In Iraq, the Biblical Marshes of Eden are Being Restored

Iraqi marshes a few years ago. Illustrative photo.

The main reason for the improvement was abundant winter rains. They raised the water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, as well as in the country's reservoirs. After this, Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources was able to increase water supply to the marshland areas. As a result, lakes, canals, and green pastures have reappeared in many places.

Particularly noticeable changes have occurred in the Ishan-Halab area in southern Iraq. Until recently, this territory was almost completely dry, but now life is gradually being restored there. If previously only about 8% of the marshes were flooded, now it's already about a third of the territory.

Local residents say that the return of water has allowed them to restore their livelihoods. People are once again raising buffaloes and other livestock, returning to fishing and agricultural work. Some families who had previously left these places are now returning.

Along with people, nature is also beginning to recover. Fish and birds are returning to the marshes, and reeds are growing actively. Reeds are important for local residents, as they traditionally use them to build homes and outbuildings. Experts note that the restoration of biodiversity has been one of the main positive outcomes of the improved water situation.

These marshes hold great historical and cultural significance. For thousands of years, Arab tribes have lived here, whose way of life was closely tied to water. That is why the region is often called one of the possible prototypes of the biblical Garden of Eden. In 2016, the Iraqi marshes were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

However, the history of this region is very tragic. In the 1990s, the Iraqi authorities, led by Saddam Hussein, deliberately drained a significant part of the marshes. This was done as part of the fight against rebels and tribes whom the regime suspected of supporting opponents of the government after the Iran-Iraq War. As a result, natural ecosystems and the traditional way of life of local residents were destroyed.

In recent years, problems have worsened due to climate change. Iraq is considered one of the countries most vulnerable to global warming. The country regularly faces prolonged droughts, extreme heat, water scarcity, and severe sandstorms. In 2025, the marshes almost completely dried up.

Now residents and experts hope that the water's return will not be temporary. They believe that with sensible water resource management and favorable weather, the marshes can gradually return to life and once again become one of the most important natural regions of the Middle East.

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