The marshes of Maysan and Dhi Qar in southern Iraq are experiencing a severe drought that threatens the ecosystems and livelihoods of thousands of families, amid warnings of waves of environmental displacement and exacerbation of the crisis during the summer of 2025.
MP Ali Saadoun warned of the repercussions of the severe drought hitting the marshes of Maysan and Dhi Qar, describing them as "the most affected" during the summer of 2025.
He emphasized that the drought crisis is no longer an emergency but a permanent reality that requires a comprehensive national strategy. He explained that declining water levels and reduced water releases threaten the livelihoods of thousands of families, especially in rural and agricultural areas.
For his part, environmental expert Ali Khalifa warned of serious environmental risks, pointing to a sharp drop in water levels, leading to the extinction of plant and animal species, a decline in agricultural production, and worsening health crises linked to rising temperatures.
Khalifa called for urgent government action and activation of environmental response plans, stressing the importance of securing fair water quotas for the marshes and developing sustainable water strategies.
A World Heritage Site, the marshes are now facing an existential threat that requires a national and international effort to preserve them and ensure their survival as a source of environmental, cultural and economic diversity in southern Iraq.
comments