About West Asia: A Region of Diverse Ecosystems
The IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), established in October 2004, serves 13 countries across a region known for its remarkable ecological and cultural diversity. Its geographic scope includes Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, the Syrian Arab Republic, Yemen, and Iran, as well as the Gulf countries: Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
ROWA strives to engage actively across all 13 countries through programmes and initiatives that advance conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Despite its rich natural heritage, the region faces several pressing environmental challenges, including:
- Land degradation, aridity, and desertification
- Unsustainable water extraction and use
- Biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, and species extinction
- Threats to fragile marine ecosystems due to pollution, habitat destruction, invasive alien species, and unplanned coastal development
Through science-based solutions, partnerships, and community-driven action, IUCN ROWA works to support countries in addressing these challenges and safeguarding West Asia’s natural resources for future generations.
