Implementing the Environmental and Social Framework in Iraq : Assessment of Environmental and Social National Systems and Challenges

Overview & Synopsis

This Assessment aims to provide the World Bank and other development partners with a better understanding of the environmental and social risk management systems in Iraq and to propose priority areas for enhancing these systems. The World Bank has initiated a number of similar assessments in different countries as part of the Bank’s efforts to build the capacity of its partners to facilitate the implementation of the ESF. This assessment is meant to advance the dialogue with key stakeholders in Iraq and recommend actions to improve the national environmental and social systems in addressing the correspondent risks and vulnerabilities in alignment with the ESF. The assessment identifies specific areas that can be improved to bridge those gaps and improve the country’s capacity to provide better management of environmental and social risks in development projects. The objective of this assessment is to analyze existing environmental and social risks and vulnerabilities in Iraq, assess the national environmental and social framework and institutional capacity, and develop targeted recommendations for strengthening it in line with the ESF requirements. This report has been prepared through comprehensive literature collection and review, data analysis, and consultation with government, non-government agencies and other stakeholders.