Journal Features USAID-Funded Report on Iraq Marshlands
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28, 2005
2005-03
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
http://www.usaid.gov/
The restoration of the Middle East's largest wetlands carries political, cultural, and economic significance beyond the ecological disaster. The 8,000 square-mile region was formerly one of the world's most productive marshlands and some say the site of the Garden of Eden. The wetlands supported a variety of birds, fish, and livestock and date palm trees along with nearly one half million Marsh Arabs before Saddam Hussein drained the marshes and slaughtered thousands of Marsh Arabs after the Shiite revolt of 1991. Those that survived were largely displaced, widely persecuted and suffered from economic loss, inadequate nutritional intake, and absence of primary health care and acceptable drinking water.
A scientific report based on the USAID-funded assessment of the marshes post-Saddam, was recently presented to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The assessment concluded that the marshlands can be partially restored and could offer employment and livelihoods if done correctly. The USAID team of water and soil scientists first visited the Hawizeh, Hammar, Central and smaller marshes in June, 2003. The team interviewed former marsh dwellers, met with tribal sheikhs, community leaders, farmers, fishermen, and female herders, in marsh settlements, in guest-houses, in fields, on boats, in clinics, and in markets. The scientist's report is featured in the journal Science.
The USAID Marshlands Restoration Program is helping to revive the ancient wetlands and traditional villages and restore the social and economic development of the marsh communities. National level activities have included hydrologic basin modeling; strategic planning and data base development for the Ministry of Water Resources, equipping water and soil laboratory, international study tours and short courses, and development of a comprehensive donor strategy. Marshland level activities include integrated marsh management, agriculture and livestock production, restocking of fish, extend primary health care facilities and constructed wetlands. As soon as the regime fell, Iraqi engineers reopened the dikes and cut some dams that had been used to drain the lands and drive out the Marsh Arabs. By early October 2003, the waters were rising over the formerly arid land. According to the scientific team, water coming into the marshes from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers washes away toxic salts that built up when the area was drained under Saddam Hussein.
For more information on the Iraq Marshlands Restoration: www.usaid.gov
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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