Climate, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Development Legislation in Najaf Governorate: Legal Frameworks and Local Application

Abstract

The Iraq Governorate of Najaf is suffering complicated situations of climate change, loss of biodiversity, and growth of unsustainable urban conditions. This paper discusses the national and international legislative frameworks touching on the environment with regard to the embrace of such legislative framework at the local levels in Najaf Governorate. Its further talks about how well the local authorities are adhering to the Iraqi own laws of nature like the Environmental Protection and Improvement Law No. (27) of 2009 and even some of the international agreements like the Paris Agreement and Convention on Biological Diversity. The study emphasizes the importance of civil society, education and religious organisations as tools of creating environmental awareness, offers some practical suggestions on how to improve environmental governance and establishment of sustainable development at the local level. The objective of the paper is to assist the decision-makers and researchers in coming up with more inclusive, equitable and effective environmental policies.