SPECIAL SESSION 9

Restoration of Mesopotamian marshes of Iraq

Endorsed by INTECOL

Tuesday, August 9, 1:30 PM - 5 PM, Meeting Rooms 210a-b-e-f, Level 2, Palais des congrès de Montréal

Organizers:  Curtis Richardson (curtr@duke.edu), Barry Warner

Description : The Mesopotamian Marshes of southern Iraq were once the largest wetlands in southwest Asia and covered 15,000-20,000 km². Today less than 10% of Iraq ’s marshes remain as viable wetlands. The Mesopotamian Marshes are home to the indigenous Ma’dan marsh dwellers, who live in harmony with the marsh environment. The marshes were also famous for their biodiversity, permanent habitat, and flyway for millions of birds. This special session reports the first research from studies started in June 2003. The central question is whether the uncontrolled release of water will result in successful marsh restoration or enhanced devastation for the region. It has been suggested that a lack of overflow water from the Tigris and Euphrates , extremely poor water quality, the presence of toxic materials, and saline soil conditions will prevent their ecological restoration. Our presentations address the current ecological status of the marshes, including studies on fish productivity, plant communities, water quality, and soils, as well as recent bird surveys. This session will provide up-to-date information on the hydrologic effects of re-flooding on marsh restoration, and assessment of trans-boundary water issues.