Introduction of The Iraqi Marshlands Urgent needs for the long-term sustainable management Dr Ali Al-Lami Advisor to the Minister Ministry of Environment, Republic of Iraq 1 CBD COP10 side event for Long-term management of Iraqi Marshlands 21 October 2010, Nagoya, Japan
Location of the Iraqi Marshlands of Mesopotamia Located in the utmost downstream of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Iraq, partly bordering Iran Fine and extensive natural wetlands ecosystem which developed over thousand of years and once covered 15,000 20,000 km 3 Divided roughly into three areas; Al-Hammar Marsh, Central Marsh and Al- Hwaizeh Marsh 6
Importance of Iraqi Marshlands 7 Environmental Importance Largest wetland ecosystem in Middle East and Eurasia Supports biodiversity home to unique plant and animal species On the intercontinental flyways for migratory birds from Eurasia and Africa Acts as a controlling mechanism for sand storms across the region Acts as a thermal buffer that moderates the extreme climate Functions as the primary production source in the upper Gulf, hence impacting its ecosystem
Importance of Iraqi Marshlands Historical & Cultural Importance Home of ancient Sumerian civilization Traditional lifestyle of Marsh Arabs for ~5,000 years Considered by many as the location of Garden of Eden Socio-economic Importance Supports fish & dairy production for Iraq Contributes to fisheries downstream Produces reed and related products Holds oil reserves Marshland destruction and human suffering: One of Iraq s major environmental and humanitarian disasters UN/WB Needs Assessment for Reconstruction (2003) 8
Indigenous population - Marsh Arabs (Ma dan) Total population; 500,000 (est.) Iraq: 125,000-150,000 within the Marshlands areas, Religion: Muslim Livelihood: Water buffalo breeding, agriculture and fishery, hunting 9 Lifestyle: Similarities identified with the Sumerian civilization in utensils, boat, reed weaving
Extent of Wetland Destruction 10 1970s: ~20,000km 2 Kuwait (~17,800km 2 ) 2000: ~800km 2 Singapore (~700 km 2 )
Causes of Marshes destruction over years Hydrological and Environmental factors Long-term tendency to decrease the rainfall in the region No comprehensive agreement for water allocation among riparian countries Lack of adequate water management in the country Soil salinity and residue of pesticide and fertilizer flown into the marshlands Political factors The first Gulf War in 1990 Failed locals uprising in 1991 Economic sanction imposed by the international community during the 90s 11 Socio-economic factors Natural increase of population in the basin Developments of infrastructures along the watercourse for waterconsumptive use such as irrigation and hydropower generation
Process of Marshland Destruction Drainage works, irrigation, upstream dam construction 1950s - 1990s Reduction of wetlands Degradation of water quality and living conditions, salt damage, negative impacts on biodiversity Removal of indigenous peoples (forced and voluntary) 2003~ Breached embankments and opened flood gates Partial re-flooding of wetlands (20 30% of original size) Return of residents and emerging need for environmental interventions 12
Initiatives for Restoration of the Iraqi Marshlands Iraqi Government 13 Ministry of Environment newly established in 2003 Center for Restoration of Iraqi Marshlands established in Ministry of Water Resources Local Marsh councils organized Marshlands are prioritized in the National Strategy Pilot projects implemented New environmental legislations Accession to MEAs (CBD, Ramsar and UNFCC in 2009)
Initiatives for Restoration of the Iraqi Marshlands International Communities New Eden Project (Nature Iraq) Canada Iraq Marsh Initiative US-led Marshlands Restoration Programme Key Biodiversity Area Project (Nature Iraq) UNEP Environmental Management of Iraqi Marshlands UNDP Local Area Development Programme 14
IMOS: Water surface and marshland vegetation area in Iraqi Marshlands (2003 2006)
Latest status of Marshes After two years severe drought, some restorations are taking place this year. (Source: Keith Holmes, Univ. of Victoria)
A way forward 1. Mainstreaming Biological diversity leading to the long-term management plan of the Iraqi Marshlands including development of National Strategy and Action Plan for Biological Diversity (to be discussed tomorrow) 2. Seek technological options to secure the constant environmental flow to the Marshlands i.e. Main Drain Option using Environmental Sound Technologies (ESTs) 18
A way forward 3. Facilitate international cooperation with neighboring countries in broader environmental issues 4. Raise awareness and recognition of its importance through MEAs and other international agreements (World Heritage nomination, Ramsar Convention) 19
Thank You Very Much for your kind attention