FOREWORD BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT OF IRAQ As a commitment to meet its obligations to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Iraq has issued the - First for Iraq - (namely the Fourth) Iraqi National Report on Biodiversity back in 2010. Since then, attention was directed towards a presumably more updated, informative and timely publication of the upcoming Fifth National Report on Biodiversity. For this, the Ministry of Environment was geared up and determined to abide by the timeline set by the CBD secretariat and has mobilized all resources needed for the assignment. Nevertheless, the task wasn't easy at all and encountered several practical obstacles, and it was a race against time for collecting vast and wide array of updates of information, new scientific data, additions and records. The composition of the task team was a recipe for success. Its efficient, well organized and professional work was evident ever since it's set up in 2012. During the entire period of its preparation, the progress of the Fifth National Report was monitored by resilient timetable that coped with unforeseen difficulties; utilize scattered data to make sound conclusions, and the whereabouts of missing pieces of information. A consolidated report such as the Fifth National Report on Biodiversity in Iraq demanded not only excellent planning and fair assuming of roles by the team, but also the effective and efficient participatory contribution of tangible spectrum of the society. To achieve desired goals, rehabilitation of the legislative, institutional and financial environment was also equally needed. During the past decade, the Ministry of Environment vigorously motivated the issuance of numerous decisions, directives, and laws that all served promotion of environmental issues in Iraq. Of course, this directly contributed to that works such as the present report come to light in time and in excellent format. Many events and scientific meetings and workshops, both local and regional, had to be organized prior to the publication of the present report. Most of these activities were timed and directed by close consultation with the global and regional institutions that have provided help and guidance for the process. The ministry of Environment extends sincere thanks and gratitude to all those parties, institutes and individuals, who closely monitored this output, or have rendered knowhow, assets or information to make this fine product available to decision makers, academics and all stakeholders. Engineer Sargon Lazar Slewa, The Minister of Environment April 2014 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 3 PREFACE BY THE TECHNICAL ADVISOR OF MOEI – CBD NATIONAL FOCAL POINT When the ministerial order to set up a team for writing up the Fifth National Report on Biodiversity was issued in 2012, planning and regular meetings were immediately held to realize the actual challenge of the mission. Wisely composed, the team coordinated works and roles so that the fifth report comes out as an additive contribution, not just a repetitive volume. These visions, however correct, but needed the search for, and concentrate on, new, concise and precise information. One can only be proud of the task team which was up to expectation and who throughout the preparation period inspired a one unit and one task conductance which lead to the present volume comes to reality. In the course of work towards this task, several activities had to be organized and designed to absorb views, assess capacities and assign missions to officials and stakeholders of various ranks. These activities were mostly in the form of National and Regional workshops held in the capital Baghdad, and further a field in the autonomous Kurdistan and South provinces. The rich content and most up-to-date information on biodiversity which can be possibly collected in the given space of time makes the Fifth National Report represents not only a source of reliable information on the status and needs to promote biodiversity issues in Iraq, but also a guideline, in particular, for decision makers, local governments, stakeholders, and researchers across Iraq. In general, the report dealt with all information on eco-region bases. It is logically divided into what the CBD advised that parts are to deal with providing answers and stimulate discussions on major issues of biodiversity in Iraq. The first part gives an update on biodiversity status, trends, and threats and implications for human well-being. While the second part dealt with aspects of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), its implementation, and the mainstreaming of biodiversity. The later and third part assessed the progress towards the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets and contributions to the relevant 2015 Targets of the Millennium Development Goals. However, these major parts were further subdivided into specialized sections exhibiting variety of pictorial and numerical data. The Ministry of Environment and the scientific community in Iraq, in general, eagerly await the official release of the Fifth National Report on Biodiversity for its paramount importance as major contribution to the issue of Biodiversity for Iraq and the world. Project Manager, Dr. Ali Al-Lami - MoE Technical Advisor, April 2014 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 4 This document was prepared by: Dr. Ali Al-Lami Project Manager – MoE Technical Advisor Ms. Deena Yahya Butrus Project team – MoE staff Ms. Reem Abdulhadi Project team – MoE staff Mr. Amro Alaa-Al Dain Hussin Project team – MoE staff Mr. Ali Haloob Project team – MoE staff Dr. Emaduldeen Abdulhadi Almukhtar Dr. Nadia Abdul Ameer Mr. Mudhafar Abdul Baqi Salim National Consultant – Baghdad University/ College of Science for Women National Consultant – Al Basrah University/ Marine Science Center National Consultant – National NGO Mrs. Mia Fant International Consultants Mrs. Alessandra Rossi International Consultant A special thanks for their support and assistance to: Diane Klaimi UNEP-ROWA Lijie Cai CBD Secretariat Edoardo Zandri UNEP – GEF Esther Mwangi UNEP – GEF Ministry of Environment Published by: Iraqi Ministry of Environment On: April 2014 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 5 ACKNOLEDGMENTS The Iraqi Ministry of Environment would like to express its most sincere thanks and appreciation to all the officers, academics, employees, researchers and institutions for their kind help and cooperation offered to accomplish this important work, and in particular. Dr. Abdullah Hma, Dr. Farhad Hussain Azez, Dr. Sirbad Ibrahim Mohammed and Dr. Zohair Ibrahim Fetohi at the university of Salah Al-Din, Dr. Terfaa Kamal, Dr. Rezan Omer, Dr. Nessrin Muha Al-Deen Abdul Rahman and Dr. Sherko Ali Mohammed and many other academics at the University of Sulaimania, Dr. Ali Al-Mousawy - University of Baghdad - College of Science - Department of Biology, Dr. Nadia Al-Mudahfar at the Marine Science Center of Basra. A special thanks to Dr. Mofak Sleman Beh Rawa, Dr. Ezat Yossef Al-Nakshandi, Dr. Delshad Abdul Rahman Mohammed, Dr. Fadel Rashed Mohammed and Dr. Mohammed Yones Fatah at the University of Dohuk. A special thanks to Dr. Naser Abdulsahib Obaid Al-Jamali - Karbala University - Dean Assistant for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hameed Abed Khashan Al-Farttoosi; Mr. Jafar Musa Saleh Al-Garawy - Karbala University - College of Agriculture. Dr. Ahmed Mehmood Abdul-Lattif - Karbala University - Dean of college of Science, Dr. Najeh Hashem Kadhem, Hassan Jameel Jawad Al-Fatlawee, Bahaa Ahmed Hassan - Karbala University - College of Science - Department of Biology. Mrs. Sahera Khalel, Mr.Abas Abdul Safeh - the directorates of Al- Qadisyia , and to Mr. Hader Mashkor and Mr. Raad Kadem Al –Asadi - he university of Al –Qadisyia. Our deep gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Kasim Kadhim Alasedi, Dr. Sadiq Kadhum Al-Zurfi, Mohammed Jawad Salih Al-Haydarey, Dr. Nihad Habib Mudlik Al-Azi ja , M s. A a a Ali Tes a Al-Kufa University - College of Science - Department of Environment. Dr. Arshad Nori Al-Dujaili, Dr. Saleem Khdaer Abid Al-Abas Al-Hadrawy Al-Kufa University - College of Science - Department of Biology. Dr. Alaa Eadan Hasan, Dr. Karim M. Bhiah - Al-Kufa University - College of Agriculture. Grateful thanks to Dr. Haytham Mouhammed Hamadi Mutlik, Dr. Sabah Naife, Dr. Aliaa Hussein Mizhir Al-Amiry, Dr. Ruqayah Al-Nnomani, Dr. Thaer Mahmood Taha Al-Rubaye - Al-Kufa University College of Education for Girls - Department of Biology. Dr. Abdulkareem Al-Bermani - Babylon University - College of Science. A special thanks to all those who assisted and provided us with the information from international sources and organizations including: - Philip Bubb/ Senior programmers officer/ ecosystem assessment program/ WCMC - Benjamin Skolinik/ Alliance for Zero Extinction Coordinator/ American Bird Conservancy - Tim Hirsch/ Deputy Director and Head of Participation Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Secretariat - Sarah Brooks/ Assistant Capacity Building/ World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 6 - Allessandro Galli/ Ph.D Senior Scientist and Director/ Mediterranean- MENA Program Global Footprint Network Shyama Pagad/ Program Manager/ Invasive species Information Management / University of Auckland and Programe officer IUCN Invasive species list Group Anna Drustschinin / Junior Policy Analyst, Environment and Development Co-operation Directorate Jaime Garcia Moreno/ Ph.D Conservation and Partnership Director/ Amphibian Survival Alliance 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 7 TABLE OF CONTENT FOREWORD BY THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT OF IRAQ .................................................................. 3 PREFACE BY THE TECHNICAL ADVISOR OF MOEI – CBD NATIONAL FOCAL POINT ................................ 4 ACKNOLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................................................ 6 PREAMBLE: THE FOURTH NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY REPORT IN IRAQ ................................................. 12 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... 15 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.......................................................................................................................... 17 PART I - AN UPDATE ON BIODIVERSITY STATUS, TRENDS, AND THREATS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HUMAN WELL-BEING ........................................................................................................................... 24 1. Importance of Biodiversity in Iraq ....................................................................................... 25 1.1. Main eco-regions of Iraq .................................................................................................. 27 1.1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 1.3.1. 1.4. Marine ecosystems .................................................................................................................. 29 Agrobiodiversity ............................................................................................................... 30 Biodiversity status ............................................................................................................ 30 New information ...................................................................................................................... 30 Indicators and trends about biodiversity in Iraq .............................................................. 45 1.4.1. Indicator 1 ................................................................................................................................ 45 NUMBER OF GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES (IUCN) per TERRESTRIAL HABITAT IDENTIFIED. ............... 45 1.4.2. Indicators for threatened freshwater and marine fishes ......................................................... 47 1.4.3. Indicator 2 ................................................................................................................................ 48 OCCURRENCE STATUS OF IRAQI FRESHWATER FISH ................................................................................. 48 1.4.4. Indicator 3 ................................................................................................................................ 49 CONSERVATION STATUS OF IRAQI FRESHWATER FISH .............................................................................. 49 1.4.5. Indicator 4 ................................................................................................................................ 50 ABUNDANCE OF SENSITIVE NATIVE SPECIES IN SHATT AL-ARAB DURING THE PERIOD 1982-2008 .......... 50 1.4.6. Indicator 5 ................................................................................................................................ 52 THREAT STATUS OF MARINE FISH OF IRAQ ............................................................................................... 52 1.4.7. Indicator 6 ................................................................................................................................ 54 BREEDING BIRDS OF IRAQ .......................................................................................................................... 54 1.4.8. Indicator 7 ................................................................................................................................ 55 THE STATUS OF THE IRAQI ENDEMIC SPECIES ........................................................................................... 55 2. Major Changes Have Taken Place in the Status and Trends of Biodiversity in Iraq ................. 57 2.1. Desertification .................................................................................................................. 57 2.1.1. Indicator 8 ................................................................................................................................ 57 TOTAL AMOUNT OF DESERTIFIED LAND AND LANDS UNDER DESERTIFICATION THREAT OF IRAQ .......... 57 2.1.2. Indicator 9 ................................................................................................................................ 58 DESERTIFICATION TYPES THAT AFFECT IRAQI LAND .................................................................................. 58 2.2. Indicators of Changes in Land cover and land use ........................................................... 58 2.2.1. Indicator 10 .............................................................................................................................. 59 LAND USE OF IRAQ IN 2005 ....................................................................................................................... 59 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 8 2.2.2. Indicator 11 .............................................................................................................................. 59 DEFORESTATION ........................................................................................................................................ 59 2.3. Ecological footprint........................................................................................................... 60 2.3.1. Indicator 12 .............................................................................................................................. 62 ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF IRAQ ............................................................................................................. 62 3. The Main Threats to Biodiversity ......................................................................................... 64 3.1. Land Mines ....................................................................................................................... 64 3.1.1. Indicator 13 .............................................................................................................................. 65 MINE FIELD SURFACE PER GOVERNORATE ................................................................................................ 65 3.1.2. Indicator 14 .............................................................................................................................. 66 DEMINING SURFACE IN SOME GOVERNORATES ....................................................................................... 66 3.2. 3.3. 3.3.1. 3.3.2. 3.4. Hunting and Trading ......................................................................................................... 66 Alien species ..................................................................................................................... 71 Alien species in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environment: .......................................... 71 Invasive species in Shatt al Arab: ............................................................................................. 72 KBA threats assessment ................................................................................................... 72 3.4.1. Indicator 15 .............................................................................................................................. 75 THREATS IDENTIFIED IN KBA AREAS .......................................................................................................... 75 4. The Impacts of the Changes in Biodiversity for Ecosystem Services and the Socioeconomic and Cultural Implications of These Impacts ....................................................................................... 80 4.1. Soil quality ........................................................................................................................ 80 4.1.1. Indicator 16 .............................................................................................................................. 81 FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION (% OF FERTILIZER PRODUCTION) ................................................................... 81 4.1.2. Indicator 17 .............................................................................................................................. 82 FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION (KILOGRAMS PER HECTARE OF ARABLE LAND) ............................................. 82 4.1.3. Indicator 18 .............................................................................................................................. 83 USE OF PESTICIDES AND HERBICIDES IN IRAQ (LITER) ............................................................................... 83 4.2. Socio economic activities.................................................................................................. 84 4.2.1. Cultural Heritage and Socio-economic activities based on natural resources ......................... 84 4.2.2. Fisheries ................................................................................................................................... 86 4.2.3. Indicator 17 .............................................................................................................................. 87 ANNUAL FISH CATCH OF FRESHWATER AND MARINE RESOURCES........................................................... 87 4.2.4. Livestock breeding .................................................................................................................... 87 4.2.5. Indicator 18 .............................................................................................................................. 88 IRAQ LIVESTOCK ESTIMATE 2006-2009 (MILLION HEADS) ........................................................................ 88 4.2.6. Forestry .................................................................................................................................... 89 PART II - THE NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN (NBSAP), ITS IMPLEMENTATION, AND THE MAINSTREAMING OF BIODIVERSITY..................................................... 90 5. The Biodiversity Targets in Iraq ........................................................................................... 91 6. Biodiversity indicators to monitor progress in the implementation of the NBSAP ................. 96 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 9 7. Successful stories to implement the Convention in Iraq ....................................................... 99 8. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to incorporate Biodiversity Targets and to Mainstream Biodiversity .......................................................................................................... 100 9. Actions taken to implement the CBD Convention since the 4th National Report and outcomes of these actions ....................................................................................................................... 111 9.1. NBSAP and related activities .......................................................................................... 111 9.1.1. 9.2. 9.2.1. 9.3. 9.3.1. Outcomes of the first steps of the NBSAP .............................................................................. 111 National Environmental Strategy and Action Plan of Iraq (2013-2017) (NESAP) ........... 111 Outcomes of the NESAP ......................................................................................................... 111 GEF Project: Initial steps for the Establishment of the National Protected Areas Network 112 Outcomes of the initial steps for the establishment of the National Protected Areas Network 112 9.4. Draft list of proposed protected areas (under the umbrella of the PoWPA programme of the Convention) .............................................................................................................................. 112 9.4.1. 9.5. 9.6. 9.7. Outcomes of the Protected Areas Draft Document ............................................................... 112 Legislation on PAs ........................................................................................................... 112 National park declaration ............................................................................................... 113 World Heritage ............................................................................................................... 114 9.7.1. The o i atio file the a shes of southe I a : a efuge of iodi e sit a d e ide e of the cities of Mesopotamia civilization" .................................................................................................... 114 9.8. 9.8.1. 9.9. 9.9.1. 9.10. 9.11. KBA book publication ..................................................................................................... 116 Outcomes of the KBA inventory and its publication .............................................................. 116 CITES ............................................................................................................................... 116 Outcomes of the initial steps for implementing CITES in Iraq. ............................................... 116 CMS ................................................................................................................................. 116 AEWA .............................................................................................................................. 117 10. Mainstreaming of Biodiversity into Relevant Sectoral and Cross-sectoral Strategies, Plans and Programmes ............................................................................................................................ 118 10.1. National Environmental Strategy and action plan for Iraq (2013-2017) ........................ 118 10.2. National development plan (2010-2014) ....................................................................... 119 10.3. National Strategy on higher education .......................................................................... 119 10.4. Poverty Reduction Strategy ............................................................................................ 119 10.5. Energy strategy: .............................................................................................................. 120 10.6. The Strategy on Water and Land Resources of Iraq (SWLRI) ......................................... 121 PART III - PROGRESS TOWARDS THE 2020 AICHI BIODIVERSITY TARGETS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE RELEVANT 2015 TARGETS OF THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS .................................. 123 11. Progress made by Iraq towards the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets ............................................................................. 124 11.1. The action Planning Workshop for the NBSAP ............................................................... 126 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 10 12. The contribution of actions to implement the CBD Convention towards the achievement of relevant 2015 Targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Iraq............................. 129 13. Lessons learned in the Implementation of the CBD Convention in Iraq ............................... 130 14. Conclusions and Gap assessment ...................................................................................... 131 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................... 135 ANNEX 1: INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTY .................................................................................... 141 ANNEX 2: PICTURES OF TYPICAL SPECIES OF MAIN ECOREGIONS/ECOSYSTEMS OF IRAQ ................ 142 ANNEX 3: THE PROCESS OF PREPARING THE 5TH NATIONAL REPORT AND ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION .................................................................................................................................... 145 ANNEX 4: INVASIVE AND ALIEN SPECIES OF IRAQ .............................................................................. 156 ANNEX 5: LIST OF BIODIVERSITY-RELATED PROJECTS, PLANS AND STRATEGIES ............................... 165 ANNEX 6: A NEW REFERENCE DOCUMENT FOR THE CHECKLIST OF ALGAE OF IRAQ ........................ 169 ANNEX 7: PROGRESS IN ACHIEVING THE AICHI TARGETS .................................................................. 170 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 11 PREAMBLE: THE FOURTH NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY REPORT IN IRAQ In a letter to his Excellency the Minister of Environment on 27th November 2013, the Executive Secretary of CBD praised Iraq's accession to the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2009. He regarded the steps being taken by the national team to fully implement the different measures adopted by successive meetings of the Conference of the Parties, as a testimony of Iraq's commitment to protect its Biodiversity. He considered the multiple efforts made by the Ministry of Environment in Iraq on Biodiversity conservation and its sustainable use as true examples of progress being made towards the overall goals of the Strategic Plan of Biodiversity 2011-2020 and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets in Iraq. Indeed, one of the major steps taken by the Mi ist of E i o e t as pa t of I a s obligations as a Party to the Convention and towards implementation of its goals regarding Biodiversity protection was the timely submission to the CBD Secretariat of an important document; the - First for Iraq (namely the Fourth) Iraqi National Report on Biodiversity. This document which was published in 2010 came out as a response to Article 26 of the Convention on Biodiversity which requires regular reporting by country members. Although Iraq was then a new party to the Co e tio a d this as the ou t s first report to the Secretariat, the CBD's guidelines for the Fourth National Report were used in its preparation. The report examined the status of biodiversity within Iraq and laid the groundwork for 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity development of a national biodiversity strategy and action plan (NBSAP) to protect the diverse and vital species and ecosystems of Iraq. The information contained in the report was seen by many specialist and decision makers as first most collective and complete compilation ever issued regarding Biodiversity in Iraq. Despite the fact that not all of the content suggested in the guidelines for the Fourth National Report were covered, the IV National Report offered vital information and established significant baseline data. Also the report presented an elaborated initial set of indicators for biodiversity for assessing gaps in information. Iraq is now (March 2014; time of writing up the V National Report) half way through developing its first National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NSBAP). To serve this assignment, the 4th National Report proved to be valuable source of information and provided a preliminary evaluation of priorities, so highlighting the pathway ahead to the creation of Iraq's first NBSAP. The 4th National Report consisted of four main and one conclusive chapter. Chapter I presented an Overview of the Biodiversity Status in Iraq which described the Biological Diversity, Ecosystems and the Importance of Species Biodiversity in Iraq. It also described the challenges and threats for Biodiversity Protection in Iraq. These included desiccation of the southern marshes in the 1990s and changes in land management of the desert and steppe regions which caused increased rate of dust storm frequency and March 2014 Page 12 desertification. Other threats include climate change, invasive species, over exploitation of resources and nutrients and industrial pollution; development and oil exploration. The account also proposed initial Indicators for Status and Pressures on Biodiversity in Iraq as part of the Pressure-State-Response Model used for tracking changes over time. In Chapter II, some general objectives and main policy goals for the Iraqi NBSAP were defined and the obstacles that need to be overcome in order to develop the Iraqi NBSAP were identified. However, it was suggested that these objectives and goals need to be shared with other stakeholders and somehow integrated into a global approach. It was clearly indicated that 81% of the globally i po ta t, e ologi al egio Tig is a d Euph ates allu ial salt a sh is o tai ed within the borders of Iraq and priority will surely be given to "marshland protection and restoration". One of these most globally important activities was the creation of the Mesopotamian Marshlands National Park as a joint venture between the MOE and the Italian Ministry of Environment Land and Sea (IMELS), the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources (MOWR), the Iraqi Ministry of Municipalities and Public Works (MOMPW), and Nature Iraq organization (NI). Another important activity was the designation of Hawizeh Marsh as a Ramsar wetland of international importance by the New Eden Group initiatives. However, considerable obstacles for implementation and challenges for future development have been also identified. These concerned stakeholders involvement, jurisdictional disputes, lack of legislation, difficulties in the legislative process, difficulty in raising 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity awareness, funding availability, capacity building, and security constraints. It was stated that there is urgent need for global involvement and commitment in order to overcome these obstacles. Regarding the process of mainstreaming Biodiversity issues the report drew attention to the attempts to bring the biodiversity discussion into a broader institutional, private and public context. It appeared that there are still many remaining steps to take to begin the basics of mainstreaming. The absence of biodiversity concerns in broader national policies was discussed in Chapter III. This was identified regarding poverty reduction and economic planning. It was mentioned that Biodiversity issues were addressed in a broader context only by few institutions in Iraq which again raises deep concerns about the necessity of the mainstreaming process. For a global context of analysis, a preliminary assessment of the overall biodiversity status in Iraq was identified for each focal area of the Convention. These included Agricultural biodiversity; Dry and sub-humid lands biodiversity; Forest biodiversity; Marine and coastal biodiversity. It was clear that out of the 21 targets of the 2010 biodiversity goals, Iraq has progressed in only 5: Target 1.1 (at least 10% of each of the world's ecological regions effectively conserved); Target 1.2 (areas of particular importance to biodiversity protected); Target 6. 2 (management plans in place for major alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species); Target 7.2 (reduce pollution and its impacts on biodiversity); Target 11.2 (Technology is March 2014 Page 13 transferred to developing country Parties, to allow for the effective implementation of their commitments under the Convention, in accordance with its Article 20, paragraph 4). It was evident from the 4th National Report and the analysis it offered that the CBD Convention was still poorly implemented in Iraq and that the first big challenge for Iraq appears to be the collection of information, stakeholder involvement and the implementation of an effective NBSAP. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 14 INTRODUCTION The Ministry of Environment's work plan for building the National Biodversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) project is still ongoing, and it is by now well underway and developed. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan are major parts of the totally new implementation process of the Convention on Biological Diversity for Iraq, and for which it has received funding through the GEF financial mechanism for the enabling a ti it p oje t First NBSAP for Iraq and Development of Fifth National Report to the CBD . Withi this o te t, the Iraqi Ministry of Environment with the support of UNEPROWA and the GEF, has organized four events to gather all the stakeholders that will be involved in adopting and implementing or giving technical advice for the NBSAP. On the other hand and according to the fifth component of the project detailed plan, approved by the GEF, and to the specific guidelines issued by the CBD Secretariat, timeline was set for the country to develop and submit its Fifth National Report on Biodiversity. Proudly presented in this volume, the report is considered a milestone in the long, complex process that will hopefully in the end lead to preserving biodiversity of the country. The Fifth National Report on Biodiversity is basically prepared by the PMU (Project Management Unit) but the information contained were extracted from original sources of scientific information and the results of numerous papers and publications issued by huge number of national and 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity foreign authors and institutions which all dealt with biodiversity issues in general. Issues related to biodiversity in Iraq however are so wide and complex, because of the traditional knowledge practices related to biodiversity and its utilization having a particular significance in the Iraqi context. These issues were well known since the very old times, probably more than 3000 years ago. Historical evidence documented how the Sumerian civilization described the use of many medicinal herbs, which then have been inherited by the Babylonians and Assyrians. Today the use and applications of biodiversity resources and knowledge could be even greater and more applied especially with the global assistance provided by agencies such as UNEP and GEF for enabling activities regarding biodiversity enhancements and achievements. For these reasons the Fifth National Report comes at a time during which the action plan up to 2020 is being developed and for which the Fifth Report will serve as a valuable source of information identifying and updating gaps, research needs, and relevant causes of threats. The present Fifth National Report on Biodiversity is comprised of three major parts, concluding remarks and seven annexes: Part one of the report presents updated information on biodiversity status, trends, and threats and implications for human wellbeing. It emphasized the Importance of Biodiversity in Iraq, the major changes that have taken place regarding the status and trends of biodiversity in Iraq. It also refers to the main threats to biodiversity and the March 2014 Page 15 Impacts of the changes in biodiversity for ecosystem services and the socio-economic and cultural implications of these impacts. In part two the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), its implementation, and mainstreaming of biodiversity are discussed. This includes the biodiversity targets in Iraq, biodiversity indicators to monitor progress in the implementation of the NBSAP which are highlighted and discussed. Also, the actions taken to implement the CBD Convention since the 4th National Report are explored together with the outcomes of these actions, the mainstreaming of biodiversity into relevant sectors and cross-sectoral strategies, plans and programmes. Additional information were included in the seven annexes attached to the report and in particular: information about the Party, pictures of relevant species and ecosystems of Iraq; the process of preparing the 5th National Report and additional sources of information, invasive and alien species of Iraq, list of biodiversity-related projects, plans and strategies, a lists of Algae and Fungi in Iraq, and the Progress in Achieving the Aichi biodiversity Targets. Part three describes the progress made towards the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the contributions to the relevant 2015 Targets of the Millennium Development Goals. This part includes progress made by Iraq towards the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets, the contribution of actions to implement the CBD Convention towards the achievement of relevant 2015 targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Iraq, and a short view about the lessons learned in the implementation of the CBD Convention in Iraq. This Chapter/section further presents a gap assessment towards the Strategic Plan of the Convention and the achievement of the Aichi Targets with a list of suggestions and requirements for the coming period. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 16 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The conservation of biodiversity in Iraq is becoming an important national issue. Natural resources must be preserved from being depleted; as this in turn will affect the ecological, economical, cultural, and social aspe ts of people s life. The e terpiece of the natural resource wealth of Iraq is the highly diverse and sometimes unique habitats and species. Biodiversity provides many important services to the nation. Foremost provision is that of food resources, materials for rural buildings, and also raw materials for industrial activities and pharmaceutical products. Other important services provided by biodiversity for national as well as global benefits are climate change and desertification mitigation and carbon sequestration. Biodiversity is also an essential component of human well-being in Iraq with a particular reference to the tribal communities where biodiversity plays a role in the ethical, religious and social values. As a matter of fact, however, the flora and fauna of Iraq are experiencing sharp decline from the levels that existed even a few decades ago because of various reasons, that will be further mentioned and explored in the below paragraphs. The importance of preserving the Iraqi natural habitats stretches beyond the national boundaries and reaches the global dimension. As a result of an Iraqi Ministry of Environment initiative with the logistical and financial 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity support of GEF and UNEP, the enabling a ti it p oje t Fi st NB“AP fo I a a d Development of Fifth National Report to the CBD has ee i itiated as of No e e . The process of drafting the Strategy is ongoing, and has so far succeeded, In particular, in stakeholders' involvement with biodiversity issues. This has been achieved by a number of workshops and meetings that have been organized under Step 3 of the cyclical process of building/updating the NBSAP. The consultation meetings have led to the identification of the Iraqi national priorities and targets concerning biodiversity. Iraq has set its national targets, within the framework of the Aichi Biodiversity strategic Goals and Targets: Iraqi Target 1: By 2020, 25% of urban and rural people have awareness of the status of biodiversity, its benefits for people, the pressures that affect it, and the actions they can take for its conservation and sustainable use (Aichi Target 1, Goal A). Iraqi Target 2 By 2020, 50% of policy makers and planners have awareness of the status of biodiversity, its benefits for people, the pressures that affect it, and the actions they can take for its conservation and sustainable use (Aichi Target 1, Goal A). Iraqi Target 3 By the end of 2015 a national survey of tools used for public awareness of biodiversity is completed (Aichi Target 1, Goal A). March 2014 Page 17 Iraqi Target 4 By 2020 the use of tools (films, publications, educational programmes, guidance materials, and training) for raising awareness of biodiversity is improved with locally defined, area based and targeted awareness programs (e.g. governorate level) (Aichi Target 1, Goal A). Iraqi Target 5 sustainable management, restoration and conservation. (Aichi Target 5, Goal B). Iraqi Target 9 By the end of 2020, about 1,000 square km of desertified shrub land and grassland is restored (Aichi Target 5, Goal B). Iraqi Target 10 By the end of 2020 a GIS database of the extent, condition (i.e. healthy or degraded) and protection status of the natural (not altered by human intervention), semi-natural and human modified habitats of Iraq has been developed (Aichi Target 5, Goal B). By end of 2016 a national monitoring programme is established for identification of the main sources and diffusion paths of chemical and physical pollutants in the natural ecosystems and the effects of pollution on natural ecosystems (Aichi Target 8, Goal B). Iraqi Target 6 Iraqi Target 11 By the end of 2020 the reasons for loss and degradation (i.e. the species that used to be present in that habitat are not there anymore, and the services that the people expected or used are reduced or absent) of each of the natural (not altered by human intervention), semi-natural and human modified habitats of Iraq have been identified to inform conservation actions. (Aichi Target 5, Goal B). By the end of 2018 environmental standards are issued and enforced for prevention and control of priority pollutants in the natural ecosystems (not altered by human intervention). (Aichi Target 8, Goal B). Iraqi Target 12 By the end of 2014 a decree is issued for the establishment of protected areas in Iraq (Aichi Target 11, Goal C). Iraqi Target 7 Iraqi Target 13 By the end of 2015 the main pressures on forest ecosystems are identified and studied (Aichi Target 5, Goal B). By the end of 2014 at least three training workshops on PA management have been conducted (Aichi Target 11, Goal C). Iraqi Target 8 Iraqi Target 14 By the end of 2020 legislation to address the main pressures on forest ecosystems and native forest species is issued, promoting 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity By the end of 2015 a study and GIS maps of the most sensitive habitats (i.e. under high level of threats and containing high numbers March 2014 Page 18 of globally threatened species) have been developed. (Aichi Target 11, Goal C). Iraqi Target 15 15. By the end of 2020 ten new Protected Areas have been gazetted and established (Aichi Target 11, Goal C). Iraqi Target 16 By the end of 2016 a national assessment is published of the state of provisioning, regulating and cultural services supplied by natural ecosystems and their importance for rural and urban people and on management options to be developed for the sustainable supply of ecosystem services (Aichi Target 14, Goal D). Iraqi Target 17 By the end of 2018 a national strategy/subnational strategies are established for the sustainable management of ecosystems to supply important ecosystem services for rural and urban people (Aichi Target 14, Goal D). Iraqi Target 18 By the end of 2016 legislation is enacted to control the introduction and diffusion of nonnative species into the natural environment (Aichi Target 9, Goal B). Iraqi Target 19 By the end of 2020 the list of invasive species of Iraq and their impacts and invasion pathways has been published. (Aichi Target 9, Goal B). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Iraqi Target 20 By the end of 2020 the list of threatened species of Iraq has been published and an action plan for the conservation of priority species is produced (Target 12, Goal C). Iraqi Target 21 By 2020 legislation for the conservation of threatened species is issued and enforced (Target 12, Goal C). Iraqi Target 22 By the end of 2020 a survey of indigenous and local communities' traditional knowledge, use and practices relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is published. (Aichi Target 18, Goal E). Iraqi Target 23 By 2016 a Resource Mobilization Plan for implementation of the NBSAP is established and implemented (Aichi Target 20, Goal E). Iraq has no previous NBSAP in place, and no previous experience in its development under global guidelines. However, the National Environmental Strategy and Action Plan of Iraq (2013-2017) (NESAP) has been issued in June 2013 by the Iraqi Ministry of Environment with the support of UNEP and UNDP. The document addresses all environmental issues and concerns in Iraq and provides for actions and objectives within the time frame set. Many issues raised in the NESAP are crosscutting and addressing biodiversity concerns and issues that will be covered and developed also in the NBSAP of Iraq. March 2014 Page 19 10 strategic objectives have been set in the strategy; for each of them various indicators and projects have been defined. The strategy has been spread and divulgated at all institutional levels and some of the projects identified are on-going. The year 2010 was an important year for Iraq; in this year the first Report about the status and the future perspectives on biodiversity of the country was produced. The issuance of this report, initiated the process of reporting and complying with the obligations of the Convention that is on-going and working. The process of spreading biodiversity messages and background among people and policy makers in Iraq is very difficult and complex, due to a serious lack of environmental awareness at all levels. However, and considering the major lack of: awareness, financial resources, security, coordination and cooperation among institutions, significant progress has been achieved by Iraq in the last 4 years towards major issues of the CBD Convention. For biodiversity to become a top priority nationally, its relevance to livelihoods, poverty and national development needs to be highlighted. On the national level, Iraq can accomplish this through incorporating biodiversity-relevant issues into all the national strategies that have or might have cross-cutting issues with biodiversity, such as: the National Environmental Strategy and action plan for Iraq (2013-2017), the National development plan (2010-2014), the Higher education strategy, the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Health Strategy, the Energy 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Strategy(INES), the Water and Land Resources Strategy (SWRLI), that might contribute in supporting and improving the quality of life and biodiversity as well as ecosystems protection and restoration. The NESAP cross cuts the Biodiversity strategy in a number of issues; in protecting and improving water quality; control of land degradation and combating desertification; maintain marine and coastal environment; protection and sustainable use of biodiversity; reduction of oil pollution, radioactive contamination and integrated management of hazardous chemicals. The National development plan (2010-2014) strategy cross-cuts biodiversity issues in the following points: agriculture and water resources; poverty alleviation and the national efforts to achieve the millennium development goals. The National Strategy on higher education refers to 'sustainable development in Iraq', with a view to develop the capacity of scientific community in this field. The biodiversity-poverty relationship is complex; it is a multi-domain (ecological, social and economic), multi-scale and multiactor issue. In its Goal 7 of the millennium development goals (MDGs), a target to e e se the loss of e i o e tal esou es is included. The Integrated National Energy Strategy for 2013-2030 (INES) was adopted by the Iraqi Council of Ministers in April 2013. Its vision is to develop the Energy Sector in a coherent, sustainable and environment-friendly manner March 2014 Page 20 to meet domestic needs, foster the growth of a diversified national economy, improve the standards of living of Iraqi citizens, create employment, and position Iraq as a major player in the regional and global energy markets . I the INE“ the e is o spe ifi outline of biodiversity conservation objectives, but the importance of environmental sustainability is clearly acknowledged in the outline of strategic objectives and development of the INES Plan. The objective of The Strategy on Water and Land Resources of Iraq (SWLRI) project (started in 2010) is to define the strategy and the related investment plan that will guide the sustainable management and development of the water and land resources of Iraq for the next twenty-five years. As of December 2013, the SWRLI project has entered the strategic planning phase. This phase basically entails two different components: the definition of the strategic guidelines for the sectors involved in the national water resources master plan (the strategic guidelines of some of the key sectors are being discussed and shared with the Iraqi decision makers and stakeholders in a number of high level meetings) and the implementation of different planning scenarios to define the opportunities, prioritization and the related investment plan. The key sectors, for which the SWLRI national water resources master plan will provide the strategic guidelines, are many among those are the management of environmentally sensitive areas including the unique Mesopotamian marshes, the marshland 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity restoration, water and environmental policies, the desertification issue and the rangelands management. Though the Iraqi membership in the Convention on Biological Diversity is relatively recent (2009), within the framework of the Strategic Plan 2010-2020 and the Aichi Targets some actions and important achievements have been already achieved or initiated, these included: - - - - March 2014 under (Aichi Target 1) awareness raising activities such as media conferences and communications, workshops, bilateral meetings, with various institutional bodies involved in biodiversity issues; under (Aichi Target 2) a poverty reduction Strategy has been produced and approved in Iraq which recognized the relationship between poverty and biodiversity as a mean to alleviate problems and economic difficulties especially of rural areas populations; under (Aichi Target 11) the establishment and wise management of protected areas by the issuance of national legislation on protected areas; the establishment of the first National Park of Iraq (the Mesopotamia marshland National Park); the starting up of a GEF funded project to establish the National Network of Protected Areas and other protected areas related awareness activities; under (Aichi Target 17) the drafting and bringing up to the attention of Page 21 - high level institutional bodies for information and subsequent approval of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan of Iraq; under (Aichi Target 1; Target 19) various initiatives, research, trainings, projects from various national and international bodies (universities, research institutions, NGOs, joint ventures, private companies, and cooperation mechanisms) are contributing to gain insight into specific themes and issues concerning the environment and biodiversity. The results of these studies and researches, with the aid of the web, various on-line datasets, and the international platforms made available by the CBD and the BIP Partnership, and efforts of the Ministry of Environment, are becoming more widespread and known to the national and international community. Within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Iraq, the Ministry of Planning with support of UNDP has produced a recent (2013) update of the country progress towards the achievement of the MDGs with target year 2015. The main issues that are cross-cutting biodiversity themes are related to Goal 1 eradi ate extreme hunger and poverty a d to Goal e sure e viro e tal sustai a ility . Biodiversity can clearly contribute to alleviate or eradicate poverty, especially in rural areas, by supporting with fundamental ecosystem functions and services, the needs of food, 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity plants and genetic material that can be of particular relevance to local rural population and that can consistently contribute to supply the basic livelihoods. The launching of the rural economies based on the sustainable use of natural resources is maybe present in Iraq as some sporadic experiments. Iraqi Target 17 (sustainable management of ecosystems) and 22 (traditional knowledge) are combining two essential elements that can, in the mediumlong term partially contribute to the poverty alleviation in rural areas, thereby using the traditional knowledge of local tribes and ethnic groups to sustainably manage natural ecosystems and to receive from them all the necessary livelihoods. With reference to Goal 7 of the MDGs this is related with water quality and the improvement of water sources and their accessibility to population. This goal cross-cut the already mentioned SWLRI Strategy for Iraq that is on-going and that will provide a comprehensive plan for water resource management nationally. As biodiversity is concerned of course this important issue will also have its direct consequences on the aquatic ecosystems (rivers, marshlands, marine environment) thereby improving possibly the overall quality of waters. On the other hand also the terrestrial ecosystems will be affected by the strategic actions and establishments of the SWRLI Strategy by, for instance providing for the irrigation schemes that would turn natural habitats into agricultural land. The implementation of the CBD Convention in Iraq is just started. The application of the global guidelines of the Secretariat has shed March 2014 Page 22 light on the various aspects of building a strategy. However, this process served as an important lesson that can be very useful for future biodiversity actions. In particular, the recent consultations that have been carried out by the Ministry of Environment for the preparation of the NBSAP and for the national target setting were seen as very useful practices aiming at involving all stakeholders. the Ministry of Environment is currently improving and building the capacity of its staff in many biodiversity-related fields, in order to be able in the short-term time horizon to completely fulfill its many and new obligations under all the MEAs to which the country is signatory. Iraq has been for a long time isolated from any international exchange and communication, various wars and the following difficult periods that are still ongoing, are making it very hard and difficult to build a functioning communication network that will involve and reach all concerned stakeholders in a certain issues. Within this difficult context the consultation meetings that have been organized by the MoEI involving and bringing together different actors of the biodiversity world (from the high level institutional bodies, to the NGOs and the representatives of local communities) have proved to be a great success. The exchange and face-to face discussion has provided therefore both an opportunity of learning and getting to know new things and also the perfect occasion to spread awareness about biodiversity among crucial stakeholders for policy planning and mainstreaming issues. As a matter of fact, also the capacity of Iraqi staff is increasing and very good progress have been made in a number of subjects, one of the main being biodiversity. Through the capacity and financial support of UNEP, GEF and the CBD Secretariat, among the others, 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 23 Part I - An update on biodiversity status, trends, and threats and implications for human well-being 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 24 1. Importance of Biodiversity in Iraq According to the definition of the Convention on Biological diversity, the word 'biodiversity' efe s to the a ia ilit a o g li i g organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of e os ste s . Di e sit is a o ept hi h refers to the range of variation or differences among some set of entities; biological diversity thus refers to variety within the living world, including cultural heritage, traditions and historic values of human societies. The term 'biodiversity' is indeed commonly used to describe the number, variety and variability of living organisms. This very broad usage, embracing many different parameters, is essentially a synonym of 'Life on Earth'. It has become a widespread practice to define biodiversity in terms of genes, species and ecosystems, corresponding to three fundamental and hierarchically-related levels of biological organization. Discussion of global biodiversity is typically presented in terms of global numbers of species in different taxonomic groups. The conservation of biodiversity in Iraq is an important national issue to preserve the natural resources from being depleted; this in turn will affect the ecological, economical, cultural, a d so ial aspe ts of people s life. Biodiversity provides many service including food resources (fruits and vegetables crops, cattle, fishes and other freshwater and 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity seafood resources), materials for rural house building as in the marshland areas of southern Iraq, and also raw materials for industrial activities such as timber, medicinal plants for pharmaceutical products, fuel for energy and genetic material for a variety of purposes. Other services provided by biodiversity important at the national as well as at the global level are climate change and desertification mitigation and carbon sequestration. Tough comprehensive and documented evidence is missing; in Iraq both flora and fauna are experiencing a sharp decline from the levels that existed even a few decades ago. This deg adatio of I a s iodi e sit is due to a number of factors, including reduced flow and availability of surface water that comes to the country through neighbouring nations. While this water reduction may be to some extent due to climate change and drought conditions, it is clear that the main factor in the reduction of water entering Iraq from Turkey, Iran and Syria is due to water projects and dams built in these countries, in addition to national irrigation schemes and water diversion projects. Other factors that have led to the deterioration of freshwater environments and to the species decline are the lack of domestic and industrial wastewater treatment, or the lack of rules regulating in-stream gravel mining which can have adverse effects on water quality, biodiversity and aquifers, and also the wide, unregulated use of poisons and pesticides in fishing and farming. All these factors have affected the habitat of many species like fishes and other fresh water March 2014 Page 25 animals and plants and have also led to the disturbance and possibly of a decline in the migratory water bird species which used to rely on these areas at some crucial points of their lifecycle. The importance of preserving these habitats stretches therefore beyond the national boundaries and reaches the global dimension. civilization more than 3000 years ago. This is documented in the Sumerian clay tablets that describe the use of many medicinal herbs which then have been inherited by the Babylonians and Assyrians, during which times medicine flourished and the Babylonians doctors were requested by Egyptians to cure the rich people. Biodiversity is also an essential component of human well-being. In particular some cultural groups are intimately tied to their environment; as several tribes or ethnic groups are or were founded on an ecological intimacy with biodiversity. Biodiversity plays a role in the ethical, religious and social values of society. The marshes Arabs of Iraq have their own social and agricultural system dependent on their wetland home. Iraq is also traditionally known for its vast wealth of date palm trees so widely spread, especially in the southern parts of the country accounting for one of the most valued food item and for the magnificent variety of its dates. Many skilful scientists have left medical books dealing with medicinal plants and herbs; one of them being Ibn Al-Bitar (mid of the 12th century), author of a manuscript in which he described 1400 drugs and herbs and their uses and benefits for human health (Al-Rawi and Chakravarty, 2013). In Iraq the traditional knowledge related with biodiversity and its utilization has a particular significance in terms of the medicinal herbs and plants that have been used in our country since the very old times, due to the Sumerian 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity In particular the manuscript contains old recipes for herbs mixture still used till our present day such as Balangu Seeds (Lallemantia royleana) used as kidney disinfectant and for the treatment of back pain, and the bitter Apple (Citrullus colocynthis), whose seeds and fruit are used for the treatment of rheumatism and for regulating sugar level in blood (Al-Bayaty, 2011). March 2014 Page 26 Figure 1: Two sample pages from Ibn Al. Baytar manuscript Source: Suleymaniye Library, Ayasofya, MS 3748. Read: Nil Sari 1.1. Main eco-regions of Iraq Based on the relatively intensive surveys and research, in addition to the existing data on the local and global climate, it became possible to draw the map of the ecoregions of Iraq (Figure 2). According to this map, 11 different ecoregion were defined in Iraq, of which some are the key ecoregions that cover the majority of the country. The main ecoregions of Iraq have already been described in the 4th National Report; for this reason only updates, recent findings, species 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity discovery and/or pictures of key species of the various regions will be provided in the following and as Annex. Minor eco-regions of Iraq (because of the area they cover in the country) such as the Arabian Gulf eco-region will be shortly addressed. The maps below are showing the terrestrial and aquatic ecoregions of Iraq and the delineated Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) based on the Inventory of the KBAs of Iraq developed by the Ministry of Environment and Nature Iraq organization. March 2014 Page 27 Figure 2: Terrestrial and Aquatic Eco-regions of Iraq and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) Source: WWF and Nature Iraq 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 28 1.1.1.Marine ecosystems The Arabian Gulf Ecoregion, also known as the ROPME Sea Area, is surrounded by Iran to the north and east, the Arabian Peninsula to the south and west, and Iraq and Kuwait to the northwest where the waters of the Shatt Al Arab and Shatt Al Basrah/Khor Az Zubayr discharge into the Arabian Gulf. These waters represent some of the most important freshwater influences to the Arabian Gulf. Iraq has approximately 105 km of coastline and 716 km2 of territorial seas (Earth Trends Country Profile, 2003). The waters of the Arabian Gulf are high in salts due to high temperatures, low precipitations, and high evaporation. The Arabian Gulf floor is flat and made up of mostly soft sediments. Water quality in the Arabian Gulf has suffered as water quality in the feeding rivers has declined, particularly suffering from increased sedimentation from the drainage of the Iraqi marshlands in the 1990s. Coral reefs in the region, that were recently discovered, are under threat, and fisheries in the Arabian Gulf underwent a major decline that happened in coincidence with the drainage of the marshlands of southern Iraq. Several marine, endangered, and threatened turtle species have been reported in Iraqi marine waters, such as: the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta); Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas); Hawksbill Turtle subspecies (Eretmochelys imbricata bissa); Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea); and Leatherback Sea Turtle sub-species (Dermochelys coriacea schlegelii). Two sea snakes are also reported: Beaked sea snake/Hook-nosed sea snake (Enhydrina schistosa) and Graceful Small-headed Sea Snake/Slender Sea Snake (Microcephalophis gracilis). Several marine fish that utilize the freshwater ecoregion of Iraq have already been mentioned above: Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas); Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha); and Yellow-finned seabream (Acanthopagrus latus). But there are also other important marine species that occur in the marine waters in and near Iraq such as the Silver Pomfret (Zobaidy) (Pampus argenteus). Marine birds that are using the coastal flats and marine waters of Iraq include: Crab-Plover (Dromas ardeola) and Western Reef Heron (Egretta gularis). Figure 3: Western Reef Heron – A bird related to marine, tidal, and sub-tidal habitats Source: Mudhafar Salim 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 29 1.2. Agrobiodiversity Ag i ultu al iodiversity is a broad term that includes all components of biological diversity of relevance to food and agriculture, and all components of biological diversity that constitute the agricultural ecosystems, also named agro-ecosystems: the variety and variability of animals, plants and microorganisms, at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels, which are necessary to sustain key functions of the agro-ecosystem, its structure and processes (COP decision V/5, appe di . Agriculture biodiversity has an important role in human well being since centuries by providing food and the basic for livelihoods. Iraq depends on the national crops for providing food for the population and fodder for animals and to this purpose the conservation and improvement of the wild native crops plays an essential role. Besides the usual crop productions such as wheat, rice a d egeta les, I a a e o side ed the date pal ou t , apa t f o the o the part of the country, date palm trees used to grow everywhere. The date palm trees are concentrated in Basrah governorate were considered the largest date palm forest in the world. It was estimated that the number of date palm trees in this governorate exceeded 13 million and that they covered an area over 50 000 hectares (Jaradat 2003). Today and as a consequence of war and other causes these figures appear to be consistently reduced. However, FAO put Iraq sixth in the top 20 date palm producers list in 2011 with 619000 metric ton/year. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Date palm trees are know and cultivated in Iraq since very old times. The importance of date palm plantations to agro-biodiversity lies in the conservation and improvement of the many local races and cultivars that were historically used and selected in Iraq and the conservation of this important and unique genetic materials; also date palms are the essential vegetation element for oasis ecosystems, providing livelihoods for locals, barriers to sand storms and possibly the only desert tree that can be used for plantations in areas threatened with desertification. 1.3. Biodiversity status The biodiversity status will be assessed by referring to information present at eco-region level; by updating the available information with additional information obtained since the fourth national report; by using data collected from KBA program and specific target studies on some priority species for biodiversity conservation. 1.3.1.New information Comprehensive assessment of all Iraqi biodiversity components is still missing. However some progress has been achieved since the Fourth National Report has been published. To the general information at ecoregion level some insight research on specific ecosystems and species has been added up. Thanks to various projects carried out by various national and international institutions and to a better communication and organizational structure of the Ministry of Environment some reports, researches and scientific articles that covered various issues March 2014 Page 30 on biodiversity have become known and have been spread among relevant stakeholders. In particular some interesting information has been collected for the following ecosystems: - Forest habitat of Kurdistan/ North of Iraq Steppe habitat of central Iraq - Desert sandy habitat of central and southern Iraq Freshwater environment Marshlands of southern Iraq Marine environment The information of presented below these as features is info-boxes. HABITAT TYPE FOREST HABITAT OF KURDISTAN/ NORTH OF IRAQ WILD PEAR TREE: PYRUS PYRASTER This tree species typical of temperate-fresh climate zones of central Europe, can reach up altitudes of 1400 m in southern regions. It is important for providing the original genetic material for all cultivated races of pear-tree. Wild specimens of this tree are quite uncommon if not rare. The research was a taxonomic study for the species Pyrus pyraster that belong to the subfamily Pomoideae from the family Rosaceae which is growing widely in Iraqi Kurdistan. A wide field survey for the districts of Iraqi Kurdistan was done including Sulaymaniyah, Amadiyah, Erbil, and Rowanduz. The species Pyrus pyraster L.was recorded for the first time in Iraq from Iraqi Kurdistan. (Abdul- Razaq, 2013). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Pyrus pyraster flowers Pyrus pyraster fruits March 2014 Page 31 HABITAT TYPE FOREST HABITAT OF KURDISTAN/ NORTH OF IRAQ RAT SNAKE: ZAMENIS HOHENACKERI The Rat Snake, Zamenis hohenackeri (Strauch, 1873),was found at the foot of Hawraman Mountain and at Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan, which represents the first country record. The Racer subspecies Platyceps rhodorachis ladacensis was recorded for the first time in Iraq and the Montpellier Snake, Malpolon insignitus was found with a rare colour pattern. (Afrasiab and Mohamad, 2011). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Zamenis hohenackeri RAT SNAKE March 2014 Page 32 HABITAT TYPE FOREST HABITAT OF KURDISTAN/ NORTH OF IRAQ CHUKAR PARTRIDGE: ALECTORIS CHUKAR Chukar partridge Alectoris chukar (Gray, 1830) is the only species of the 46 species of the genus Alectoris to be found in Iraq. There are at least 14 known sub-species, two of them were known to be found in Iraq, Alectoris chukar Kurdestanica from Alpine biogeographical zone of altitude more than 2000 m high, and Alectoris chukar werae, from the foothills of altitude not more than 400m. In between these two regions, there is another biogeographical region known as the Iranoturanian zone 400-2000m high. In this region and in particular in the Sulaimaniyah province (Hawraman mountain) at the border with Iran, a new subspecies of Alectoris Chkar was discovered: Alectoris chukar asoica. The new subspecies differs from A.c. Kurdestanica and A.c. werae in voice, migration behavior, chick coloration, egg size and certain aspects of ecology. The taxonomic status of the new subspecies A. c. asoica has been discussed according to the most common and widely accepted species concept, biological species concept (BSC) and phylogenetic species concept (PSC). (Lahony and Al-Rawy, 2010). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Alectoris chukar kurdestanica Location where the new subspecies of Chukar Partridge was discovered, at the border with Iran March 2014 Page 33 HABITAT TYPE FOREST HABITAT OF KURDISTAN/ NORTH OF IRAQ KURDISTAN NEWT (NEURERGUS MICROSPILOTUS) AND LAKE URMIA NEWT (NEURERGUS CROCATUS): NEW EVIDENCE OF RANGE DISTRIBUTION Amphibians are very important species and they contribute to enhance the natural systems and human life in countless ways. They provide vital biomedicines, they provide for an essential step way in the food web, both by predating insects and contributing also to pest control and by providing themselves food for many vertebrate species. Amphibians’ thin skins help them drink and breathe, but also make them particularly susceptible to environmental contaminants, particularly agricultural, industrial, and pharmaceutical chemicals. For this reason, they are frequently used as environmental indicators (for wetland environments), since they are particularly sensitive to habitat fragmentation and modification, to pollution and to other factors causing their decline, as shown in Table. Newts and salamanders belong to the order Caudata of the Amphibian class; as such they are also important bio-indicators linked to wetland and stream environments. In Iraqi Kurdistan and Iran, in the range of the Zagros Mountains, two very important newt species of the genus Neurergus are to be found: the critically endangered Kurdistan newt (Neurergus microspilotus) and the vulnerable Lake Urmia newt (Neurergus crocatus). Surveys in the Kurdistan region of northeastern Iraq from 2007 to 2013 resulted in the discovery of N. microspilotus at seven new localities distributed in the Zagros Mountain of Sulaymaniya Province. The new locations provide a major range extension of N. microspilotus, also in comparison with the IUCN records of the amphibians’ database of 2009. In addition, four new localities of N. crocatus were identified between 2007 and 2013. (Al-Sheikhly et al., 2013), which also provide range extension for the IUCN distribution of the species as shown in the following map. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 34 Range extension for the two newt species: Kurdistan newt and Lake Urmia newt 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 35 Factors Changes in Biological Environment Changes in Physical Environment UV-B radiation Climate change Acid precipitation and soil Pesticide, Fertilizer and Chemical contamination Habitat modification, fragmentation Introduced species Disease Biological interaction Effect UV-B damages DNA and/or kills cells, causing egg mortality, lesions, and increased susceptibility to disease and low pH. The changes in the climate (due to global warming) can lead to decreased depth of pond water and increased intensity of UV-B radiation. This ultimately reduces the immune system of amphibians. Hence they will be more prone to diseases. Toxins create barriers to dispersal and cause high egg and larval mortality. Toxins cause direct mortality of eggs and adults, mimic endocrine hormones, reduce the prey Deforestation and agriculture; wetlands are drained and filled. Roads, introduced species, and low pH dissect habitats, creating barriers to dispersal. Introduced predators, prey on/or compete with native amphibians. Disease often causes death in amphibians; what made amphibians susceptible to disease is often unknown. Uphill migration of birds and lizards with rise in cloud cover elevation Source: http://ces.iisc.ernet.in/biodiversity/amphibians/ecological.htm 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 36 HABITAT TYPE DESERT SANDY HABITAT OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN IRAQ SAND CAT: FELIS MARGARITA The iraqi natural history museum, together with the university of baghdad and green university of alqassim, babylon province, has provided a first record of sand cat (felis margarita) from iraq. Two males and a female were found on january and november 2012, a living male and female from a desert area situated to the west of al-najaf city. Additionally a stuffed male collected in roughly the same area, in the al-jufaira oasis of the al-najaf desert, was also provided to the researchers. The collection sites are dominated by sandy soils and dunes with some compact inter-dune soil and widely distributed shrubs. No other records from iraq have been registered so far. The species is listed by iucn (2013) as “Near Threatened”. According to interviews with bedouins in the general area from which the sand cats were originally captured, they are rarely seen in the al najaf desert. As sand cats are known to favor sandy desert areas, their presence is expected in the western and southern desert districts west of the euphrates river to the borders with jordan, kuwait, saudi arabia and syria. The al-najaf desert area where the sand cats were collected is prone to environmental pressure such as degradation of desert ecosystems by human settlement and activity, competition for food through introduction of dogs and cats, and through predation and disease transmission. These constitute direct conservation problems for the sand cat and for its declining small mammal prey base. (Mohammed, Lahoney and Al-Rammahi, 2013). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Sand Cat in natural environment Captured Sand Cat in January-November 2012 Stuffed male Sand Cat Page 37 HABITAT TYPE FRESHWATER ENVIRONMENT IRAQI ENDEMIC CAVE FISH: TYPHLOGARRA WIDDOWSONI AND CAECOCYPRIS BASIMI The Sheik Hadid Shrine is a sinkhole near Haditha town, located on the western bank of the Euphrates River in Anbar province. This place holds two endemic species of troglomorphic cyprinids, Typhlogarra widdowsoni and Caecocypris basimi. The Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries in Berlin and the Department of Biology at the University of Baghdad have conducted a short field survey to determine (for the first time in 30 years) the status of these two species in Anbar province. At this locality only Typhlogarra exist, according to recent observations and those of local informants. No specimens from the endemic genus Caecocypris have been seen recently. Furthermore, Typhlogarra are now quite rare. They had previously been very abundant in the sinkhole based on the last survey of 30 years ago. From the inaccessibility of the subterranean environment it is difficult to determine absolute population numbers; and whether or not both species are still present in other places in the underground karsts system. Nonetheless, the situation is clearly far worse than that reported earlier. On the basis of available information, both species must now be categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. (Al-Sheikhly and Freyhof, 2013). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity The Iraqi Blind Barb Typhlogarra widdowsoni. (Jörg Freyhof 2012). March 2014 Page 38 HABITAT TYPE MARSHLANDS OF SOUTHERN IRAQ NEW RECORDS OF AQUATIC FLORA OF IRAQ Two genera Spirodela and Landoltia were recorded for the first time for flora of Iraq. Each genus is represented by one species, these species are Spirodela polyrhiza and Landoltia punctata. In addition one more species of the genus Lemna (L. minuta) was added to the flora of Iraq for the first time too. Brief descriptions with main distinguishing characters for the three new recorded species, habitat and geographical distribution were studied. Six stations, two in each marsh of Al-Hawizah, Al- Chebaish and AlHammar were chosen for monthly sampling. Floral and fruit characters for Lemnaceae species from Iraqi material were tabulated and illustrated for the first time. A key to all species of Lemnaceae in Iraq was provided too. (AlMayah and Al-Saadi, 2013). Spirodela polyrhiza Landoltia punctata 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 39 HABITAT TYPE MARSHLANDS OF SOUTHERN IRAQ FERRUGINOUS DUCK AYTHYA NYROCA Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca is globally-threatened (NT) bird species with decreasing population trend according to the IUCN red list and evidence of rapid declines in Asia would qualify the species for up listing to Vulnerable due to various kinds of threats. The geographic distribution of this threatened species is widespread over scattered patches in West Asia from western China to northern India, through east and central of Europe. In Iraq ferruginous Duck is an uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor mainly to southern Iraq. It discovered breeding in considerable numbers in some locations in the Mesopotamian marshlands. The old locals and hunter reported that they are seeing this bird only in winter in few numbers as well as before and after the cool days, and they mentioned that this bird have been bred recently over about less than the past two decades, so it is new breeding duck. The breeding habitat of the Ferruginous Duck varies from rather-shallow marsh (more than 0.5 m) up to rather-deep waters (up to 1.5m), but generally, requires dense reedbeds attached to open water ’theatres’ to form good landscape for breeding. The Ferruginous Duck faces serious threats in Iraq that can summarized by serious lack of water that caused by the upstream damming works in Turkey and Syria as well as the continuous fluctuation of water-table in the marshlands and the lack of water management over these vast areas. Hunting is serious threat that faces this duck, and this effects the population on the national level dramatically. (M.A. Salim, 2013) 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Ferruginous Duck Ferruginous Duck nest Page 40 HABITAT TYPE MARINE ENVIRONMENT REEF DISCOVERY IN IRAQI TERRITORIAL WATERS In September 2012 and in May 2013 during joint expeditions performed by scientific scuba divers from the Marine Science Centre of the University of Basrah (Iraq) and Technical University of Freiberg (Germany), a coral reef in Iraqi coastal waters was discovered for the first time ever. The primary survey identified a (7x4 km) wide zone of relatively healthy reefs at water depths between 7 and 20 m. The site is characterized by a tidal variation of about 3 m, rather strong tidal currents (3-4.5 m/s), high turbidity, and high nutrient load from rivers input.This discovery will change what was known until now about the existence of the coral reefs only in the coastal regions of Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. The discovery of a living coral that lays hidden beneath the murky waters of Iraq’s coastal waters is considered an important ecological and scientific event not only for Iraq but to the Arabian Gulf region and the international scientific community working on the fundamental understanding of coral, marine ecosystems and global climate today. The discovery of the corals in the Iraqi territorial waters will impact on a range of research fields as diverse as biology, zoology, ecology, oceanography, geology, palaeontology, geo-biology, biogeochemistry, hydrogeology, and evolutionary sciences. It is expected that Ministry of Environment develop appropriate laws to protect this area, especially as it is located in an area of vital economic importance to Iraq, where the largest and most important ports of crude oil and gas shipping and other commercial ports already exist. These habitats urgently need protection, conservation and funding to develop integrated and long term research. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Location where the coral reef was discovered Stony Coral (Platygyra Pini), Showing Anchor Damages Octocoral Menella sp. with different Ophiotheia venusta brittle stars March 2014 Page 41 HABITAT TYPE MARINE ENVIRONMENT MARINE CALANOID COPEPOD (PSEUDODIAPTOMUS ARDJUNA) FROM SHATT AL-ARAB RIVER, IRAQ The marine Calanoid Copepod (Pseudodiaptomus ardjuna) was recorded for the first time from some freshwater habitats in some regions of the Shatt AArab River during March – July 2009. These regions include Al-Kurnish area, Al-Sindebad Island during April-August 2009 and at Al-Qurna city on March 2009 only. (Mohamed, 2011). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Pseudodiaptomus ardjuna lateral view, female (top) male (bottom), (Mohamed, 2011) March 2014 Page 42 HABITAT TYPE MARINE ENVIRONMENT EVIDENCE OF THE PRESENCE OF VARIOUS EPINEPHELUS SPECIES IN IRAQI COASTAL WATERS Epinephelus genus is considered as a main group in the marine Iraqi fisheries. Fishes collected from Al- FAO city South of Al-Basrah, and from Basrah city fish market. Many Grouper species have been registered in Iraq; the largest registered number ever was thirteen species. Fifteen species were described in this study; four were described for the first time in Iraq, as reported in the Table. The presence and classification of other species has been confirmed. It was found that the presence of four species was suspicious. While other species were recognized by the fishermen to be found in the Iraqi fishing ground. Field classification key for some of the groupers in the Iraqi Marine waters were designed taking into account coloration pattern, morphological characteristics for quick identification of the species. (Almukhtar et al., 2012). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Species registered in Iraq for the first time Epinephelus coioides Epinephelus polylepis Epinephelus epistictus Epinephelus malabaricus Species whose presence is confirmed in Iraq Epinephelus areolatus Epinephelus bleekeri; Epinephelus diacanthu Epinephelus stoliczkae Suspicious species Epinephelus longispinis Epinephelus merra Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Epinephelus sexfasciatus Species whose presence is recognized by locals Epinephelus coruleopunctatus Epinephelus fasciatus Epinephelus latifasciatus Page 43 HABITAT TYPE MARINE ENVIRONMENT DOTTED GROUPER (EPINEPHELUS EPISTICUS) RECORDED FROM THE MARINE WATERS OF IRAQ The first record of the Dotted Grouper from the marine waters of Iraq has been recorded in this study. Epinephelus epistictus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1842) is known from the Arabian Sea coasts of Oman and the Iranian coasts of Oman. In the Arabian Gulf area, it has been reported from the waters around Bahrain, Saudi Arabia at Dammam city. We report three records from the Arabian Gulf representing its northern most distribution, where no previous record of this species have been found in the northern part of the Arabian Gulf. (Al-Mukhtar et al, 2011). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Epinephelus epistictus March 2014 Page 44 1.4. Indicators and trends about biodiversity in Iraq In order to assess the biodiversity status in Iraq and the possible trends of important habitats and species, indicators can be built. In this way the policy makers could have a useful tool to establish protection and management measures, depending on the increasing or decreasing trend of species and habitats. 1.4.1. Indicator 1 NUMBER OF GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES (IUCN) per TERRESTRIAL HABITAT IDENTIFIED. This indicator will show the number of globally threatened species (according to information available in the IUCN RedList database) which are found in each of the terrestrial habitats of Iraq. The terrestrial habitats are identified according to a land cover Map produced by the FAO in 2000. To the FAO (mainly agricultural categories) the IUCN habitat coding has been matched (available at: www.iucnredlist.org/technicaldocuments/classification-schemes) according to the following Table. Table 1: matching between FAO land cover and IUCN habitat types FAO Land Cover IUCN_habitat Natural vegetation of open shrubs and herbaceous Dry subtropical shrubland Natural vegetation of open trees and herbaceous Dry savanna (5-7 months dry) Cereals Arable land Rainfed herbaceous crops Seasonally flooded agricultural land Bare rock Rocky areas River Permanent rivers/streams/creeks Palms Plantations Natural vegetation sparse herbaceous Subtropical dry lowland grassland Bare soil stony Hot desert Bare soil Hot desert Artificial water body Water storage areas (>8 ha) Bare soil Hot desert Bare rock Rocky areas Rainfed herbaceous crops Seasonally flooded agricultural land Palms Plantations Cereals Arable land Bare rock Rocky areas Aquatic herbaceous Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens, peatlands 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 45 FAO Land Cover IUCN_habitat Aquatic herbaceous Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens, peatlands Aquatic herbaceous Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens, peatlands Port Urban area Urban Urban area Urban Urban area Airport Urban area Tree crops Plantations Herbaceous rice Seasonally flooded agricultural land Urban Urban area Palms Plantations Natural water body Permanent freshwater lake (>8 ha) Industrial city Urban area Palms Plantations Cereals Arable land Irrigated herbaceous crop Irrigated land Cereals Arable land Natural vegetation of sparse shrubs and herbaceous Dry subtropical shrubland Cereals Arable land Shifting sand Hot desert Bare soil stony Hot desert Bare soil Hot desert Bare soil Hot desert Natural water body Permanent freshwater lake Herbaceous rice Seasonally flooded agricultural land Sand dunes Hot desert Accordingly, to each of the IUCN habitat types has been associated the number of species (birds, mammals, reptiles) known and recorded in that habitat for Iraq (global databases information and local survey data – 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity KBA surveys). With this method, 14 major habitat types have been roughly defined for Iraq and all the globally threatened species registered for Iraq have been assigned to each habitat. March 2014 Page 46 Figure 4: number of globally threatened species of Iraq (IUCN) per habitat type Dry subtropical shrubland Dry savanna (5-7 months dry) Arable land Seasonally flooded agricultural land Rocky areas Permanent rivers/streams/creeks Subtropical dry lowland grassland Hot desert Water storage areas (>8 ha) Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens, peatlands Urban area Permanent freshwater lake (>8 ha) 5 7 1 6 8 7 1 3 1 3 4 As shown in the Graph above the marshland habitat is the one which has the higher number of globally threatened species; this can indicate a major diversity of this habitat type, but also the fact that this area has received recently great focused research and investigation; this could justify the better knowledge about the species present in this ecosystem. It has also to be remarked that the habitat classification was deducted from an original FAO land cover and therefore it is focused mainly on agricultural functional categories; forest categories are absent from FAO classification and for these habitats no assessment about presence of globally threatened species could be done. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity 3 1.4.2. Indicators for threatened freshwater and marine fishes 1.4.2.1.Freshwater fish The endangered and threatened freshwater fish fauna of Iraq is experiencing problems resulting primarily from habitat modification by man. Many species have such restricted distributions that the entire taxon can face destruction by minor perturbations. Freshwater fishes of Iraq are facing the same general kinds of ecological problems that are causing extinctions throughout the world. Main information about freshwater fish of Iraq has been collected through the books and website of Brian Coad (http://www.briancoad.com/Iraq/Checklists_I March 2014 Page 47 website (http://www.fishbase.org/search.php); below indicators have been built. raq.htm); basing on his checklists and on basic information about the threat status and distribution, available from the Fishbase the 1.4.3.Indicator 2 OCCURRENCE STATUS OF IRAQI FRESHWATER FISH 60 50 40 45 43 47 46 46 30 Total number of species 20 10 12 14 10 11 11 0 Native Endemic 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Region endemic Non-Native Potential pest March 2014 Page 48 1.4.4.Indicator 3 CONSERVATION STATUS OF IRAQI FRESHWATER FISH 35 30 25 20 N 15 10 5 0 Globally Threatened in 1996 Globally Threatened Least Concern Not evaluated The conservation status of Iraqi freshwater fish has been assessed by combining recent information from IUCN Redlist, as reported in the Fishbase website, the information provided by Coad in his website and the information coming from the scientific paper Th eate ed F esh ate Fishes of I a , ith ‘e a ks o thei Co se atio “tatus Laith Jawad 2013). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 49 1.4.5.Indicator 4 ABUNDANCE OF SENSITIVE NATIVE SPECIES IN SHATT AL-ARAB DURING THE PERIOD 1982-2008 Source: Dr. Kadhim Hassan Younis, and Ahmaed J. Jabar, 2013 A specific assessment has been done on marine/brackish species typical of the Shatt Al-Arab River. Native species of this area registered in the period 1982-2008 are reported in Table 2 below. Table 2: presence of native species in the eighties and two thousands in the Shatt Al- Arab river Species Presence eighties Presence Two thousands X X X X X X X X X -X X X X X X X Mastacembelus mastacembelus Mystus pelusius Aspius vorax Barbus luteus Barbus xanthopterus Barbus subquincunciatus Barbus grypus Barbus sharpeyi Barbus kersin Garra rufa Silurus triostegus 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 50 The species listed in Table 2 are considered as endemic and sensitive species to Shatt AlArab River. The decrease in their abundance or their disappearance goes along with any environmental disturbance, and tends to reemerge after the end of the instability. Factors influencing the decline of the Shatt AlArab sensitive species are: Biological disturbance The biological disturbance is caused by the introduction of alien species. There were two alien species recorded in Shatt Al-Arab in the eighties (Heteropneusteus fossilis; G. holobrookie), while the number of alien species increased to 9 since then. Alien species compete with the endemic species for food and places of reproduction and transmit diseases to the endemic species. It has been assessed that the alien species dominate the fish community in the Shatt alArab. Environmental disturbance Increased salinity pushed the native species to the North of Shatt Al-Arab, for example one individual of the species B. sharpeyi was caught in a 13 months study. It is also expected that the pollution, particularly the raw sewage discharge to Shatt Al-Arab, plays a role in the reduction of the fish diversity. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity The Graph above shows that some important species have disappeared like G. rufa which originally occurred along the river systems of Iraq. Barbus luteus is another important indicator, the population in 2007-2008 almost halved as compared to the figures of 19821983, and this could be attributed to the invasion of Silurus triostegus competing for food. Hussain et. al (2008), showed that the abundance of the alien species (Carassius gibelio) significantly affects the feeding possibility and that also provides for a major competition with endemic species such as the B. sharpeyi. Barbus luteus B. xanthopterus and Barbus kersin, that were also recorded by Hussein and Al-Knnaani (1989) as being impacted by common carp C. carpio. Barbus xanthopterus that is one of the favourite fish for the Iraqi people has almost disappeared from Shatt Al-Arab in the sampling of 2007-2008 and this is attributed to the overfishing and environmental deterioration. 1.4.5.1.Marine fish Main information about marine fish of Iraq has been collected through the website of Brian Coad; basing on his checklists and on basic information about the threat status and distribution of species, available from the Fishbase website; the below indicator has been built. March 2014 Page 51 1.4.6.Indicator 5 THREAT STATUS OF MARINE FISH OF IRAQ It is possible to notice that, for marine fish as well as for freshwater fish, the major category is ot e aluated sho i g the la k of information in this regard and also indicating that for fish species local focused research is needed that must be fed into international databases/organizations in order to be evaluated globally. Silver pomfret (locally know as Zubaidi) (Pampus argenteus), is one of the most 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity commercially important fish in the Arabian Gulf region, Iraq in particular. It formed about 22% of the total marine fish catchment (Ali et al., 2000). The stock of this species is critically endangered and experiences a severe decline, as researchers from the Marine Science Centre of Basra University remark, due to over fishing, poor management of the stock and the impact of environmental pollution and changing water quality, in particular salinity. March 2014 Page 52 Figure 5: Fishing Location coordinates of Pampus argenteus, summer 2013. Source: Dept. of Aquaculture & Marine fisheries, MSC As Figure 5 indicates the spawning site that has been identified by the MSC (Marine Science Center) researchers is impacted by commercial activities including oil and gas, commercial port development and ship traffic. Another important marine species of fish facing the danger of severe decline is the Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) (Sobor). This species is facing over fishing in open sea, Shatt Al-Arab estuary and Shatt Al-Arab River. Over fishing mostly happens in the river because of the ease of access where the fish gather for spawning. Also the river pollution, increase of salinity and fresh water shortage impacted the population. For the above two species it is recommended to have a stock enhancement program through the development of marine fish hatcheries with proper fisheries 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity management similar to other Arabian Gulf states like Iran and Kuwait. Cartilaginous fish are also threatened in Iraqi waters due to bottom trawling, and most importantly the occurrence of the fins trade has recently worsened the conservation status of these important species. There are no invasive fish species recorded in the Iraqi marine waters; however there is a change in the species diversity like the emergence and abundance of a number of species of (Epinephelus sp.) locally called Hammour in the Iraqi marine waters. This is expected to be due to environmental changes namely the increased salinity in the Arabian Gulf area that would make the Shatt Al-Arab river as a major spawning area since many of these species need lower salinity for spawning. March 2014 Page 53 1.4.7. Indicator 6 BREEDING BIRDS OF IRAQ Up to 2014, the total bird species recorded in Iraq are 410 species. More than 200 bird species breed regularly during the breeding season in Iraq, however, there are a list of 23 bird species that were found during the breeding season in suitable habitat for breeding, but no nests or other breeding evidence were found. The percentage of the breeding birds to the non-breeding birds in Iraq is up to 50%. This high number, in comparison with the remaining bird species is considered a good percentage. The 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity distribution of these breeding birds covers all the different types of habitats that belong to different ecoregions. The numbers of non-breeding birds, that are either passage migrants of wintering birds, are 186 bird species. The more research takes place regarding the breeding birds in Iraq, the more breeding evidences can be collected to confirm the breeding of those bird species that are present during the breeding season. The graph below shows the different categories of the bird species in Iraq in terms of breeding evidence. March 2014 Page 54 1.4.8. Indicator 7 THE STATUS OF THE IRAQI ENDEMIC SPECIES Harbouring different Ecoregions and habitat types, Iraq has a list of endemic Flora and The list below indicates to the status of the endemic animal species in Iraq based on the i fo p ese ted Li i g Natio al T easu es . However, the presented data might not reflect the actual status of the endemic species in Iraq. This illustrates the necessity for further research to come up with a more accurate checklist for the endemic animals for Iraq. This list briefs the following facts: - Fauna species found in very tiny distribution range. Nevertheless, large amount of effort is required to explore more about the distribution of the Flora and Fauna life in Iraq in order to have better understanding about the endemic plants and animals of Iraq. - - - I a has two cave fish representing genera found nowhere else: the Iraq Blind Barb Typhlogarra widdowsoni, 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 and another blind cyprinid Caecocypris basimi. Bu s “ho t-tailed Bandicoot Rat or Red Pest Rat Nesokia bunnii is known only from the Iraqi Marshlands. The Basra Reed Warbler bird species (Acrocephalus griseldis). A leaf-toed gecko Asaccus saffinae was described from north of Iraq in Kurdistan region in 2009. Insects known exclusively from Iraq include a grasshopper Uvarovistia iraka, a chalcidoid wasp Anagyrus abdulrassouli, a darkling beetle Hedyphanes mesopotamicus, a Page 55 longhorned beetle Dorcadion mosulense, a scarab beetle Tanyproctoides freyi, a click beetle Agriotes duhokensis, and the plant bugs Dimorphocoris seidenstueckeri and Yotvata pulcherrima. Other endemic invertebrates include the freshwater snails Gyraulus huwaizahensis and Bithynia hareerensis, a salt marsh snail Assiminea mesopotamica, a freshwater sponge Corvospongilla mesopotamica, an amphipod crustacean Parhyale basrensis, a centipede Lithobius cuklauvus, and a scorpion Orthochirus iraqus. Among about 190 vascular plant species unique to Iraq are Iris heylandiana, Tulipa kurdica, Bellevalia parva, Onosma qandilicum, Vitex iraquensis, Thymus neurophyllus, a bugle Ajuga zakhoensis, a heliotrope Heliotropium lasianthum, Alyssum penjwinense, a catnip Nepeta autraniana, Stachys nephrophylla, Ornithogalum kurdicum, Eremurus rechingeri, Peucedanum rechingeri, a dog's tooth grass Cynodon iraquensis, Celsia leatherdalei, and a milkvetch Astragalus gillettii. Choriantha popoviana is an endemic genus. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 56 2. Major Changes Have Taken Place in the Status and Trends of Biodiversity in Iraq 2.1. Desertification As u h as % of I a s su fa e is dese t. Years of inappropriate farming practices and mismanagement of water resources have exacerbated the effects of an already dry climate and contributed to increasing rates of desertification. Declining fertility, high soil salinity, erosion and the extension of sand dunes are pervasive problems. The Government of Iraq reports that 28% of the ou t s la d is a a le, of hi h a a e age of 100000 donums (100 sqKm) is lost each Desertified year to degraded land. Meanwhile 39% of the ou t s su fa e is esti ated to ha e ee affected by desertification, with an additional 54% under threat. As a result of declining soil moisture and lack of vegetative cover, recent years have witnessed an increase in the frequency of vast dust and sand storms, often originating in the western parts of Iraq. 2.1.1.Indicator 8 TOTAL AMOUNT OF DESERTIFIED LAND AND LANDS UNDER DESERTIFICATION THREAT OF IRAQ Under threat Other land 7% 54% 39% Source: Ministry of Planning based on data by Ministry of Environment The phenomenon of desertification is considered a priority environmental issue which will hinder the future development plans for Iraq, where the total desertified area is estimated 401290 square kilometers of the total area of Iraq of 434320 square kilometers 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (according to the figures of a World Bank Report published in 2012; http://www.tradingeconomics.com/iraq/landarea-sq-km-wb-data.html). This figure, if confirmed, would indicate that 93% of Iraqi March 2014 Page 57 land is either desertified either under desertification threat. 2.1.2.Indicator 9 DESERTIFICATION TYPES THAT AFFECT IRAQI LAND 63,22 Soil hardening 19,94 Soil salinization 11,69 Water erosion 5,15 Airy erosion 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 % Source of data: Deserts Researches Center/ Anbar University (Environmental Statistics Report for Iraq for 2011) There are various types of desertification that affect Iraq, these are: erosion caused by air or water, the increasing salinization of soils, and the drying and hardening of soil, that turns the land into unfertile desert where no vegetation will naturally occur. The graph above shows that soil hardening is the major factor contributing to desertification; and this indicates that wrong agricultural practices, unsuitable irrigation schemes and drainage operations might have played a major role into the emergence of this phenomenon. According to the information collected by the Desert Research Center of Anbar University, the total amount of land affected by 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity desertification events would be 401290 sqKm, as compared to a total land surface of Iraq of 434320 sqKm, where desertified lands represent the 92.3 % of total Iraqi land. 2.2. Indicators of Changes in Land cover and land use Land use change assessments are essential in order to estimate global impacts in countries that, like Iraq, are subject to desertification and drought problems. The land use of Iraq has been assessed by the statistics departments of the Ministry of Environment for the year 2005; unfortunately no other March 2014 Page 58 data are available in order to make a comparison with subsequent years. 2.2.1.Indicator 10 LAND USE OF IRAQ IN 2005 Watery surface and residential 27% Arable lands 28% Desert lands 31% Natural pastures 9% Natural forests Barren 4% mountainous 1% Source: Ministry of Environment, Technical Planning and follow-up department 2.2.2.Indicator 11 DEFORESTATION Forests coverage area 8300 8250 8250 8200 8150 8100 8050 8040 8054 8068 8082 8096 8110 8124 8138 8152 8166 8212 8198 8204 8180 8188 8250 8250 8228 8000 7950 7900 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Forests coverage area (sq.km) Source: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/iraq/forest-area-sq-km-wb-data.html 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 59 The above graph shows the Forest area (sqKm) in Iraq which was last reported at 8250 sqKm in 2010, according to a World Bank report published in 2012. Forest area (according to the World Bank definition) is land under natural or planted stands of trees of at least 5 meters in situ, whether productive or not, and excludes tree stands in agricultural production systems (for example, in fruit plantations and agro forestry systems) and trees in urban parks and gardens. Before the 90s the forest coverage area was larger than the coverage within the 90s, but there is no available data to show from this historical period. However, since 1954, indiscriminate cutting has been prohibited, and charcoal production from wood has ceased, so the forests were in average in a good conservation status, but since the 80s and 90s excessive cutting for fuel or by fires, overgrazing, salinization and soil erosion caused by river basin flooding, has affected otherwise fertile agricultural lands, and some of the forests in different governorates were destroyed completely by the military forces or by other entities during the wars. All these reasons led to the removal of 50% or more of the natural forests, for instance forests of oak and Aleppo pine in the north, cover less than 2% of Iraq's entire area and have been depleted. In 2000, only about 1.8% of the total land area of the country was forested, but still the desertification has long been a problem in the hot, dry climate which characterizes Iraq overall. In 2003, there were no protected lands in the country. Few actions have been taken for reforestation. However, the Graph above shows that there 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity has been an improvement in the forest coverage area since the nineties, though the total coverage still remains low. 2.3. Ecological footprint The need to adopt a comprehensive approach in monitoring biodiversity clearly emerged during COP 10 of the CBD (Nagoya, Japan). As a result the five Strategic Goals and the Aichi Biodiversity Targets have been approved and are the baseline for CBD Parties to set national targets and to plan biodiversity frameworks. According to the Global Footprint network (http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index. php/GFN/) organization, the Ecological Footprint is one of the indicators considered by BIP and it essentially measures how much nature we have and how much we use. In this way human-induced pressures on biodiversity can be tracked thus providing a useful contribution to the advancement of conservation science. I toda s o ld, he e hu a it is al ead exceeding planetary limits, ecological assets are becoming more critical. Each country has its own ecological risk profile. Many are running ecological deficits, with Footprints larger than their own biological capacity. Others depend heavily on resources from elsewhere, which are under increasing pressure. In some areas of the world, the implications of ecological deficits can be devastating, leading to resource loss, ecosystem collapse, debt, poverty, famine and war. The Ecological Footprint is a resource accounting tool that helps countries understand their ecological balance sheet and March 2014 Page 60 gives them the data necessary to manage their resources and secure their future. National governments using the Footprint are able to: 1. Assess the alue of thei ou t s ecological assets 2. Monitor and manage their assets 3. Identify the risks associated with ecological deficits 4. Set policy that is informed by ecological reality and makes safeguarding resources a top priority 5. Measure progress toward their goals It is almost certainly the case that countries and regions with surplus ecological reserves— not the ones relying on continued ecological deficit spending—will emerge as the robust and sustainable economies and societies of the future. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 61 2.3.1.Indicator 12 ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT OF IRAQ Source: http://www.footprintnetwork.org/en/index.php/GFN/page/trends/iraq/ To understand the above graph it is essential to clarify the definition of Ecological Footprint and Biocapacity. Ecological Footprint: A measure of how much area of biologically productive land and water an individual, population or activity requires to produce all the resources it consumes and to absorb the waste it generates, using prevailing technology and resource management practices. The Ecological Footprint is usually measured in global hectares. Because trade is global, an individual or country's Footprint includes land or sea from all over the world. Ecological Footprint is often referred to in short form as Footprint. "Ecological Footprint" and "Footprint" are proper nouns and thus should always be capitalized. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Biocapacity: The capacity of ecosystems to produce useful biological materials and to absorb waste materials generated by humans, using current management schemes and e t a tio te h ologies. Useful iologi al ate ials a e defi ed as those de a ded the human economy. Hence what is o side ed useful a ha ge f o ea to year (e.g. use of corn (maize) stover for cellulosic ethanol production would result in corn stover becoming a useful material, and thus increase the biocapacity of maize cropland). The biocapacity of an area is calculated by multiplying the actual physical area by the yield factor and the appropriate equivalence factor. Biocapacity is usually expressed in global hectares. The ideal situation would be when a country can reach to have the green line always on March 2014 Page 62 top of the ed li e. I I a s ase, as sho in the graph above, this has happened for a very limited period of time during the sixties, when the resource needs and consumption were limited as compared with resources available, possibly as a consequence of different consumption models and to lower population. This trend has experienced a sharp increase during the eighties reaching its maximum values between beginnings of the eighties until towards the end of the eighties. This period coincides with the Iran-Iraq war and this can explain the very high ecological footprint of this period. Resource consumption and needs were increased because of the war; on the other hand the biocapacity was stopped also as a consequence of war and of the abandonment of agricultural land by farmers leaving to war. In more recent years the ecological footprint has registered a slight decrease, as well as the biocapacity; therefore in general terms no real progress or improvement can be mentioned for Iraq up to the year 2009. This figure (though maybe some data have to be updated) gives the dimension of the unsustainability of the development model adopted by the country and should capture the attention of all involved policy makers in order to insert these kind of concerns into their policy agenda. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 63 3. The Main Threats to Biodiversity Most threats to biodiversity have already been mentioned in the 4th National Report and refer mainly to pollution, agricultural and urban expansion illegal hunting and fishing and oil extraction activities. As marine ecosystems are concerned relevant threats are coming from the transportation activity, especially oil transport. Iraq has four major commercial ports and namely: Um Qasr port, Khor Al –)u ai , Ma akal and Abu Floos. Um Qasr port has the biggest role for the ship storage and represents the first port of commercial importance due to its particular suitable features for navigation and for the presence of big and well structured docks. Other threats to the marine environment are represented by the presence of wrecks and war residuals as well as mines in the territorial waters of Iraq and beyond and also by poor water quality waters coming from Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Another important threat that has not been mentioned previously refers to the possible introduction into the marine waters of Iraq of non-native and potentially invasive algae and animal species that can be introduced with the ballast water of oil tankers and ships. 3.1. Land Mines In many countries of the developing world mines are not merely instrumental in denying vital land to farmers, shepherds and to avoid the coming back of refugees, but have covered large areas of the earth's surface with toxic pollutants. According to the UN since the natural environment constitutes the basis of all social life and economic development, 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity the direct damage caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) may destroy the basis for socio-economic development in badly affected countries. Even the suspicion of mines prevents people using their natural resources by denying access to that component of the environment. A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report to the UN General Assembly concluded that mines adversely affect ecological processes by disturbing the soil, destroying vegetation, and killing flora and fauna. Landmines (as well as UXO) also introduce poisonous substances into the environment as their casing corrode and decay. Mines commonly used substances can leach into the surrounding soil and water as the metal or timber casings disintegrate. These substances, and the compounds derived from them as they decompose, are soluble in water, longlived, carcinogenic, and quite toxic to mammals, aquatic micro-organisms, and fish, even in small amounts. The impacts of sporadic landmine detonations on soil and vegetation are also deleterious. Not only do mines destroy flora, they also shatter the soil structure thereby lowering soil productivity. A UNEP report on the environmental effects of the Iraq-Kuwait conflict concluded that mines caused: irreversible damage to ecosystems, including prolonged direct damage to soil through shattering and displacement, destruction of soil structure, and increased vulnerability of soil to water and wind erosion (UNEP, 1991). Iraq continues to be one of the most contaminated countries in the world with landmines and unexploded ordinance, March 2014 Page 64 Iraqis in around 4,000 communities across the country. restricting access to essential services and causing death to the animals and humans alike. It is estimated that more than 1,730 square kilometres of land in Iraq is contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordinance, affecting 1.6 million of 3.1.1.Indicator 13 MINE FIELD SURFACE PER GOVERNORATE Area per governorate Total Area of mine fields 140 120 100 80 SqKm 60 40 20 0 Basra Diyala Maysan Muthanna Wasit 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 65 Table 3: Hazardous areas classified as minefield Governorate Number dangerous areas (minefields) 36 18 217 2 5 278 Basra Diyala Maysan Muthanna Wasit Total Total area (square Kilometres) 26, 211 15,684 45,33 37,479 4 128,709 MOE/ Directorate of mine action / Planning and information 2013 The demining process has been carried out and is still on going to clean land mines contaminated areas within a specified plan until the mines are removed entirely from the country. This work is carried on in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, oil companies, and other organizations; the Basrah below graph shows the demining process in some governorates of Iraq. 3.1.2. Indicator 14 DEMINING SURFACE IN SOME GOVERNORATES Diyala 1000,00 Missan 18902,00 16841,57 800,00 16917,33 600,00 400,00 200,00 26,21 15,68 45,33 0,00 Total demined area of the gov. (sq km) Total area of the governorate (sqKm) Source: MOE/ Directorate of mine action, 2013 urban areas in Iraq, which has caused wide 3.2. Hunting and Trading spread eradication of many wild species Hunting has been the main source of income including several globally endangered species for most people in the rural and even the that once existed in the region, driving them 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 66 into extinction or into continuous decline. Hunting and capturing techniques that are practiced in the country include guns, poisons, nets, iron traps and other hunting equipments. Also falconry is very popular using birds of prey throughout Iraq especially for hunting the Vulnerable Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata). - - animal use for health treatment and traditional medicine; - import/export of exotic animals for zoo, which is in fact acting as another market where trade in wild species takes place. Animal use for deriving an income or for food There are three main reasons for hunting and trading the animals in Iraq and these can be identified in the following: Figure 6: 6 months old female lion cub are imported from Thailand (Erbil Animal Zoo), 2010 Photo by Hana A. Raza Examples of animals declining because of hunting and trading:  Wild Goats (Capra aegagrus), assessed as Vulnerable species by IUCN; is present in large numbers in the wild in Kurdistan/ North of Iraq, tough the species is now coming under threat and declining in number because of extensive hunting. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity   March 2014 Hunting and trade in waterfowl species such as the Mallards and the Vulnerable Marbled Ducks, widespread in the Mesopotamian marshlands of Iraq, that are sold in the markets for local use and consumption. Hunting of Houbara Bustard, assessed as Vulnerable by IUCN, and found in the desert regions of Page 67   southern and western Iraq. The species is heavily hunted by locals. In addition foreign hunters and falconers from Arabian Gulf countries usually come in large convoys protected by their own security to hunt in these areas. The birds are then exported to UAE, Qatar and Kuwait with no regulation or registration about the killed numbers. Common otters and Smooth-coated Otter are hunted in river and wetlands areas of Kurdistan/ North of Iraq and in southern Iraq marshes. Common otters are also caught in the central part of Iraq, in Samara and Salah Al-Din along Tigris river banks, as well as in Zagaton and Alduz near Kirkuk, and further north at Altun Kopri on the Little Zab River near Erbil governorate. These species are mostly exported to Turkey or kept and killed by locals because considered noxious animals contributing to the decrease of fish stocks. Persian (Goitered) Gazelles are hunted in the eastern territories and the southern arid and grassy lands near Hemreen area, Qaratapa, and Mandali of Diyala Governorate, Badra and Jassan of Wasit Governorate, Kumait, Al-Teeb, Al-Sheeb, the sparse areas of Ali Al Garbi of Missan Governorate. These species, in addition of being consumed by the locals, are exported to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity    March 2014 Persian Squirrels are hunted in the wide range of mountains of Kurdistan/ North of Iraq, and precisely in areas such as Gali Ali Beg, Soran, Barzan in Erbil Governorate and in the eastern mountain regions near Kalar, in Sulaymaniyah Governorate. A few have been trapped near Mar Matti and Sinjar mountains in Mosul. These species are sold within Iraq and are also reported as exported to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, a few to Syria, and some have been reported passing through the Jordanian border in the past. Indian Crested Porcupines are widely hunted and trapped in the centre and the west of Iraq, beside the river banks of the Tigris, especially in AlAllam and Al-Mahzan areas of Salah Al-Din and the Nimrod area near Mosul. These species are also exported to Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia in addition to being sold in Iraqi markets for local use. Saker Falcons are hunted in the western and eastern grassy, arid steppes of Iraq during the beginning of winter, in such areas as the western steppes of Al-Jazera sector of A a Go e o ate, ‘a ea a a d Sinjar of Mosul, the open steppes of Himreen in Diyala Governorate, Kalar in Sulaimaniyah Governorate, AlAzezia and Al-Garbi, Al-Teeb in the Missan Governorate, and in the Fao area of Basrah. They are reportedly exported to Kuwait, Qatar and UAE from the southern provinces of Iraq Page 68     and to Saudi Arabia from the northern and western provinces of Iraq. Peregrine Falcons are foremost found near the big water bodies such as Rania of Dukan in Sulaimaniyah Governorate, Tharthar of both Anbar and Salah Al-Din Governorates and the southern marshes, primarily the Ha izeh Ma shes I a s o l ‘a sa site) in Missan and the Fao Peninsula of Basrah during the winter and fall migration period. They are captured and sent to the same countries mentioned above. Barbary Falcons are hunted in the eastern mountains of Sulaimaniyah and Erbil Governorates, in Maqloob, Sinjar mountains, and the Makhool hill range of Mosul, Hawija of Kirkuk Governorate and Hemreen range of Diyala Governorate. They are exported to the same countries mentioned above. White-eared Bulbul is frequently hunted and trapped from Shahraban, Baladrouz and Mandaly of Diyala Governorate, in citrus and date palm stands and orchards in the centre and south of Iraq. They are caught alive and transported to Syria and Jordan. The reptile Horned Sand Viper, which is a rare species in Iraq distributed in the sandy dunes of the western and south western Iraqi deserts, are hunted in the Al-Qae and Rutba areas of Anbar Governorate and the deserts of Muthanna Governorate. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity They are exported to Kuwait as well as to Turkey in the north. Figure 7: Eurasian Badgers at the Sulaimaniyah zoo Photo: Mudhafar Salim March 2014 Page 69 Figure 8: Brown Bear and a Gray Wolves caught in the districts near Erbil- Sulaimaniyah Zoo. Kurdistan/ North of Iraq, January-2010 Figure 9: Two Jungle cats brought from the hunters home in Sulaiymaniyah Photo: Korsh Ararat Figure 10: Mounted Goitered Gazelle after it was killed in a district of Kirkuk, January 2010 Photo: Hana A. Raza Photo: Hana A. Raza 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 70 3.3. Alien species Alien species or non-native, non-indigenous, foreign, and exotic includes any part, gametes or propagule of a species, subspecies, or lower taxon that might survive and subsequently reproduce outside of its natural range. All invasive alien species are native somewhere. Native species can become problematic in their native environment, but this usually occurs only when that environment has been disturbed (e.g. for agricultural purposes). Invasive species can negatively impact human health, the economy (i.e. tourism, agriculture), and native ecosystems. These impacts may disrupt the ecosystem processes, introduce diseases to humans or flora and fauna, and reduce biodiversity. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, (IUCN) considers animals, plants or other organisms introduced by man where they become established and disperse and generating a negative impact on the local ecosystem and species, as invasive species. The Global Invasive Species Program (GISP) uses a broader definition of invasive alien spe ies. I asi e alie spe ies a e o -native 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity organisms that cause, or have the potential to cause, harm to the environment, economies, o hu a health . Useful species have been carried by humans to new locations throughout our history and most of these introductions have caused little or no damage to the environment. However, in a small percentage of cases, introduced species take advantage of favourable conditions in new locations and wreak ecological and economic havoc in their new environments. 3.3.1.Alien species in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environment: Investigations conducted in the southern Iraq freshwater in Basrah governorate reported the first record of the Gibel Carp Carassius gibelio, in Lower Mesopotamia in freshwater systems, ponds and lakes (Jiang et al., 1983; Abramenko et al., 1998; Tarakanet al., 2012). The presence of C. gibelio in Iraq is considered as a serious threat to native and particularly to endangered freshwater fish species and should be taken as a serious issue just like the presence of all the wide array of potential pest species which are commonly reported from the waters of the southern marshes and river systems. March 2014 Page 71 Figure 11: Carassius gibelio, Gibel Carp 3.3.2.Invasive species in Shatt al Arab: According to the studies of the Marine Science Center/ Basrah University, there are many species of Crustaceans that invaded the Shatt Al-Arab River in the last 40 years, one of the important species was believed to be the crab Esriocheir sinensis which is lately turned out to be a different species and identified as Esriocheir nepuensis. This species was noticed to occur in the river in the early 1980s (S. D. Salman, personal observations) and is now found in the marshes as well as in the river. The other invasive species is the shrimp Macrobrachium nipponeusis, apparently this species has invaded the river through Iran aquaculture experiments. It has established as a population in the Shatt Al-Arab river. Also the Striped barnacle, (Balanus Amphitrite) has been noticed to occur in Shatt Al-Arab in late 1960 to 1966 by the researcher Murad B. M. Mohammad. Since then it has penetrated upstream where it has been 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity noticed to occur in Al-Nassiriah in the 1990s particularly in Suq Al-Shuyukh. This species can cause economic damage because it colonize and obstructs water treatment plants and pipes. The current IUCN listing of invasive alien species for Iraq contains a total of 92 Alien species, 12 of which are considered Invasive, while 80 species remain with no specified biostatus and for 6 of them the provenance is still uncertain; the whole list is provided as Annex. 3.4. KBA threats assessment Within the framework of Nature Iraq work on the Key Biodiversity Areas of Iraq, for all the surveyed areas during the years in which the programme was carried out (2005-2010), a threat assessment was performed in order to identify the main pressures that were threatening the natural areas surveyed. The maps below are showing the threat levels, classified according to the 11 March 2014 Page 72 categories created by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) (see table below); however in most of the cases Threat number 1 Symbol Threat type Agricultural expansion & intensification 2 Residential & commercial development 3 Energy production & mining 4 Transportation & service corridors 5 Overexploitation, persecution & control 6 Human intrusions & disturbance 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity only the first 9 types of threats were ranked and identified, as described in the following Table. Description Notes from the KBA survey Threats from farming and ranching as a result of agricultural expansion and intensification, including silviculture, mariculture and aquaculture. Wood and pulp plantations include deforestation and livestock farming; ranching includes forest grazing. Agricultural pest control and agricultural pollution-specific p o le s appl to . Overexploitation, persecution & o t ol a d .Pollutio respectively. Threats from human settlements or other nonDomestic or industrial gathering agricultural land uses with a includes firewood collection, and substantial footprint, logging includes clear cutting, resulting in habitat selective logging and charcoal destruction and production. degradation, also causing mortality through collision. Threats from production of non-biological resources; Renewable energy includes resulting in habitat windfarms. destruction and degradation, also causing mortality through collision. Threats from long narrow transport corridors and the vehicles that use them, resulting in habitat destruction and degradation, disturbance and collision. Threats from consumptive  Hunting includes egg-collecting use of wild biological  gathering includes firewood resources including both collection deliberate and unintentional  logging includes clear cutting, harvesting effects; also selective logging and charcoal persecution or control of production. specific species. Threats from human activities that alter destroy and disturb habitats and species associated with nonconsumptive uses of biological resources. March 2014 Page 73 Threat number 7 8 Symbol Threat type Description Notes from the KBA survey Natural system modifications Threats from actions that convert or degrade habitat in service of managing natural or semi-natural systems, often to improve human welfare. Invasive & other problematic species & genes Threats from non-native and native plants, animals, pathogens and other microbes, or genetic materials that have or are predicted to have harmful effects on biodiversity (through mortality of species or alteration of habitats) following their introduction, spread and/or increase in abundance. 9 Pollution 10 Geological events 11 Climate change & severe weather 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Othe e os ste odifi atio s includes:  intensification of forest management,  abandonment of managed lands,  reduction of land management,  under grazing. Da s & ate a age e t/use includes:  construction and impact of dykes/dams/barrages,  filling in of wetlands,  groundwater abstraction,  drainage,  dredging and canalisation. The KBA team was not able to assess these threats due to lack of information.  Domestic and urban waste water includes sewage and run-off; industrial and military effluents Threats from introduction of include oils spills and seepage from mining; exotic and/or excess materials from point and  agricultural and forestry effluents non-point sources causing and practices includes nutrient mortality of species and/or loads, soil erosion, sedimentation, alteration of habitats. high fertiliser input, excessive use of chemicals and salinization;  Air-borne pollutants include acid rain. Threats from catastrophic The KBA team was not able to assess geological events that have these threats due to lack of the potential to cause information but in most cases the severe damage to habitats main geological threats facing Iraq and species. are earthquakes. Threats from long-term The KBA team did not have adequate climatic changes which may information to assess these threats be linked to global warming but global warming, desertification March 2014 Page 74 Threat number Symbol Threat type Description Notes from the KBA survey and other severe climatic/weather events. and increased dust storm events are potentially significant threats in Iraq. The following maps are an attempt to summarize the information collected for a number of selected KBA locations across northern, central and southern Iraq. Only threat types 1 to 7 and 9 were assessed by the KBA Team and are therefore represented. 3.4.1.Indicator 15 THREATS IDENTIFIED IN KBA AREAS 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 75 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 76 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 77 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 78 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 79 4. The Impacts of the Changes in Biodiversity for Ecosystem Services and the Socioeconomic and Cultural Implications of These Impacts 4.1. Soil quality Soil quality is important for a number of reasons among which granting that the plants and invertebrates entering the food chain of higher animals do not convey dangerous pollutants bio-accumulating in their tissues and leading to harmful effect or even to death. Soil quality is also important because through the effect of rain the elements present in the soil are delivered either to rivers and surface water bodies through soil washing and run-off or to groundwater, thereby possibly contaminating important water resources and reservoirs for both human and wildlife uses. compounds can contribute to damaging soil quality and water quality; which can cause water pollution when erosion carries the chemicals off of lands along with eroded soils after each rainfall. The nitrogen fertilizer finds its way into rivers, lakes and causes eutrophication1 and "dead zones" that kill aquatic life. Additionally, use of artificial fertilizers in place of animal manure eventually can deplete soils of organic matter, making them lose their ability to retain water and making them more subject to erosion. One important indirect indicator to assess to which extent the soil might be contaminated by, for instance, agricultural products and chemicals is to evaluate the production and consumption of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides that a country uses. The indicator below shows fertilizers consumption which measures the quantity of plant nutrients used per unit of arable land. Fertilizer products cover nitrogenous, potash, and phosphate fertilizers (including ground rock phosphate). Traditional nutrients--animal and plant manures--are not included. Through this indicator, it can be supposed that great amounts of fertilizers are used in Iraq exceeding the legislative limitations, most of these pollutants are persistent and end up in soil and water, the excessive use of these 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity 1 Eutrophication is a process whereby nitrogen feeds an algal bloom, but when the short-lived algae die, decomposing bacteria then consume most of the available oxygen, suffocating aquatic life. March 2014 Page 80 4.1.1.Indicator 16 FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION (% OF FERTILIZER PRODUCTION) Iraq world 200,00 180,00 160,00 140,00 120,00 100,00 80,00 60,00 40,00 20,00 0,00 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.CON.FERT.PT.ZS/countries/1W-IQ?display=graph It is possible to notice that in Iraq the fertilizers consumption (expressed as percentage of fertilizers production) always exceeds the line representing the average consumption (as percentage of production) of fertilizers of the world; the important remark about this Graph is that, while in average the other countries of the world are using less than they are producing Iraq needs to buy these chemicals from other countries. This figure per se does not tell us whether or not fertilizers are efficiently used in the country. Some more useful information can be deducted from the below Graph, where the kilograms of fertilizers per Hectare are shown. In this case the numbers of Iraq are on a e age ell elo the o ld figu e; this could be a positive signal for the prevention 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity of soil and water contamination from dangerous chemicals; however it has also to e o side ed that i to the atego a a le 2 la d are comprised also lands that are temporarily not cultivated or orchards and cultivations for which the use of fertilizers is maybe reduced or absent; this would therefore increase the pressure of fertilizers on the remaining cultivated land, meaning that the use of these products might still be excessive and not responsible. 2 Arable land includes land defined by the FAO as land under temporary crops (double-cropped areas are counted once), temporary meadows for mowing or for pasture, land under market or kitchen gardens, and land temporarily fallow. March 2014 Page 81 4.1.2.Indicator 17 FERTILIZER CONSUMPTION (KILOGRAMS PER HECTARE OF ARABLE LAND) world iraq 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/AG.CON.FERT.ZS/countries/1W-IQ?display=graph Pesticides are like fertilizers, can cause water pollution when erosion carries the chemicals off of the farms along with eroded soils. The majority of pesticides are not specifically targeting the pest only and during their application, they also affect non-target plants and animals. Repeated application leads to loss of biodiversity. Many pesticides are not easily degradable; they persist in soil, leach to groundwater and surface water and contaminate the environment. Pesticides also pose a risk, not only to non-target animal and plant species, but to humans as well; depending on their chemical properties they can enter the organism, bioaccumulate in food chains and consequently influence also human health. Overall, intensive pesticide 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity application results in several negative effects in the environment that cannot be ignored. The below indicator is showing that high amounts of pesticides have been and are used in Iraq, especially brushwood pesticides, which have been recorded in the very high amount of 92963909 litre in 2010, data not shown in the Graph. March 2014 Page 82 4.1.3.Indicator 18 USE OF PESTICIDES AND HERBICIDES IN IRAQ (LITER) 600000 500000 400000 300000 200000 100000 0 2003 Insecticide 2004 Fungicide 2005 2006 Brushwood pesticides 2007 Veterinary 2008 2009 Other pesticides Source: Ministry of Agriculture/ state company for agricultural equipments (Environmental Statistics Report for Iraq for 2011) Table 4: Use of Pesticides and Herbicides in Iraq (litre) Years Insecticide Fungicide Brushwood Veterinary Other pesticides pesticides 2003 107500 27998 314594 3579 unknown 2004 339998 15000 513999 75000 unknown 2005 13553 36677 168914 unknown 69000 2006 187818.5 48126 236001 unknown 288522 2007 789356.7 20137.5 247504 unknown 1 2008 24188.8 13125.7 240649.3 unknown 230026 2009 628451.8 17740.5 70990 unknown unknown 2010 359093 2387577 92963909 95620 unknown Source: Ministry of Agriculture/ state company for agricultural equipments (Environmental Statistics Report for Iraq for 2011) 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 83 4.2.1.Cultural Heritage and Socioeconomic activities based on natural resources 4.2. Socio economic activities The socio-economic activities can have consistent impacts on natural resources; on the other hand they are also based and dependant on natural ecosystems and on the services these provide to society. Ideally, the best future scenario for a society that aims at living in harmony with nature ould e the sustai a le de elop e t ; ea i g that the resources, services and benefits that ecosystems provide to society are used in a responsible way, as to grant their long term persistence and that their use is made in such a way as not to deplete them completely and not to damage them in an irreversible way. Resource depletion and overexploitation, soil and water pollution are the main factors affecting the natural environment and under the umbrella of these factors can be placed all the wide array of threats that are putting the natural systems under pressure. All of these threats are generated as a consequence of economic activities, of the needs of society and (unfortunately too often) to make profit for the benefits of few people. The extreme resource depletion to the primary purpose of profit, neglecting the real needs of the majority of society and the overall human well-being is extremely dangerous and can lead to the final collapse of the national economies and to unpredictable natural disasters. In order to avoid this danger and to set out a sustainable development path, Iraq should take a number of steps, one of them being the enhancement and promotion of its rural economies based on the ancient and traditional use of natural resources. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity 4.2.1.1.Traditional activities and the use of natural resources related to tribal distribution Many People of Iraq especially in the rural and marshland area depend in their daily life on the natural resources provided by their surrounding environment. There are many economic benefits of the marsh plants and natural resources and the most commonly used are the papyrus (Cyperus sp.) and reed (Phragmites australis) which grow extensively in large areas and are used to feed buffalo, while the lignified older plants are harvested for many purposes including mats industry, houses building, and paper industry (Thalin, 1979). Ma sh A a s the Ma da ho i ha it the a ea live in huts (known as Sarifa's) built from reeds with elaborate latticework entrances and attractive designs that go back to ancient times. It looks like hundreds of islands clustered together into small townships reed houses are the most peculiar features of the marshes. Such houses are built on small artificial islands made out of layers of papyrus and mud. The utilization of reeds and mud houses of all forms has reached an excellent level by traditional standard as reeds are natural (need no treatment) and almost manually transformed without any external tool. This technique confirms the variety and richness of inventions by local builders who made the best possible use of simple and locally available building materials. (Salim, 1970), (Samarai and Azawi, 1997). March 2014 Page 84 The Mudief (guesthouse) is also a special traditional way of making reed houses and it follows a technique thousands years old. The typical mudief is built from a cane skeleton which consists of long and thick bundles for making continuous columns and beams and thin bundles for purling. The skeleton is covered with cane mats. The lower part of the mudief is left open with cane grills to allow the air to pass through during the summer and is closed during the winter with reeds (Samarai, 2008). Figure 12: typical village in the marshlands and the traditional construction the Mudhief Date palm cultivation is socio-economically and traditionally important for local populations where the culture thrives (Jain, Al-Khayri and Johnson, 2011). Every part of the palm date tree is put into good use. In ancient times, the leaves were used to build the roof of the hut for desert dwellers, and to weave baskets for date collection and hats to protect from the burning desert sun. To make carpets for use inside the hut was yet another use of leaves. In modern time, the wood from the trunks, and the leaves provide timber and fabric material for houses and fences. The leaves can be made into ropes, cords, baskets, crates and furniture and fruit stalk may be used as fuel (Jambi, 1999). Figure 13: collecting dates and dates final products 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 85 Shamsul-Houda 1975, Banister 1980, Al-Daham 1982, Coad 1991, 1996a, 2010). About thirty five animal species that have been domesticated for use in agriculture and food production are the primary biological capital for livestock development and are vital to food security and sustainable rural development. Many indigenous breeds, some of which are threatened with extinction, have characteristics such as resilience to climatic stress and resistance to diseases and parasites, which make them well adapted to local conditions, and which are of great potential importance to future livestock production. The i di ato elo sho s hu a s depe de e on freshwater and marine fishes as a main food source, especially the freshwater fishes; through this indicator it can be noticed the increase of freshwater fish catch through the years. This can be attributed to many reasons, such as the increasing population or an increasing fish demand from local and international markets. Considering these high figures, it can be expected that the use of fish resources is unsustainable and this might probably lead to overfishing and a future decrease in fish catch with deleterious consequences for the local economy and for the fishery resources of the area, that are already subject to a number of other pressures. 4.2.2.Fisheries Fish are the most species rich group of vertebrates exploited by humans. Since the time of Sumerians and Babylonians, they have provided food and employment through commercial and traditional fisheries as well as recreation and enjoyment in sport fisheries. There is a marine fishing society in Basrah Governorate, which is active in Iraqi territorial waters and the Arabian Gulf, and about 70% of the local fishermen work in this society. There are also some private fishermen companies working in this marine area. (Mahdi 1962, Al-Nasiri and 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 86 4.2.3.Indicator 17 ANNUAL FISH CATCH OF FRESHWATER AND MARINE RESOURCES Source: The Iraqi Ministry of Planning / Central Bureau of Statistics 2012 4.2.4.Livestock breeding Livestock resources are contributing to the country's economy and human well-being by directly providing for food and by indirectly contributing to increase gross national income (GNI). The increase of gross national income however is not always giving the right measure of human well-being, being this latter based also on intangible values and goods and services provided by natural resources that are often neglected from these calculations. Nevertheless, in a country such as Iraq, where poverty alleviation and satisfaction of primary needs of a big part of society remains a priority, the livestock and 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity poultry breeding plays an important role in enhancing food availability. It has also to be remarked that the animals as shown in Table 5 below are usually bred in an extensive way and they are often owned by nomadic shepherds or by the Marsh Arab tribes (the Buffalo) and are therefore causing less impacts on the environment in terms of the disposal of the typical intensive breeding waste. However it is still worth mentioning that the grazing from herds of nomads groups or other shepherds is one of the major impacts that have been identified in steppe and desert ecosystems (Thalen, D.C.P., 1979; Nature Iraq, 2010). March 2014 Page 87 Table 5: Iraq livestock estimates (2006–2009; million head; includes KRG) Livestock Sheep Goats Cattle Buffalo Camels 2006 Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture 18.615 1.897 1.437 0.146 0.009 2007 USDA Baghdad 2008 USDA Baghdad 2009 USDA-Baghdad % Change 17.580 1.860 1.365 0.146 0.009 15.412 1.710 1.228 0.146 0.009 13.025 1.614 1.166 0.146 0.009 -30 -15 -25 -0-0- Source: the latest GAIN Report from USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. 4.2.5.Indicator 18 IRAQ LIVESTOCK ESTIMATE 2006-2009 (MILLION HEADS) 18000,00 16000,00 14000,00 12000,00 Sheep Goats 10000,00 Cattle 8000,00 Buffalo 6000,00 Camels 4000,00 2000,00 0,00 2006 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity 2007 2008 March 2014 2009 Page 88 4.2.6.Forestry As already mentioned in Indicator 2.2.2, the forest coverage (in sqKm) in Iraq was last reported as 8250 in 2010, according to a World Bank report published in 2012. This coverage represents a slight increase as compared to the years two thousands and especially as compared to the nineties figures. Forests coverage area 8300 8250 8250 8200 8150 8100 8050 8040 8054 8068 8082 8096 8110 8124 8138 8152 8166 8212 8198 8204 8180 8188 8250 8250 8228 8000 7950 7900 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Forests coverage area (sq.km) Source: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/iraq/forest-area-sq-km-wb-data.html Concerning the forestry industry in Iraq and to what extent this industry might play a role in the trends of forest coverage of the country, it can be said that Iraq produces very little timber from its natural forests so most of the requirements, especially in constructional timber and high-grade furniture wood, have to be imported. In 1938, the value of timber imports amounted to IQD. 440,000 ($2,150,000); it is evident that Iraq, due to the nature of its territory and to the low 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity coverage in natural forests (as compared to the majority of the country land) will be always dependent on timber imports. The natural forests that are left in Iraq need active and effective management and protection and their exploitation for forestry purposes should be avoided. Reforestation interventions are in most of the cases very expensive, require high volumes of water and are often made with non-native species that can spread into the natural environment and damage the local resources. March 2014 Page 89 Part II - The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), its implementation, and the mainstreaming of biodiversity 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 90 5. The Biodiversity Targets in Iraq Iraq is in the process of developing its first National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. At the moment of writing, according to Figure 1, the focus of work is on the development of the 5th National Report; in between Step 4 and Step 5 of the overall process. As an output of a broad consultative process with relevant stakeholders Iraq has set its national targets, within the framework of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. These are reported as follows with the corresponding Strategic Goal and Aichi Target of reference. Iraqi Target 1 Strategic Goal A By 2020, 25% of urban and rural people have awareness of the status of biodiversity, its benefits for people, the pressures that affect it, and the actions they can take for its conservation and sustainable use Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society Iraqi Target 2 By 2020, 50% of policy makers and planners have awareness of the status of biodiversity, its benefits for people, the pressures that affect it, and the actions they can take for its conservation and sustainable use Aichi Target 1 By 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably. Iraqi Target 3 By the end of 2015, a national survey of tools used for public awareness of biodiversity is completed. Iraqi Target 4 By 2020 the use of tools (films, publications, educational programmes, guidance materials, and training) for raising awareness of biodiversity is improved with locally defined, area based and targeted awareness programs (e.g. governorate level) 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 91 Iraqi Target 5 By the end of 2020, a GIS database of the extent, condition (i.e. healthy or degraded) and protection status of the natural (not altered by human intervention), semi-natural and human modified habitats of Iraq has been developed. Iraqi Target 6 By the end of 2020, the reasons for loss and degradation (i.e. the species that used to be present in that habitat are not there anymore, and the services that the people expected or used are reduced or absent) of each of the natural (not altered by human intervention), semi-natural and human modified habitats of Iraq have been identified to inform conservation actions. Strategic Goal B Aichi Target 5 By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced. Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use Iraqi Target 7 By the end of 2015 the main pressures on forest ecosystems are identified and studied Iraqi Target 8 By the end of 2020, legislation to address the main pressures on forest ecosystems and native forest species is issued, promoting sustainable management, restoration and conservation. Iraqi Target 9 By the end of 2020, about 1,000 square km of desertified shrubland grassland is restored Iraqi Target 10 By end of 2016 a national monitoring programme is established for identification of the main sources and diffusion paths of chemical and physical pollutants in the natural ecosystems and the effects of pollution on natural ecosystems 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Aichi Target 8 By 2020, pollution, including from March 2014 Page 92 Iraqi Target 11 By the end of 2018 environmental standards are issued and enforced for prevention and control of priority pollutants in the natural (not altered by human intervention), semi-natural and human modified habitats of Iraq. excess nutrients, has been brought to levels that are not detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity. Iraqi Target 12 Strategic Goal C By the end of 2014 a decree is issued for the establishment of protected areas in Iraq. Aichi Target 11 Iraqi Target 13 By the end of 2014 at least three training workshops on PA management have been conducted Iraqi Target 14 By the end of 2015 a study and GIS maps of the most sensitive habitats (i.e. under high level of threats and containing high numbers of globally threatened species) have been developed. By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascapes. Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity Iraqi Target 15 By the end of 2020 ten new Protected Areas have been gazetted and established Iraqi Target 16 By the end of 2016 a national assessment is published of the state of provisioning, regulating and cultural services supplied by natural ecosystems and their importance for rural and urban people and on management options to be developed for the sustainable supply of ecosystem services 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Strategic Goal D Aichi Target 14 Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services. By 2020, ecosystems that provide essential services, including services related to water, and contribute to March 2014 Page 93 Iraqi Target 17 By the end of 2018 a national strategy/subnational strategies are established for the sustainable management of ecosystems to supply important ecosystem services for rural and urban people health, livelihoods and well-being, are restored and safeguarded, taking into account the needs of women, indigenous and local communities, and the poor and vulnerable. Iraqi Target 18 Strategic Goal B By the end of 2016 legislation is enacted to control the introduction and diffusion of nonnative species into the natural environment Iraqi Target 19 By the end of 2020, the list of invasive species of Iraq and their impacts and invasion pathways has been published. Aichi Target 9 By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment. Iraqi Target 20 By the end of 2020 the list of threatened species of Iraq has been published and an action plan for the conservation of priority species is produced Iraqi Target 21 By 2020 legislation for the conservation of threatened species is issued and enforced 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use Strategic Goal C Aichi Target 12 By 2020, the extinction of known threatened species has been prevented and their conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has been improved and sustained. March 2014 Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity Page 94 Iraqi Target 22 By the end of 2020, a survey of indigenous and local communities' traditional knowledge, use and practices relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is published. Strategic Goal E Aichi Target 18 By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, are respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities, at all relevant levels Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building Iraqi Target 23 By 2016 a Resource Mobilization Plan for implementation of the NBSAP is established and implemented Aichi Target 20 By 2020, at the latest, the mobilization of financial resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan 2011- 2020 from all sources and in accordance with the consolidated and agreed process in the Strategy for Resource Mobilization should increase substantially from the current levels. This target will be subject to changes contingent to resources needs assessments to be developed and reported by Parties. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 95 6. Biodiversity indicators to monitor progress in the implementation of the NBSAP In order to monitor progress in the implementation of the Strategy and towards the achievement of the Strategic goals of the Convention, Iraq has set a number of indicators under some of the national targets. Not all of the Iraqi targets were transformed and split up into indicators: some of them were already phrased in such a way to represent actions to be fully implemented at a given time; some others are considered too complex and too data deficient to be implemented in the short time and will be therefore postponed to the Action Planning phase for further research and data collection. According to the above the following indicators have been drafted, trying to set as a maximum three indicators for each target and with an indication about the timeframe of their development. For those targets that are phrased as actions, an indication about the timeframe of completion is also provided. IRAQI TARGET INDICATOR Target 1 Awareness of common people increased 1. Membership of environmental organizations Short term 2. Number of scholarships or higher education programs devoted to biodiversity and ecosystem services Short term 3. Number of TV, Radio commercials etc. on biodiversity Short term 1. Number of actions or strategies put in place by policy makers for BD protection 2. % of policy makers that have taken action about biodiversity Short term Target 2 Policy ake s awareness increased. Target 3 Survey on awareness raising tools completed. Target 4 Use of communication tools improved 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity ACTION 1. Number of awareness raising tools implemented at governorate level 2. Coverage (%) of administrative units (subdistrict level) where awareness raising initiatives have been organized 3. Number of target groups March 2014 TIMEFRAME Short term  Short term Short term Short term Short term Page 96 IRAQI TARGET INDICATOR ACTION addressed for awareness raising initiatives Target 5 GIS database on habitats Target 6 Reasons for habitat loss identified  1. Number of habitats for which the reasons of loss have been identified 2. Area of natural habitats lost 3. Area of degraded habitats. Target 7 Pressure on ecosystems Target 8 Legislation on forest protection Target 9 Restoring desertified land Target 10 Monitoring pollution Target 11 Issuing environmental standards Target 12 Issuing decree for protected areas Target 13 Training workshops on PA carried out Target 14 GIS on sensitive habitats Target 15 PA establishment   1. Area (Km2) of desertified land all over Iraq 2. Number and types of restoration measures adopted 3. Coverage (Km2) of restored areas Target 16 Assessment of ecosystem services Target 17 National strategy on sustainable management of ecosystems Target 18 Legislation is issued against introduction of non-native species into natural environment 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Medium term (action planning) Medium term (action planning) Medium term (action planning) Medium term (action planning) Medium term (action planning) Medium term (action planning) Short term  Medium term (action planning) Medium term (action planning) Short term  Short term  Short term  Short term  1. Number of existing protected areas 2. Number of proposed protected areas TIMEFRAME Medium term (action planning) Short term Short term   Long term (action planning) Medium term (action planning)  Short term Page 97 IRAQI TARGET INDICATOR ACTION  Target 19 List of invasive species of Iraq Target 20 List of threatened species of Iraq is published Target 21 Legislation for protection of threatened species issued Target 22 Survey on traditional knowledge Target 23 Resource mobilization plan established and implemented 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity     March 2014 TIMEFRAME Medium term (action planning) Medium term (action planning) Medium term (action planning) Medium term (action planning) Short term Page 98 7. Successful stories to implement the Convention in Iraq As already mentioned, Iraq is relatively new Party to the Convention and therefore it is in the ongoing process of complying with the many obligations that are set under the CBD framework. This process is complex, also considering that Iraq has passed through war and that it is still sadly facing nowadays terrorism, civilian and social destabilization that are summing up the environmental emergencies with the most urgent ones like health and security. In this context it is certainly noteworthy the progress and the efforts made to focus the attention of both the institutional and the common people level, on the importance of biodiversity and environmental protection, st i i g to pass o e the essage that ou health, well-being and life depend on a healthy en i o e t . The first successful story for Iraq concerning the implementation of the Convention relates to the cross-sectoral institutional involvement that has been achieved under the coordination of the Iraqi Ministry of Environment for the development of national strategies and action plans concerning the environment and biodiversity. 1. The development of the National Environmental Strategy and Action Plan for Iraq (NESAP). 2. The development of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 3. The collection of data for the 5NR to the CBD 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Both the strategies (of which only the NESAP is completed) have adopted a participatory approach, between the MOE, acting as the national umbrella supervising all environmental related activities and actions, and the involved institutional stakeholders (all ministries, various Committees of the Parliament Council). The data collection for the 5NR report is another su essful sto fo I a s i ple e tatio of the Convention; further details on this issue are reported as Annex; a Ministry of Environment dedicated Team has repeatedly visited and surveyed main scientific and technical information sources nationally; trying to fill the gaps of information that have already been recognized as a main issue in the Fourth National Report. The most recent findings of the KBA Programme have been reported as concerns the field work and field surveys; recent scientific articles and discoveries have been searched from national libraries, from the web and from personal communication/sources with local experts and scientists. This methodical research has allowed not only enriching and increasing the data archives about the environment in Iraq; but has also contributed to spread the message of biodiversity importance thereby raising the awareness among the contacted stakeholders. The second successful story for the Iraqi implementation of the Convention deals with the local level and active stakeholder involvement in the protection of biodiversity. The services that the ecosystems provide consist of a wide range of benefits of which the local people are the direct and main beneficiary. At the same time, the most effective effort that can March 2014 Page 99 protect and conserve the local natural resources, including biodiversity, comes from the local people themselves. The idea of educating and building the capacity of the locals everywhere and especially around the KBAs ensures the best approach for the protection measures that can be taken. (IOCN) at early 2010, and the members of the group have proved genuine commitment towards the on the field protection, tough on a small scale. Some experts (including international) have visited Dalmaj area and met some members of FoD. Kurdistan Nature Watch In Iraq the establishment of a network of protected areas is on-going; studies and researches are currently taking place, as well as the necessary stakeholder involvement and consultations, in order to declare and manage sustainably a number of noteworthy natural areas of the country. In considering the protected areas issue and with special reference to cross cutting issue of protected areas and traditional knowledge, in Iraq there are currently two sites that are alredy protected to a certain extent, on base of customary law in one case and of a local conservation group in another case. These two excellent examples of local intitiatives to protect biodiversity are: Barzan Tribal protected area (Kurdistan Nature Watch) and Dalmaj marsh (Friends of Dalmaj). Both local conservation groups were founded by themselves pushed by the belief of their belonging and ownership of their areas and by the necessity of protecting the beauty of the landscape and the natural components of their important places for themselves and for next generations. Friends of Dalmaj (FoD) Local Conservation Group (LCG) This conservation group was founded locally by the Iraqi Organization for Conservation of nature 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity This local conservation group is located in Barzan mountain, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The local tribal group living in part of this mountain committed themselves to the protection of this woodland and shrubs landscape, mainly by not allowing hunting or clear-cutting activities. In this way the natural features of the area have been preserved from substantial changes. Tough the above stories might be perceived as little achievements as compared to the huge quantity of issues that are addressed by the Convention and that still need to be taken into account by Iraq, knowing the Iraqi context and current situation they are indeed big steps of progress towards the implementation of the Convention. 8. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to incorporate Biodiversity Targets and to Mainstream Biodiversity Iraq has no previous NBSAP in place. The focus here will be in the description of relevant actions and implementation of measures of similar strategies, in particular reference will be made to the Natio al E i o e tal “t ateg a d A tio Pla fo I a NE“AP -2017). Through this strategy, Iraq is achieving target no. 2 about the i teg atio of iodi e sit alues of the CBD Strategic Plan 2010-2020. March 2014 Page 100 On-going projects/actions of the NESAP 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Iraqi target (NBSAP) Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 Target 15 Ecosystem Resilience Target 15 Ecosystem Resilience Target 15 Ecosystem Resilience Threats addressed Target 15 Ecosystem Resilience Target 15 Ecosystem Resilience Target 8 Pollution reduction Target 15 Ecosystem Resilience Target 8 Pollution reduction Target 15 Ecosystem Resilience Target 8 pollution reduced Climate Change Target 8 pollution reduced Target 3 Incentives Target 15 Ecosystem resilience Climate Change/ Pollution Drought Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 8 Pollution Target 18 Traditional knowledge Target 8 Pollution reduced Pollution Target 8 Pollution reduced Pollution Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Target 10 Target 11 Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Overall assessment of climate change for priority sectors Development of a national strategy to adapt to climate change Implementation of adaptation activities in the most fragile sectors, regions and ecosystems in partnership with civil society Establishment of the national center for climate change Enactment of laws, legislations and determinants of gas emissions 6. The private sector partnerships in controlling the emissions 7. Installing of air control quality stations in northern governorates and develop an environmental plan for the most polluted areas in cities and governorates' centers. Cleaner fuel and its necessary specifications and legislations Monitoring and assessment of desert, draught and assessing rain amount for 2015. Environmental awareness of the harm caused by random incineration Target 10 Target 11 Building a database on craft industries in Iraq Identifying the national air pollutants standards Linking air quality monitoring units (establish a monitoring network) Conducting studies and research on air quality monitoring Assessing the environmental damages caused by the brick factories polluting air in Nahrawan area Establishing air quality control system in Baghdad and the governorates Developing a program for monitoring and control of different water resources and sources of pollution Remote sensing project (investment) to monitor the water quality of the Target 22 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 March 2014 Climate Change Climate Change Climate Change Climate Change/ Pollution Climate Change/ Pollution Climate Change/ Pollution Loss of knowledge Pollution Page 101 On-going projects/actions of the NESAP 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. Euphrates, Habbaniyah Lake and discharges flown into them (Anbar Environment Directorate) Operational project to implement quality systems (ISO) in Baghdad Directorate Development of environmental monitoring and early warning systems Improvement of quality of water resources in northern governorates through developing monitoring and install remote sensing systems Development of national environmental database and atlases Using remote sensing techniques and GIS for the Marshlands M&E 24. Taking advantage of recycling water and materials in the Marshlands communities 25. Including the Marshlands in the international and regional agreements Establishing a program to monitor and locate sewage disposal in rivers (to be included within the sewage systems development plan) Issuance of instructions on the use of treated wastewater for the purposes of irrigation Encouragement of programs of cleaner production and recycling in plants and facilities to stop discharging wastes 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. Monitoring and control of water quality in the downstream estuary Removing the remnants of war (mines, warships, shipwrecks) from environment of the Marshlands and wetlands (MDF) Management and use of soil and land and mapping of degraded soils (MDF) 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Iraqi target (NBSAP) Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 Threats addressed Target 10 Target 11 Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Pollution Target 5 Target 14 Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 5 Target 14 Target 10 Target 11 Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 5 habitat loss Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Lack of knowledge Target 4 use of natural resources Target 15 Ecosystem Resilience Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Target 4 use of natural resources Target 8 pollution reduced Target 4 Sustainable productions and consumptions Target 8 pollution reduced Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Target 5 habitat loss Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Target 4 sustainable productions and consumptions Agricultural expansion and intensification Wood/shrubs cutting/ Transportation and service corridors March 2014 Habitat Loss/ Natural system modifications/ Lack of knowledge Pollution Pollution Pollution Page 102 On-going projects/actions of the NESAP Iraqi target (NBSAP) Target 1 Target 2 Target 6 Target 7 Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 5 Habitat loss Target 7 Area under sustainable management Target 5 habitat loss Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Threats addressed 32. Raising awareness about urban expansion to agricultural lands and orchards. 33. Monitoring of desertification and land degradation using remote sensing Target 5 Target 14 34. Mapping of desertification and vegetation at the national level (198) Target 5 Target 9 Target 5 habitat loss Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge 35. Environmental awareness in the fight against desertification (MDF) Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness 36. Raising awareness to decision maker level on implementing green belts in Baghdad and governorates Reduction of soil contamination from chemicals and oil products (MDF) Target 1 Target 2 Target 9 Target 2 Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Lack of awareness Target 10 Target 11 Target 8 pollution reduced Target 15 Ecosystem Resilience Target 8 pollution reduced Target 8 pollution reduced Target 10 pressure on coral reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution 37. 38. Rehabilitation of lands contaminated with mines Target 10 Target 11 39. National plan to study marine pollution sources (including land-based sources, etc.) Target 10 Target 11 40. Development of a response plan for oil spill from crude oil exporting facilities in Basra, Khor Al Amaya Oil Terminal, Umm Qasr, and Khor Al Zubair (being prepared by JICA under the Japanese loan) Strategic action for regional cooperation to reduce pollution and protect marine environment Preservation of biodiversity in the marine environment Target 10 Target 11 41. 42. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Uncontrolled urban expansion Agricultural expansion and intensification Wood/shrubs cutting/ Transportation and service corridors Agricultural expansion and intensification Wood/shrubs cutting/ Transportation and service corridors Lack of awareness Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Target 10 Target 11 Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Target 15 Target 17 Target 11 protected areas Target 10 pressure on coral reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems Pollution/ Over exploitation/ Invasive Alien Species/ Natural March 2014 Page 103 On-going projects/actions of the NESAP Iraqi target (NBSAP) Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 43. Integrated management of Iraqi coast Target 15 Target 17 Target 11 protected areas Target 10 pressure on coral reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems 44. Developing the coastal environment Target 15 Target 17 45. Modernizing the marine and coastal environment laws and legislation Target 15 Target 10 pressure on coral reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems Target 4 sustainable productions and consumptions Target 17 NBSAP adopted as a policy instrument 46. Establishment of national protected areas network Target 9 Target 12 Target 15 Target 20 Target 17 47. Biodiversity protection in the marshlands Target 12 Target 20 48. Maintaining areas of natural heritage Target 22 49. The national strategy for biodiversity 50. Mapping of important areas of biodiversity and birds Inventory of biodiversity and lists of endemic and endangered species Target 5 Target 14 Target 20 Strategy of invasive species control Target 18 Target 19 51. 52. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Target 11 protected areas Target 5 habitat loss Target 12 threatened species Target 18 traditional knowledge Target 11 protected areas Target 12 threatened species Target 4 sustainable productions and consumptions. Target 18 traditional knowledge Target 2 Integration of Biodiversity values Target 17 NBSAP adopted as a policy instrument Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 12 threatened species Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 9 invasive species Target 3 incentives March 2014 Threats addressed System modifications Pollution/ Over exploitation/ Invasive Alien Species/ Natural System modifications Pollution/ Over exploitation/ Invasive Alien Species/ Natural System modifications Pollution/ Over exploitation/ Invasive Alien Species/ Natural System modifications Protection of endangered and local species, to improve habitats status and reduce the pressures Protect endangered and local species, improve habitats status and reduce the pressures Maintaining natural heritage is part of traditional knowledge. Lack of policy and legislation addressing biodiversity concerns Lack of knowledge Lack of knowledge Avoid the effect of invasive species on Page 104 53. 54. On-going projects/actions of the NESAP Iraqi target (NBSAP) Establishment of stations for breeding of endangered Iraqi deer Animal genetic resources Target 20 55. Genetic fingerprinting 56. 57. 58. The national framework for biosafety in accordance with Cartagena Protocol Implementation of the National Program for Biological safety in accordance with Cartagena Protocol Integration of biodiversity in the curricula of research, education and training Target 4 Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 reformed Target 12 threatened species Target 13 genetic diversity maintained Target 13 genetic diversity maintained Threats addressed Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Lack of knowledge/ awareness on biodiversity Over-exploitation of natural resources for touristic purposes Lack of policy level awareness Lack of policy implementation 59. Activation of eco-tourism Target 4 sustainable productions and consumptions 60. Developing the institutional framework for biodiversity management Monitoring and activation of compliance with laws Target 2 Biodiversity values integrated Target 2 Biodiversity values integrated Target 17 NBSAP adopted as a policy instrument Target 19 Knowledge improved, shared and applied 61. Target 8 Target 11 Target 18 Target 21 Target 13 62. Capacity building for the biodiversity related staff. 63. Outreach and inventory of cultural environmental heritage Awards for actors in Biodiversity Target 22 65. Awareness campaigns of using environmentally friend bags (paper and non-paper) instead of plastic bags. Target 1 Target 2 Target 4 Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 8 Pollution reduction 66. Raising awareness of school students of all levels on waste differentiation Target 1 Target 2 Target 4 Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness 67. Building of a database for all contaminating activities in the northern Target 10 Target 11 Target 8 pollution reduction 64. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Target 1 Target 2 Target 4 Target 18 traditional knowledge Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness March 2014 local biodiversity Loss of threatened species Loss of genetic diversity Lack of knowledge/ Awareness on biodiversity Lack of knowledge/ Awareness on biodiversity Lack of knowledge/ Awareness on biodiversity / Indiscriminate waste dumping Lack of knowledge/ Awareness on biodiversity Lack of knowledge/ Page 105 On-going projects/actions of the NESAP Iraqi target (NBSAP) Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 governorates 68. Impact of agricultural pesticides on the Marshlands environment (206) Target 10 Target 11 69. Environmental Awareness Project on materials hazardous chemicals Project environmental awareness of farmers about the safe use of pesticide Enacting environmental legislation for use of the environmental inspection guide in cooperation with the Legal Department (MDF) Target 1 Target 2 Target 1 Target 2 Target 10 Target 11 Environmental assessment of mercury pollution in Iraq (203) Modernizing legal framework for the environment Target 10 Target 11 Target 8 Target 10 Target 11 Target 12 Target 18 Target 21 Target 8 Target 10 Target 11 Target 12 Target 18 Target 21 70. 71. 72. 73. Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 8 pollution reduced Target 2 Biodiversity values integrated Target 17 NBSAP adopted as a policy instrument Target 8 pollution reduced Lack of policy implementation Pollution Lack of policy implementation Lack of knowledge/ Awareness on biodiversity Lack of knowledge/ Awareness on biodiversity Collaboration with academic bodies to conduct applied researches Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge 76. MoE institutional development Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge 77. Institutional support for civil society institutions and non-governmental organization. Support and completion of Iraq's accession to regional and international conventions and agreements Environment workers efficiency improvement Environmental awareness and education among parliamentarians, decision makers, religious leaders and opinion leaders Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Awareness Target 2 Biodiversity values integrated Target 17 NBSAP adopted as a policy instrument 75. 80. Awareness Lack of policy implementation Enactment of environmental legislation to use the Environmental Inspection Guide in collaboration with the Legal Department 79. Awareness on biodiversity Pollution Target 2 Biodiversity values integrated Target 17 NBSAP adopted as a policy instrument 74. 78. Threats addressed Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 1 Target 2 Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness March 2014 Awareness Page 106 On-going projects/actions of the NESAP Environmental awareness and education among communities, women and youth Environmental awareness in the most vulnerable areas Environmental incentives, competitions and awards Iraqi target (NBSAP) Target 1 Target 2 Target 1 Target 2 Target 1 Target 2 84. Developing air quality management system Target 10 Target 11 85. Water quality evaluating system Target 10 Target 11 86. Environmental and ground water monitoring system Target 10 Target 11 81. 82. 83. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. On-going projects/actions of the NESAP (which are addressing specific issues of pollutions or human health) Monitoring, inspection and testing of landfills Environmental assessment of military manufacturing facilities Inventory of hazardous waste (types and quantities) in Iraq Control and treatment of hazardous waste Environmental assessment of contamination with mercury in Iraq Study on establishing landfills for hazardous waste Raising awareness to health offices on sorting medical wastes from normal wastes. Raising awareness on waste management of all its types for young and students of all levels. Locating and establishing hazardous waste landfills using remote sensing technology Issuing rules, regulations and determinants for the transfer, circulation, storage, processing and dumping of hazardous 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 3 Incentives Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Threats addressed Iraqi target (NBSAP) Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 Threats addressed Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution Target 1 Target 2 Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 1 Target 2 Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced March 2014 Awareness Awareness Awareness Pollution Pollution Pollution Pollution Pollution Pollution Pollution Pollution/ Loss of knowledge/ Awareness on biodiversity Pollution/ Awareness on Biodiversity Pollution/ Awareness on biodiversity Pollution Pollution Page 107 On-going projects/actions of the NESAP (which are addressing specific issues of pollutions or human health) waste Raising awareness on the risks of dealing with hazardous wastes and safe disposal and means of reducing it Modelling of oil pollution movement within coastal and aquatic environments and soil Introduction of remote sensing technology to control oil pollution Iraqi target (NBSAP) Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 Threats addressed Target 1 Target 2 Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Awareness Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced 14. Acceding to the international and regional oil agreements Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced 15. Minimize oil pollution incidents Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced 16. Raising awareness to the workers in oil sector on environmental and health risks of oil pollution Development of a response plan for oil spill from crude oil exporting facilities, prepared by JICA and the stakeholders of South Oil Company and the other concerned ministries (the first phase of the plan above has been prepared and the second phase is being prepared. The organogram, tasks and the bylaw will be developed along with all the requirements of the operation centre to combat oil pollution in the southern area). Early warning of oil pollution in water bodies Target 1 Target 2 Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Awareness Target 10 Target 11 Target 8 pollution reduced Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced 19. Regional linking of the systems of environmental monitoring and early warning system (oil) Target 10 Target 11 20. Oil pollutant data bank Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining 21. Development of safety and contingency plans to control oil disasters Target 10 Target 11 Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge 22. Preparing information on the radioactive materials circulated within the public and private sectors Training staff on radioactive sources M&E Target 10 Target 11 Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 1 Target 1 Biodiversity 11. 12. 13. 17. 18. 23. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Page 108 On-going projects/actions of the NESAP (which are addressing specific issues of pollutions or human health) systems Iraqi target (NBSAP) Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 Target 2 School awareness on radiation risks and handling ways Conducting comprehensive radiological surveys of radioactively contaminated sites Target 1 Target 2 Target 10 Target 11 26. Assessment of radiation effect of oil industry (radioactive survey to measure radon in all oil companies) Target 10 Target 11 27. Closing destroyed nuclear facilities and sites Target 10 Target 11 Awareness Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 1 Biodiversity Awareness Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced 28. Radiological evaluation of military industrial facilities Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced 29. Building of a material base for treatment and storage of radioactive solid waste Target 10 Target 11 30. Drafting a law on granting licenses for radioactive materials transfer, circulation and storage licensing Conducting specialized radiological scans for goods at border crossings Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced 32. Capacity building in the field of licensing, inspection and obtain certificates of inspectors under the ISO 17020 Target 10 Target 11 33. Regulatory control to manage, store and dispose of the waste of natural origin resulting from industrial activities and oil Target 10 Target 11 34. The regulatory control of the Facilities dismantling of past Iraq's nuclear program and former management of radioactive waste resulting therefrom. ISO system Target 10 Target 11 Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced 24. 25. 31. 35. 36. Developing a map for radiation of Iraq 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Target 10 Target 11 Target 10 Target 11 March 2014 Threats addressed Awareness Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production Page 109 On-going projects/actions of the NESAP (which are addressing specific issues of pollutions or human health) Iraqi target (NBSAP) 37. The preparation of legislation, instructions, and rules covering regulatory control to ensure the safety of nuclear and radiation. Target 10 Target 11 38. Early Warning and linking the national system regionally Target 10 Target 11 39. Assessment of HR needs in the environment sector Drafting of an environment HR development plan Assessment of lead contaminating in Iraq 40. 41. Target 10 Target 11 42. Rapid assessment of mercury pollution in contaminated sites Target 10 Target 11 43. Developing of a national record of hazardous wastes Target 10 Target 11 44. Monitoring program for storage methods of chemicals and pesticides Target 10 Target 11 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Strategic Plan of the Convention 2010-2020 Threats addressed Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge Target 3 Incentives Target 8 pollution reduced Target 19 Biodiversity Knowledge and Mining March 2014 Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution/ Energy Production and Mining Pollution Pollution Pollution Pollution Page 110 stakeholders involved with biodiversity issues have been identified and a number of workshops and meetings have been organized. 9. Actions taken to implement the CBD Convention since the 4th National Report and outcomes of these actions 2010 was an important year for Iraq; in this year the first Report about the status and the future perspectives on biodiversity of the country was produced. The issuance of this report, tough not perfect, had also the invaluable function of initiating for Iraq the process of reporting and complying with the obligations of the Convention on-going and working, as this report demonstrates. The process of spreading and divulgating biodiversity messages and background among people and policy makers in Iraq is very difficult and complex, due to a serious lack of environmental awareness at all levels. For this reason the process of implementing the CBD Convention and the related actions taken to that purpose are still struggling in an adverse environment. However, and considering the major lack of awareness, financial resources, security, coordination and cooperation among institutions, significant progress has been achieved by Iraq in the last 4 years towards major issues of the CBD Convention. 9.1. NBSAP and related activities As a result of an Iraqi Ministry of Environment initiative with the logistical and financial support of GEF and UNEP, the enabling activity project Fi st NB“AP fo I a a d De elop e t of Fifth Natio al ‘epo t to the CBD has ee i itiated as of November 2012. The process of drafting the Strategy is on-going, but relevant achievements have been reached as parts of the overall process. In particular main 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity 9.1.1. Outcomes of the first steps of the NBSAP The consultation meetings have led to the identification of the Iraqi national priorities and targets concerning biodiversity, to be inserted and developed in the Strategy and subsequent action planning. 9.2. National Environmental Strategy and Action Plan of Iraq (2013-2017) (NESAP) This Strategy has been issued in June 2013 by the Iraqi Ministry of Environment with the support of UNEP and UNDP. The document addressed all environmental issues and concerns in Iraq and provides for actions and objectives within the time frame set. Many issues of the NESAP are cross-cutting and addressing biodiversity concerns and issues that will be covered and developed also in the NBSAP of Iraq. 10 strategic objectives have been set in the strategy; for each of them various indicators and projects have been defined. The strategy has been spread and divulgated at all institutional level and some of the projects identified are ongoing. 9.2.1.Outcomes of the NESAP Implementation of some projects beneficial to biodiversity and that are contributing to achieve the objectives of the CBD Convention. March 2014 Page 111 9.3. GEF Project: Initial steps for the Establishment of the National Protected Areas Network 9.4.1.Outcomes of the Protected Areas Draft Document In July 2013 Iraq has received the approval from GEF for the initiation of the activities to establish its National Protected Areas Network. The project aims at designing the first national system of protected areas in Iraq, at institutional strengthening, protected areas system implementation and awareness increasing at all levels. At the time of writing, the preparation of all necessary project documents is on-going. 9.3.1.Outcomes of the initial steps for the establishment of the National Protected Areas Network This project will allow to establish the network of PAs nationally and to contribute to the accomplishment of the PoWPA programme. 9.4. Draft list of proposed protected areas (under the umbrella of the PoWPA programme of the Convention) The Iraqi Ministry of environment (MOE), in order to fulfill with the requirements of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas of the CBD Convention, has drafted a document in which, taking into account relevant information provided in the Key Biodiversity Areas work of Nature Iraq, a first list of 17 protected areas has been proposed, as of December 2013. The document is in the process of review and app o al the Mi ist ies Cou il of I a . 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Approval of the first 17 protected areas of Iraq by the Mi ist ies Council. 9.5. Legislation on PAs Legislation named the "System of protected areas" has been approved in Iraq and entered into force according to the Cou il of Mi iste s decree No. 139 in 2014. The system was prepared by the National Committee for the study on protected sites (which was formed under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment with a membership of the relevant authorities). The law is intended to set the requirements and criteria for the establishment and management of protected areas, considered as one of the most important ways to preserve biodiversity and protect the environment; thereby preserving all its components, including important natural and cultural heritage. The law encompasses 13 articles, which are summarized below: Article 1: It defines the most important terms used globally in relation with protected areas, and among the others: biodiversity, geological diversity, national park, eco-tourism, threatened species, habitats, sustainable development in addition to a number of other terms. Article 2: It deals with the formation of a national committee for protected natural sites, which will be chaired by the Ministry of Environment and with the membership of the relevant authorities and institutions that will perform administrative controls. Article 3: It reviews and list the most important duties and functions of the Committee mentioned March 2014 Page 112 in Article 2, such as the evaluation of the proposed sites for declaration as a protected areas, the coordination with international experts and organizations; the indication on how to manage the sites and the classification of those sites, develop the necessary plans for the management and preparation of environmental awareness programs. In addition this article lists a number of other tasks for the Committee. Articles 4, 5, 6, 7: these articles include the baseline conditions and criteria to propose a site as protected area. Article 8: It explains the baseline of the protected areas management through the development of plans and the necessary administrative controls. Article 9: It sets the prohibitions and forbidden actions that cannot be carried out within the protected area because they negatively affect biodiversity and habitats. Article 10: It provides for exemptions under which the Ministry of Environment can allow to perform certain (normally forbidden) activities within the protected areas. Article 11: It provides for sanctions and punitive provisions as established under the law to protect and improve the environment nr. 27 of 2009. Article 12: It sets coordination activities between the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture to issue relevant instructions (ministerial decrees), when needed. Article 13: It endorses the implementation of the above articles from the date of publication in the National Official Gazette. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity 9.6. National park declaration The Central marshes of southern Iraq have been declared as a protected area in accordance with Cou il of Mi iste s De isio No. in 2013. The Iraqi government will have the duty of implementing the management plan which is designed to create a close correlation between the goals of the protection of natural and cultural heritage and the necessary measures to promote the development of social and economic aspects and improve quality of life for the local population. The national park is located in southern Iraq between the provinces of Maysan in the north and Thi Qar in the west, and bounded on the east side by Basrah province (West Qurna. The central marshes are fed naturally by the Tigris River through Pitera, Al-Areeth and Al-Majar Al-Kabeer branches, and Al-Gharraf River branching from the Tigris River from the city of Kut, and across the Shatt al- Abu Lihya feeding channels on the western site of Abu Zirig marsh. The Central Marshes is the first site that was announced as a protected area since the first reflooding of the southern marshes in 2003. The National Park category is defined (according to IUCN classification) as Category II National Park: It is a protected area is managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation. The purpose of this declaration is to protect the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for the present and future generations, removal and prevention of exploitation of resources and maintenance of environmental geomorphologic and aesthetical values. Thus the maintenance of the natural or semi-natural state of the area, March 2014 Page 113 which takes into account the needs of the local population and ensures their livelihoods, is the focal issue of the National Park establishment. The main environmental goal of the National park is the protection and promotion of biodiversity, restoration of ecosystems of the marshes and, on a larger scale, to encourage the establishment of environmental corridors between the marshes and find a management system suitable for the whole Mesopotamia marshes complex, in addition to the revival and protection of all identified archaeological sites. The National Park will retain a coherent and close relationship between the cultural and natural environment, reflecting a living and working landscape for the Iraqi Marshlands in general. 9.7. World Heritage The project for nominating World Heritage sites in Iraq started in 2009, it was funded by the Italian government and implemented by the Ministry of Environment and several other ministries, together with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). UNEP and UNESCO have been working on building capacity of Iraqi staff about the sustainability of the Iraqi marshes and on maintaining biodiversity. A national committee for the project was formed, headed by the Ministry of Environment, represented by Dr. Ali Abdul-Zhra Al-Lami /the ministry advisor with the membership of a number of relevant authorities (Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Water Resources, the provincial council of Basrah, Maysan and Thi Qar, and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities). 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Also a national skilled team was formed to write the nomination file for World Heritage, trained on the concepts of the World Heritage Convention and how to write and prepare a nomination file. The project ended with the preparation of the nomination file of Iraqi marshes as a mixed site on the list of World Heritage that carries natural and cultural values. The nomination file was signed by both Excellencies the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities on the 23rd of January 2014. The file was submitted to the World Heritage Committee in Paris / UNESCO Centre to be revised and then presented to the consultative agencies to evaluate the nomination file and clarify the importance of the chosen site, as it would represent the first mixed site in the Arab world within the world heritage sites. 9.7.1. The nomination file “the marshes of southern Iraq: a refuge of biodiversity and evidence of the cities of Mesopotamia civilization " The preparation of the nomination file of Iraqi southern marshes as a national sequential and mixed property for natural and cultural heritage, consists of 7 sequenced sites and includes 4 components of the natural heritage, and 3 components of cultural heritage, these sites extend in the provinces of Muthanna, Maysan, Thi Qar and Basrah, with a total area of 211.544 hectares. The components of natural heritage include: -Al-Hawizeh marsh with an area of 48131 hectares (Maysan province) -Central Marshes with an area of 62435 hectares (Maysan and Thi Qar) March 2014 Page 114 -The eastern marsh of Al-Hammar with an area of 20342 hectares (province of Basrah) -The western marsh of Al-Hammar with an area of 79991 hectare (the province of Thi Qar) The Components of cultural heritage include -Uruk site with an area of 541 hectares (Muthanna province) -Ur with an area of 71 hectares (Thi Qar) -Eridu with an area of 33 hectare (Thi Qar) Figure 14: components of the World Heritage nomination file The Exceptional World Value The natural component considered in the nomination procedure are the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA), Important Bird Areas (IBA), and Important Plants Areas (IPA) criteria found in the overall area, in addition to the fact that the Hawizeh marsh has already been included in the Ramsar sites as a wetland of international importance, and the Central marshes have been declared as a national park. The different biotic and abiotic properties of Iraqi southern marshes are considered the main 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity reason in the development and evolution of a number of endemic taxonomic orders, in addition the area of the marshes of southern Iraq and their ha itats ha e glo al i po ta e to a uati i ds communities, representing an important breeding area globally. This migration area is located within the migration routes of west Siberia -CaspianNile, one of the three main migration pathways of Western Palaearctic for ducks, and of the West Asia-East Africa migration route, considered one of the main world migration paths for Waders and Shorebirds. March 2014 Page 115 The cultural components considered refer to the ancient history related with the growth and decay of ancient urban centres of southern Mesopotamia, Sumerian communities, and even from the Babylonian period. The archaeological unique heritage represents the baseline reference in the development of cultures and urbanized human societies, by having provided the foundations of urban planning and hydraulic works as well as the first writing system, leaving a civilization imprinting that will last forever. 9.8. KBA book publication The KBA programme was initiated in 2005 by Iraqi MOE in coordination with Nature Iraq with support from the Canada-Iraq Marshlands Initiative (CIMI) and BirdLife International. CIMI and BirdLife supported much of the initial training of the project teams and the first exploratory bird surveys in southern Iraq to test field methods. Major funding since 2006 came from the Italian Ministry of Environment, Land and Sea. As a result of these activities, at the time of writing, a comprehensive inventory to document the Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) work of Iraq is under review for final publication. The main goal of the KBA programme was to identify areas of outstanding importance for their biodiversity and to provide a foundation for developing a protected area network in Iraq. 9.8.1.Outcomes of the KBA inventory and its publication When the KBA Inventory will be published and publically available to biodiversity stakeholders, scientists and policy makers, it will be a sound tool to inform conservation and management actions for most of the habitats of Iraq. 9.9. CITES Iraq became the party 180 to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). And according to the law No. 29 in 2012, CITES became an obligation on Iraq. The convention will be under the duties of the Ministry of Environment with the help of other ministries and institutions. The Convention will enter into force for Iraq on 6 May 2014. Iraq is home to a variety of fauna and flora, of which over 100 are included in the CITES Appendices, including Arabian oryx, red deer, fallow deer, common jackal, grey wolf, red fox, Eurasian lynx, leopard, brown bear, Asian wild ass, red-breasted goose, Eurasian spoonbill, various birds of prey, whale shark, knifetooth sawfish and several Euphorbia species (a flowering plant). 9.9.1.Outcomes of the initial steps for implementing CITES in Iraq. - Two bodies (scientific and administrative) have been formed. - Authorized people have been identified to sign the permits and CITES certificates, and the general secretary of CITES have been informed with the names. - Identifying and organizing the work mechanism is on-going. 9.10. CMS A decree No. 114 in 2014 has been issued from the i iste s ou il ith an agreement on I a s 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 116 accession to CMS (the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals). a d i ple e tatio of I a s commitments towards the convention will be under the duties of the Ministry of Environment with the help of other ministries and institutions. 9.11. AEWA A decree No. 144 in 2014 has been issued from the i iste s ou il ith a ag ee e t o I a s accession to AEWA (Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds). And I ple e tatio of I a s commitments towards the convention will be under the duties of the Ministry of Environment with the help of other ministries and institutions. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 117  10. Mainstreaming of Biodiversity into Relevant Sectoral and Cross-sectoral Strategies, Plans and Programmes Biodiversity management is complex and requires the active and effective participation of stakeholders not only at different levels of government, but also in the large number of sectors potentially impacting the environment. Coordination and mainstreaming of Biodiversity in the national strategies is essential. For biodiversity to become a top priority nationally, its relevance to livelihoods, poverty and national development needs to be highlighted. On the national level, Iraq can accomplish this through incorporating biodiversity-relevant issues into all the national strategies that have or might have cross-cutting issues with biodiversity, such as: the National Environmental Strategy and action plan for Iraq (2013-2017), the National development plan (2010-2014), the Higher education strategy, the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Health Strategy, the Energy Strategy(INES), the Water and Land Resources Strategy (SWRLI), that might contribute in supporting and improving the quality of life and biodiversity as well as ecosystems protection and restoration. Other plans and strategies that are cross-cutting biodiversity issues are provided as Annex. 10.1. National Environmental Strategy and action plan for Iraq (2013-2017) In the following paragraph are reported a number of points that are cross-cutting biodiversity subjects and issues contained in this Strategy: 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014    A target on protecting and improving water quality which promote sustainable water resources management and improve scarcity and quality of marshlands water and this habitat recovery. A target on control of land degradation and to combat desertification. This target is aiming at solving issues about the land use such as its management and the identification of the degraded areas, the desertification spots, soil pollution and degraded vegetation. A target to maintain marine and coastal environment, which promotes the water quality in the marine environment, the sustainable management of marine fisheries, biodiversity protection, the establishment of marine and coastal protected areas and rehabilitation of degraded coastal habitats. A target on protection and sustainable use of biodiversity, which promotes: long term maintenance of ecosystems and biodiversity, comprehensive field survey using standard qualitative and quantitative methods for monitoring and detecting future changes, environmental management techniques to restore natural biodiversity, identification of endangered ecosystems, establishment of protected areas, establishment of gene bank of local species, identification of local species, ecotourism, promotion of biodiversity into different education curricula, updating legislation and regulations and raising environmental awareness and public participation. Page 118  Targets on reduction of oil pollution, radioactive contamination and integrated management of hazardous chemicals, which promote enhancing institutional and legislative structures by developing deterrent legal procedures, strengthen the regulatory system and public participation in order to reduce the effects of oil exploration and radiation contamination on ecosystems and biodiversity, identifying the chemicals spread into environment. A chapter on agriculture and water resources promoting sustainable use, the protection of agricultural land management and providing for the required water quantity and quality. Water resources management and land reclamation together with rural development are foreseen through the term of the plan, to raise all levels of rural societies. This chapter also promotes the maintenance of biological diversity and the increase in number of the natural protected areas as well as the maintenance of the ones that are currently existing and the establishment of gene banks. A chapter on social status brings forward the achievement of the objectives of poverty alleviation and the national efforts to achieve the millennium development goals. A chapter on 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity In this Strategy reference is made to sustainable development in Iraq, with a view to develop the capacity of scientific community in this field. Poverty Reduction Strategy The biodiversity-poverty relationship is complex; it is a multi-domain (ecological, social and economic), multi-scale and multi-actor issue. This strategy cross-cuts biodiversity issues concerning the following points:  10.3. National Strategy on higher education 10.4. 10.2. National development plan (2010-2014)  sustainable development promotes the improvement of the environmental situation of Iraq, by addressing: water quality, soil quality, desertification, and the improvement of environmental awareness. The millennium development goals (MDGs) fulfill the same overarching function for poverty reduction efforts. Goal 7 of the MDGs, includes a ta get to e e se the loss of e i o e tal esou es , also this goal highlights the importance of maintaining ecosystems and their restoration for providing services for the locals for improving their livelihood. A national Strategy on poverty reduction was prepared and approved in Iraq, this highlights that the rural people are facing a poorness more than the urban people because their ability to get benefits from the ecosystem services is decreasing due to continuation of drought, decreasing of water and lack of water policy; together with other critical challenges, and the unsustainable use of the ecosystem resources., All of these factors have led to ecosystem degradation, that, together with the scarce interest and actions taken in restoration March 2014 Page 119 interventions, the lack of financial support from the government or from other sources, and the population increase has resulted in a collective emigration from some of marshland areas and rural villages in search of better opportunities. 10.5. Energy strategy: The Integrated National Energy Strategy for 20132030 (INES) was adopted by the Iraqi Council of Ministers in April 2013. The INES describes the u e t halle ges fa i g I a s e e g se to a d the oppo tu ities p ese ted Ia s e eg resources, addressing all the major components of I a s E e g “e to : upst ea a d downstream oil, natural gas, power, and linked i dust ies. The isio is to develop the Energy Sector in a coherent, sustainable and environment-friendly manner to meet domestic needs, foster the growth of a diversified national economy, improve the standards of living of Iraqi citizens, create employment, and position Iraq as a major player in the regional and global energy markets . The INES Plan is will be developed in three phases, each of which reflects a distinct set of p io ities: the sho t te Oil ‘ush phase, the medium-te Gas Value Added Phase a d the long-te Di e sified e po t phase. The INE“ Plan is built on 5 Strategic Objectives: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. a Low Production Scenario, targeting a 6 million bbl/d production plateau by 2025 2. a Medium Production Scenario, targeting a 9 million bbl/d production plateau by 2020 3. a High Production Scenario, targeting a 13 million bbl/d production plateau by 2017 and a rapid decline beyond 2023) Energy Security Government Value Creation Economic Diversification Employment Growth Environmental Sustainability The Strategy in based on three main scenarios for oil production in the self operated fields: 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity The current primary strategic objective is to ensure development of the 12 major fields of Iraq. The minimum target production level should be 4.5 million bbl/d in 2014. The secondary strategic objective is to develop within three years a basis for setting long term production targets. For this purpose, a Petroleum Reserve Management System shall be developed by the Ministry of Oil, in order to organize and analyze the information gathered from current oilfields activities and from the related reports submitted by TSC Operators. Thereafter, the primary upstream objective will be to manage oil and gas production and develop reserves in accordance with its long term production targets. As for downstream oil subsectors, the INES includes three main activities: commercializing crude oil as an export product, refining crude oil into oil products suitable for domestic use and export, and distributing refined oil products to domestic customers. As for the Gas subsector, the primary objective is to develop infrastructure needed to handle and distribute gas production. It is foreseen that by , i tuall all of I a s gas p odu tio should be captured and processed and available for transport to domestic end users, for power March 2014 Page 120 generation and for the development of gas based linked industries, and any potential surplus can be exported. As for the Power Subsector, the INES foresees that that imports of gas should end by 2016 and crude, heavy crude and liquid fuel oil will be phased out as power fuels. It is planned that natural gas, that currently fuels one quarter of power production, will fuel four fifths by 2030. Six linked industries are included in the INES, namely petrochemicals, fertilizers, steel, aluminium, cement and bricks, as each of these industries consumes large quantities of energy in the form of power or heating fuel, and the petrochemical and fertilizers industries require large quantities of natural gas components as feedstock for their products. The development of these subsectors will allow Iraq to substantially reduce import of products of these industries for the domestic market and eventually establish a material export flow. In setting the strategic objectives, the environmental and socio-economic situation of the country is taken into consideration in a specific Socio-economic and Environmental Baseline analysis. The Environmental Sustainability strategic objective is aimed at solving the main environmental issues related to the energy sectors – greenhouse gas emissions, emission of air pollutants, use of freshwater resources, and discharge of liquid effluents, solid waste generation, and land use. clearly acknowledged in the outline strategic objectives and development of the INES Plan. 10.6. The Strategy on Water and Land Resources of Iraq (SWLRI) The objective of the SWRLI project is to define the strategy and the related investment plan that will guide the sustainable management and development of the water and land resources of Iraq for the next twenty-five years. The SWRLI project started in 2010 and is being developed by SGI Studio Galli Ingegneria S.p.A in association with Med Ingegneria (Italy) and El Concorde (USA). The activities to be performed include data collection, archiving, and analysis, as well as performing all the planning activities required for the development of the Strategy. The planning horizon of the SWLRI comprises the time span from 2010 to 2035, with greater detail for the first five years. The planning process shall be designed to be periodically updated every five years. The primary outputs of SWLRI studies shall include, but not be limited to, the following: In the INES there is no specific outline of biodiversity conservation objectives, but the importance of environmental sustainability is 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 - - - Framework for water and land resources strategy for Iraq and preparation of the master plan based on integrated water resources management approach. Comprehensive strategy based on international laws and accepted conventions for negotiation with riparian countries in order to ensure efficient and equitable use and benefits of common resources. Integrated approach for prioritization of development of infrastructure and capital investment projects from different Page 121 sectors that ensure the sustainable development. As of December 2013, the SWRLI project has entered the strategic planning phase. This phase basically entails two different components: the definition of the strategic guidelines for the sectors involved in the national water resources master plan (the strategic guidelines of some of the key sectors are being discussed and shared with the Iraqi decision makers and stakeholders in a number of high level meetings) and the implementation of different planning scenarios to define the opportunities prioritization and the related investment plan. The key sectors, for which the SWLRI national water resources master plan will provide the strategic guidelines, are the following:       Water quantity Water quality - reduction and management of water and soil salinity Groundwater, including the conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water Municipalities & industries enhancement of the reliability and scope of water delivery system Current and future agriculture developments and productivity Irrigation and drainage - current and future water allocation for each irrigation project 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014             Drainage system, including the main outfall drain (mod) Energy and hydropower Environmentally sensitive areas including the unique Mesopotamian marshes Marshland restoration implications Navigation and water transport Floods - management of water-related hazards - flood mitigation and response Droughts - management of water-related hazards - drought mitigation and response Water control infrastructure - enhance the national storage capacity & infrastructure to meet year-round needs (dams, reservoirs) Management of water resources Improvement of sanitation and municipal services   Institutional arrangements    financial Managing fisheries International waters  - Water & environmental policies Environment Reduction and management of water and soil salinity Managing desertification Managing pastures Page 122 Part III - Progress towards the 2020 Aichi Biodiversity Targets and contributions to the relevant 2015 Targets of the Millennium Development Goals 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 123 11. Progress made by Iraq towards the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Biodiversity Targets In 2009, Iraq signed the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and since then many important steps have been moved towards the building of global environmental awareness at the national level and for biodiversity conservation and management. The Convention covers a number of thematic areas which are related with biodiversity and its conservation in the relevant institutional and socio-economic context. However, due to the recent membership of Iraq into the Convention, its processes to fully and comprehensively implement and take action on all the thematic areas encompassed by the CBD are still on-going. Iraq fourth National Report was issued in 2010; in the same year Iraq actively participated in the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention in Nagoya, Japan. The launching of the Strategic Plan of the Convention 2011-2020 and the related Aichi Biodiversity Targets have been taken up by Iraq since then and the country has currently drafted its 23 NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY TARGETS (as previously described) and is presently drafting its First National Biodiversity Strategy. The Aichi Targets are very ambitious, especially if they are considered in the Iraqi context. In this section some Aichi Targets will be reviewed, on which some national progress has been achieved (even through sporadic events or isolated actions). They are listed as follows. Target 1: By 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity In Iraq due to the preparation of the National Environmental Strategy (NESAP) and of the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBSAP), a number of initiatives and events to spread the message of biodiversity have been organized and carried out; globally awareness has been raised through these consultative meetings and informative events. Target 2: By 2020, at the latest, biodiversity values have been integrated into national and local development and poverty reduction strategies and planning processes and are being incorporated into national accounting, as appropriate, and reporting systems. In Iraq the NESAP incorporates the biodiversity values; through the development of the first NBSAP (on-going) important steps are taken towards the integration of biodiversity values into other strategies (the NBSAP foresees the coordination and mainstreaming with other relevant strategies). Also the NBSAP will be adopted as a policy instrument and will have its own financial mechanism; thereby including biodiversity into national accounting. A poverty reduction Strategy has been produced and approved in Iraq, partially addressing, as already mentioned, the relationship between poverty and biodiversity as a mean to alleviate problems and economic difficulties especially of rural areas populations. Target 6: By 2020 all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem based approaches, so that overfishing is avoided, recovery plans and measures are in place for all depleted species, fisheries have no significant adverse impacts on threatened species and vulnerable ecosystems and the impacts of fisheries on stocks, species and ecosystems are within safe ecological limits. March 2014 Page 124 In the governorate of Qadissyia in the Dalmaj marsh area there is a successful example of sustainable fishery production. The species produ ed is the lo al spe ies Bu i Bar us Sharpeyi) that is bred by a private and then released in the marshlands thereby providing an economically important source for local fishermen. Target 9: By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment. As an attempt to fill the knowledge gaps about the alien and invasive species of Iraq and in order to complete the present report, a research group has been informally set under the Ministry of environment. This group has allowed the collection of the baseline information about alien invasive species in Iraq (present from international and national sources) and has set in place the background for establishing and reviewing the National List of alien and invasive species of Iraq. Target 11: By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascapes. A number of steps for the establishment and wise management of protected areas have been accomplished by Iraq, referring in particular to, among the others, the issuance of national legislation on protected areas; the establishment of the first National Park of Iraq (the Mesopotamia marshland National Park); the starting up of a GEF funded project to establish the National Network of Protected Areas and other protected areas related awareness activities. Target 13: By 2020, the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and of wild relatives, including other socio-economically as well as culturally valuable species is maintained, and strategies have been developed and implemented for minimizing genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity. Two important examples of Iraqi genetic diversity and the maintenance of socio-economically and culturally valuable species are represented by the Water buffalos present in the marshland areas and the many date palm races that are cultivated along the Shatt Al Arab River, in Basra governorate. These species could be further promoted and preserved, along with other less visible but still locally important animal and plant species. Target 17: By 2015 each Party has developed, adopted as a policy instrument, and has commenced implementing an effective, participatory and updated national biodiversity strategy and action plan. The Strategy is in progress and following up with the participatory approach that has been adopted 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 125 up to now; it will be brought to the attention of high level institutional bodies for their subsequent approval and adoption/implementation. Target 18: By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, are respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities, at all relevant level. In Iraq, due to a very high ethnographic diversity there are many different cultures, religious groups, tribes, local communities, ethnic groups that have their own traditions, dressing, food, music and practices. A comprehensive review of these traditions and their relation with biodiversity is a complex and lengthy process; however two examples of sustainable uses of biodiversity and customary uses of biological resources are given by the already mentioned local/tribal conservation groups of Dalmaj and Barzan, as described in detail in Chapter 7, above. Target 19: By 2020, knowledge, the science base and technologies relating to biodiversity, its values, functioning, status and trends, and the consequences of its loss, are improved, widely shared and transferred, and applied. Various initiatives, research, trainings, projects from various national and international bodies (universities, research institutions, NGOs, joint ventures, private companies, and cooperation mechanisms) are contributing to gain insight into specific themes and issues concerning the 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity environment and biodiversity. The results of these studies and researches, thanks to various tools such as the web, various on-line datasets, and the international platforms made available by the CBD and the BIP Partnership, and thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Environment, are becoming more and more widespread and known to the national and international community. Target 20: By 2020, at the latest, the mobilization of financial resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan 2011-2020 from all sources and in accordance with the consolidated and agreed process in the Strategy for Resource Mobilization should increase substantially from the current levels. This target will be subject to changes contingent to resources needs assessments to be developed and reported by Parties. A resource mobilization strategy and plan will be drafted as a part of the NBSAP process; the Action Planning phase further requires that the financial resources are mobilized not only by the Ministry of Environment but in a cross-sectoral way from all involved stakeholders and searching out funds from additional sources such as external donors, IGOs and NGOs. 11.1. The action Planning Workshop for the NBSAP Within the framework of the on-going NBSAP Project, from the 9th until the 11th of March 2014 the Third National Workshop for the National Biodi e sit “t ateg a d A tio Pla of I a as held in Baghdad. This Workshop was carried out following the same approach of the previous ones that have allowed defining the National Priorities and National Targets. Through this consultative meeting with key stakeholders from relevant March 2014 Page 126 national authorities and institutions, the baseline for defining the Action Plan has been set: Iraq has entered Step 5 of the cyclical process for building/updating the NBSAP. Proceeding from the identified national priorities and Targets, through a participatory approach, the participants have been asked to define specific actions that would allow achieving the national Targets set. For each action they have also been asked to define: the timeline, the source of finance, the responsible body/champion, the implementation mechanism and the possible matching with other strategies. At the end of the Workshop a plenary exercise has been carried out to summarize biodiversity priorities for Iraq and to build the Iraqi Vision and key message/mission for the 2020 scenario. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 127 Figure 15: the process of defining the Iraqi Vision for the NBSAP 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 128 The results of the consultation about the priority elements that shall be synthesized in the Iraqi Vision for the NBSAP are shown in Figure 16 below. These concepts will be further elaborated in order to create a comprehensive Vision and a Mission for Iraq that will incorporate all national concerns and needs. Figure 16: the key priority concepts chosen for the Iraqi NBSAP Vision 12. The contribution of actions to implement the CBD Convention towards the achievement of relevant 2015 Targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Iraq Within the framework of the MDGs Iraq (the Ministry of Planning with support of UNDP) has produced a recent (2013) update of the country progress towards the achievement of the MDGs with target year 2015. There are main issues that are cross-cutting biodiversity themes and are elated to Goal e adi ate e t e e hu ge a d po e t a d to Goal e su e e i o e tal sustai a ilit . They show that the key elements identified for building the Vision for Iraq are, according to their priority: 1. Human life (and human well-being) 2. Awareness about the environment and biodiversity at all levels 3. Sustainability of productions and consumptions 4. Knowledge and Biodiversity 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Biodiversity can clearly contribute to alleviate or eradicate poverty, especially in rural areas, by supporting with fundamental ecosystem functions and services the needs of food, plants and genetic material that can be of particular relevance to local rural population and that can consistently contribute to supply the basic livelihoods. The launching of the rural economies based on the sustainable use of natural resources is maybe present in Iraq as some sporadic experiments; Iraqi Target 17 (sustainable management of ecosystems) and 22 (traditional knowledge) are combining two essential elements that can in the medium-long term partially contribute to the poverty alleviation in rural areas, thereby using the traditional knowledge of local tribes and ethnic groups to sustainably manage natural ecosystems and to receive from them all the necessary livelihoods. March 2014 Page 129 With reference to Goal 7 of the MDGs this is related with water quality and the improvement of water sources and their accessibility to population. This goal cross-cut the already mentioned SWLRI Strategy for Iraq that is ongoing and that will provide a comprehensive plan for water resource management nationally. As biodiversity is concerned of course this important issue will also have its direct consequences on the aquatic ecosystems (rivers, marshlands, marine environment) thereby possibly improving the overall quality of waters. On the other hand also the terrestrial ecosystems will be affected by the strategic actions and establishments of the SWRLI Strategy by, for instance, setting in place irrigation schemes that would turn natural habitat into agricultural land. 13. Lessons learned in the Implementation of the CBD Convention in Iraq It can be said that the implementation of the CBD Convention in Iraq is just started. Nevertheless an important lesson learned that can be very useful for future biodiversity actions comes from the recent consultations that have been carried out by the Ministry of Environment for the preparation of the NBSAP and for the national target setting. involving and bringing together different actors of the biodiversity world (from the high level institutional bodies, to the NGOs and the representatives of local communities) have proved to be a great success. The exchange and face-to face discussion has provided therefore both an opportunity of learning and getting to know new things and also the perfect occasion to spread awareness about biodiversity among crucial stakeholders for policy planning and mainstreaming issues. As a matter of fact, also the capacity of Iraqi staff is increasing and very good progress have been made in a number of subjects, one of the main being biodiversity. Through the capacity and financial support of UNEP, GEF and the CBD Secretariat, among the others, the Ministry of Environment is currently improving and building the capacity of its staff in many biodiversityrelated fields, in order to be able in the shortterm time horizon to completely fulfil its many and new obligations under all the MEAs to which the country is signatory. Iraq has been for a long time isolated from any international exchange and communication, various wars and the following difficult periods that are still on-going, are making it very hard and difficult to build a functioning communication network that will involve and reach all concerned stakeholders in a certain issue. Within this difficult context the consultation meetings that have been organized by the MOE 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 130 The guidance and the obligations set by the Convention on Biological Diversity are providing every Party with tools and means to constantly improve their national biodiversity situation. In a context such as the Iraqi one not all the issues can be properly addressed at the present time; however huge efforts and commendable activities have been undertaken, considering the particularly dangerous situation of the country. Various programmes of work and frameworks that are cross-cutting relevant biodiversity themes, provide a reference picture for setting a wide variety of measures nationally that will not only improve the national situation on the environmental point of view, but will also contribute to the global achievement of the biodiversity Strategic Goals (2010-2020). Still large areas for biodiversity conservation and human well-being remain uncovered though they would need to be addressed as soon as possible. These gaps in biodiversity conservation and human well-being will be identified by referring to the Strategic goals of the Convention and to the Aichi Targets thematic areas, as summarized in the following Table. 14. Conclusions and Gap assessment STRATEGIC GOALS AND AICHI TARGETS GAPS TO BE FILLED Strategic Goal A Target 1: By 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably Target 2: By 2020, at the latest, biodiversity values have been integrated into national and local development and poverty reduction strategies and planning processes and are being incorporated into national accounting, as appropriate, and reporting systems. Target 3: By 2020, at the latest, incentives, including subsidies, harmful to biodiversity are eliminated, phased out or reformed in order to minimize or avoid negative impacts, and positive incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are developed and applied, consistent and in harmony with the Convention and other relevant international obligations, taking into account national socio economic conditions. Target 4: By 2020, at the latest, Governments, business and stakeholders at all levels have taken steps to achieve or have implemented plans for sustainable production and consumption and have kept the impacts of use of natural resources well within safe ecological limits. Strategic Goal B 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity - review the school curricula and incorporate biodiversity issues - reach out the local communities, the poor and vulnerable as major targets to acquire biodiversity knowledge - proper and complete cross-sectoral mainstreaming of biodiversity values - integration of biodiversity values into all relevant national strategies - review of the negative and positive incentives nationally - establish a negotiation round table or a inter-ministerial national committee to remove the negative incentives from national sectoral policies. - review of the projects and production methods (in cooperation with Ministry of Agriculture and with the agriculture departments at the governorates) - establishment of a permanent committee Ministry of Agriculture/Ministry of Environment for setting the guidelines for sustainable productions March 2014 Page 131 STRATEGIC GOALS AND AICHI TARGETS GAPS TO BE FILLED Target 5: By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced. - produce an updated land cover and habitat map of Iraq - assess the rate of habitat loss by comparison with historical sources Target 6: By 2020 all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem based approaches, so that overfishing is avoided, recovery plans and measures are in place for all depleted species, fisheries have no significant adverse impacts on threatened species and vulnerable ecosystems and the impacts of fisheries on stocks, species and ecosystems are within safe ecological limits. Target 7: By 2020 areas under agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity. Target 8: By 2020, pollution, including from excess nutrients, has been brought to levels that are not detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity -establish a permanent inter-ministerial committee to coordinate national policies about the harvesting of aquatic resources - implement locally management plans for the sustainable fisheries also taking into account existing positive experiences. Target 9: By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment. - esta lish the sustai a ility thresholds for the agricultural, aquacultural and forestry productions - identify and classify major pollution sources and types nationally - set a framework of environmental standards in order to set internationally used and most modern pollution thresholds - implement a national monitoring plan on major pollutants - set an action plan to halt the contamination of the environment from major pollutants - the final list of alien and invasive speices is approved and reviewed - risk assessment and early warning systemprogram is established - legislation to address the introduction and diffusion paths of these species is issued and implemented - the pressures on the Iraqi coastal waters and coral reef are specifically identified in order to inform conservation actions Target 10: By 2015, the multiple anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs, and other vulnerable ecosystems impacted by climate change or ocean acidification are minimized, so as to maintain their integrity and functioning. Strategic Goal C Target 11: By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and - the network of protected areas is formally established inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine - pilot projects are carried out to start up conservation areas, especially areas of particular importance for programmes for the protected areas biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved - management authorities and management plans are set through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically in place for the PAs representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascapes. th 5 National Report to the Convention Page 132 March 2014 on Biological Diversity STRATEGIC GOALS AND AICHI TARGETS GAPS TO BE FILLED Target 12: By 2020 the extinction of known threatened species has been prevented and their conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has been improved and sustained. Target 13: By 2020, the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and of wild relatives, including other socio-economically as well as culturally valuable species is maintained, and strategies have been developed and implemented for minimizing genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity. - the list of threatened species of Iraq is issued together with relevant research evidence of the reasons of their threat status - target actions (action plans) are set in place to address or remove all or some of the reasons that are driving the decrease of the species - establish a inter-ministerial committee with the Ministry of Agriculture to address this issue - identify all the socially and culturally valuable species at the national level -set in place specific plans (e.g. also by establishing incentives) to promote and conserve the sustainable production of plants and animals Strategic Goal D Target 14: By 2020, ecosystems that provide essential services, including services related to water, and contribute to health, livelihoods and well-being, are restored and safeguarded, taking into account the needs of women, indigenous and local communities, and the poor and vulnerable. Target 15: By 2020, ecosystem resilience and the contribution of biodiversity to carbon stocks has been enhanced, through conservation and restoration, including restoration of at least 15 per cent of degraded ecosystems, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and to combating desertification. Target 16: By 2015, the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization is in force and operational, consistent with national legislation. Strategic Goal E Target 17: By 2015 each Party has developed, adopted as a policy instrument, and has commenced implementing an effective, participatory and updated national biodiversity strategy and action plan Target 18: By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, are respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with the full and effective participation of indigenous and local 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity - Conduct a national assessment about the state of provisioning, regulating and cultural services supplied by natural ecosystems and their importance for rural and urban people and on management options to be developed for the sustainable supply of ecosystem services - identify the ecosystems that are in need of restoration (degraded) - set up action plans for ecosystem restoration - ratify the Nagoya protocol -implement the Nagoya protocol - complete the first NBSAP for Iraq - adopt this framework as policy instrument at the national level - Conduct a survey of indigenous and local communities' traditional knowledge, use and practices relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity - i tegrate lo al o u ities a d i dige ous peoples concerns and needs into local policies and plans, by adopting participatory approaches to local-level decision making March 2014 Page 133 STRATEGIC GOALS AND AICHI TARGETS GAPS TO BE FILLED communities, at all relevant levels. Target 19: By 2020, knowledge, the science base and technologies relating to biodiversity, its values, functioning, status and trends, and the consequences of its loss, are improved, widely shared and transferred, and applied. Target 20: By 2020, at the latest, the mobilization of financial resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan 2011- 2020 from all sources and in accordance with the consolidated and agreed process in the Strategy for Resource Mobilization should increase substantially from the current levels. 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Research on natural Resources, Abu Ghraib, Iraq, 10 pp. (mimeo). - Harris, S. A. (1960). The distribution of certain plant species in similar desert and steppe soils in central and northern Iraq. J. Ecol. 48: 97 – 105. - Harrison, D. L. (1972). The mammals of Arabia. Vol. 3 Lagomorpha Rodentia. Ernest Been. Ltd. London. 670 pp. - Haseeb, K. (1964). The national income of Iraq 1953 – 1961. Oxford University Press. London 1964 New York and Toronto. 184 pp. - IUCN. 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 2012.1). Available at:http://www.iucnredlist.org. - Jain, S. M., J. M. Al-Khayri and D.V. Johnson. (Eds.) 2011. Date Palm Biotechnology. Springer, Netherlands. - Jambi, H. (1999). Dates: The Holy Fruit of Arabia. Nutrition and Food Management. Oregon State University. - Jaradat A. A. (2003). Agriculture in Iraq: resources, potentials, constraints, and research needs and p io ities. Food, Ag i . E i o ., , , − . 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 137 - Jaradat A. A. and Zaid A. (2004). Quality traits of date palm fruits in a center of origin and center of di e sit . Food, Ag i . E i o . , : − . - Jawad, L. (2013). Threatened Freshwater Fishes of Iraq, with Remarks on their Conservation Status. Water Research and Management, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2013) 27-36. - Jawad, L. A., Al-Faisal, A. and Al-Mukhtar, M. (2012). Presence of the Non-Indigenous Fish Species, Gibel Carp, Carassius gibelio (Family: Cyprinidae) in Basrah Province Freshwater Systems, Iraq. Water Research and Management, Vol. 2, No. 4: 41-44. - Lahony, S. R. and Al-Rawy, M. A. (2010). NEW SUB-SPECIES OF CHUKAR PARTRIDGE ALECTORIS CHUKAR (GRAY 1830) (PHASIANIDAE, GALLIFORMES) FROM NORTH EAST OF IRAQ WITH BIOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 11 (1): 57-67. - Mohamed, H. H. (2011). First record of the Marine Calanoid Copepod Pseudodiaptomus c.f. ardjuna from Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq. Mesopot. J. Mar. Sci., 2011, 26 (1): 59 – 68. - Mohammad M. K., Al-Rammahi, H. M., and Lahony, S. R. (2013). THE FIRST RECORD OF THE THICKBILLED LARK RHAMPHOCORIS CLOTBEY (BONAPARTE, 1850) FOR IRAQ. Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus. 12 (3): 37-41 - Plants in West Asia, Europe, and the Nile Valley. Oxford University Press, Oxon, UK. - Popenoe P. (1973). The Date Palm. Field Research Projects, Miami FL. - Riad M. (2006). The date pal - Salim, M. A., Fadhil, O., Ararat, K. and Porter, R. F. (in prep). A Checklist of the birds of Iraq. Salim, M, R Porter & C Rubec. 2009. A summary of birds recorded in the marshes of southern Iraq, 2005– 2008. BioRisk 3: 205–219. - Salim, S. (1970). Ech-chibayish—An anthropological study of a Marsh village in Iraq, Baghdad, Al Marifa. - Samarai, M. A. (2008). Sustainable Housing Utilizing Indigenous Materials in the Marshes. ALAM CIPTA, International Journal on Sustainable Tropical Design Research & Practice, 3 (1). pp. 55-62. ISSN 1823-7231. - Samarai, M. and A. Azawi (1997). Use of Indigenous Building Materials in Ancient and Islamic Civilizations. Proceedings of the Conference on Challenges that face the Islamic World in the Next Century organized by the University of UAE in Al-ain, UAE on 20-22 December. - Sousa, A. N. (1969). Historical photographer Book. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity se to i Eg pt. CIHEAM − Optio s Medite a ea es, March 2014 − . Page 138 - Springfield, H. W. (1954). Natural Vegetation in Iraq. Tech. Bull. Min. Agric. Iraq. 23pp. - Thalen, D. C. P. (1979). Ecology and utilization of desert shrub rangelands in Iraq. - Thesiger, W. (1958). "Marsh Dwellers of Southern Iraq." National Geographic 13(2): 205-239. - UNEP, (1991) “A Rapid Assessment of the Impacts of the Iraq-Kuwait Conflict on Terrestrial Ecosystems, Part II: Kuwait , United Nations Environment Programme, Terrestrial Ecosystems Branch (Soils), September 1991, UNEP Regional Office for West Asia, Bahrain. - Zabar, A. F. and Borowy, A. (2012). Cultivation of date palm in Iraq. SECTIO EEE. VOL. XXII (1). - Zohary D. and Hopf M. (2000). Domestication of plants in the Old World. The origin and spread of cultivated 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 139 Annexes 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 140 ANNEX 1: INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTY 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 141 ANNEX 2: PICTURES OF TYPICAL SPECIES OF MAIN ECOREGIONS/ECOSYSTEMS OF IRAQ3 Common landscape in the Zagros Mountains Forest Steppe ecoregion Juvenile Egyptian Vulture (Vulnerable) – In the Zagros Mountains Forest Steppe ecoregion The Oak wood represents common vegetation cover large areas in the mountainous habitats Common landscape in the Arabian Desert and East SaheroArabian Xeric Shrublands ecoregion Desert Monitor – A typical desert animal Spiny-tailed Lizard – A typical desert animal 3 All the pictures in this Annex are by Mudhafar Salim th 5 National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 142 Common landscape in the northern parts of the Middle East Steppe ecoregion Houbara Bustard (Vulnerable) - A desert bird species Turtle Dove (Steppe Habitat) A wild Dorcas Gazelle (Vulnerable) (Steppe habitat) Common landscape in the Mesopotamian Shrub Desert ecoregion Common landscape in the marshes of the Tigris-Euphrates Alluvial Salt Marsh ecoregion 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 143 Basra Reed Warbler (Endangered) in the Central Marshes A lo al arries Marbled Duck (Vulnerable) – Common wintering and breeding bird species in southern Iraq Euphrates Soft-shell Turtle (Vulnerable) in the marshes of the Tigris-Euphrates region 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 u i fish i the souther arshes Page 144 ANNEX 3: THE PROCESS OF PREPARING THE 5TH NATIONAL REPORT AND ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION DATA COLLECTION PROCESS FOR THE 5TH NATIONAL REPORT The biodiversity and ecosystems of Iraq are characterized by a large variability; despite they face various kinds of threats. The threats and pressures on biodiversity and their severity differ between ecosystems and ecoregion and depending on the species considered. Due to the frequent impossibility of performing field surveys and to the discontinuity of current surveys and field works at the national level, it is always difficult and unpredictable to assess the status and trends of species and habitats. Assessing and improving the status of ecosystems and biodiversity in Iraq, was and still is one of the goals that the Ministry of Environment is striving to achieve, and many steps were taken, one of them being certainly the ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). As a first commitment towards the Convention, Iraq prepared its First National Report just one year after it had joined the Convention (July 2010) (the fourth one for the CBD). After that, and in order to comply with the other obligations set under the Convention, the process for preparing the First National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan4, and for developing the Fifth National Report to the CBD was set in place, through a project funded by Global Environmental Facility (GEF). The development of the Fifth National Report has been carried out in parallel with the activities and preparation the NBSAP. The first step of the Project was done through the stocktaking and assessment phase, where stakeholders were invited to share their information, researches and expertise about Iraqi biodiversity and a specific questionnaire (tailored on the Aichi Targets) was used to roughly assess the baseline about biodiversity and identify the national needs. However and as it was to be expected, the information collected during the workshop was still not enough to achieve the target of availing useful and updated information about biodiversity for the Fifth National Report and the subsequent steps of the Project. For this reason it was decided by the National Project Manager (Deputy Minister of MoEI5 Dr. Ali Al-Lami) to use another way of collecting necessary data, by sending official letters and E-mails to most of the governmental and non-governmental institutions that are relevant to biodiversity and environmental issues, asking for more data. The table below shows the targeted institutions. 4 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 5 MoEI: Ministry of Environment of Iraq 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 145 Formal Letters sent to the Ministries and relevant institutions to collect information Targeted Institution Ministry of Environment Letter ref. Date Environment Directorate of Baghdad: - Division of Planning and Follow-up - Division of Geographic Information Systems - Division of monitoring biodiversity - Division of agricultural pesticides - Division of monitoring agricultural land and desertification - Division of Water Quality Control - Division of Air Quality and Noise Monitoring - Control Division service activities - Division of monitoring chemicals and industrial activities - Division of the environmental impact assessment and land use - Ozone Unit Central Environmental Laboratory Technical Department - Department assessment and monitoring of soil 628 24/6/2013 627 3540 24/6/2013 23/6/2014 622 24/6/2013 Technical Department - Department of Environmental Impact Assessment and land use 3540 23/6/2013 621 24/6/2013 Technical department - Department of monitoring and evaluation of industrial activities Technical department - department of marshes and wet lands monitoring Technical department - Department of biodiversity Technical Department - Department of Information Technology - GIS Division - Division of Environmental Information Technical Department - Department of Water Quality monitoring Technical department - section of control and monitoring of industrial activities Technical department - section control service activities Technical department - section control chemicals and assess contaminated sites Technical Department - Department of air quality monitoring and noise Mine Affairs Department 617 24/6/2013 620 24/6/2013 624 24/6/2013 626 24/6/2013 608 23/6/2013 617 24/6/2013 618 24/6/2013 619 24/6/2013 632 24/6/2013 604 23/6/2013 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 146 Targeted Institution Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Planning Baghdad University Al-Mustansrya University University of Technology Al-Nahrain University - Maysan University - Basra University - ThiQar University Department of Planning and Follow-up Department of Planning & Statistics Center for the prevention of radiation International Relations Department of Environmental Center for Climate Change General Authority for Fish Resources Development - Department of Planning and Follow-up - General Company for Horticulture and Forestry - General Authority for examination and certification of a seed - General Authority for Date palms Department of Livestock Office of Planning and Follow-up - Department of Environment - Central Bureau of Statistics - Department of Environment statistics Research Center and the Museum of Natural History - Central Library - Faculty of science - Institute of Genetic Engineering - Faculty of Agriculture - Faculty of Environmental Engineering - College of Science for Women - College of Education for Women - College Educational Ibn al-Haytham - College of Veterinary Medicine - Central Library - College of Science - Faculty of Environmental Engineering - Central Library - College of Science - Environmental Studies Center - Central Library - College of Science - Biotechnology research center - Central Library 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Letter ref. Date 1033 625 20/10/2013 24/6/2013 629 609 24/6/2013 23/6/2013 623 3532 24/6/2014 23/6/2013 3540 23/6/2013 6142 6226 30/10/2013 4/11/2013 4326 7/8/2013 3608 25/6/2013 5888 28/10/2013 Page 147 Targeted Institution - Kufa University - Al-Qadisiyah University - Anbar University - Kut University - Diyala University - Al-Muthanna University - Al-Mosul University - Salah Al Din University Al-Qasim Green University Basrah University Ministry of Oil Ministry of Science and Technology Ministry of Industry and Minerals Ministry of Water Recourses Ministry of Health Letter ref. Date Faculty of Environmental Science 1101 30/10/2013 Marine Science Center Division of Environment Department of Materials Research - oil and petrochemical Research Department of Space and Communications Center for Remote Sensing Department of Environment and Water - Department of Development and Industrial Organization - Department of Environment - General Directorate for Industrial Development - National Center for Water Resources Management - Centre of reviving the Iraqi Marshlands - Centre of reviving the Iraqi Marshlands - National Center for Water Resources Management Department of Public Health 3542 3536 23/6/2013 23/6/2013 5826 23/10/2013 608 3606 23/6/2013 25/6/2013 3534 23/6/2013 5454 1/10/2013 608 23/6/2013 Tough, as shown in the above Table, the list of targeted institutions was comprehensive, not always the espo se as ti el a d effi ie t as it as sought. It appea ed that so e of i stitutio s did t gi e this issue so much importance, while others were very committed and provided information at the best of their possibilities and resources; to these institutions and people goes our outmost appreciation and thanks. After analysing the received data, the project manager realized that the data obtained from the institutions was not enough and should be more specific and detailed. Therefore, he decided to send delegates from the project team and other employees from the Ministry of Environment to make office surveys in all the governorates of Iraq to collect information by: visiting biodiversity departments in the universities, and visiting environment directorates (of the Ministry of Environment) in the governorates. At this point there was a real improvement and a variation in the success of the data collection process. In general it was a useful experience to communicate with the stakeholders to get the information, as well as getting to know how some studies on biodiversity were implemented. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 148 The MoEI delegations started the collection process from the north of Iraq visiting Erbil, Sulaimania and Dohuk Governorates. In Erbil, they visited the University of Salah Al-Din, the College of Science, College of Agriculture, College of Higher education and scientific researches, and the Natural History Museum. They met Dr. Abdullah Hma, Dr. Farhad Hussain Azez, Dr. Sirbad Ibrahim Mohammed and Dr. Zohair Ibrahim Fetohi (plants, algae and fishes specialists). The local experts explained the status of biodiversity in the Kurdistan region highlighting in particular the new records of plants that have been reported in this region; they also mentioned the presence of species such as the Cheetah, the Persian Leopard and the Brown Bear in the mountains of the region, which are threatened or possibly extinct. In addition, they mentioned the difficulties of surveying these zones, due to the mine fields that have been placed on many natural areas in the past, and this makes it difficult to obtain a clear picture of the wildlife status in this area. Scientific research and papers were collected; some pictures below are documenting the office survey of the MoEI Team. The MoEI Team moved then towards Sulaimania governorate to meet Dr. Terfaa Kamal, Dr. Rezan Omer and Dr. Sherko Ali Mohammed and many other academics of the University of Sulaimania. They are specialist in biodiversity issues. They were happy to give their researches and thesis to help in feeding the fifth national report. The next travel was towards Dohuk governorate, visiting the University of Dohuk - College of Science and College of Agriculture, in addition to the Directorates of Dohuk Environment. The Head of the Agricultural College provided much information for the Team: thesis, photos, documents and books about Kurdistan trees and shrubs. Another MoEI Team visited Kirkuk and Salah Al-Din governorates, and visited the Central Library, College of Science and College of Agriculture. The Team also visited Anbar governorate, and the Natural History Museum in Mosul governorate. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 149 Other MoEI teams moved towards the south of Iraq. The teams visited Thi-Qar Al-Diwaniya, Missan and Basrah governorates where the delegates visited the University of Missan to meet the head assistant of the College of science Dr. Ali Naeem who was pleased to meet the delegation and to help in making their mission successful. The Team also visited Environmental directorates in Missan, Diwanyia and Basrah and met the researchers at the Marine Science Center and the academics of the College of Science at Basrah University. Other teams have been sent to Babylon, Al Najaf and Karbala governorates, where they visited the University of Babylon (College of Science and College of Agriculture), Al- Qassim Green University - the Environmental Research Center, Karbala University (College of Agriculture, College of Science - Department of Biology), Al-Kufa University (College of Agriculture, College of Science - Department of Environment and Department of Biology) and the office of environmental protection and improvement in the middle Euphrates area. A number of discussions were held with the professors and researchers regarding the availability of biodiversity studies and information at the provinces level or at the country level. Field visits to all Iraqi Governorates to gather information by the employees of the Ministry of Environment Names and Work place Destination Target institution Period Reem Abdulhadi & Ali Haloob/ Ministry Advisor Office Baghdad - University of Baghdad (College of Science and College of Science for Women). - University of Al-Nahrain - College of Science - Biotechnology Department. - The National Center of Herbs. - The Natural History Museum. 7-10/10/2013 Ministry of Science and Technology Ammar Abdulnabi Magid/ Ministry Advisor Office Babylon - Ammar Abdulnabi Magid/ Ministry Advisor Office - Ibrahim Khalid Nasir/ Ministry Advisor Office Erbil Sulaymaniah Dohuk 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity - Babylon University: College of Science College of Agriculture - Al-Qasim Green University - Environmental Research Center - Directorate for protection and improvement of the environment in the Middle Euphrates - Erbil University: College of science College of agriculture Natural history museum - Al-Sulaymaniah University College of Science College of Agriculture - Dohuk University College of Science College of Agriculture - Environmental directorate in Dohuk March 2014 21/10/2013 24/10/2013 27/10/2013 28 – 30/10/2013 7 – 19/11/2013 Page 150 Names and Work place Destination Target institution Period - Ali Ne a a “al a / Ce te fo the sustainable management of natural systems -Osama Abdulrazaq/ Center for the sustainable management of natural systems - Ali Sami Khashan/ Center for the sustainable management of natural systems - Mustafa Salim Rashed/ Center for the sustainable management of natural systems - Adil Omran Salman/ Center for the sustainable management of natural systems - Mohamed Fadhil/ Center for the sustainable management of natural systems - Mustafa Salim Rashed/ Center for the sustainable management of natural systems - Dhirgham Mohamed Mahdi/ Center for the sustainable management of natural systems - Ammar Abdulnabi Magid/ Ministry Advisor Office - Ali Abdulsalam/ Ministry Advisor Office Anbar Salah Al-Din Kirkuk Mousel - Anbar center for desert studies - Salah Al-Din, and Kirkuk Universities - Mosul University/ College of Science and Natural history museum 14/11 – 1/12/2013 Thi Qar Thi Qar University 14 – 19/11/2013 Ka ala a Najaf Ka ala a Najaf 17 – 28/11/2013 Basrah Missan Basrah and Missan Universities 28/11 – 8/12/2013 Wasit Diwaniyah Muthanna Wasit, Diwaniyah, and Al- Muthanna Universities 29/11 – 9/12/2013 As a result of the above mentioned activities the project manager and the project teams have collected many useful data; however they considered that the process was still not complete and they perceived that they could obtain more by contacting also international institutions and organizations that have global databases on biodiversity on which data about Iraq might have been fed and collected by various bodies and from various sources. The main organizations that have been contacted are the United Nation Environment Programme - World Conservation Monitoring Center (UNEP-WCMC), the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership (BIP)6 and the Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE)7. An official letter was sent to BIP 6 The CBD-mandated Biodiversity Indicators Partnership is the global initiative to promote and coordinate development and delivery of biodiversity indicators in support of the CBD, Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), IPBES, national and regional governments and a range of other sectors. And the partnership brings together over forty organizations working internationally on indicator development to provide the most comprehensive information on biodiversity trends. 7 The Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE), a joint initiative of biodiversity conservation organizations from around the world aims to prevent extinctions by identifying and safeguarding key sites, each one of which is the last is the last remaining refuge of one or more endangered or Critically Endangered species. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 151 requesting specific information about various biodiversity issues; according to the request the partners of BIP contacted the Iraqi teams, and in this way very useful information was available to the Team. The international organizations and institutions that have responded to the Iraqi request of assistance. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Organization World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) American Bird Conservancy Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) Secretariat Mediterranean- MENA Program Global Footprint Network University of Auckland Amphibian Survival Alliance Organization for Economic cooperation and Development (OECD) Websites used as a reference of information during the 5NR preparation No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Organization IUCN red list, http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Fish data base, http://www.fishbase.org/ Invasive species database, http://www.issg.org/ Wild finder database, http://worldwildlife.org/science/wildfinder/ Bird life data base, http://www.birdlife.org/ Footprint database, www.footprintnetwork.org Reptile database, www.reptile-database.org At the end of this story, we send our warm greetings and acknowledgements to the generous academics, researchers, employees and every person contributed to realize this work. Dr. Mufak Sulaiman - Dean of Agriculture Faculty - Dohuk University 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Dr. Ezat Yousif Al-Nakshabandy - head of Biology Department - Sulaymania University March 2014 Page 152 Kirkuk University Kirkuk University Mosul Natural History Museum Mosul Natural History Museum Dr. Mohammed Jawad Salih Al-Haydarey - Department of Environment - Kufa University 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Dr. Jafar Musa Saleh Al-Garawy - Karbala University - College of Agriculture March 2014 Page 153 Dr. Kasim Kadhim Al-Asedi - Head of Environmental Department - Al-Kufa University Dr. Alaa Eadan Hasan - Al-Kufa University - College of Agriculture. Head of the Biology Science Department, and professors of the Faculty of Science - University of Karbala Ahmed Mahmoud Abdel Latif, Dean of the Faculty of Science - University of Karbala Dean Associate of the Faculty of Agriculture - Karbala University Dean assistant and professors of the College of Agriculture University of Kufa 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 154 Professors of College of Education for Women - Kufa University Professors of College of Education for Women - Kufa University Professor Hamid Owaid /central Library manager/ Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Anbar and Dhia'a Mahmoud Mandalawi / Anbar Environmental Directorate Dr. Ahmed Abd Ibrahim / Dean of the Faculty of Science / University of Kirkuk, accompanied by a number of college professors Dr. Osama Mohammed Saied Al- Nuaimi/ director of the Museum of Natural History /University of Mosul Dr. Abdullah Saleh Fayyad al-Dulaimi/ manager of the desert Science center / University of Anbar 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 155 ANNEX 4: INVASIVE AND ALIEN SPECIES OF IRAQ Organism type Species Country/ Detailed Location Iraq Common nameEnglish Habit Occurrence Provenance Invasive Establishment Method Pathways of introduction Source Alga Polysiphonia brodiei Brodie's Siphon Weed Marine Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Aquatic plant Eichhornia crassipes Iraq Water hyacinth Freshwater Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Aquatic plant Hydrilla verticillata Hydrilla Freshwater Established Alien Invasive Unknown Unknown Bacterium Vibrio cholerae Al-Masehb Marsh; AbuZirig Marsh; Little Zab River Iraq Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Al-Kenzawi, 2011; AlMandeel, 2013 causal-Cholera Reported Alien Invasive Unknown Unknown Bacterium Yersinia pestis Iraq causal- Bubonic plague Aquatic (Marine/Fre shwater) Terrestrial Reported Uncertain Not specified Unknown Unknown World Health Organisation (WHO), 2003 Songer, G. n.d. Bird Acridotheres tristis Iraq Common myna Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Holzapfel et al 2006 Bird Psittacula krameri Iraq Rose-ringed parakeet Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Escape from cages Unknown Bird Spilopelia senegalensis Iraq Laughing Dove Terrestrial Established Alien Invasive Natural expansion Unknown BirdLife International, 2012; Mudhafar Salim, pers.comm. Feb, 2014 Mudhafar Salim, pers.comm. Feb, 2014 Bird Oena capensis Iraq Namaqua Dove Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Natural expansion Unknown Mudhafar Salim, pers.comm. Feb, 2014 Bird Elanus caeruleus Iraq Blackshouldered Kite Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Natural expansion Unknown Mudhafar Salim, pers.comm. Feb, 2014 Crustacean Macrobrachium nipponense Abu-Zirig Marsh; AlHammar Oriental River prawn Freshwater Established Alien Not specified Accidental Unknown Salman et al 2006 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 156 Organism type Species Country/ Detailed Location Marsh; Chibayish Marsh; AlHuwaizah Marsh Shatt AlArab River Common nameEnglish Habit Occurrence Provenance Invasive Establishment Method Pathways of introduction Source Crustacean Pseudodiaptomus c.f. ardjuna Calonid copepod Marine Established Alien Not specified Accidental Ballast water/ ship's hulls Mohamed 2011 Fish Acanthalburnus microlepis Iraq Blackbrow bleak Freshwater Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Froese & Pauly, 2013 Fish Carassius auratus auratus Goldfish Freshwater Established Alien Invasive Intentional Aquaculture FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013; Mohamed et al 2008, Mohamed et al 2012; Al-Lamy et al 2012 Fish Clarias gariepinus Al-Hawizeh Marsh; Chybayish Marsh; Hammar Marsh Iraq North African catfish Freshwater Established Alien Not specified Intentional Aquaculture Froese & Pauly, 2013 Fish Ctenopharyngodon idella Hanmar Marsh Grass carp Freshwater Established Alien Not specified Intentional FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013; Mohamed et al 2008, Mohamed et al 2012 Fish Cyprinus carpio Common carp Brackish/Fre shwater Established Alien Invasive Intentional Fish Gambusia affinis Al-Hawizeh Marsh; Chybayish Marsh; Hammar Marsh Southern Iraq Aquaculture/ Weed control/ Biological Control (phytoplankton) Aquaculture Mosquitofish Freshwater Established Alien Not specified Intentional Biological Control (mosquitoes) FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013; AlDaham et al 1977; 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013; Mohamed et al 2008, Mohamed et al 2012 Page 157 Organism type Species Country/ Detailed Location Chybayish Marsh; Hanmar Marsh Iraq Common nameEnglish Habit Occurrence Provenance Invasive Establishment Method Pathways of introduction Source Fish Gambusia holbrooki Eastern mosquitofish Freshwater Established Alien Not specified Intentional Biological Control (mosquitoes) Sharpbelly Brackish/Fre shwater Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013; Mohamed et al 2008, Mohamed et al 2012 FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013 Fish Hemiculter leucisculus Fish Heteropneustes fossilis Al-Hawizeh Marsh; Chybayish Marsh; Hammar Marsh Iraq Stinging catfish Brackish/Fre shwater Established Alien Not specified Intentional Biological control (snails) FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013; Mohamed et al 2008, Mohamed et al 2012 Fish Hypophthalmichthy s molitrix Silver carp Freshwater Reported Alien Invasive Intentional Aquaculture/ Research FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013 Fish Hypophthalmichthy s nobilis Iraq Bighead carp Freshwater Reported Alien Invasive Intentional Aquaculture Fish Liza subviridis Iraq Greenback mullet Reported Uncertain Not specified Unknown Fisheries Fish Oncorhynchus mykiss Iraq Rainbow trout Reported Alien Not specified Intentional Aquaculture FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013 Fish Oreochromis niloticus Iraq Nile tilapia Brackish/Fre shwater/Ma rine Brackish/Fre shwater/Ma rine Brackish/Fre shwater FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013; Froese & Pauly, 2013 FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013 Reported Alien Not specified Intentional Aquaculture/ Weed control FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013 Fish Poecilia sphenops Hanmar Marsh Short-finned Molly Brackish/Fre shwater Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Mohamed et al 2012 Fish Sarotherodon galilaeus Iraq Mango tilapia Brackish/Fre shwater Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Aquaculture/ Research FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013 Fish Tilapia zillii Iraq Redbelly tilapia Brackish/Fre shwater Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Aquaculture/ Weed control FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture 2013; Al-Lamy et al 2012 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 158 Organism type Species Country/ Detailed Location Iraq Common nameEnglish Habit Occurrence Provenance Invasive Establishment Method Pathways of introduction Source Insect Culex quinquefasciatus Southern house mosquito Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Eucalyptus Gall wasp Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Lymantria dispar Dohuk, Kurdistan/ North of Iraq Iraq Harbach, 1988 in CABI Invasive Species Compendium Hasan 2012 Insect Leptocybe invasa Insect Gypsy moth Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Insect Papilio demoleus Iraq Chequered swallowtail Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO), 2013 Larsen 1977 Insect Paratrechina longicornis Iraq Crazy ant Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Harris & Abbott, n.d. Insect Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Iraq Red Palm weevil Terrestrial Reported Alien Invasive Unknown Unknown Insect Tapinoma melanocephalum Iraq Ghost ant Terrestrial Reported Alien Invasive Unknown Unknown European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO), 2013 Donisthorpe, 1918 in Wetterer, 2009 Insect Trogoderma granarium Iraq Khapra beetle Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Insect Varroa destructor Iraq Varroa mite Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/grass Cynodon dactylon Iraq Bermuda grass Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/grass Dactyloctenium aegyptium Iraq Crowfoot grass Terrestrial Established Uncertain Not specified Unknown Unknown 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO), 2013 World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), 2013 CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Page 159 Organism type Species Common nameEnglish Habit Occurrence Provenance Invasive Establishment Method Pathways of introduction Source Imperata cylindrica Country/ Detailed Location Iraq Land plant/grass Cogon grass Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Flora of Iraq Land plant/grass Lolium temulentum Iraq Darnel Terrestrial Established Uncertain Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/grass Panicum repens Iraq Torpedo grass Terrestrial Established Uncertain Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/grass Paspalum distichum Iraq Knotgrass Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/herb Capsella bursapastoris Iraq Shepheard's purse Terrestrial Established Uncertain Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/herb Cuscuta campestris Iraq Field dodder Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/herb Emex spinosa Iraq Spiny emex Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/herb Senna alexandrina (=Cassia senna) Iraq Alexandrian senna Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/herb Taraxacum officinale complex Iraq Dandelion Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/palm Washingtonia robusta Iraq Washington fan palm Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/palm Washingtonia filifera Iraq California fan palm Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/sedge Cyperus rotundus Iraq Purple nutsedge Terrestrial Established Alien Invasive Unknown Unknown Land plant/shrub Senna artemisioides (=Cassia artemisioides) Senna corymbosa (=Cassia Iraq Feathery cassia Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Iraq Argentine senna Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/shrub 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Bendixen & Nandihalli 1987 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January Page 160 Organism type Species Country/ Detailed Location Common nameEnglish Habit Occurrence Provenance Invasive Establishment Method Pathways of introduction Source 2014 corymbosa) Senna didymobotrya (=Cassia didymobotrya) Senna occidentalis Iraq African senna Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Iraq Coffee senna Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Iraq Senna coffee Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/shrub Senna occidentalis (=Cassia occidentalis) Senna sophera (=Cassia sophera) Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/shrub Tetrapanax papyrifer Iraq Rice-paper plant Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/shrubtree Land plant/tree Prosopis spp. Iraq Mesquite Terrestrial Established Alien Invasive Unknown Unknown Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Pasiecznik 2001 Acacia karroo Iraq karoothorn Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Acacia saligna (=Acacia cyanophylla) Albizia julibrissin Iraq Orange wattle Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Midgely & Turnbull, 2003 Iraq Silk tree Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Albizia lebbeck Iraq Indian siris Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Bauhinia purpurea Iraq Butterfly tree Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Land plant/shrub Land plant/shrub Land plant/shrub Land plant/tree Iraq 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 161 Organism type Species Common nameEnglish Habit Occurrence Provenance Invasive Establishment Method Pathways of introduction Source Bauhinia variegata Country/ Detailed Location Iraq Land plant/tree Butterfly tree Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/tree Cassia fistula Iraq Golden shower Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/tree Casuarina equisetifolia Iraq Australian pine Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Dalbergia sissoo Iraq Indian rosewood Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown World AgroForestry Centre, 2013 Land plant/tree Eucalyptus camaldulensis Iraq Red gum Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Eucalyptus spp. (37 known species) Iraq Gum Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Flora of Iraq Land plant/tree Gleditsia triacanthos Iraq Honey locust Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Leucaena leucocephala Iraq Leucaena Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Melia azedarach Iraq Chinaberry Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Parkinsonia aculeata Iraq Parkinsonia Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Pinus halepensis Iraq Aleppo pine Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Pithecellobium dulce Iraq Manila tamarind Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Robinia pseudoacacia Iraq Black locust Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Senegalia laeta (=Acacia laeta) Iraq Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 162 Organism type Species Land plant/tree Vachellia cornigera (= Acacia cornigera ) Vachellia farnesiana (=Acacia farnesiana) Vachellia nilotica (Acacia nilotica) Land plant/tree Land plant/tree Country/ Detailed Location Iraq Common nameEnglish Habit Occurrence Provenance Invasive Establishment Method Pathways of introduction Source Bullhorn Acacia Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Iraq Needle bush Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Iraq Gum Arabic tree Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Land plant/tree Ziziphus mauritiana Iraq Jujube Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/vine Conyza canadensis Iraq Canadian fleabane Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/vine Lonicera japonica Iraq Japanese honeysuckle Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/vine Lonicera maackii Iraq Amur honeysuckle Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/vine Lonicera morrowii Iraq Morrow's honeysuckle Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/vine Lonicera periclymenum Iraq European honeysuckle Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Land plant/vine Lonicera sempervirens Iraq trumpet honeysuckle Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Mammal Bos taurus Iraq Cattle Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Mammal Capra hircus Iraq Goat Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Page 163 Organism type Species Country/ Detailed Location Iraq Common nameEnglish Habit Occurrence Provenance Invasive Establishment Method Pathways of introduction Source Mammal Equus asinus Donkey Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Mammal Oryctolagus cuniculus Iraq Rabbit Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Mammal Ovis aries Iraq Sheep Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown CABI Invasive Species Compendium, 2013 Mammal Suncus murinus Iraq Asian house shrew Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Varnham, Karen, pers.comm, 2002 Mammal Rattus norvegicus Iraq Norway rat Terrestrial Established Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Ali- Haloob pers.comm January 2014 Mollusc Dreissena polymorpha Al-Musayab power plant Zebra mussel Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Natural dispersal Water course Crustacean Eriocheir hepuensis Iraq Hepu mitten crab Brackish Established Alien Not specified Accidental Naser et al 2012 Crustacean Eriocheir sinensis Chinese mitten crab Brackish Established Alien Invasive Accidental Mollusc Potamopyrgus antipodarum Shatt AlBasrah Canal; Shatt Al-Arab River Iraq Larval forms in Ballast water/ Adult on ship's hulls Larval forms in Ballast water/ Adult on ship's hulls New Zealand mud snail Freshwater Established Alien Invasive Unknown Unknown Naser & Son, 2009 Reptile Ramphotyphlops braminus Iraq Brahminy blind snake Terrestrial Reported Alien Not specified Unknown Unknown Kraus 2009 Clark et al 2006; Hashim 2012 Source: Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) (Shyama Pagad), Ali Haloob (2013); unpublished information, Mudhafar Salim (2014) 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 164 ANNEX 5: LIST OF BIODIVERSITY-RELATED PROJECTS, PLANS AND STRATEGIES Year 2010 Donor name Japan 2010 Japan 2010 Japan 2010 Japan 2010 Japan 2010 Australia 2010 Australia 2010 Australia 2011 Germany 2011 Italy Aid description Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Core support to NGOs, other private bodies, PPPs and research institutes Core support to NGOs, other private bodies, PPPs and research institutes Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Project title TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES AusAID-JICA agricultural training for Iraqis Small scale Ag projects in Iraq Purpose name (sector) Water resources policy/admin. mgmt Sanitation - large systems Environmental policy and admin. mgmt Environmental policy and admin. mgmt Bio-diversity Long description Agricultural education/training AusAID-JICA agricultural training for Iraqis Agricultural development Small scale Ag projects in Iraq Scholarships Iraq AIAS Agricultural development Scholarships Iraq AIAS Learning region - a community development centre for the region of Berwari Bala, Iraq FARMING DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH IRAQ RURAL AREAS THROUGH A RATIONAL MANAGEMENT OF Rural development Learning region - a community development centre for the region of Berwari Bala, Iraq Agricultural development Support the increase of agricultural production together with a more conscious and rational management of water resources in rural areas of 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Environment Biodiversity Climate Mitigation Climate Adaptation 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 Page 165 Year Donor name 2011 Sweden 2011 2011 United Arab Emirates Japan 2011 Japan 2011 Japan 2011 Korea 2011 Australia 2011 Australia 2011 Australia 2011 Australia 2011 Australia 2011 Australia 2011 GEF Aid description Scholarships/training in donor country Project-type interventions Project title WATER RESOURCES 229IRAQ Food Safety Stachys species Purpose name (sector) Long description TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES Master's Programs for International Students Water resources policy/admin. mgmt Sanitation - large systems Environmental policy and admin. mgmt Higher education Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Soil Salinity Project Agricultural research Small scale Ag projects in Iraq ACIAR crop project in Northern Iraq AusAID-JICA agricultural training for Iraqis Scholarships Iraq AIAS Agricultural development Agricultural research Agricultural development Scholarships Iraq AIAS Iraq Agriculture Strategy Design First NBSAP for Iraq and Development Agricultural development Environmental policy and admin. mgmt Iraq Agriculture Strategy Design GEF Focal Area Description Biodiversity. Enabling 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Biodiversity Climate Mitigation Climate Adaptation 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 0 0 south Iraq Trade policy and admin. management Bio-diversity Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Imputed student costs Core support to NGOs, other private bodies, PPPs and research institutes Other technical assistance Project-type interventions Environment Agricultural education/training Produce international experts in the field of development economics and public policy. Contribute to developing capacity of developing countries. Soil Salinity Project Small scale Ag projects in Iraq ACIAR crop project in Northern Iraq AusAID-JICA agricultural training for Iraqis March 2014 Page 166 Year Donor name Aid description Project title Purpose name (sector) of Fifth National Report to the CBD 2012 Italy Project-type interventions New Eden Project Technical Assistance for the implementation in Iraq of the UNFCCC and the UN CBD World Heritage as a tool for enhancing Natural and Cultural Management of the Iraqi Marshlands UNESCO-UNEP Joint Project Biosphere protection 2012 Italy Project-type interventions 2012 Japan Project-type interventions Project-type interventions Project-type interventions TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES Soil Salinity Project ‘i e asi s development Sanitation - large systems Agricultural land resources 2012 Japan 2012 Australia 2012 Australia Other technical assistance AusAID-JICA agricultural training for Iraqis Agricultural education/training 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Biosphere protection Long description Activity. Amount of planned co-financing: USD 0.45 million. Pilot project for the post war reconstruction of Iraq aimed at promoting sustainable development of marshlands and mitigate greenhouse gasses effects impacts The project provides guidance and support to the Iraqi stakeholders on how to develop a long-term preservation and management plan, build capcity and raise awareness among the local population TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES Environment Biodiversity Climate Mitigation Climate Adaptation 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 TC AGGREGATED ACTIVITIES Australia-Iraq Soil Salinity Management project in Central and Southern Iraq, delivered by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in partnership with the International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA. Co-funding arrangement between Australia and Japan on an agricultural training program based in the International Centre for March 2014 Page 167 Year 2012 Donor name Australia Aid description Project title Purpose name (sector) Long description Environment Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) that aims to strengthen capacity in agricultural research in Iraq. Scholarships/training Scholarships Iraq Agricultural This initiative provides in donor country AIAS development funding to support the Australia Iraq Agricultural Scholarships (AIAS) program. AIAS provides Iraqi public servants with postgraduate scholarships in Australian Institutions to support the Iraqi agricultural sector and includes up to 24 months precourse intensive English language training. 1 Source: Organization for Economic cooperation and Development (OECD), Anna Drutschinin 2013. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Biodiversity Climate Mitigation Climate Adaptation 1 1 1 Page 168 ANNEX 6: A NEW REFERENCE DOCUMENT FOR THE CHECKLIST OF ALGAE OF IRAQ A total of 2647 algal taxa were reported in an undergoing check list of algae in Iraq8. The check list includes almost all trustful published knowledge on algae of Iraq that including: Chlorophyceae (788), Cyanophyceae (508), Chrysophyceae (1233), Euglenophyceae (54), Charohyceae (13), Cryptophyceae (5), Pyrrophyceae (32) and Rodophyceae (13). The checklist adds other 334 algal taxa to the previously known algae in Iraq. The checklist will be used as trustful data base for future investigations on algae and for filling up the gap that exists on the knowledge in this area about Limnology and Phycology of the whole Middle East. The data were collected from previous studies that were published in scientific journals and were checked for species lists. The taxa list represents algae which are found in different Iraqi aquatic systems. The groups of the algae are arranged in the following sequence: 1- Cyanophyta 508 taxa (19.20%) 2- Chlorophyta 788 taxa (29.78%) 3- Charophyta 13 taxa (0.49%) 4- Euglenophyta 54 taxa (2.04%) 5- Chrysophyta 1233 taxa (46. 60%) 6- Pyrrophyta 32 taxa (1.21%) 7- Rhodophyta 13 taxa (0.49%) 8- Cryptophyta 5 taxa (0.19%) 8 Bahram.K. Maulood, Fikrat M. Hassan, Ali A. Al- Lami, Janan J. Toma and Abbas, M. Ismail “Checklist of Algal Flora of Iraq”, Ministry of Environment, Iraq 2013. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity March 2014 Page 169 ANNEX 7: PROGRESS IN ACHIEVING THE AICHI TARGETS Improving No change STRATEGIC GOALS AND AICHI TARGETS Strategic Goal A Target 1: By 2020, at the latest, people are aware of the values of biodiversity and the steps they can take to conserve and use it sustainably Target 2: By 2020, at the latest, biodiversity values have been integrated into national and local development and poverty reduction strategies and planning processes and are being incorporated into national accounting, as appropriate, and reporting systems. Target 3: By 2020, at the latest, incentives, including subsidies, harmful to biodiversity are eliminated, phased out or reformed in order to minimize or avoid negative impacts, and positive incentives for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are developed and applied, consistent and in harmony with the Convention and other relevant international obligations, taking into account national socio economic conditions. Target 4: By 2020, at the latest, Governments, business and stakeholders at all levels have taken steps to achieve 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity Decline PROGRESS STATUS IN IRAQ EVALUATION In Iraq due to the preparation of the National Environmental Strategy (NESAP) and of the National Biodiversity Strategy (NBSAP), a number of initiatives and events to spread the message of biodiversity have been organized and carried out; globally awareness has been raised through these consultative meetings and informative events. In Iraq the NESAP incorporates the biodiversity values; through the development of the first NBSAP (on-going) important steps are taken towards the integration of biodiversity values into other strategies (the NBSAP foresees the coordination and mainstreaming with other relevant strategies). Also the NBSAP will be adopted as a policy instrument and will have its own financial mechanism; thereby including biodiversity into national accounting. A poverty reduction Strategy has been produced and approved in Iraq, partially addressing, as already mentioned, the relationship between poverty and biodiversity as a mean to alleviate problems and economic difficulties especially of rural areas populations. In order to achieve some progress in this Target firstly a comprehensive review of all the existing incentives and subsidies harmful to biodiversity needs to be carried out. Subsequently funds have to be raised to the purpose of setting in place the positive incentives. Considering the current situation of the country and the priorities that have been set nationally by the various stakeholders, the achievement of this Target is delayed. In order for the country to put in place sustainable consumption and productions practices and projects, coordination with March 2014 Page 170 STRATEGIC GOALS AND AICHI TARGETS or have implemented plans for sustainable production and consumption and have kept the impacts of use of natural resources well within safe ecological limits. Strategic Goal B Target 5: By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly reduced. Target 6: By 2020 all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem based approaches, so that overfishing is avoided, recovery plans and measures are in place for all depleted species, fisheries have no significant adverse impacts on threatened species and vulnerable ecosystems and the impacts of fisheries on stocks, species and ecosystems are within safe ecological limits. Target 7: By 2020 areas under agriculture, aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably, ensuring conservation of biodiversity. Target 8: By 2020, pollution, including from excess nutrients, has been brought to levels that are not detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity PROGRESS STATUS IN IRAQ other strategies and institutional bodies is essential. To this purpose there is a specific department for sustainable use and consumption at the MOEI, however the active participation and the cooperation especially of the Ministry of Agriculture is essential. Some progress in this Target can be achieved as a result of the mainstreaming activities and after the adoption of the NBSAP as a policy instrument by all institutional bodies. EVALUATION This Target has been selected as one of the national priorities for Iraq, and 5 Iraqi Targets have been drafted under the umbrella of Aichi Target 5; this demonstrates the importance and priority that has been identified by the stakeholders as concerns habitat loss. Some activities that would allow to meet the Iraqi Targets set have been initiated such as the capacity building for GIS experts (to build a GIS database on the extent and condition of habitats) as well as the research of information about recent land use/habitat maps of Iraq. In the governorate of Qadissiya in the Dalmaj marsh area there is a successful example of sustainable fishery production. The species produced is the local species Bu i Bar us “harpeyi that is red y a private and then released in the marshlands thereby providing an economically important source for local fishermen. The only known example of sustainable management of fish stocks is the already mentioned Dalmaj marsh fish hatchery for the Bunni (Barbus Sharpeyi). Pollution has been identified by Iraqi stakeholders as a major issue to be addressed and as a national priority. Various monitoring activities are taking place, carried out by different institutions in March 2014 Page 171 STRATEGIC GOALS AND AICHI TARGETS PROGRESS STATUS IN IRAQ the framework of various projects, and especially as concerns water quality; however the control and reduction of pollution sources is still lacking. Target 9: By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and measures are in place to manage pathways to prevent their introduction and establishment. As an attempt to fill the knowledge gaps about the alien and invasive species of Iraq and in order to complete the present report, a research group has been informally set under the Ministry of environment. This group has allowed the collection of the baseline information about alien invasive species in Iraq (present from international and national sources) and has set in place the background for establishing and reviewing the National List of alien and invasive species of Iraq. In September 2012 and in May 2013 a coral reef in Iraqi coastal waters was discovered for the first time ever as a result of joint expeditions by the Marine Science Centre of the University of Basrah (Iraq) and Technical University of Freiberg (Germany). The discovery is very recent and no actions have been taken up to now to minimize the many anthropogenic pressures present in the area. Target 10: By 2015, the multiple anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs, and other vulnerable ecosystems impacted by climate change or ocean acidification are minimized, so as to maintain their integrity and functioning. Strategic Goal C Target 11: By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscape and seascapes. Target 12: By 2020 the extinction of known threatened species has been prevented and their conservation status, particularly of those most in decline, has been improved and sustained. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity EVALUATION A number of steps for the establishment and wise management of protected areas have been accomplished by Iraq, referring in particular to, among the others, the issuance of national legislation on protected areas; the establishment of the first National Park of Iraq (the Mesopotamia marshland National Park); the starting up of a GEF funded project to establish the National Network of Protected Areas and other protected areas related awareness activities. Two Iraqi Targets have been established under this Aichi Target; the issue of species conservation is recognized by Iraq as a national priority; however it is too early to assess the progress with reference to Iraqi Targets and no local initiatives or successful examples are known in the conservation of any threatened species. March 2014 Page 172 STRATEGIC GOALS AND AICHI TARGETS Target 13: By 2020, the genetic diversity of cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated animals and of wild relatives, including other socioeconomically as well as culturally valuable species, is maintained, and strategies have been developed and implemented for minimizing genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity. Strategic Goal D PROGRESS STATUS IN IRAQ Two important examples of Iraqi genetic diversity and the maintenance of socioeconomically and culturally valuable species are represented by the Water buffalos present in the marshland areas and the many date palm races that are cultivated along the Shatt Al Arab River, in Basra governorate. These species could be further promoted and preserved, along with other less visible but still locally important animal and plant species. Target 14: By 2020, ecosystems that provide essential services, including services related to water, and contribute to health, livelihoods and well-being, are restored and safeguarded, taking into account the needs of women, indigenous and local communities, and the poor and vulnerable. Target 15: By 2020, ecosystem resilience and the contribution of biodiversity to carbon stocks has been enhanced, through conservation and restoration, including restoration of at least 15 per cent of degraded ecosystems, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation and to combating desertification. Target 16: By 2015, the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization is in force and operational, consistent with national legislation. An Iraqi Target has been framed under the Aichi Target 14; the importance of this issue to Iraq is recognized by the stakeholders. It is too early to evaluate the progress towards meeting this Target; no new successful cases or stories can be reported. Strategic Goal E Target 17: By 2015 each Party has developed, adopted as a policy instrument, and has commenced implementing an effective, participatory and updated national biodiversity strategy and action plan Target 18: By 2020, the traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary use of biological resources, 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity EVALUATION This Target has not been selected as a national priority by the stakeholders; no progress has been achieved so far in the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Up to date Iraq has not ratified the Nagoya Protocol, though it is planned in the near future. The Strategy is in progress and following up with the participatory approach that has been adopted up to now; it will be brought to the attention of high level institutional bodies for their subsequent approval and adoption/implementation. In Iraq, due to a very high ethnographic diversity there are many different cultures, religious groups, tribes, local communities, ethnic groups that have their own traditions, dressing, food, music and practices. A comprehensive review of these March 2014 Page 173 STRATEGIC GOALS AND AICHI TARGETS are respected, subject to national legislation and relevant international obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the implementation of the Convention with the full and effective participation of indigenous and local communities, at all relevant levels. Target 19: By 2020, knowledge, the science base and technologies relating to biodiversity, its values, functioning, status and trends, and the consequences of its loss, are improved, widely shared and transferred, and applied. Target 20: By 2020, at the latest, the mobilization of financial resources for effectively implementing the Strategic Plan 2011- 2020 from all sources and in accordance with the consolidated and agreed process in the Strategy for Resource Mobilization should increase substantially from the current levels. This target will be subject to changes contingent to resources needs assessments to be developed and reported by Parties. 5th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity PROGRESS STATUS IN IRAQ traditions and their relation with biodiversity is a complex and lengthy process; however two examples of sustainable uses of biodiversity and customary uses of biological resources are given by the local/tribal conservation groups of Dalmaj marsh (Qadissiya governorate) and Barzan tribal protected area (Kurdistan region). Various initiatives, research, trainings, projects from various national and international bodies (universities, research institutions, NGOs, joint ventures, private companies, and cooperation mechanisms) are contributing to gain insight into specific themes and issues concerning the environment and biodiversity. The results of these studies and researches, thanks to various tools such as the web, various online datasets, and the international platforms made available by the CBD and the BIP Partnership, and thanks to the efforts of the Ministry of Environment, are becoming more and more widespread and known to the national and international community. A resource mobilization strategy and plan will be drafted as a part of the NBSAP process; the Action Planning phase further requires that the financial resources are mobilized not only by the Ministry of Environment but in a cross-sectoral way from all involved stakeholders and searching out funds from additional sources such as external donors, IGOs and NGOs. March 2014 EVALUATION Page 174