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Department of Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Biodiversity and Ecosystems Biodiversity is the essential element of ecosystems that provides society with means of well-being, such as food and other life necessities. It also contributes to maintaining the natural balance of the ecosystems it inhabits, ensuring the recycling of non-living components within the ecosystem. Iraq, located in the southwest of Asia, has diverse geographical and climatic regions, which can be categorized into five distinct geographical areas: the mountainous and highlands region, the hills and rolling lands, the western plateau, the alluvial plain, and the desert steppe. The variety of ecosystems has resulted in a vast array of biodiversity elements in Iraq, both plant and animal. The geographical nature of Iraq includes mountainous areas in the north and extensive plains and rolling lands extending to the humid regions in the south, giving each area its unique characteristics in terms of living organisms and their types

However, due to administrative deterioration resulting from wars that Iraq has suffered, alongside a steadily increasing population, urban expansion at the expense of naturally vegetated lands, pollution affecting all environmental elements, and changes to terrestrial environments caused by mining operations, dam construction, and canal digging, biodiversity is subjected to varying degrees of pressure threatening its existence. For instance, the draining of marshes (which had preserved their ecosystem and diversity for a long time) led to the destruction of aquatic and plant life and deprived migratory birds of their breeding habitats. Given the importance of biodiversity, it is essential to emphasize that it holds significant value for current and future generations due to its genetic, economic, and environmental worth. This necessitates the formulation of national policies, strategies, and programs for biodiversity conservation linked to sustainable development policies. This requires enacting legislation and laws to protect the environment, including stringent penalties for those who harm it. Iraq signed the Biodiversity Convention with neighboring countries in 2009, which stipulates:

Vision:

The Department of Biodiversity and Ecosystems is a vital component in the field of studies related to the protection of natural living resources in the environment, relying on modern technologies and research-based methods aimed at studying biological development and biodiversity in the local environment. It also seeks to establish scientific studies based on the latest techniques associated with modern standards and sciences.

Mission:

The department and its scientific team aim to preserve the local environment by studying biodiversity and the evolution of organisms, utilizing this knowledge to mitigate environmental pollution in all its forms.

Objectives:

-Keeping pace with global developments in all scientific fields related to the department's focus.

-Providing the community and specialized scientific institutions with up-to-date studies on the environment and biodiversity.

-Preserving unique biological samples in designated locations within the department.

-Adopting optimal methods for removing environmental pollutants using microorganisms isolated from the same environment.

-Identifying new species present in the environment through modern biological techniques and genetic engineering methods.

-Transferring plants from environments similar to the local environment for use in eco-friendly applications.

-Offering scientific support to government institutions through scientific consultations.

-Supporting graduate students in completing their scientific research.

Department of Environmental Monitoring

Objective: To preserve, protect, and develop the environment, prevent pollution, and improve the health and quality of life of citizens by working towards a pollution-free environment. This involves establishing procedures, rules, and foundations for all activities related to environmental protection.

1. Preparing research and programs to define policies and general objectives that achieve environmental protection and conservation.

2. Establishing environmental standards and criteria for pollution sources in the surrounding environment and monitoring their implementation.

3. Periodically assessing environmental changes in natural resources based on historical data, records, and scientific studies.

4. Developing a general strategy for chemical safety, hazardous waste, and radiation pollution, along with preparing specific action plans for these areas.

5. Coordinating with relevant entities for environmental protection and sustainable development while providing technical support and advice.

Department of Environmental Pollution and Treatment

Vision:

The department aspires to be a distinguished center in the field of environmental pollution and treatment research, focusing on innovation and sustainability to provide advanced solutions that enhance environmental protection and achieve sustainable development. The department also aims for its laboratory to be among the most advanced in Iraq and to move towards obtaining international accreditation in environmental analysis and protection of the Iraqi environment.

Mission:
1. Development of Sustainable Strategies and Technologies: The department focuses on creating sustainable strategies and technologies to address environmental challenges effectively.
2. Enhanced Collaboration: It fosters cooperation among academic, governmental, industrial, and community sectors to ensure that research findings are applied in protecting the environment and human health.
3. Scientific Research and Publication: The department aims to conduct rigorous scientific research that contributes to solving environmental problems in Iraq and globally, publishing findings in reputable international journals with impact factors.
4. Student Research Support: It assists undergraduate and graduate students in completing research projects related to environmental specialties.
5. Laboratory Support: The department works to make its laboratory a supportive resource for scientific departments with environmental specialties in various universities.
6. Accredited Advisory Role: It strives to become an accredited advisory body for conducting studies and research on environmental treatments using environmentally safe methods.
7. Environmental Problem-Solving: The department contributes to solving Iraq's environmental issues by ensuring safe solutions for the environment.
8. Strategic Partnerships: It forms national and international partnerships, particularly with organizations focused on sustainability.
Objectives:
1. Development of Sustainable Strategies and Technologies: The department focuses on creating sustainable strategies and technologies to address environmental challenges effectively.
2. Enhanced Collaboration: It fosters cooperation among academic, governmental, industrial, and community sectors to ensure that research findings are applied in protecting the environment and human health.
3. Scientific Research and Publication: The department aims to conduct rigorous scientific research that contributes to solving environmental problems in Iraq and globally, publishing findings in reputable international journals with impact factors.
4. Student Research Support: It assists undergraduate and graduate students in completing research projects related to environmental specialties.
5. Laboratory Support: The department works to make its laboratory a supportive resource for scientific departments with environmental specialties in various universities.
6. Accredited Advisory Role: It strives to become an accredited advisory body for conducting studies and research on environmental treatments using environmentally safe methods.
7. Environmental Problem-Solving: The department contributes to solving Iraq's environmental issues by ensuring safe solutions for the environment.
8. Strategic Partnerships: It forms national and international partnerships, particularly with organizations focused on sustainability.
9. Conduct Innovative Scientific Research: Develop modern techniques and methods for addressing environmental problems caused by various types of pollution.
10. Qualify Scientific Personnel: Train researchers and specialists capable of understanding the challenges of environmental pollution and finding sustainable solutions, as well as through holding courses to train on various laboratory devices.
11. Enhance Partnerships: Collaborate with local and international institutions to achieve effective results in the field of environmental pollution treatment.
12. Provide Support and Consultations: Assist various entities in implementing effective environmental policies and achieving compliance with environmental standards.
13. Spread Environmental Awareness: Contribute to spreading a culture of sustainability and reducing pollution through community awareness and participation in environmental activities.
14. Work and Contribute to Establishing a Database: On the reality of environmental problems in Babil Governorate and Iraq.
15. Provide Consultations and Scientific Services: To public and private sector institutions.
16. Work to Ensure That the Department is the Accredited Advisory Reference: By relevant bodies such as the Ministry of Environment.
Head of the Department of Environmental Pollution and Treatments

Asst. Prof. Dr. Zahraa Hashim Adhab

Unit of Disaster Risk Reduction

What Are Disasters?

Disasters are severe disturbances in a community's functioning that exceed its capacity to adapt using its own resources. Disasters can occur due to natural hazards, technological hazards, or those caused by humans, as well as various factors that affect a community's vulnerability and exposure to risk, which can have devastating effects on people and communities.

It is likely that the frequency, complexity, and severity of these risks will increase in the future due to factors such as climate change, displacement, conflict, rapid and unplanned urbanization, technological risks, and public health emergencies. Therefore, we can and should prevent disasters by helping communities prepare for them, reduce their risks, and increase their resilience.

About 90% of disasters worldwide are due to weather, climate, or water-related hazards. While natural hazards cannot be avoided, early warnings can reduce the scale of a disaster. For example, if people know in advance that a hurricane or cyclone is forming nearby, they can seek shelter.

The global monitoring system of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) helps reduce disaster risks by providing information for early warnings and emergency response. This has contributed to reducing deaths from natural hazards in recent decades.

Causes of Natural Disasters

The causes of natural disasters vary from one type to another, but they can be broadly categorized into two main groups:
- Natural Causes: These are reasons that occur due to natural phenomena, such as tectonic plate movements, volcanic eruptions, or climate changes.
- Human Causes: Human-related causes of natural disasters include:
  - Deforestation: Removing forests eliminates the natural protective layer of the earth, making it more susceptible to natural disasters like floods and landslides.
  - Overhunting: Overhunting leads to the removal of animals from their natural habitats, disrupting the ecological balance and increasing the risk of natural disasters.
  - Climate Change: Human-induced climate change, resulting from emissions from factories, leads to rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns, increasing the risk of natural disasters such as droughts and floods.
Natural Disaster Risks

Firstly: Loss of Lives

Loss of lives is one of the most dangerous risks associated with natural disasters. Natural disasters can cause the death of hundreds or even thousands of people due to several factors, such as:
- Direct Injuries: Natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes can cause direct injuries to people, such as falls, wounds, or bruises.
- Indirect Injuries: Natural disasters like floods and droughts can cause indirect injuries to people, such as contracting diseases, hunger, or displacement.
Secondly: Property Losses

Natural disasters can destroy homes, businesses, and other infrastructure, leading to significant financial losses. Disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods can completely or partially destroy properties.

Thirdly: Environmental Damage

Natural disasters can destroy forests and wildlife, disrupting the ecological balance. Disasters like wildfires and landslides can significantly destroy forests and wildlife.

Prevention of Natural Disasters

Natural disasters cannot be completely prevented, as they occur due to natural phenomena. However, steps can be taken to mitigate their effects. This can be achieved by:
- Building Disaster-Resistant Infrastructure: Infrastructure such as buildings and dams can be constructed in a way that makes them resistant to natural disasters. For example, buildings can be built using materials that are resistant to earthquakes or floods.
- Developing Emergency Plans for Disasters: Emergency plans can be developed for natural disasters to help people stay safe in the event of a disaster. These plans can include information on how to evacuate during a hurricane or how to get assistance during a flood.
- Raising Public Awareness about Natural Disasters: Public awareness about natural disasters can be promoted to help people prepare for them. Awareness campaigns can include information about the types of natural disasters that occur in the area and how to stay safe during them.
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is a voluntary agreement among member states, spanning the years from 2015 to 2030. Its primary goal is to reduce disaster risks and the associated losses of lives, livelihoods, homes, wealth, and health. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction coordinates the implementation of the Sendai Framework.

Key Objectives of the Sendai Framework
1. Substantially Reduce Global Disaster Mortality: By 2030, aim to reduce the average global mortality rate per 100,000 people in the decade 2020-2030 compared to the period 2005-2015.
2. Substantially Reduce the Number of Affected People Globally: By 2030, aim to reduce the average global number of affected people per 100,000 in the decade 2020-2030 compared to the period 2005-2015.
3. Reduce Direct Economic Losses in Relation to Global GDP: By 2030, reduce direct economic losses from disasters relative to global GDP.
4. Substantially Reduce Disaster Damage to Critical Infrastructure and Disruption of Basic Services: By 2030, reduce damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, including health and educational facilities, by enhancing their resilience.
5. Substantially Increase the Number of Countries with National and Local Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies: By 2020, significantly increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
6. Substantially Enhance International Cooperation to Developing Countries: By 2030, significantly enhance international cooperation to provide adequate and sustainable support for developing countries to complete their national actions to implement the current framework.
7. Substantially Increase the Availability of and Access to Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems and Disaster Risk Information and Assessments: By 2030, significantly increase the availability and accessibility of multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments for people.
Organizations Working in Disaster Risk Reduction
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization): The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations leads international efforts to eradicate hunger. FAO serves both developed and developing countries as a neutral forum where all nations meet on an equal footing to negotiate agreements and discuss policies.
- International Organization for Migration (IOM): Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration is a leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. It works closely with governmental and non-governmental partners to ensure the organized and humane management of migration, promote international cooperation on migration issues, and provide practical solutions to migration problems. IOM also offers humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced persons.
- UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme): UN-Habitat is the United Nations agency for human settlements. Mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities, it aims to provide adequate shelter for all.
- UN-Water: The United Nations Water Committee coordinates the efforts of UN agencies and international organizations working on water and sanitation issues.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): The United Nations Development Programme is the leading UN organization fighting to end the injustices of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Through working with a wide network of experts and partners in 170 countries, the agency helps countries build integrated and lasting solutions for people and the planet.
- UNDRR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction): The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) works to significantly reduce disaster risks and losses to ensure a sustainable future. Formerly known as UNISDR, it is the central hub of the UN system for disaster risk reduction, serving as the custodian of the Sendai Framework. UNDRR supports countries and communities in implementing, monitoring, and reviewing the framework.
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the UN system, and serves as the official advocate for the global environment.
- World Food Programme (WFP): The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change.
- World Meteorological Organization (WMO): The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations. It is the authoritative voice of the UN system on the state and behavior of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces, and the resulting distribution of the planet's freshwater resources.

Mesopotamia Environmental Journal

The Mesopotamia Environmental Journal is a peer-reviewed scientific journal focused on environmental science and its related fields. It is published by the Center for Environmental Research and Studies at Babylon University, with its first issue released in 2014. The journal follows a rigorous peer-review process, where submissions are sent to two or three referees in the relevant field, and all research is subject to scientific and linguistic extraction. It is indexed globally with the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN: 2410-2598), commonly abbreviated as Mesop. Environ. J. Since its inception in 2014, the journal has published eight volumes comprising 29 issues, with ongoing publications planned until 2024.