Criticalwetland
Mesopotamian Marshes
Iraq · Middle East
90%
Already Lost
183
Species at Risk
18 million tons
Carbon Stored
10yr
Without Action
The Crisis
Considered the cradle of civilization and the likely site of the Garden of Eden, 90% of Iraq's ancient marshes were drained by Saddam Hussein in the 1990s. Though partially restored after 2003, climate change and upstream damming now threaten what little remains.
Key Threats
Upstream damming
Climate drought
Oil extraction
Political instability
On the Ground
The Marsh Arabs — the Ma'dan — have lived on these waters for 5,000 years, building floating reed islands, fishing and herding buffalo. In 1991, Saddam drained their world in retribution for uprising. Most of their way of life is now lost forever. The marsh is coming back. The culture may not.
Location Map
