Natural Reserves Act No.2 of 2014. Country/Territory Iraq Document type Legislation Date 2014 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Environment gen., Water, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Institution Protected area Policy/planning Liability/compensation Biodiversity Hazards Sustainable development Coastal zone management Inland waters Endangered species Protection of species Geographical area Asia, Middle East, Near East and North Africa, Persian Gulf, Western Asia Entry into force notes The Act enters into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Abstract This Act, consisting of 13 articles, aims at establishing the National Commission of Natural Protected Sites at the Ministry of Agriculture, defining its powers and duties. Article 1 defines the nature reserves as 'an area of land or water (coastal or inland) containing living plant or animal organisms or natural features of cultural, scientific, touristic or aesthetic value placed under legal protection to protect their environmental wealth and to sustain their development'. Main tasks of the Commission are: proposing the inclusion of proper areas in the list of national reserves (the decision will be taken by the Ministry of Environment); analyzing applications from public institutions or inhabitants; categorizing the reserves (national, regional, transboundary, governmental or non-governmental); planning the administration of nature reserves; encouraging sustainable production of artifacts and souvenirs; and encouraging alternative programs as compensation for previous occupations of the inhabitants (Art.3). Full text Arabic Website www.iraq-lg-law.org