NCI 2024
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    Iraq is renowned for its distinctive biodiversity, particularly in its southern territories, which include nine of the most significant ecological ecoregions. These ecoregions range from lush marshlands that are vital for migratory birds, to desert and riverine landscapes that support a diverse array of flora and fauna. Each ecoregion plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting the native wildlife.

    Iraq’s environment is notably diverse due to several distinct geographical features: In the west of the Euphrates lies a sprawling desert characterized by its arid climate and unique desert species. To the north, the country is defined by rugged highlands, which provide a cooler, mountainous habitat that contrasts sharply with other areas. The upper Tigris region also features upwash and extensive plains, which are crucial for agriculture and serve as habitats for numerous species. This varied environmental landscape supports a rich mosaic of ecosystems and contributes to the country’s rich biological heritage.

    Score Rank Change
    Total Score – NCI 2024 43.3 178 N/A
    Land Management 42 155 N/A
    Protected Areas (Terrestrial) 14 163 N/A
    Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 28 157 N/A
    Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas 48 112 N/A
    Protected Areas (Marine) 0 123 N/A
    Pristine Habitat (Converted Land) 100 1 N/A
    Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution) 45 58 N/A
    Sustainable Pesticide Use 61 49 N/A
    Threats to Biodiversity 57 133 N/A
    Threatened Species (Terrestrial) 91 52 N/A
    Threatened Species (Marine) 63 72 N/A
    Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas 67 148 N/A
    Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas 0 134 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial) 39 41 N/A
    Species with Declining Populations (Marine) 0 10 N/A
    Depleted Fisheries
    Fishery Pressure in the High Seas 100 61 N/A
    Invasive Species Pressure 96 79 N/A
    Capacity and Governance 50 166 N/A
    Total Management Cost 100 11 N/A
    Conservation Culturomics 35 126 N/A
    Conservation Legislation 26 154 N/A
    Ratification of CBD 100 1 N/A
    Ratification of CITES 100 1 N/A
    Political Stability and Absence of Violence 0 173 N/A
    Control of Corruption 26 157 N/A
    Government Effectiveness 24 160 N/A
    Future Trends 25 167 N/A
    Climate Change Mitigation 25 167 N/A


    Four pillars elaborated:

    Land Management

     Approximately two-fifths of Iraq is covered by a vast desert region in the west and south, encompassing about 168,000 km² (64,900 mi²). Alongside this arid landscape, Iraq maintains a network of national protected areas, such as parks, reserves, and sanctuaries, which span a diverse range of ecosystems including mountains, forests, wetlands, and deserts. However, the country currently lacks any marine protected areas.

    Threats to Biodiversity

     Biodiversity in Iraq faces multiple threats, including illegal or unsustainable fishing and hunting practices, conversion of ecosystems such as wetland drainage for agriculture, pollution from municipal and industrial sources, impacts of agricultural chemicals, overgrazing, poor management of water resources, salinization, infrastructure development, and challenges from drought and desertification. In 2003, UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)identified critical issues such as the absence of a legal framework for biodiversity conservation, the lack of a protected areas network, and the absence of a national biodiversity strategy.

    Many species are also threatened by habitat degradation, particularly from the destruction of the Mesopotamian marshlands and oil spills. Additionally, the Iraqi national report highlights a fundamental challenge: a lack of awareness among the public and government about the importance of biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides.

    Capacity and Governance

     In Iraq, the Ministry of Environment is actively working to establish the country’s first national park in the central marshes, with ongoing updates to the park’s management plan in collaboration with Nature Iraq/New Eden Group. Additionally, Iraq hosts various protected areas, including one designated habitat/species management area and 14 others under the Ministry of Agriculture’s management, collectively covering 0.3% of the national territory.

    Significant conservation efforts are focused on the Mesopotamian marshlands, recognized as vital wintering grounds for Eurasian bird species. Strategic environmental projects are also in place, including management plans for Ramsar sites, the UNEP Iraqi Marshlands Observation System, and initiatives supported by international organizations like UNDP, the World Bank, and USAID. These projects aim to enhance biodiversity and improve environmental management practices across Iraq.

    Future Trends

     The Iraqi government is actively formulating a national strategy aimed at establishing protected areas throughout the country. This comprehensive plan will pinpoint regions with significant conservation value and outline methods to safeguard these vital ecological zones. The strategy involves assessing the ecological importance of different areas, setting conservation priorities, and creating effective management approaches to preserve biodiversity and natural habitats for future generations.


    Biodiversity

    Iraq boasts diverse ecosystems, encompassing desert landscapes, marshlands, river systems, and mountainous regions, collectively contributing to its rich biodiversity. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, two of the most significant waterways in the Middle East, create fertile floodplains that support various plant and animal species. Iraq’s Mesopotamian Marshes, once among the largest wetlands in the world, are home to numerous bird species, including the endemic and endangered Basra reed warbler, as well as various fish and amphibians. The country’s desert regions, such as the western desert and the Arabian Desert, support unique flora and fauna adapted to arid conditions, including reptiles, rodents, and desert plants.

    The mountainous regions of northern Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan area, add another layer to the country’s biodiversity. These areas are characterized by rugged terrain and a variety of microclimates, supporting forests, grasslands, and alpine meadows. The rich biodiversity in these mountains includes species such as the Persian leopard, wild goats, and various bird species like the golden eagle and the imperial eagle.

    In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Iraq only):


    Species
    (World rank)    		 Threatened % Threatened Endemic % Endemic
    Mammals 100 (#111) 13 13.0%
    Birds 374 (#94) 17 14.5%
    Reptiles 118 (#81) 3 2.5%
    Amphibians 8 (#144) 1 12.5%
    Fishes 313 (#148) 35 11.2% 1 0.3%
    Plants 3,001 (#115) 2 0.1% 195 6.5%


    Go To 2024 National Nature Conservation Index Main Page

    Iraq

    Land of golden sands and emerald rivers, cradling the dawn of biodiversity

    Score:

    43.3 / 100

    Rank:

    178 / 180