The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities
Country
Iraq
Inscribed in
2016
Criteria
(iii)
(v)
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
The Ahwar is made up of seven components: three archaeological sites and four wetland marsh areas in southern Iraq. The archaeological cities of Uruk and Ur and the Tell Eridu archaeological site form part of the remains of the Sumerian cities and settlements that developed in southern Mesopotamia between the 4th and the 3rd millennium BCE in the marshy delta of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The Ahwar of Southern Iraq – also known as the Iraqi Marshlands – are unique, as one of the world’s largest inland delta systems, in an extremely hot and arid environment. © UNESCO
Summary
2020 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
01 Dec 2020
Significant concern
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Finalised on
01 Dec 2020
Description of values
Breeding and migratory waterfowl and other birds
Criterion
(x)
The four natural components include a list of waterfowl species that benefit from water bodies and extensive reed beds as an environment that provides them with food and shelter. The natural components of the World Heritage site include breeding and wintering species of waterfowl as well as quite large numbers of other water birds such as heron, flamingo, cormorant and others, which are breeding in large colonies. Some of these species are threatened according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, such as Basra Reed-warbler, Marbled Teal, and the White-headed Duck. In addition, there are a number of restricted-range bird species, such as Grey Hypocolius, Iraq Babbler and Black Francolin (Salim, 2004; Salim, 2005; Abdulhasan and Salim, 2008; Salim, 2008; Iraqi Ministry of Environment and Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and Culture, 2014; Ministry of Environment and Nature, 2017).
Aquatic plant species
Criterion
(x)
The marshlands include various species of aquatic plants of environmental or economic importance, and some of these species have a limited distributions or are threatened due to reduced availability of suitable environments (Salim, 2004; Salim, 2005; Abdulhasan and Salim, 2008; Salim, 2008; Iraqi Ministry of Environment and Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and Culture, 2014; Ministry of Environment and Nature, 2017).
Aquatic and water-related threatened and restricted-range mammals and reptiles
Criterion
(x)
The Marshlands include few mammal and reptile species, but some of them are of great environmental importance because they have a limited global distribution or are threatened. Of these species observed in the area is the Smooth-coated Otter (subspecies maxwelli), Bunn’s Bandicoot Rat, and the Euphrates Soft-shelled Turtle (Salim, 2004; Salim, 2005; Abdulhasan and Salim, 2008; Salim, 2008; Iraqi Ministry of Environment and Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and Culture, 2014; Ministry of Environment and Nature, 2017).
Large-scale wetland in a hyper-arid environment
Criterion
(ix)
The Ahwar of southern Iraq may be one the largest-scale wetland ecosystem that is located in the most arid environment globally. The grand mosaic of the four components of the property is an exceptional example of ongoing ecological processes which reflect this extreme and harsh environment, particularly regarding almost complete dependence on riverine influx and negligible direct contribution of precipitation on-site to the water budget, very high water temperatures around or in excess of 30°C in summer with no thermal stratification of the water column, high irradiation which leads to very high primary production, high dissolved oxygen concentrations throughout the water column and high overall ecosystem productivity (UNESCO, 2016).
Examples of bird and fish migration processes
Criterion
(ix)
The bird migration and the migration of fish and shrimp species which occur within the property’s habitats reflect an adaptation process by these animals to long-term seasonal fluctuations in water levels and other ecological variables (World Heritage Committee, 2016).
Local and restricted-range fish fauna
Criterion
(x)
The four natural components include a significant list of species of fish of scientific, conservation and economic importance because they are species of limited distribution or are declining in other parts of the country and have lived in the marshes as a last refuge. Among these important species are carp spp (Abdulhasan and Salim, 2008; Abd et al., 2009; Iraqi Ministry of Environment and Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and Culture, 2014; Ministry of Environment and Nature, 2017).
Assessment information
The natural values are facing many threats and challenges of which some are serious. The threats might be categorized in two groups: 1) the controllable threats and factors which may be mitigated through adequate planning and implementation of conservation actions by different stakeholders under the guidance of one national authority; 2) threats and factors that are beyond the control of management authorities, such as the shortage of water, which is caused both by factors outside Iraq, and internal factors, such as the consumption of water for the purposes of extracting crude oil. Iraq is continuously planning to raise the production of the oil, which will lead to an increasing consumption of already dwindling water resources in the Marshes, and potential construction of several dams upstream of the site remains a concern.
Fishing / Harvesting Aquatic Resources
(Fishing)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Continuous fishing using chemicals and toxins, as well as electric shock fishing, is dangerous for fish and other aquatic fauna, in addition to overfishing and illegal poaching of ducks and other water birds (such as flamingos) because of the lack of enforcement of relevant laws. Extensive and unregulated reed harvesting is also a major problem that destroys environments for threatened species (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Noting that over-fishing constituted part of the World Heritage concerns for requesting a Reactive Monitoring mission in 2018 (UNESCO, 2018), in 2019 the government reported that various measures were being implemented which significantly reduced the level of illegal bird hunting and overfishing in the last months of 2018, and in 2020 reported further measures to address overfishing including compliance and legal measures. Whilst these measures are encouraging, since no data are provided on the state of conservation of aquatic species, it is not possible to determine whether the threat of fishing has improved (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2019 & 2020).
Noting that over-fishing constituted part of the World Heritage concerns for requesting a Reactive Monitoring mission in 2018 (UNESCO, 2018), in 2019 the government reported that various measures were being implemented which significantly reduced the level of illegal bird hunting and overfishing in the last months of 2018, and in 2020 reported further measures to address overfishing including compliance and legal measures. Whilst these measures are encouraging, since no data are provided on the state of conservation of aquatic species, it is not possible to determine whether the threat of fishing has improved (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2019 & 2020).
Dams/ Water Management or Use
(Dams)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
The construction of dams on the upstream of rivers that feed the Ahwar outside and inside Iraq is causing serious water shortages in the marshes.
The oil industry near the marshes is one of the main water users. The extraction of one barrel of oil requires at least one and a half barrels of water to be injected into the land, the quota of which is taken from the waters of the marshes. The oil fields produce about 100 million barrels per month (excluding the oil fields of Maysan and Dhi Qar). The long ‘security’ dam established by Iran, adjacent to the Hawr al-Hawizah component also has serious negative impacts on the cutting of vital natural corridors that extend across the two countries, leading to further reductions of water inflow into the Al-Hawizah component. (Azhar et al., 2012; Stevens and Ahmed, 2011).
In 2020, the announcement of various dam construction plans in 2019, including the resumption of 11 stalled dam projects on tributaries of the Tigris River and the construction of 3 new dams on the border of Iraq and Turkey, was raised as a concern noting that no Strategic Environmental Assessment of the potential impacts of dams on the site and its values has been undertaken (Save the Tigris, 2020). Given the importance of effective water management in this site, this remains of high concern.
The oil industry near the marshes is one of the main water users. The extraction of one barrel of oil requires at least one and a half barrels of water to be injected into the land, the quota of which is taken from the waters of the marshes. The oil fields produce about 100 million barrels per month (excluding the oil fields of Maysan and Dhi Qar). The long ‘security’ dam established by Iran, adjacent to the Hawr al-Hawizah component also has serious negative impacts on the cutting of vital natural corridors that extend across the two countries, leading to further reductions of water inflow into the Al-Hawizah component. (Azhar et al., 2012; Stevens and Ahmed, 2011).
In 2020, the announcement of various dam construction plans in 2019, including the resumption of 11 stalled dam projects on tributaries of the Tigris River and the construction of 3 new dams on the border of Iraq and Turkey, was raised as a concern noting that no Strategic Environmental Assessment of the potential impacts of dams on the site and its values has been undertaken (Save the Tigris, 2020). Given the importance of effective water management in this site, this remains of high concern.
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Invasive species)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Invasive and alien species are present in the marshes (especially fish spp), and some of them have a significant impact on native species and environments; however, detailed information is not available.
Water Pollution, Solid Waste
(Water pollution and solid waste)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
The Ahwar suffers from problems of liquid pollution and solid waste, as well as supplying the western Hammar component with water polluted with high concentrations of chemical and heavy metals. In addition to the direct dumping of solid and liquid wastes into rivers feeding the Marshlands and into the Marshlands themselves, water scarcity causes the surface and volume of the Marshlands to shrink, increasing concentrations of pollutants and affecting the production of basic nutrients in those environments (Richardson et al., 2005; Al-Saad et al., 2010; Mashkhool, 2012; Al Kazwini et al., 2013; Fawziz and Mahdi, 2014; AlMaarofi, 2015; Marghany et al., 2016; Al-Gburi et al., 2017).
Droughts, Temperature extremes
(Droughts and heat waves)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Droughts and extreme heat cause severe shortages and shrinking of water bodies, as well as continued population pressure on natural resources.
In 2019, the Strategic Study for Water and Land Resources in Iraq (SWLRI) identified the minimum flow for marshland restoration to be 5.8 BCM (billion cubic meters) for a medium year and 3.7 BCM for a dry year. In both 2017 and 2018, the minimum flow was not met due to drought conditions (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2019).
In 2019, the Strategic Study for Water and Land Resources in Iraq (SWLRI) identified the minimum flow for marshland restoration to be 5.8 BCM (billion cubic meters) for a medium year and 3.7 BCM for a dry year. In both 2017 and 2018, the minimum flow was not met due to drought conditions (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2019).
Housing/ Urban Areas
(Settlements and commercial development)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
The Ministry of Water Resources has set up several artificial soil-islands for the purpose of resettling the population inside the marshes in areas that have not been inhabited by the population since the 1970s when the area of the water bodies was more than twice as large as in more recent times. This caused destruction of the ecosystem in large areas of natural components. The Ministry is still continuing these projects despite the questions raised regarding harm to the environment and natural values. In addition to the habitat destruction, these unstudied artificial platforms have contributed to the expansion of settlements in remote areas that are the last refugees of species sensitive to human or development related disturbance (various media sources, 2017).
Livestock Farming / Grazing, Marine/ Freshwater Aquaculture
(Livestock grazing and aquaculture)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Unregulated grazing occurs in some areas and in other areas by buffalo shepherds as well as grazing sheep on the margins of the marshes. The Ministry of Agriculture has also released millions of small fish in the marshes, including exotic and non-indigenous fish species, which affect endemic fish.
Shipping Lanes
(Boat traffic)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
The movements of small and motor-boats everywhere in the marshes is a serious and influential issue on the ecosystem. In addition to being a cause of disturbance, it is a serious factor in the impacts of water turbidity and ecosystem change in the marshes.
Other
(Uncontrolled tourism)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
The natural components of the property are targeted by large groups of tourists for recreational purposes, especially during mild weather. Statistics showed that the number of visitors was up to 20,000 during March and April 2017, including up to 6,000 visitors in one day in only the Central Marshes natural component. There are no tourist services or facilities in the area other than those organized by individuals on a very limited scale. There are investment proposals for large tourism projects but their negative environmental impact has not been taken into account as these tourism projects have been given priority by local governments as a key source of income. In addition, there is no commitment to specific routes or avoidance of critical and environmentally important areas within the Ahwar; instead, all marshes are open to visitors (various media sources, 2017).
The most pressing issue was that tourists were targeting large but sensitive areas inside the marshes that hold the attributes which make up the OUV on which the natural components were inscribed (criteria ix & x). Additionally, these visits were conducted during March and April, which is the post-breeding and breeding period for the Iraq Babbler, Basra Reed Warbler, and Little Grebe (Iraqi subspecies), and other critical breeding sites for other fauna species (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
It is important that government authorities are adequately aware of the impact of tourism on the natural values, particularly since the natural attributes are an underlying reason for visitation to the site. However, tourism activities are encouraged by the government, without an adequate management strategy being in place, and local community practices such as fishing and Buffalo raising must also be considered (IUCN Consultation, 2020). An appropriate tourism monitoring and management strategy is required.
The most pressing issue was that tourists were targeting large but sensitive areas inside the marshes that hold the attributes which make up the OUV on which the natural components were inscribed (criteria ix & x). Additionally, these visits were conducted during March and April, which is the post-breeding and breeding period for the Iraq Babbler, Basra Reed Warbler, and Little Grebe (Iraqi subspecies), and other critical breeding sites for other fauna species (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
It is important that government authorities are adequately aware of the impact of tourism on the natural values, particularly since the natural attributes are an underlying reason for visitation to the site. However, tourism activities are encouraged by the government, without an adequate management strategy being in place, and local community practices such as fishing and Buffalo raising must also be considered (IUCN Consultation, 2020). An appropriate tourism monitoring and management strategy is required.
Political instability within Iraq may contribute to redrawing the political map of Iraq, which could have repercussions for the marshes as use of water resource upstream of the marshes changes. This might lead to severe degradation if not disappearance of the marshes, as well as impact the direct management of the site. Externally, political instability and competing uses of water resources in neighbouring countries further exacerbate this threat.
War, Civil Unrest/ Military Exercises
(Unstable political situation and potential conflicts)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Political instability within Iraq might contribute to redrawing the political map of Iraq, which could have repercussions for the marshes as use of water resource upstream of the marshes changes. This might lead to severe degradation if not disappearance of the marshes. Externally, political instability and competing uses of water resources in neighbouring countries further exacerbate this threat.
Instability in 2019 has hampered various monitoring and management efforts (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020).
Instability in 2019 has hampered various monitoring and management efforts (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020).
Oil/ Gas exploration/development
(Expansion of oil extraction)
Outside site
At the time of inscription it was noted that the buffer zones of several of the components could be subject to oil extraction activities (IUCN, 2016). The intention of the Ministry of Oil to expand oil exploitation of the Majnoon oil field into the Hawr Al-Huweizah component puts at risk areas of major environmental importance.
In 2020, although oil exploration outside the World Heritage property has been limited due to weather events, the State Party has not made a clear commitment to not conduct oil exploration or extraction inside the property, as requested by the World Heritage Committee (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020), so a potential threat to the property remains into the future.
In 2020, although oil exploration outside the World Heritage property has been limited due to weather events, the State Party has not made a clear commitment to not conduct oil exploration or extraction inside the property, as requested by the World Heritage Committee (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020), so a potential threat to the property remains into the future.
The natural values are facing many threats and challenges of which some are serious. The threats might be categorized in two groups: 1) the controllable threats and factors which may be mitigated through adequate planning and implementation of conservation actions by different stakeholders under the guidance of one national authority; 2) threats and factors that are beyond the control of management authorities, such as the shortage of water, which is caused both by factors outside Iraq, and internal factors, such as the consumption of water for the purposes of extracting crude oil. Iraq is continuously planning to raise the production of the oil, which will lead to an increasing consumption of already dwindling water resources in the Marshes, and potential construction of several dams upstream of the site remains a concern. Political instability within Iraq may contribute to redrawing the political map of the country, which could have repercussions for the marshes as use of water resource upstream of the marshes changes. This might lead to severe degradation if not disappearance of the marshes, as well as impact the direct management of the site. Externally, political instability and competing uses of water resources in neighbouring countries further exacerbate this threat.
Management system
In its evaluation of the nomination IUCN noted that there seemed to be a lack of clarity of overall responsibility in terms of the management of this mixed site and little current activity at site level (IUCN, 2016). Regarding the natural components of the site, to date no effective and unified management system has been adopted. The Ministry of Environment relies heavily on its staff in their directorates to follow up the problems and challenges facing the natural components and also adopt the method of coordination with the local and central bodies related to the natural components. Overall, however, the impact of a clear and comprehensive system and structure has not yet been integrated into addressing the daily management requirements of natural components.
In 2018, an inter-ministerial “National Committee for the management of the Ahwar World Heritage Site” was established, the Strategy for Water and Land Resources in Iraq (SWLRI) was developed and the Iraqi marshlands were recognised as a legitimate water user (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2018). At the request of the World Heritage Committee, the government is developing an updated Integrated Management Plan for the entire property, Management Plans for the individual components, and a comprehensive tourism management plan, however their development is hampered by insecurity in the region. Transboundary cooperation discussions with the States Parties of Turkey and Iran to address transboundary water management issues are in early stages, however no legal agreements have yet been signed (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020).
In 2018, an inter-ministerial “National Committee for the management of the Ahwar World Heritage Site” was established, the Strategy for Water and Land Resources in Iraq (SWLRI) was developed and the Iraqi marshlands were recognised as a legitimate water user (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2018). At the request of the World Heritage Committee, the government is developing an updated Integrated Management Plan for the entire property, Management Plans for the individual components, and a comprehensive tourism management plan, however their development is hampered by insecurity in the region. Transboundary cooperation discussions with the States Parties of Turkey and Iran to address transboundary water management issues are in early stages, however no legal agreements have yet been signed (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020).
Effectiveness of management system
No management effectiveness evaluation has yet taken place, but given the absence of a management system it is clear that management is not effective.
Boundaries
In its evaluation report, IUCN noted that the proposed components were not sufficiently large to meet integrity criteria and if they were to be enlarged, it would be important to consider boundaries that might better respond to the application of natural criteria (IUCN, 2016). The Ministry of Water Resources recently requested to demarcate the boundaries of the four natural components, due to a lack of clarity of their current delineation on the ground.
Integration into regional and national planning systems
In view of the over-use of water resources both upstream from the marshes and at the marshes themselves, it is clear that the property is not adequately integrated in regional and national planning systems. As outlined previously, regional cooperation discussions with the States Parties of Turkey and Iran to address transboundary water management issues are in early stages, however no legal agreements have been signed (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020). A lack of clarity remains in the roles of different institutions in the management and conservation of the property, specifically between the Ministry of Water and Ministry of Health and Environment, due to some contradictions between their legislation (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Relationships with local people
Due to some historical issues, there is a lack of trust between the majority of the local community and the government because of past negative experiences, which makes the implementation of the management plan very difficult if not impossible. Many locals think that the persons that attend the workshops and meetings inside and outside Iraq do not necessarily reflect the actual relationship of the population with the management of the property (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
The government reports that it engages local communities through various sub-committees of the Higher Committee and through Water Users’ Associations established in 2014, distributed in various regions of Iraq (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020).
The government reports that it engages local communities through various sub-committees of the Higher Committee and through Water Users’ Associations established in 2014, distributed in various regions of Iraq (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020).
Legal framework
At the time of inscription, the World Heritage Committee requested the State Party to “complete the designation of all of the components of the property as legally protected areas, and ensure effective legal protection to regulate oil and gas concessions” (UNESCO, 2016). In 2020, this remains to be implemented in order to provide effective protection under national legislative and management systems, as is required under the World Heritage Convention (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020).
Although requested by the Committee, the government has not made a permanent commitment to not explore or exploit oil and gas within the property (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020), so legally these activities remain as a potential threat to the property in the longer term.
Although requested by the Committee, the government has not made a permanent commitment to not explore or exploit oil and gas within the property (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020), so legally these activities remain as a potential threat to the property in the longer term.
Law enforcement
Given the political and security situation in Iraq in general, as well as the power of the tribal side in the region in particular, the imposition of law and its application in the region is a very difficult issue. Law enforcement (at all levels) faces great challenges and requires considerable work with the local community (IUCN Consultation, 2017). Therefore, there is a need to activate the role of customary/tribal legislation as it has always been effective with the Ministry of Environment for protecting specific species of fish (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
Various aspects of the World Heritage Committee decisions taken since inscription of the property (i.e. in 2016, 2018 and 2019) relating to the natural components of the property are being implemented, however various Committee requests remain outstanding, and insecurity continues to hamper implementation.
Sustainable use
There are many violations and competition in the use of natural resources. Despite many communal and government efforts to conserve natural resources and promote wise use, weaknesses in law enforcement result in low compliance (IUCN Consultation, 2017). Unsustainable reed gathering and overfishing were noted as being of concern in some parts of the property (IUCN, 2016). As noted above, there is a need to activate the role of customary/tribal legislation regarding the protection of specific species of fish (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Sustainable finance
Iraq is currently passing through a difficult financial period because of falling oil prices, leaving many administrative problems and underperformance in the fulfillment of Iraq's obligations internally and externally. As a result, despite a large allocation for the management of the Marshlands, no funds were spent for this purpose (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Staff capacity, training, and development
Staff received a lot of training and capacity building programs focused on the protection of the OUV, but due to high turnover of staff, the benefit of these trainings is not sustainable. The field management team needs a new program of building capacity concerning the best practices on management and conservation of the OUV and integrity of the natural components of the marshes, as well as coordinated action among partners. The Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH) through the IUCN TABE'A Programme has continued its support programme for the Ministry of Health and Environment and other stakeholders, which includes national training courses: one on threats assessment and the one on reporting skills; involvement in regional programmes such as Management of World Heritage Site, Understanding the OUV, and others; as well as other guidance through direct communication with the TABE'A programme (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Education and interpretation programs
There were many education and awareness raising campaigns (especially since inscription of the property on the World Heritage List) implemented by various institutions. However, there is a lack of coordination between these institutions (IUCN Consultation, 2017). A Visitor Guidance Center is in planning (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020).
Tourism and visitation management
The natural components of the property are targeted by many large groups of tourists for recreational purposes, especially during mild weather. Statistics showed that the numbers of the visitors in spring 2016 were 7,000 in one area during a single day. There are no tourist services or facilities in the area other than those organized by individuals on a very limited scale. There are investment proposals for large tourism projects but their negative environmental impact has not been taken into account as these tourism projects have been given priority by local governments as a key source of income. In addition, there is no commitment to specific routes or avoidance of critical and environmentally important areas within the Ahwar; instead, all marshes are open to visitors (various media sources, 2017).
In 2020, the government's Higher Committee is working with ministries and authorities to address tourism activities, a number of small tourism projects are being established within the natural components, and a Visitor Guidance Centre will be established. The government is planning to develop a comprehensive tourism management plan, in response to the World Heritage Committee's concerns over growing tourism (State Party of Iraq, 2018) and its request to "implement an overall tourism plan for the whole property, to regulate visitation, and to ensure visitor safety, and sustainable and adequate tourism practices, infrastructure and facilities" (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020).
In 2020, the government's Higher Committee is working with ministries and authorities to address tourism activities, a number of small tourism projects are being established within the natural components, and a Visitor Guidance Centre will be established. The government is planning to develop a comprehensive tourism management plan, in response to the World Heritage Committee's concerns over growing tourism (State Party of Iraq, 2018) and its request to "implement an overall tourism plan for the whole property, to regulate visitation, and to ensure visitor safety, and sustainable and adequate tourism practices, infrastructure and facilities" (State Party of the Republic of Iraq, 2020).
Monitoring
The property (not just its natural components) is subject to a periodic environmental monitoring program by the Ministry of Health and Environment and other institutions. But the MoHEn’s program does not focus on the OUV or on the integrity of natural values. This is related to the subject of capacity building mentioned above, as these cadres need specialized training and a monitoring plan that targets values and integrity in the natural components of the property. ARC-WH, as part of the technical support program, is continuing in providing advice in this regard.
Research
There are no in-depth research programs aimed at the integrity of the natural values of the property. There is also no systematic research in the marshes. Some of the research that does happen has negative impacts, in some cases causing significant disturbance to important animals and birds in the marshes. No research priorities have been set and there is no regulatory system for scientific research in the marshes (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
In 2017, partners and stakeholders working on the conservation of the Marshes were identified as lacking the capacities that are required for managing the natural components technically, financially, and institutionally. All of the key stakeholders expressed their interest to lead the process, and with attempts to mitigate the threats on the ground, but due to a lack of involvement from national level authorities in the management of the natural components, management effectiveness is of significant concern, further exacerbated by a lack of funding.
In recent years, the government has taken steps to implement measures such as the establishment in 2018 of the Committee for the Implementation of the Management Plan for the Ahwar of Southern Iraq as a World Heritage Property, and the confirmation in 2020 of plans to develop an Integrated Management Plan for the entire property, Management Plans for the individual components, and a comprehensive tourism management plan, in response to World Heritage Committee requests. However, whilst these activities remain to be completed and insecurity in the region persists, there is a lack of a comprehensive management framework for the World Heritage site, and no legally binding transboundary water management measures with the neighbouring countries to manage major threats of fluctuating water flows to the property have been implemented to date.
Furthermore, in 2020, the majority of the four natural components (all except the Central Marshes) do not have legal protection at the national level, although the World Heritage Committee has repeatedly requested that all natural components are designated as protected areas. No site managers or on-ground park management exists in any of the components (IUCN Consultation 2020).
In recent years, the government has taken steps to implement measures such as the establishment in 2018 of the Committee for the Implementation of the Management Plan for the Ahwar of Southern Iraq as a World Heritage Property, and the confirmation in 2020 of plans to develop an Integrated Management Plan for the entire property, Management Plans for the individual components, and a comprehensive tourism management plan, in response to World Heritage Committee requests. However, whilst these activities remain to be completed and insecurity in the region persists, there is a lack of a comprehensive management framework for the World Heritage site, and no legally binding transboundary water management measures with the neighbouring countries to manage major threats of fluctuating water flows to the property have been implemented to date.
Furthermore, in 2020, the majority of the four natural components (all except the Central Marshes) do not have legal protection at the national level, although the World Heritage Committee has repeatedly requested that all natural components are designated as protected areas. No site managers or on-ground park management exists in any of the components (IUCN Consultation 2020).
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Serious Concern
Oil exploration and exploitation interests in the vicinity of the natural components of the property remain. So far, these activities have remained limited to areas outside the property, and companies are required to undertake Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). Although requested by the World Heritage Committee, the government has not made a permanent commitment to not explore or exploit oil and gas within the site (State Party of Iraq, 2020), so these activities remain a potential threat going forward.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
High Concern
Trend
Deteriorating
The site's values had dramatically deteriorated from the time when the most recent field surveys were conducted in the marshes during the period 2005-2010. The habitats of threatened species in the marshes remain under pressure in many locations; also, the species themselves are facing pressures from hunting and disturbance due to the shrinkage of waterbodies and the degradation of water quality as a result of increasing concentrations of chemicals and other factors. For instance, observations of Marbled Teal (VU) in the Central Marshes (Baghdadiya site) have decreased from 18,000 during the aforementioned field survey to only 50 in 2017. The situation of the threatened Basra Reed Warbler (with a restricted breeding range) was similarly concerning.
In 2020, although some biodiversity inventories have been undertaken in recent years, and measures to address overfishing and illegal bird hunting have been initiated by the government, the overall impacts of these measures on the recovery of the status of biodiversity in the Ahwar remains unclear. With the continued absence of an integrated monitoring and management system for the natural components of the site, significant fluctuations and lack of adequate water levels in the marshes, and potential continued investment in oil, the state and trend of the site's values and integrity are of high concern and likely to continue to deteriorate.
In 2020, although some biodiversity inventories have been undertaken in recent years, and measures to address overfishing and illegal bird hunting have been initiated by the government, the overall impacts of these measures on the recovery of the status of biodiversity in the Ahwar remains unclear. With the continued absence of an integrated monitoring and management system for the natural components of the site, significant fluctuations and lack of adequate water levels in the marshes, and potential continued investment in oil, the state and trend of the site's values and integrity are of high concern and likely to continue to deteriorate.
Additional information
Legal subsistence hunting of wild game,
Collection of wild plants and mushrooms,
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks
The natural components of the World Heritage property provide the residents and visitors with a good range of food, directly from fish and wild birds, and indirectly, the Ahwar provide food for their livestock and other domesticated animals.
As regards the alien and invasive species, the species (Tilapea zillii) is considered as ecologically invasive, but still provides source of food.
Access to drinking water,
Commercial wells
The marshes are fresh water bodies, so water is the most essential element for the integrity of all components and values of the World Heritage property. It also provides a suitable environment for raising buffalo which is the main livestock of the local community.
Cultural identity and sense of belonging,
History and tradition,
Wilderness and iconic features
The Ahwar have considerable cultural and spiritual values, and feature in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Outdoor recreation and tourism,
Natural beauty and scenery
Many places within the natural components are very beautiful and can be very good places for health, refreshment and recreation.
Carbon sequestration,
Soil stabilisation,
Flood prevention,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
The Ahwar provide wide range of environmental services for local communities, in particular the provision of water and food.
Collection of timber, e.g. fuelwood
The Ahwar provide building material for the Marsh Arabs, who traditionally build their homes with reeds.
Contribution to local economy,
Tourism-related income
The Ahwar contribute significantly to the local economy.
Importance for research
The partial recovery of the Marshlands since 2003 has been one of the largest ecological restoration projects in history, and has had some success, and the complex recent history of the Marshes’ intactness highlights the importance of the integrity precondition for their successful nomination and management as natural heritage. (Garstecki, T. and Amr Z. (2011).
Environmental benefits and ecosystem services have declined significantly over the past decade due to a number of reasons, the most important of which is water scarcity, a persistent and growing factor over the years. The shrinking of the Ahwar and the low levels of water as well as increasing pressure from unsustainable resource use, the increasing access to remote places within the marshes due to motor-boats, and the change in fishing methods (including the use of electric shocks, which has largely replaced traditional methods (net and spear fishing)) in the marshes have led to a significant quantitative and qualitative decline in the productivity of the marshes.
References
| № | References |
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| 1 |
Abdulhasan, N. A. and M. A. Salim (2008). Key biodiversity survey of southern Iraq: site review winter & summer 2008 survey. Slimani, Iraq, Nature Iraq.
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| 2 |
Abulhawa, T., Abdulhalim, H., Osipova, E., Cummings, T., (2014). TABE’A II Report: Enhancing Regional Capacities for World Heritage. Amman, Jordan: IUCN. ii + 74pp.
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Chatelard, G. and Abulhawa, T. (2015). The World Heritage Nomination of The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities. Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage. Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.
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Garstecki, T. (2012). “ Development of a Management Planning Framework for Ecosystem Management and Biodiversity Conservation in the Iraqi Marshlands”. Amman, Jordan: IUCN-ROWA.
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Garstecki, T. and Amr Z. (2011). Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management in the Iraqi Marshlands – Screening Study on Potential World Heritage Nomination. Amman, Jordan: IUCN.
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Georg, P. V. and Vielliard, J. (1970) Midwinter observations on birds of central and south Iraq. Bull. Iraq nat. Hist. Mus.: 61-85. 27/ME/IQ.G.
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Iraqi Ministry of Environment and Iraqi Ministry of Tourism and Culture (2014) The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities. Nomination file. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1481
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Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources (2006). New Eden Master Plan for Integrated Resources Management in the Marshes Area.
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Ministry of Environment and Nature Iraq )2017( . Key Biodiversity Areas in Iraq. Iraq.
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Salim. MA. 2004. Field Observation on Birds in Abu-Zarag and Kirmashiyah Wetlands 30, Jun – Nov. 04, Southern Iraq. Unpublished series of reports. Iraq Foundation.
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Salim. MA. 2005. Birds - Key elements of a biodiversity survey in the marshes of Iraq. Paper presented at the 9th annual meeting of the Ecological Society of America, special session 9: Restoration of Mesopotamian Marshes of Iraq; 9 August 2005, Montreal, Canada.
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Salim. MA. 2008. Otters in Iraq, OTTER NEWS, the Journal of the International Otter Survival Fund. (OSF), NO 49, Spring, 2008.
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Save the Tigris (2020). Letter From Save the Tigris to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Concerns and Requests regarding the Ahwar of Iraq, 18 March 2020, [online] Available at: https://www.savethetigris.org/letter-of-save-the-tigris-sub… [Accessed 08 June 2020]
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State Party of the Republic of Iraq (2020). Third State of Conservation Report Addressed by the Republic of Iraq to the World Heritage Committee on The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities. [online] Republic of Iraq, pp.1-19. Available at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1481/documents [Accessed 08 June 2020].
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World Heritage Committee (2018). Decision 42 COM 7B.66. The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities (Iraq). In: Decisions adopted during the 42nd session of the World Heritage Committee (Manama, 2018). [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, pp.140-141. Available at: http://whc.unesco.org/en/soc/3689 [Accessed 08 June 2020].
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World Heritage Committee (2019). Decision 43 COM 7B.35 The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities (Iraq). In: Decisions adopted during the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee (Baku, 2019). [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, pp.119-120. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/176361 [Accessed 08 June 2020].
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