Kurdistan Region of Iraq Joins the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is proud to announce that it has officially become a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a landmark step that places Kurdistan Region among the global community of nations and regions committed to protecting biodiversity and advancing sustainable development.
The announcement was made during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, where governments, scientists, and environmental leaders from around the world gathered to shape global nature conservation priorities.
Dr Hany al Shaer, IUCN’s West Asia Region Director, said, “We are delighted to welcome the Kurdistan Regional Government into the IUCN family. This membership marks an important milestone in strengthening nature conservation efforts in Iraq and the wider region. The Kurdistan Region’s rich natural heritage and its growing environmental leadership offer great potential for impactful partnerships. Together, we will work to safeguard biodiversity, build resilience to climate change, and support sustainable development for communities and ecosystems alike.”
“Joining the IUCN is a milestone for the Kurdistan Regional Government. It reflects our government’s growing commitment to environmental stewardship, biodiversity protection, and the sustainable use of our natural resources,” said Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, Senior Advisor to the KRG Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and Climate Change. Ms Abdul Rahman is representing the KRG at the IUCN World Congress in Abu Dhabi this week. “We are determined to protect our mountains, rivers, and forests for future generations, and to contribute to the global effort against climate change.”
KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani is committed to preserving Kurdistan’s biodiversity and for the KRG to play its role in nature conservation in Iraq, regionally and globally.
Why This Matters
Membership in the IUCN connects the Kurdistan Region to more than 1,400 member organizations, including governments, NGOs, and research institutions across more than 170 countries that are united in their mission to conserve the planet’s natural heritage. Through this partnership, the Kurdistan Region can:
- Strengthen environmental policy and legislation in line with international standards;
- Collaborate with global experts on biodiversity protection, water and land management, and reforestation;
- Gain access to capacity building and support for conservation and climate resilience projects; and
- Promote ecotourism and green investment as part of its broader development strategy.
Biodiversity and Natural Heritage in Kurdistan
The Kurdistan Region is home to some of Iraq’s most important ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The Region’s mountain ranges, oak forests, and river valleys support a remarkable diversity of life, including the Persian Leopard which still roams Barzan, Qara Dagh and other mountain forests, and the Kurdistan newt, both of which are on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. More than 2,000 species of plants in the Kurdistan Region, including endemic wildflowers, oak and pistachio trees, and medicinal herbs are unique to the Zagros Mountains ecosystem. Over 350 bird species have been recorded, including migratory storks, eagles, and wheatears, reflecting Kurdistan’s critical role as part of the Eastern Mediterranean flyway.
The KRG hopes to officially designate several protected areas, such as the tribally protected Barzan Nature Reserve, Halgurd–Sakran National Park, and Qara Dagh Reserve, which together safeguard thousands of hectares of forest, wetland, and mountain habitats that are essential for both wildlife and local communities.
These landscapes are not only ecological treasures but also sources of livelihood, culture, and identity for the people of Kurdistan. Joining the IUCN will help the KRG strengthen the protection of these areas and align conservation strategies with international standards.
A Step Toward a Sustainable Future
The KRG has already launched a range of environmental initiatives, including climate adaptation planning and water management reforms. IUCN membership reinforces these efforts and opens the door to new international partnerships for environmental restoration and sustainable growth.
“This membership signals to the world that the KRG is ready to be a responsible partner in protecting our shared planet,” said Ms. Abdul Rahman. “We look forward to learning from others, sharing our experiences, and contributing to a greener and more resilient future.”
About the IUCN
Founded in 1948, the International Union for Conservation of Nature is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. It provides knowledge, policy guidance, and partnerships to help societies conserve nature and ensure that development is both sustainable and equitable.
