Iraq’s historic marshes are showing signs of recovery after years of drought that left large areas dry and cracked, according to reports. In the Chibayish marshes in southern Iraq, water levels have risen enough to restart flows through waterways that had largely dried up in recent years. As the wetlands regain water, activity linked to the marsh ecosystem is returning: buffalo herders are moving back into restored marshland where water buffalo are again seen wading through flooded areas, and green patches of pasture have started to reappear.
Along with herders, fishermen are also returning to parts of the marshes that had been abandoned during the drought period. The reports describe canoes navigating waterways again, reflecting the return of navigable conditions within the wetland system.
While the coverage focuses on early signs of revival tied to rising water levels, it also highlights the extent of the prior decline, with extensive marsh areas previously left empty and degraded by prolonged dry conditions.
