State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH)

The National Ministry of Tourism:

The Ministry of Tourism is charged with establishing a platform for tourism activity throughout Iraq. Its role includes identifying and designating locations as official tourist sites and developing the infrastructure required to make them tourist-accessible, while preserving their authenticity. These initiatives include rehabilitation, conservation and revitalization of designated sites, contracting with international tourist and archeological institutions, construction and development of site perimeters, and establishment of formal educational and training programs. A number of rehabilitation investment opportunities currently exist at various sites throughout the country.

The Kurdistan (KRG) Ministry of Tourism:

The KRG Ministry of Tourism works both independently from and jointly with the National Ministry of Tourism to identify, designate, and establish tourist sites throughout northern Iraqi regions.

State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH):

The responsibilities of SBAH include improving capacity at the Iraq National Museum and establishing new conservation and preservation training institutes. SBAH is also charged with overseeing the publication of bilingual reports concerning Iraqi archeological excavations and the distribution of publications to museum libraries. For example, SBAH has partnered with several international agencies to preserve Babylon and other national sites of world importance. Among the goals of the Babylon project is the development of technologically and culturally appropriate conservation solutions that also meet international standards; incorporation of holistic preservation approaches embracing environmental, social and economic factors; and economic self-sufficiency.