Accomplishments: Agriculture and Marshlands in Iraq
In the 1990's one of the world's largest wetlands ecosystems was destroyed. Marshes were drained, biodiversity in the area was compromised and segments of the local population were displaced. USAID is currently working with local communities in revitalizing the marshlands as part of the Marshlands Initiative.
Objectives include: construct environmental, social and economic baselines for the remaining and former marshlands; assist marsh dwellers by creating economic opportunities and viable social institutions; improve the management of marshlands and expand restoration activities
Marsh Arabs in Southern Iraq will benefit from the Marshlands Restoration and Management Program. Photo: USAID |
- The $4-million Marshland Restoration and Management Program will promote wetlands restoration and provide social and economic assistance to marsh dwellers. Initiatives include:
- Creating a hydraulic model of the marshes to improve water management.
- Equipping a soil and water quality lab at the new Center for Iraq Marshlands Restoration.
- Implementing pilot projects to improve treatment of waste and drinking water.
- Providing social economic assistance through job- and income-generating activities in fisheries, aquaculture, livestock production, and date-palm reproduction.
- Monitoring water quality in reflooded sites.
- Extending healthcare services to marsh dwellers.
- Building local capacity by partnering with Iraqi institutions such as the Ministry of Water Resources, the Ministry of the Environment, the University of Basrah College of Agriculture, the AMAR Charitable Trust, and the Iraq Foundation, and the governments of Canada, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
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