The Role of Environmental Governance in Achieving Environmental Security in Iraq (2007-2024)

Abstract

Environmental governance focuses on establishing environmental awareness at all levels, decision-making, and conceptualizing cities, communities, and the economic and political life as subsets of the broader environmental system. Environmental governance is based on three core principles: sustainable development, environmental justice, and the precautionary principle. Environmental challenges in Iraq have created a practical need to establish local environmental organizations (such as environmental support organizations, public environmental organizations, and specialized environmental organizations), which have been active in environmental mobilization by attracting volunteer youth groups to safeguard the environment and water resources in Iraq. These organizations target four main goals: promoting the protection of rivers and marshes from overfishing and dams, fostering sustainable development within the framework of environmental security, raising cultural and informational awareness regarding the damages and risks through research centers and qualified organizations (such as the United Nations and climate conferences), and facilitating the flow of information via television programs, social media platforms, and methodical discussion forums, while engaging in environmental dialogue with governmental institutions

Keywords: Environmental Governance, Environmental Threats, Human Security in Iraq, Environmental Security, Community Security.