Iraq, Ministry of Environment

Protected areas are considered one of the most effective and widely used methods for biodiversity conservation on a global scale. Therefore, effective, and equitable management and operation of these areas are crucial for conserving their biodiversity. Guidelines for evaluating the management effectiveness of protected areas have been developed, and their impact is widespread around the world. These guidelines serve as a means to adapt and replan the components of ecosystems and vital processes, addressing the increasing pressures on reserves.

Protected areas are the basic corner stone for protecting and managing the world's biodiversity, given their major and effective role in reducing the degradation of many ecosystems and habitats as a result of unsustainable human practices.

<p>This report includes an inventory of data and information on the Iraqi marshland ecosystem; technical guidance on the assessment framework and tools for ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation with regard to the requirements for World Heritage nomination; and guidance on the development of a network in the field of ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation which would contribute to the planning, implementation and monitoring the long-term management of the Iraqi marshlands, in relation to possible next steps in the World Heritage nomination process.</p>

<p>This report includes an inventory of data and information on the Iraqi marshland ecosystem; technical guidance on the assessment framework and tools for ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation with regard to the requirements for World Heritage nomination; and guidance on the development of a network in the field of ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation which would contribute to the planning, implementation and monitoring the long-term management of the Iraqi marshlands, in relation to possible next steps in the World Heritage nomination process.</p>