Iraq’s Chibayish Marshes are drawing visitors once again, as rising water levels breathe new life into the southern wetlands after years of severe drought.
Drone footage filmed on Friday shows boats carrying visitors through water-filled marshlands surrounded by trees, while tourists take photographs and enjoy local music.
Visitor Ali Abdul Hadi welcomed the recovery but called on authorities to ensure it lasts.
“Our last visit was actually very painful because of the drought that struck the marshes. Today, the local government bears primary responsibility for this issue, followed by the federal government. These blessings that God has bestowed upon us should be sustained.”
Boat operator Mahdi Awad Ziyara said, “The marshes have revived with the rise in water levels,” adding, “Fish populations have increased, and boats can now navigate freely (…) Animals have also benefited from the growth of vegetation, which provides them with food. Everyone has benefited.”
Environmental activist Ali al-Ahwari said the recovery had surpassed expectations after three devastating years of drought.
“The extent of the recovery we are witnessing today, and the revival over the past month, has far exceeded expectations compared with previous seasons, as the past three years were devastating for the marshes.”
He also reported ‘very significant tourist activity, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays’.
In October, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported improvements in water levels across the marshlands, following five years of drought, crediting efforts to make use of rainfall earlier this year.
The marshlands form part of the UNESCO-listed Ahwar of Southern Iraq, recognised as a World Heritage Site in 2016 for its rich biodiversity and links to ancient Mesopotamian civilisation.
Source: Viory
