Iraq’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015-2020). Country/Territory Iraq Document type Date 2015 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Agricultural & rural development, Environment gen., Fisheries, Forestry, Cultivated plants, Water, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Biodiversity Sustainable development Sustainable use Standards Traditional knowledge/indigenous knowledge Ecosystem preservation Protected area Pollution control Alien species Management/conservation Endangered species Protection of species Geographical area Middle East, NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICA, Persian Gulf, Western Asia Entry into force notes 2015 - 2020 Abstract This cross-cutting sectoral Strategy and Action Plan represents a national guiding framework for biodiversity conservation, with particular regard to a participatory approach that allows the actors for biodiversity in Iraq to work in partnership. It sets out priorities to focus on in the 5-year period 2015 – 2020. The main concepts at the basis of the Strategy are human life, awareness, sustainability and knowledge, as summarized in the Vision according to which ‘By 2050 Iraq has spread the knowledge and the awareness about biodiversity importance and uses its natural resources sustainably, for a better life for present and future generations’. Consequently, the Mission is to achieve better living conditions for Iraqi population by using and valuing biodiversity in a sustainable way. Main target groups of this NBSAP are the rural communities and those people living and depending on natural resources, with a particular reference to the tribal communities where biodiversity plays a role in the ethical, religious and social values. Full text English/Arabic Website www.cbd.int