Jordan Environment Watch : Iraq National Biodiversity Survey 2005-2006

Despite the turmoil of occupation, war and sectarian conflict Iraq has managed to find time and resources to conduct its first post-war national biodiversity survey.

This survey was conducted after a partnership was established between Nature Iraq and Birdlife Internationa. Two MOUs have been implemented to facilitate project engagement to initiate marsh bird, wildlife and habitat condition surveys last undertaken in 1978. Main objectives of the survey are (a) to assess biodiversity and the current state of the marshes as a basis for a National Biodiversity Assessment; and (b) to provide information and data for management decisions, options and restoration planning of over 40 marshlands in southern Iraq. It will be undertaken as a partnership with the Iraq MOE. An estimated 15 sites will be assessed this year. For the project to be successive, Iraqi specialists in NGOs, universities, and government agencies have been trained in international techniques, protocols and methods.

More information can be found here

http://www.cimiwetlands.net/events.htm