Rains revive Iraq’s wetlands after years of drought

Heavy rains breathe new life into Iraq's Huwaizah Marshes, reversing years of severe drought damage. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Rains revive Iraq’s wetlands after years of drought

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After years of crippling drought that reduced vast stretches of wetland to cracked earth, the Huwaizah Marshes in southeastern Iraq are experiencing a remarkable revival, thanks to a season of much-needed rainfall. The rains are bringing life back to this ancient ecosystem, a rare bright spot in a region long plagued by water scarcity and environmental degradation. The marshes, which straddle the border with Iran, are a remnant of the Mesopotamian wetlands, a UNESCO World Heritage site that once covered thousands of square kilometers. The resurgence of water has begun to attract birds and other wildlife, with locals reporting the return of species that had largely disappeared from the area. The marshes are a critical habitat for migratory birds traveling between Siberia and Africa, and their revival is seen as a vital sign of ecological recovery. For the Ma'dan, or Marsh Arabs, who have lived in these wetlands for millennia, the return of water is a deeply symbolic event. Their traditional way of life—building reed houses, fishing, and tending water buffalo—depends entirely on the health of the marshes. However, experts caution that the recovery remains fragile. The recent rains are a temporary reprieve, not a permanent solution to the underlying issues of water mismanagement, dam construction upstream in Turkey and Iran, and climate change. The Huwaizah Marshes rely heavily on the flow of the Tigris River and its tributaries, which have been severely reduced by dams and irrigation projects in neighboring countries. During the worst years of the drought, from 2020 to 2023, the marshes shrank to less than a third of their original size, threatening both wildlife and human communities. The Iraqi government has acknowledged the need for better water governance and has engaged in talks with Ankara and Tehran over water sharing, but progress has been slow. Meanwhile, the local population has been forced to adapt, with many families migrating to cities in search of work. The return of water this year has offered a temporary respite, but it has also raised questions about the long-term sustainability of the wetlands. Without consistent rainfall and a diplomatic...

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Categoria: cronaca