks and network Environment, and this has already been done. losses, as well as statistical data on the lengths and number of transmission lines and their types, the number of secondary stations and CLIMATE CHANGE their capacities, as well as for the distribution sector as well as the energy sold according to ‒ Completing the requirements of the funicular the types of consumers, their percentages and train project, which is one of the important network losses, and energy budget data from projects for reducing emissions and reducing production and even the consumer, in addition traffic momentum, as the train is electric, with to data reflecting the financial and administrative a capacity of (30,000) passengers per hour, and activity of the Ministry. a speed of (80) km per hour with a length of (20) km linking Karkh and Rusafa from the Alawi ‒ System Report: It includes daily data on the area to the Shaab area, passing through (12) operation of generating stations (according to secondary stations. their types), their generating capacities at work, which are out of service, the reasons for that ‒ Initiate the replacement of fossil fuels and the (lost capacities), as well as energy import lines gradual shift towards the use of clean fuels and and investment stations, peak loads (required the modification of cars to work on liquid gas and equipped) according to governorates and LPG. their loads according to the hours of the day, programmed shut down of generating stations, lines and secondary stations, accidents that MINISTRY OF ELECTRICITY may occur, and maintenance data in generating stations and transmission lines and their causes. Axis one Axis Three One of the requirements of the work of electric power plants (thermal and gas) in particular is the presence The Ministry of Electricity takes into account in of laboratories to conduct tests on the quality of fuel its plans the goals and objectives of sustainable used in the operation of the stations to conform to development and in line with Iraq’s Vision 2030 the ideal specifications for operation, as well as the (the future we aspire to), especially in the fields of quality of water required by the operation of thermal green economy and sustainability of environmental plants, as well as laboratory tests for oils involved resources, as well as contributing to achieving the in the generation processes, and laboratories also seventh goal of the sustainable development goals process the treatment of water entering and used in (ensuring access to affordable, reliable and modern the operations. energy for all), as the Ministry works to ensure the provision of electrical energy to all citizens through: Axis tow ‒ Increased use of natural gas. The participation Production and energy balancing: It includes annual rate in the fuel mix reached (63%) in 2021. data on the production of electrical energy from the system’s generating stations, energy import lines ‒ Conversion of gas stations to work in the from neighboring countries, energy produced by combined cycle, where the capacities involved investors, fuel consumption, cost and calorific value, in the work reached (2133) MW. and the available capacities of the stations. ‒ Work to increase the share of renewable energy ‒ Annual Statistics: It includes annual data on the in the energy mix, which currently stands at energy produced from generating stations, the (2%), mostly from water resources. approved fuel mix and the contribution ratios of each type, statistical data on the number 181 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Axis Four Axis Six The effects of climate change are evident on the As mentioned earlier, the Ministry of Electricity takes electricity sector, especially the high temperatures into account the sustainable development goals, in most regions of Iraq in the summer, where the the contents of the Paris Climate Agreement and temperature reaches fifty degrees Celsius or more Iraq’s Vision 2030 when preparing and updating its during the season. This increases the burdens of the plans, and in this regard we include below the most system and this is clearly shown in the low efficiency important means adopted by the Ministry to achieve of gas generating stations whenever temperatures the aforementioned goals and within the mitigation rise, which reduces the hours of processing electrical path in the national contributions document, as energy for citizens, noting that the gap between follows: demand and processing is still large and the growth in demand continues as well as the continued warming phenomenon, the demand for electrical energy will ‒ Greenery: Afforestation of lands surrounding rise significantly in the coming years, which will cast power plants, the Ministry aims to plant (73,875) a heavy shadow on the state, social security and trees in the vicinity of its generating stations, and economic growth, and the shrinking green spaces nearly (5,000) trees have been planted in several in Iraq are increasing exacerbates the crisis of the sites with the preparation of the requirements electricity sector because of its negative effects on for their sustainability. the demand for electrical energy and the process of generating it. ‒ Conversion of gas stations from simple cycle to combined cycle: In order to achieve higher Axis Five efficiency in the field of electric power generation in gas generating stations, the Ministry has worked starting from 2015 to convert simple The Ministry of Electricity is committed to the cycle gas stations to combined cycle, and it is adaptation measures agreed upon in the updated hoped that the total capacity of combined cycles National Contributions (NDC) document which are (through the completion of private investment as follows: projects and direct invitations), which will be added to the electric power system, will reach ‒ Using a method for (nature Base solution) by (8995) MW by 2025 according to the Ministry’s afforestation of the lands surrounding the power central plan. plants, the Ministry aims to plant (73,875) trees in the vicinity of its generating stations, and ‒ Increase the proportion of natural gas in the fuel approximately (5,000) trees have been planted mix: The Ministry of Electricity, in cooperation in several sites with the preparation of their and coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, sustainability requirements, and in coordination was able to raise the percentage of dependence with the Ministry of Agriculture in the use of drip on natural gas in the fuel mix in the Iraqi electricity irrigation systems for sustainability, and work sector from (30%) in 2015 to (50%) in 2019 and is currently continuing with the inclusion of all to (63%) by 2021 production stations in the future. ‒ Raising the efficiency of the gas generation ‒ Improving the efficiency of transportation and units: The Ministry signed with an international distribution and following modern technological company to implement (40) air cooling systems, methods that help to adapt to high temperatures. which amounted to 772 megawatts. ‒ Changing the specifications of electrical ‒ Increasing the proportion of renewable energies equipment used in the electricity sector in line in the energy mix: It has been planned to move with the increase in temperatures, by changing towards using renewable energy projects, the specifications of electrical equipment used in as contracts have been made with reputable the electricity sector. The Ministry of Electricity companies in this field to implement these works through specialized technical committees projects to produce electrical energy using solar to update its technical specifications in line with cell technologies to reach 12 kilowatts during the developments in the field of energy efficiency year 2023. on the one hand, and on the other hand, it works with the technical committees in the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control to issue energy efficiency labels for household appliances. 182 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) Axis Seven Causes Pressures Status Effects Response Air Axis: Electricity supply across Air Emissions: Photochemical reactions Law No. 27 of 2009 regulates air pollution to protect Governmental Iraq is insufficient due to Soot with the atmosphere the environment. and Private Power the growing population›s Lead produce secondary Regulation No. 4 of 2012 and Regulation No. 2 of Stations and demand. Therefore, they Sulfur dioxide pollutants, carbon monoxide 2018 regarding ambient air quality limits Generators rely on private generators Nitrogen monoxide reacts with hydroxyl Orientation towards adding a combined cycle system to secure their energy Carbon monoxide radicals in the atmosphere to simple-cycle stations needs. Hydrocarbon to produce greenhouse Conversion of liquid fuel production plants to natural Particles gases, carbon dioxide, and gas to reach 63.7% of the total fuel participation rate methane. Solar Energy Investment Opportunities Project Variety of related health effects Water Axis: Wastewater from power Water Axis: Increase indiseases such Law No. 25 of 1967, Law No. 2 of 2001, and Law Ministry of plants Ministry of Electricity as diarrhea, cholera and No. 3 of 2012. The Ministry of Electricity to reduce Electricity Wastewater from power typhoid due to pollution of the pressure on water bodies by taking measures plants Wastewater from river water used for drinking 1. Orientation towards a closed cycle system in different power plants and irrigation. condensate cooling instead of an open system generally contains a range Water pollution in Iraq also in modern stations 2. The establishment of gas of industrial waste from contributes to increased stations, which reduce water consumption, which different sources and of a algal growth in water represents approximately 60% of the total stations in different nature. bodies. Changing Iraq compared to thermal plants at 26%, which leads Industrial wastewater the physical and chemical to reducing the percentage of water consumption can contaminate water properties of the nature of generated in generation operations, as it represents bodies by contaminating water. a project to convert the type of fuel used from petroleum derivatives such liquid to gaseous and this step means the complete as polycyclic aromatic preservation of water, as liquid fuel, especially heavy hydrocarbons. fuel, needs chemical treatments before use and before discharging it to the river, so the problem of water pollution has been solved. Improving the wastewater treatment system and oil separators for thermal plants on an annual basis within the annual rehabilitation program. 183 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) MINISTRY OF OIL negatively affect the external environment. The most important measures taken in this area: ‒ Associated Gas Investment Projects in Oil Fields • Preparing a draft national policy to promote the reality of occupational health and safety to protect ‒ (79) LPG gas filling stations were established workers and property in addition to protecting in Baghdad and the provinces instead of using the means of production and the environment gasoline in a way that contributes to promoting the principle of sustainable development and ‒ Modernizing existing projects by adding access to an environment free of pollutants advanced production units that are characterized and harmful residues left by factories and all by production efficiency and low gas emissions, sectors by controlling pollutants within the work or updating some existing units by adding environment by adhering to safety standards equipment that contributes to reducing gas in it and that the main objective of the policy: emissions from them Providing a safe and healthy work environment for all economic sectors, preserving the economic ‒ Improving petroleum products to ensure resources of the country, especially the cleaner combustion when used by introducing human resources, providing a safe and decent hydrogenation and chemistry and stopping work environment, protecting workers from the injection of improvers with a negative occupational risks represented by occupational environmental impact of gasoline. diseases, accidents and work injuries, and the commitment of all sectors to apply occupational ‒ Conducting preventive maintenance work for health and safety requirements and amending all units to ensure the safety of the work of the the law on occupational health and safety in line torches and achieve complete combustion to with achieving the objectives of the policy and reduce emissions to the lowest possible extent. increasing community awareness of the health and preventive aspect and the concepts of ‒ Equipping oil companies with modern occupational health and safety. environmental laboratories and detection devices for gaseous pollutants to follow up • Quality control and quality assurance procedures and evaluate the environmental situation for laboratories and field tests in the center: A continuously joint program has been working with the Ministry of Health on quality control measures and ‒ Completion of a number of projects in the field documented the work with a certificate at the of renewable energy (solar energy) with a total time, and the program is currently suspended capacity of (394.35) kW since the events of the Corona pandemic, and there is no specific mechanism to resume work currently, and it is hoped that joint programs will ‒ Reducing surface water consumption during be found with the relevant organizations and injection operations through the joint seawater ministries in the coming years. investment project. • Achieving the largest possible number of field and MINISTRY OF LABOR AND advisory visits and expanding the geographical area of visits and within the powers of the SOCIAL AFFAIRS Center to identify and assess risks, measure pollutants and compare them with the threshold ‒ The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs/The limits set in advance by the International Labor National Center for Occupational Health and Organization, as well as record the impact of Safety works to protect and improve the internal pollutants on the environment, especially the oil environment within the various work sites, and sectors and some industrial projects to prepare due to the interaction between the internal and reports and recommendations for evaluation and external environment, the improvement of work corrective measures for the work environment sites will necessarily contribute to protecting and send them to the concerned authorities for and improving the environment in general, and adoption and treatment. the outputs will be sound work sites that do not 184 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) • Conducting professional laboratory tests for • The Ministry/Department of Labor and Vocational workers and withdrawing air samples from Training adopts in the training curricula the work environment to examine the lead environmental preservation standards such element and suspended particles for the as (Sound Professional Practices Unit for the purpose of informing the concerned authorities maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning to find appropriate solutions to reduce the devices to preserve the environment and the concentration of pollutants in order to preserve ozone layer). The training curricula also include the health of workers. training units for occupational safety, in addition to that there are inspection committees in the • Mechanism of disposal of laboratory waste: labor inspection department in the department It has been cooperating with the Ministry of with joint committees with the Federation of Trade Health/Baghdad Health Department/Rusafa/ Unions and the National Center for Occupational Pollution Control Division to approve the burning Health and Safety in field inspection on the of medical waste in the amount of (30-35 kg) decent work environment and security in various per month in the incinerator of the model center projects, in addition to focusing on professions in Bab Al-Moadham, noting that the work of that fall within the context of the concept of this mechanism was stopped during the Corona green economy and in line with the goals of pandemic due to the lack of auditors and sustainable development in vocational training therefore the lack of medical waste, and work programs and loans to support small projects has been resumed again with the approval of the and educate job seekers about this direction. Ministry of Health to destroy medical waste in the incinerators of Al-Rashid Hospital, and work ‒ In light of the challenges that the country has is continuing in this approach for the coming gone through as a result of the Corona virus years. crisis and the resulting negative effects on employment opportunities and unemployment rates, our Ministry is working to achieve the ‒ Green Practices first goal of the sustainable development goals by granting soft loans to open small income- • The designs of the residential complex project, generating projects and training job seekers which was established by the Department of in various training courses and according Retirement and Social Security in terms of green to the requirements of the labor market, in spaces, afforestation and materials used in addition to including the poorest families with construction that contribute to the protection social benefits, taking into account the living and improvement of the environment. conditions that society suffers from as a result of the high unemployment rate and environmental • The project of the National Initiative to Support conditions such as the pandemic Corona where Energy and Reduce Emissions in cooperation our Ministry worked to pay a cash grant to the with the Ministry of Environment, where the unemployed during the pandemic. Ministry worked to form a ministerial team from various disciplines and a plan was developed to implement the initiative by supporting MINISTRY OF EDUCATION afforestation campaigns, the required areas and the quality of the plants to be planted, and an ‒ Implementing and benefiting from the on-site inspection was conducted to convert the environmental waste recycling program in Ministry’s building into an energy-saving building schools. using solar cells, and the gradual transition to clean and renewable energy by obliging the ‒ Rationalizing the consumption of electrical Procurement Committee to adopt energy- energy and moving towards the use of clean saving lighting and approve economic electrical energy. appliances that carry an efficiency label Energy, in addition to approving the inventory form of ‒ Rationalization of water consumption. buildings and meters. ‒ Rehabilitation and capacity building for all workers in the environmental aspect, including 185 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) technical supervisors, health coordinators ‒ Implementation of the Sustainable Land and agricultural engineers in the Ministry of Management Project to improve sustainable Education. livelihoods in degraded areas in Iraq. ‒ Preparing feasibility studies to convert buildings ‒ Implementation of the National Program into energy-efficient using solar energy. to Combat Sand and Dust Storms in Iraq ( 2 0 1 5 -2 0 2 0 ) . ‒ Highlighting environmentally friendly studies and research that serve renewable and green ‒ Preparing the national report of Iraq on the energy and benefit from it. precautionary measures and emergency plans taken by the ministries of the Iraqi government ‒ Adequately include the concepts of the for the purpose of reducing the damage caused environment into the curricula, whether in terms by natural and man-made disasters for the year of scientific content or images, directly and (2020). indirectly, in all curricula and for all school stages, as this inclusion is a key educational goals that ‒ Preparing the national report on the precautionary our Ministry seeks to achieve, especially after measures and plans taken by the Ministry of the adoption of the Iraqi Constitution (2005) and Environment and ministries in combating the modern educational philosophy (2008) and the Corona pandemic. general framework of the Iraqi curricula (2012) as the inclusion of concepts related to it is an ‒ Work is ongoing to calculate the losses and indicator of the achievement of the National damages resulting from disasters annually. Strategy for Education (2012). Therefore, the Ministry is working to consolidate them by ‒ Establishing an annual database on air carrying out educational projects in cooperation pollutants from all sources of pollution, with a with governmental and non-governmental plan to ensure comprehensive coverage and organizations. periodic monitoring of ambient air quality in all governorates. MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT ‒ Forming a ministerial committee to review the instructions currently in force in line with ‒ Reviewing and updating water quality laws the development in the number of towers and through the modernization of the river modern systems, with periodic examinations maintenance system No. (25) of 1967 simulates to monitor the work of these towers, take the the nature of Iraq’s water and its preservation necessary measurements in Baghdad and from pollution. the provinces, compare the results with the determinants currently in force, and prepare an ‒ Monitoring and evaluating the water quality environmental reality report. of the Tigris, Euphrates and Diyala rivers by preparing a quarterly report showing the impact ‒ Monitoring noise pollution and continuing work on of low water levels on water quality using the issuing instructions to implement the Iraqi Noise water quality standard of our ministry (WQI) Control Law No. (41) of 2015 in cooperation with and submitting it to the attention of the Board the relevant authorities, with the continuation of Advisors in the Presidency of the Council of of action plans for monitoring noise pollution Ministers. levels to identify the causative sources, as well as the rehabilitation and modernization of the ‒ Preparing a monthly bulletin to assess the water monitoring system to ensure the largest possible quality of the Tigris, Euphrates and Diyala rivers coverage in Baghdad and the provinces. using the water quality standard of our ministry (WQI) and submitting it to the Prime Minister’s ‒ Continuous monitoring by the supervisory teams Office. in the Ministry of Environment by conducting field inspections and imposing legal measures ‒ Inclusion of a program for evaluating the (warning, fine, closure) against projects that concentrations of heavy elements of the Tigris, violate environmental determinants until the Euphrates, Diyala and Shatt al-Arab within the violation is removed. government program. 186 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ‒ Carrying out research for environmentally friendly projects in the field of solar energy and green buildings. ‒ Implementation of a volunteering campaign to plant the vicinity of Al-Mustansiriya University with good varieties of palms, amounting to 225 seedlings. ‒ Increasing the area of vegetation cover by implementing afforestation campaigns to plant trees of different types in university sites. ‒ Conversion of lighting in many universities to environmentally friendly lamps (LED). ‒ Implementation of waste sorting in many scientific departments in colleges. ‒ Expanding the use of solar energy within many colleges and replacing electric water heaters with solar energy. ‒ Introducing the curricula of emerging energies within the teaching curricula of students. ‒ Work is continuing to implement the project of planting one million trees in higher education institutions. ‒ The use of drip or sprinkler irrigation systems inside to irrigate green spaces. ‒ Wastewater treatment and reuse on campus. 187 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) CHAPTER FIVE: GAP ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 5 188 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) GAP ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The environment and its natural resources face with the outputs of these programs or projects many challenges and pressures due to the and the strategies implemented or future ones, irrational use of these resources and as a result for example, but not limited to the need to of the abnormal conditions experienced by Iraq, harmonize with Iraq’s Vision 2030, which is a as well as the implementation of development comprehensive framework for the development plans in all sectors without paying attention to process in Iraq associated with achieving the environment or introducing environmental sustainable development goals, and working to considerations when planning or implementing create a sustainable environment in harmony various development projects, and in general, with the National Development Plan for the environmental pressures are associated with a years 2018-2022, which is the most important set of driving factors, which are formed from a step in the sustainable development journey in set of natural or human influences that directly Iraq towards a future in which it aspires to be or indirectly cause a change in the environmental an advanced country at the economic, political, system. Direct drivers also affect environmental cultural, social and environmental levels. The processes, including climate change, pollution, same applies to aligning with the requirements of land changes and overexploitation of resources, the international community to confront climate while indirect factors include demographic, change, which resulted in Iraq’s submission economic, social, political, technical, and cultural of its Nationally Determined Contributions in factors. October 2021 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and a 2. The process of drawing a clear picture of the pledge to reduce greenhouse gases by 17% (up challenges and pressures suffered by the to 2% by 2030 unconditional and 15% by 2035 Iraqi environment depends on the accuracy conditionally). and continuity of access to data related to environmental issues, and as a result of the 4. In view of the importance of Iraq and its natural lack of a central environmental database, the resources, it is necessary for the Iraqi Ministry of dispersion of environmental information and Environment to give the utmost focus to building data is noticed, and this requires raising interest and developing the environmental work strategy in environmental statistics and increasing to be a guide for all stakeholders, whether in monitoring and control centers, which must the public and private sectors or civil society be under the auspices of the Iraqi Ministry of organizations, which aims to address the basic Environment as the supervisory authority in this problems facing the environment in Iraq during field. the next five years, and that the preparation of the strategy is within the limits of determining 3. After the establishment of the Ministry the basic programs to address environmental of Environment to assume leadership of problems and leave it to stakeholders from the environmental legislation, which is a serious various government sectors or the private sector, and basic step and a major development for the community organizations, and civil society in purpose of transforming the traditional view that the implementation of projects compatible with was prevailing in the circles of environmental these programs. work in Iraq, as environmental work turned into an institutional work with a more comprehensive 5. Surface water is the main resource in Iraq and view, as there became a Ministry specialized consists of the water of the Tigris and Euphrates in implementing the legal provisions related to rivers and their tributaries and the Shatt al-Arab, environmental protection in its various fields. It and there has been a significant decrease in is worth noting that the Ministry of Environment, water resources due to dams and irrigation and during its work for previous years, has prepared development projects that were established on many programs, projects and strategies with these rivers in neighboring countries to secure national effort or international support, so their water shares and use them in irrigation or future work to prepare a strategy to protect and hydroelectric power generation, which affected improve the environment in Iraq must be in line Iraq’s water share in quantity and quality. The 189 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) effects of climate change have also caused a 10. Although the amount of water supplied for decrease in the quantities of water received into domestic use does not constitute a large its rivers, and it is clear that the quantities of percentage of the total water use in Iraq, data water used or needed by various human activities from 2020 indicate that the percentage of water in Iraq are much greater than the quantities of loss is 20% during transportation in the water water received from rivers, the main source of distribution network, which requires measures water in Iraq, and thus the water sector in Iraq is to reduce the quantities lost. one of the most vulnerable sectors in the face of climate change. 11. Statistics of water quantity and quality indicators, especially with regard to drinking water services, 6. The storage levels achieved in dams and lakes indicate an increase in the number of potable (reservoirs) on 1/10/2020 compared to the same water production stations with an increase in date for the year 2019 were 50.47 billion m3 the quantity of drinking water and domestic use for the year 2019 and 44.60 for the year 2020, produced compared to 2017 and 2020 by 6.8% which means on the one hand that the increase and 14.5%, respectively, but no increase was in the amount of water used compared to the recorded in the percentage of the population amount of water received may have already been served by potable water networks, and this may covered from the reservoirs’ water. However, it is be due to the increase in the population growth also noticeable from the above figures that the rate, which led to no increase in the percentage quantities of water stored amount to more than of the population served despite the increase half of the quantities of water received for the in the number of stations, which requires this two years in question, which may mean the need to be taken into account when planning. Noting to review the data. that one of the most important problems of not rationalizing water consumption is due to the 7. The bulk of the water used is withdrawn from weak awareness among citizens, as indicated in the agricultural production sector, up to 85% the reports issued by the relevant authorities. of the uses of all other sectors. It is necessary here to focus on the use of modern technologies 12. Although the water used for drinking and in agriculture or water distribution systems for domestic use constitutes only a small percentage agricultural uses, with the importance of applying of the pressures on river water resources, it is efficient programs to rationalize the use of water very important to reduce water waste resulting in the agricultural sector that consumes the most from lack of awareness, lack of control, weak water resources, with the importance of meeting activation of laws and quantities of water lost food security priorities, as well as reducing the when transporting in networks, as water scarcity percentage of surface or groundwater use in will pose a major challenge in light of population agriculture and compensating for the shortage increase and economic, industrial and service of alternative non-conventional water sources. growth facilities, which will constitute an added environmental pressure on the quantity and 8. It is necessary to apply an integrated water quality of water in the aquatic bodies and its resources management approach at the level ecosystems and biodiversity. of the State of Iraq by targeting estuaries, watersheds and main water harvesting sites in 13. According to the drinking water quality reports Iraq. recorded in the governorates for the years 2017 and 2021, drinking water purification projects in 9. The distribution of water use by governorate the governorates of Nineveh and Salah al-Din indicates that the share of Nineveh governorate recorded the highest acceptable rate in the is the lowest, reaching 1.7% of the total water examination of turbidity, salt concentration, used in Iraq. Wasit governorate has the highest bacteriological examination and residual share at 15.6 percent, meaning that Wasit uses chlorine at 100% during 2017 and 2021. While water almost 15 times that of Nineveh, despite drinking water purification projects in Dhi Qar its population being almost half that of Nineveh governorate recorded the lowest acceptable and its area smaller. This example calls for rate in the examination of turbidity, at 20% and knowing the reason for the differences between 4.07% during 2017 and 2021. While drinking governorates in the quantities of water used and addressing this if necessary in the strategy. 190 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) water purification projects in Basra governorate mechanism to follow up the implementation of recorded the lowest acceptable percentage the strategy over the next five years. in testing the concentration of salts, at 11.08% and 15.25% during 2017 and 2021, respectively. 18. The continued overuse of land, water and These data are very worrying and when natural resources without taking appropriate formulating the strategy, priority solutions for measures resulted in a decrease in plants, which these areas must be developed based on these constitute an important element of the biological data, whether solutions related to human health cycle of the soil, which in turn maintains and as an essential part of ecosystems or the health improves the physical properties of the soil of other components of these systems. against erosion and desertification factors, and this was helped by the prevailing hot and dry 14. Most human settlements in Iraq lack basic weather conditions, which are accompanied sanitation systems and 61% of the villagers use by dry winds in the summer and the absence areas close to their homes for sanitation directly, of rain, in addition to the presence of sandy and since more than a third of villages use desert on the edges of the sedimentary plain, water directly from the river or swamps without so it is necessary to encourage agro-ecological treatment, the current sanitation situation raises practices that increase the amount of organic serious public health concerns as outbreaks matter in the soil (organic carbon stock). of waterborne diseases are frequent and the provision of wastewater treatment services 19. Strengthening soil quality monitoring programs is crucial. This risk is compounded by data to build a database on land quality and determine indicating that most hospitals and factories the suitability of land for various human uses, dump their waste directly and without treatment with the importance of protecting and restoring into rivers. pastoral areas to ensure the protection of plant biodiversity and achieve food security. 15. The figures indicate a very high pressure on water resources because to draw so much 20. The failure to take the necessary measures, river water for various uses and then pollute enact regulations and legislation, reorganize the small amount of water that remains simply the use of land, water and natural resources, means that not enough healthy water is left for prevent harmful practices that put pressure on humans, aquatic organisms and healthy aquatic environmental components such as overgrazing, ecosystems. logging, hunting wild animals and rationing irrigation to stop this harmful encroachment of 16. The enormous magnitude of the pressures millions of tons of quicksand, which in turn has on the water sector as an essential part of led to an increase in the area of desertified land the environment can be easily generalized to or lands threatened by desertification. the magnitude of the pressures exerted on other parts of the Iraqi environment, such as 21. Iraq is facing a serious desertification problem, pressures on air quality, biodiversity, forests, which has been represented by an increase natural rangelands, agricultural lands, and in the areas of land affected by salinity, the added pressures arising from climate change. significant deterioration that has occurred in This requires the National Environment Strategy vegetation cover, and the increase in areas to develop radical, realistic and applicable covered by moving sand dunes that came as solutions based on priorities determined by a result of land degradation and wind erosion. the data contained in this report, whose main Although Iraq is known for its water resources, function is to provide the necessary information the desert covers a large percentage of its area, for the strategy. while the phenomenon of desertification is now besieging non-desert lands, as it threatens the 17. It is of the utmost importance that these priorities fertility of its land and reduces its productivity, be aligned with other national strategies and and creeps rapidly towards the green fertility line plans, both those related to development and west of the Euphrates, and puts great pressure those related to the environment, pollution, on the rural population and forces them to leave biodiversity, adaptation and mitigation of the their villages and places of origin. effects of climate change. This requires great and continuous work at the national and local 22. There is an actual need to preserve forest levels and a continuous mechanism to follow areas and natural pastures, which constitute an up the development of these data and the estimated 4% and 9.2% respectively of land use 191 National Strategy for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in Iraq (2024 - 2030) in Iraq, where forests are one of the indicators of Environmental Protection, Improvement and the abundance of vegetation cover, as the total Sustainability Program area of forests in 2017 and 2020 is estimated at 5.4 and 2.8 million dunums, respectively, a ‒ The climate change program through hard decrease of 48%, which is a serious decrease of and continuous work to reduce greenhouse up to half within a short period of 4 years, which gas emissions and to contribute to reducing requires the development of quick and effective climate change, mitigating its effects, increasing solutions. immunity and adaptability to its negative effects. 23. The population of Iraq for the year 2020 has ‒ The good governance program, which is based reached (40,150,174) million people compared on providing clear and rational governance to 2021, where it reached (41,190,658) million capable of managing the environmental file, people, with a growth rate of 2.59%, so the rate contributes positively to the integration of of increase in the population must be taken environmental considerations into the initial into account with the percentage of need for planning stages of the proposed projects, works services and the amount of pressure on the Iraqi to influence the relevant policies and strengthen environment that all of this poses, provided that the legislative framework to ensure that the this is done in the context of indicators of climate needs of the strategy are met. change, biodiversity, cultural heritage and ecosystem services and in coordination with the ‒ The Networking and Partnerships Program, relevant national plans and strategies, as well as which aims to strengthen and ensure the ability the need to take into account the proportions of the Ministry of Environment to coordinate with of urban and rural population and the population a wide range of relevant sectors and institutions of each governorate when drawing up plans and to achieve national priorities and international health, educational services and other activities commitments including relevant sustainable and linking this with the pressures that the development goals and environmental environment suffers from in each governorate agreements, and to develop sustainable currently with the expected pressures on communication channels at the national, local population growth and the associated growth in and international levels. services, as this contributes to setting clear and implementable priorities and goals according to ‒ A program to spread environmental culture to the region. ensure the promotion and raising of the level of knowledge and technology among all societal 24. One of the important indicators is the clear sectors and at various levels of the importance rise in temperature rates and the frequency of of the environment and its preservation and its dust storms with a decrease in relative humidity direct link to public health, animal health, plants, rates and rainfall during the past years, and and food. therefore when preparing the national strategy for the protection and improvement of the environment, it is necessary to work according REFERENCES to the plans approved by the Climate Change Center at the Ministry of Environment and the ‒ IUCN, Regional Office for West Asia, Department Center to Combat Desertification in the Ministry of Biodiversity and Ecosystems in the Marshes of Agriculture to develop solutions related to of Southern Iraq, Survey on Potential World adaptation and mitigation of the effects of these Heritage Nomination. Amann, Jordan, 2013. changes for the next five years. ‒ United Nations Environment Programme in Iraq, 25. 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