News 2005

Help restore Iraq marshlands plea
March 1, 2005

By TARIQ KHONJI:

A PLEA to help restore the marshlands of southern Iraq went out in Bahrain yesterday.

The marshlands were drained by then Iraqi President Saddam Hussein after the 1991 Gulf War.

Centre for the Restoration of Iraqi Marshlands director-general Ali Hashim urged the countries
of the world to unite to resolve the environmental and humanitarian catastrophe, which is still being felt today.

Mr Hashim said it was impossible to restore 100 per cent of the marshlands, but that he would be happy to see about 75pc rehabilitated.

"Saddam halted the flow of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers because rebels had taken refuge there among the marsh Arabs, who themselves were opposed to him," he said.

Mr Hashim was speaking at the opening of a two-day regional meeting by environmental authorities at the Regency Inter Continental Hotel yesterday.

The meeting is a joint effort organised by the Regional Organisation for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Geneva-based United Nations Environment Programme.

Also taking part is the Bahrain-based Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre.

The Iraqi marsh is considered by many to be the cradle of civilisation. For more than 5,000 years the Marsh Arab culture thrived in the 8,000-square-miles of wetlands fed by the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers.

The marshes boasted hundreds of species of birds and fish and periodic flooding created
fertile farmlands.

Some scholars believe the flooded, flat plain was an important part of the development of an agriculture-based culture that helped raise civilisation to new heights.

The vast marsh was identified by some biblical scholars as the site of the fabled Garden of Eden.

ROPME executive director Dr Abdulrahman Al Awadhi said that Iran had an especially important role to play because its marshlands bordering Iraq were also affected.

He added that some of the Marsh Arabs had already started returning to their old home, but that work was needed to encourage them.

Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife director general Dr Ismail Al Madani said that among the most lasting effects of the wars that have devastated the region over the years are the environmental consequences.

Source Link: http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=105548&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=27346