ECIBE Participates in Workshop on Amending the Environmental Protection and Improvement Law

A strong legal framework is essential for achieving meaningful and lasting environmental protection. Guided by this principle, the Energy Conservation and Improvement in the Built Environment Organization (ECIBE) participated in a strategic two-day workshop dedicated to the amendment of the Environmental Protection and Improvement Law.

The workshop was held on 27–28 July 2026 in Sulaymaniyah and was organized by the Environmental Protection and Improvement Board, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Event Type Strategic legislative workshop

Dates 27–28 July 2026

Location Sulaymaniyah

Main Focus Amending environmental legislation

Why This Workshop Matters

Environmental challenges continue to evolve, requiring laws that clearly define responsibilities, strengthen enforcement, and respond effectively to current environmental risks.

The workshop provided an important platform for reviewing the existing legal framework and developing amendments that can better protect natural resources, biodiversity, public health, and the wider environment of the Kurdistan Region.

A stronger environmental law can also clarify the responsibilities of public institutions, private companies, civil society organizations, and individuals, helping ensure that environmental protection becomes an institutional and shared responsibility.

Central Objective To institutionalize environmental responsibilities and prepare a stronger legal framework capable of responding to contemporary environmental challenges.

Participating Institutions and Experts

The workshop brought together specialists and representatives from legal, academic, governmental, and civil society sectors.

Legal Experts Members of the law amendment committee and specialists involved in reviewing and drafting the proposed amendments.

Academic Representatives University professors and researchers contributing scientific and technical perspectives.

Judicial Institutions Representatives from the Judicial Council and notary offices providing legal and procedural expertise.

Civil Society Environmental and community organizations contributing practical observations and public-interest recommendations.

Workshop Program

Day One Presentation and Review

The amended draft of the Environmental Protection and Improvement Law was presented to participants for discussion and evaluation.

Key themes included:

Responsibilities of government institutions
Responsibilities of the private sector
The role of civil society organizations
Protection of natural resources
Conservation of biodiversity
Protection of public health
Institutional environmental accountability

Day Two Working Groups and Drafting

The workshop moved into a practical drafting phase, during which participants were divided into specialized working groups.

The groups reviewed specific sections of the proposed law, discussed possible improvements, and developed recommendations intended to strengthen the draft before it enters the legislative process.

Key Areas Discussed

Area	Focus of Discussion
Institutional responsibilities	Clarifying the environmental duties of government institutions and relevant authorities.
Private-sector obligations	Defining the responsibilities of businesses and development projects in preventing environmental harm.
Civil society participation	Strengthening the role of environmental organizations in awareness, monitoring, and public participation.
Natural resources	Improving legal protection for land, water, air, forests, and other environmental resources.
Biodiversity	Strengthening protection for ecosystems, wildlife, and biological diversity.
Public health	Addressing environmental risks that may affect the health and well-being of communities.

ECIBE’s Contribution

ECIBE representatives actively participated in the workshop’s discussions and working groups alongside legal and technical experts.

The organization contributed observations and recommendations intended to:

Strengthen the amended draft
Improve the clarity of environmental responsibilities
Support practical implementation and enforcement
Integrate technical and sustainability considerations
Reflect the concerns of environmental civil society
Prepare the draft for the next stages of the legislative process

ECIBE’s Position A greener and more sustainable future for Kurdistan requires not only environmental awareness and technical solutions, but also strong policies, clear responsibilities, and enforceable legal frameworks.

Expected Outcomes

Stronger Legislation A clearer and more comprehensive environmental protection law.

Clear Responsibilities Better definition of the duties of public institutions, companies, and civil organizations.

Improved Enforcement More effective procedures for implementing environmental requirements.

Greater Cooperation Closer coordination between legal, academic, governmental, and civil society institutions.

Conclusion

ECIBE’s participation in this two-day workshop reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting environmental governance and sustainable development in the Kurdistan Region.

By contributing technical observations and practical recommendations, ECIBE supported efforts to develop a law that responds more effectively to present-day environmental challenges.

The organization believes that protecting Kurdistan’s natural resources, biodiversity, and public health requires a combination of scientific knowledge, public participation, strong institutions, and effective environmental legislation.

Workshop Information Title: Amendment of the Environmental Protection and Improvement Law
Dates: 27–28 July 2026
Location: Sulaymaniyah
Organizer: Environmental Protection and Improvement Board
Supported by: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
ECIBE’s role: Participant and contributor to the consultation and drafting process

Photo Highlight

ECIBE Participates in Workshop on Amending the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Environmental Protection and Improvement Law