The Iraqi Marshland Restoration - Research Paper Example

NAME: STUDENT NUMBER: COURSE NAME: COURSE NUMBER: TOPIC: A TOPIC REVIEW OUTLINE: A REVIEW OF THE IRAQI MARSHLAND RESTORATION TUTOR: INSTITUTION: DATE: INTRODUCTION Various regions of the world have experienced a form of environmental degradation of some sort. Examples of environmental degradation include the massive deforestation in Thailand that has caused several inhabitants to be displaced, the annual flooding in Bangladesh caused by monsoons, and the desertification experienced in Cuba to name but a few. The Southern Iraq marshlands area is no different and has been affected by astounding levels of desiccation ever since the 1950’s and thus has undertaken reclamation efforts. The reclamation of marshlands is not an entirely new phenomenon as it has been executed in Italy, the UK, Ireland and Netherlands in the past. However, the type of marshland reclamation that occurred in these areas was markedly different from the ongoing reclamation in Iraq in the sense that it was drainage of the mostly salty marshes that was carried out so as to create space for settlement and agriculture as opposed to restoration. BACKGROUND The Southern Iraq Marshlands was once by far the Middle East’s most expansive wetland ecosystem and are formed where the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers converge. Indeed, just as recently as the mid 1970s, the marshes covered an area of about 6000 square miles supporting a booming community of about 400,000 Marsh Arabs (Berry, 2008). As an ecosystem, it has a lot of economic, cultural, ecological and social significance to the area. It is an important habitat for endangered bird and fish species; it forms part of intercontinental flyways of migratory birds; it serves as an important transboundary water resource; it helps support freshwater fisheries; it is economically important particularly due to the presence of gas and oil; and lastly, it has great cultural and social significance in that for over 5000 years, it has been the mainstay of the traditional lifestyle of Marsh Arabs and is widely held as the original location of the Garden of Eden. Despite this evident significance, they have been in rapid decline ever since hydro-engineering projects of the 1950’s and the politically motivated activities of Saddam Hussein during his tenure. The marshlands were earmarked for obliteration by Saddam Hussein in his bid to exact revenge on his political enemies, the Marsh Arabs. In his 24 years of rule, he ordered the systematic draining of the 15,000-square-kilometer wetlands by building a series of water diversions and dams so as to eliminate the resident marsh dwellers in what can only be described as a form of ethnic cleansing. This he did so as to punish those who were against his reign and to finish off the Marsh Arabs who resided therein. In addition to that, neighbouring countries likewise played their part by further diverting some water (Science Blog, 2008). It inevitably resulted in an ecological catastrophe of immeasurable magnitude that included a drinking water crisis, a dust–bowl desiccation in place of the wetlands, destroyed laboratories, a ruined date palm industry and a serious need to train a new breed of environmental researchers to cope with the disaster. By the time of Saddam’s removal from power in 2003, water covered approximately only ten percent of the original area and less than 80,000 inhabitants remained in the marshes. Further to that, the area also faced high levels of salinity, water quality degradation, sewage contamination and pollution from crude industrial discharge from upstream as well as from pesticides. These were brought about in large part as a result of poor water quality management practices, the inadequate waste water and restricted flow of water through the Marshlands. (Berry, 2008). The marshlands in better days. Picture courtesy of IslamOnline.net The marshlands as reduced to a salt encrusted, barren desert. Picture courtesy of IslamOnline.net In response, the UNEP summarily alerted the global community to the problem by releasing the UNEP Early Warning and Assessment Technical Report (2001); The Mesopotamian Marshlands: Demise of an Ecosystem in 2001 highlighting the degradation. This pivotal report results are identified the devastating effects to the ecology, biodiversity of the Mesopotamian Marshlands, water resources and to the general public and neighboring countries (Maxwell, 2009). They likewise released shocking satellite images that provided evidence that 90 percent of the marshlands had already vanished and experts feared that within five years the marshlands would be nonexistent unless urgent action was taken. In addition, they called for the urgent need for the marshlands’ restoration and together with the United Nations/World Bank Needs Assessment Initiative for the Reconstruction of Iraq Extensive ecological damage to the area, sought to find a solution for the dire environmental situation Iraq was faced with. (UNEP - Marshlands Project, 2009). Satellite images of the marshlands then and now. Picture courtesy of UNEP/ DEWA/ GRID- Geneva. AIMS Evidently, the UNEP Support for Environmental Management of the Iraqi Marshland project was a crucial reclamation project with far- reaching consequences. The following discussion therefore has as its main aims the following: To provide a comprehensive review of the UNEP Support for Environmental Management of the Iraqi Marshland project from its initiation in 2004 to its current state through analysis of the various data collected in the area. To critically review the existing literature on the 2004 UNEP reclamation project. To analyze the data researched from existing ethnographic interviews that shall shed light on the relationship between traditional Marsh Arab management of the Mesopotamian marshlands, and the diversity and resiliency of the al ahwar ecosystem. To provide recommendations to the existing hitches in the project. TOPIC REVIEW The UNEP Support for Environmental Management of the Iraqi Marshlands project came against the backdrop of immense challenges. The scientists tasked with investigating the full scale of the desiccation, led by Duke University ecologist Curtis Richardson, discovered that only a paltry 10 percent of the original marshes had managed to survive as "fully functioning wetlands" (Science Blog, 2008). The experts feared that the entire wetlands, home to a 5,000 year-old civilisation could disappear entirely by 2008. In scale, the environmental catastrophe could only be compared to the deforestation of the Amazon Forest and the Aral Sea’s drying up and thus the urgency of reclamation efforts was fully appreciated. Nevertheless, despite the serious nature of the problem at hand, the ecologists maintained that all was not lost and that revitalization of the marshlands was still possible due to the existence of the remaining 10 percent. This optimism was drawn from the prevailing good soil conditions, the high quality of the remaining water as well as the existence of native species in a few area which showed that the resiliency and potential for reclamation was still very high (Science Blog, 2008). Further to that, immediately after the regime was toppled, people began to break the embankments and opened the floodgates that had been constructed to drain the marshlands causing a substantial amount of re-flooding to occur. This allowed for a significant amount of re- flooding. According to Aoki (2004), the UNEP project together with Iraqi authorities identified various priority areas that needed to be tackled for restoration to be successful. The three main priority areas were the marshland degradation; lack of sanitation; and an acute lack of drinking water. The marshlands were not only desiccated but also contaminated; there was scarce drinking water for the 85, 000 inhabitants; and most villagers lacked proper sanitation. This dire situation bordered on emergency levels and needed to be arrested urgently. To be systematic, the UNEP project was separated into phases three main phases. Phase I of the project which began in 2004 was funded through the UNDG Iraq Trust Fund and was to constitute laying the groundwork of the project. Phase II followed in 2006 and was divided into Phase II-A and II-B. Phase II-A comprised of capacity building; strategy formulation and coordination; pilot implementation of EST’s as well as community-level initiatives; baseline data collection & analysis; and lastly raising awareness. In addition, this phase of the project made a marked effort to include the local inhabitants, the Marsh Arabs, in their efforts. Having borne the brunt of the desiccation of their source of livelihood, they are major stakeholders in the marshlands. As part of the data collection, a survey was conducted covering 199 marshland villages within sixteen sub-districts including the Al-Salam, the Al-Fihood and Al-Hammar in Thi-Qar governorate, the Al-Chibayish, and the Al-Meimuna to name but a few. It was conducted to analyze the economic, demographic and social conditions of the villages in the Marshlands after stakeholders realized that implementing and developing a management structure had to have a foundation in clear data. The survey was conducted through the use of interviews in the form of questionnaires. Some of the areas analyzed included water sources and sanitation, electricity availability, livelihood activities, population, primary health services among others. (UNEP - Marshlands Project - Phase II-A, 2008). Phase II-B followed soon after and involved pilot implementation and community level initiatives; capacity building on drinking water provision and water quality management; and creating awareness. In 2007, Phase III was initiated and consisted of the pilot implementation of drinking water provision with water quality improvement/ alternative energy source/ wetland restoration; capacity building on wetland restoration and solid waste management; as well as community level initiatives. (Grid Arendal, 2005). All these phases were to be implemented in close association with the governments of Iraq and neighbouring countries. Apart from the phases of the project, additional project activities included the setting up of the Marshland Information Network, an Internet-based system that allows those with an interest in the region to share their ideas and strategies. Furthermore, a satellite-based observation system for marshland monitoring is now operational, and regular real-time reports will soon be available. The project was also mandated to train the Iraqi authorities, both at the local and national levels and consequently, about 160 Iraqi scientists have been fully trained in wetland restoration and management, community-based resource management and remote sensing analysis (UNEP - Marshlands Project, 2009). It is an all- encompassing project to ensure both short- term and long term marshlands restoration. In addition, the project made a marked effort to include the local inhabitants, the Marsh Arabs, in their efforts. Having borne the brunt of the desiccation of their source of livelihood, they are major stakeholders in the marshlands. As part of the data collection, local agricultural workers in Maysan Province were interviewed through the use of questionnaires so as to analyse their views concerning the marshland desiccation and the UNEP project s a whole. LITERATURE CRITIQUE There exists a limited body of literature relating to the UNEP Support for Environmental Management of the Iraqi Marshland project particularly by Iraqi and Arab scholars. Nonetheless, the UNEP together with UN- related bodies have made an attempt to illuminate the scope, mandate, challenges and successes of the project by providing literature on the topic since its commencement in the earlier part of the millennium. One of the key missing elements in the literature is a comprehensive phase- by- phase analysis of the project with most of the work available providing a mere overview thus presenting a challenge in analysis. In addition, very little information pertaining to concrete gains have been provided by scholars with most glossing over the subject. This may be due to the fact that the project is a relatively new undertaking and the process of marshlands restoration is an admittedly long term project. The following discussion will thus look at the existing literature providing the necessity/justification of the UNEP Support for Environmental Management of the Iraqi Marshland project then. Studies that give information on the actual activities and gains of the project will summarily follow thereafter. In his work, Töpfer (2005) analyses the project by first presenting the background of various forms of degradation and contamination in the region. This serves to provide a sense of urgency surrounding the poor environmental background in the area. Consequently, he delves into the various areas in the region that are in dire need of restoration and in what specific areas this restoration should be focussed on. In the report, he identifies the restoration of the marshlands as key in restoring the ecology of the entire region and assesses various important areas such as the need for marsh monitoring, strategy formulation, the provision of sanitation and water on a pilot basis amongst other things. The input of Ali (2007) appraises the scope of UNEP’S efforts by singling out the two main areas that the UN is focused on with regards to the reclamation of the marshlands. The first area he analyzes is with regards to enhancing cooperation between Iraq and Iran on the shared Hawizeh- Azim marshlands as well as the promotion of a two-pronged dialogue in the area. This includes developing an integrated management plan for the shared wetlands and including Iraq in the projects of ROPME so as to encourage it to reengage with other countries in the region (Ali, 2007: 326) The subject of the significance of the project is central to the contribution of Simpson (2009).H e achieves this by highlighting the grave importance of the project in his work. He posits that the projects reclamation efforts have yielded efforts whereby 60 per cent of the water coverage back to what they were in the pre- 1970’s period. The report is an important source of information with regards to the benefits of the projects and has highlighted them in its publication. Simpson comprehensively explores some of the benefits accrued from the project, one of them being the development of Marshland Information Network hardware to allow for the facilitate the propagation and collection of data in the Marshlands; the installation and design of photovoltaic- augmented systems to provide extra energy needed for supplying drinking water; a drinking water system based on reverse osmosis for the residents; engineered wetlands for the purposes of wetland rehabilitation and water quality improvement; as well the creation of an environmental awareness programme geared towards women (Simpson, 2009:89). All these highlight the various gains achieved to this very day by the project. The work by Steiner (2006) concentrates on providing an overview of the situation as it stood in 2006. In his piece, he notes that more than half of the marshlands had been restored to its former extent due to the efforts of the UNEP project. He further adds that the project had been very successful in enhancing the provision of clean drinking water. Resultantly, the 22000 or so inhabitants of the area had access to water sanitation. Steiner (2006:67) likewise notes that the management aspect of the project was well on course by 2006 whereby even community training was an integral component. Over 300 Iraqi’s had been trained in marshland management policies and techniques thus increasing the chances of its long- term success and viability. Ray (2007) examines the overall success of the project as well as more specifically the successes of Phase 1 of the project as of 2007. She also analyses the challenges that lay ahead for phase two. Ray (2007: 147) identified water analysis, awareness raising, the increase of technical training for both local and foreign experts and data collection as crucial for the success of the second phase. Without the serious implementation of such measures, the project is liable to failure or stalling and thus need to be given priority throughout the project’s life. Finally, whereas the aforementioned studies have benefited the proposed study, there still remain gaps which the current discussion attempts to cover. No existing study has provided an exclusive and comprehensive coverage on the project from its conception to its present time in 2009 and instead consigns the study of this project to a few sentences or at most one chapter in their works. This study will thus attempt to fill in these gaps by comprehensively creating a body of knowledge analyzing the project from its conception; presenting the results of the study; as well as suggesting recommendations on how to enhance the project. DATA RESULTS AND ANALYSIS Due to the unstable security situation within Iraq, UNEP ecologists were not able to conduct field controls as is usually done in such a project. That said, joint field teams from the Iraqi Ministries of Environment and Water Resources in conjunction with staff from Nature Iraq/Iraq Foundation have from 2005 been collecting data on water quality and land cover at 26 sites and 53 sites have been photographed and described to date. As of the year 2008, the UNEP Project Support for Environmental Management of the Iraqi Marshlands was evaluated as being successful considering the difficult circumstances under which it was implemented. Data collection was integral to the projects’ implementation. The data was collected through the Marshland Information Network (MIN) and the Iraqi Marshlands Observation System (IMOS), a satellite monitoring mechanism (Partow, 2007). The purpose was to analyze the distribution and extent of marshland recovery, re-flooding and vegetation cover development. The data accrued from this monitoring showed that recovery was taking place at a faster rate than had earlier been expected and revealed the following results: 1. The marshes had been restored by about 58 percent although the extent usually averages at about 41 per cent. This points towards the gradual success of the UNEP project as can be seen in the diagram below. The progress of marshlands recovery between 2003 and 2005. Picture courtesy of UNEP 2. Reflooding has occurred at a steady rate as evidenced in the graph below. Scope of re-flooding and wetland vegetation cover in the Iraqi marshlands. Picture courtesy of UNEP. 3. Vegetation cover has expanded at a rate of 800 square kilometres a year as evidenced in the graph below. Water and marsh vegetation surface statistics: Evolution of marsh vegetation and water surface from 2003 to 2006. Picture courtesy of UNEP. 4. 75 out of the previous 80 species of birds had returned including extremely rare species that had been absent for about 40 years. This represents an ecological resurrection of the marshlands that fosters these specie returns. 5. Roughly 22,000 people in the marshlands region now have access to clean drinking water pointing to the success of the UNEP project. The following diagram shows the water coverage. Marshland, soil, water and vegetation recovery in 2005. Picture courtesy of UNEP 6. Generally, confidence is fast increasing among the Marsh Arab communities signalling a remarkable turn- around and proof of the marshlands revitalization capacity. (Aoki and Al-Lami, 2008). RESULTS OF INTERVIEWS As part of Phase II-A of the project, a Survey on Demographic, Social and Economic Conditions of Marshlands in southern Iraq was conducted to collect and analyze data on the current economic, social and demographic conditions of surrounding villages in relation to the marshlands. According to the UNEP - Marshlands Project - Phase II-A (2008), the following are a cross- section of the results of the ethnographic interviews conducted: 1. 5 villages in the area were located in permanently flooded areas; 30 villages were located in dry areas with absolutely no flooding and 164 villages were situated in areas with occasional or seasonal flooding. This showed that the marshland restoration, though largely successful, was still far from being a complete success and that some villages were still facing acute water shortages. 2. The average household size was 9.1 persons and the average family size was 4.8 persons with more than one family forming a household and sharing a clay or reed house. Livelihood activities in Thi-Qar, for instance, were narrow and only 72% of the people took part in economic activities such as livestock rearing, agriculture, fishing, small-scale commerce or handicrafts. However, In Basrah and Missan where there is greater flooding, almost all villagers took part in at least two income- generating activities. All these finding point towards the poor economic status of some of the people and the income disparities in the area which was further compounded by the marshlands desiccation. 3. The interviews also showed that considerable changes had occurred with regards to the kinds of animals reared in the Marshland villages. In the pre-drying period buffaloes were the only animals reared as compared to the current emergence of total number of sheep, buffaloes and cattle that are estimated at 606. In the pre- drying period, sheep were previously not found in the marshlands since they are commonly reared in semi-arid or dessert regions. This great number of sheep indicates the adverse impact that the ecosystem devastation has had that has resulted in a drastic shift in animal rearing and such transformations challenge the traditional proverb in the area that “A camel with ma’adan,” suggesting that it is no longer possible to rear dessert animals in the Marshlands and thus creating negative economic implications for local communities. 4. In relation to access to safe drinking water, only 13% of villagers interviewed had access to piped water supply; 26% used marsh or river water without treating it; 23% of villagers obtained water from tankers; while 38% of villages had access to reverse osmosis units from which they obtained desalinated water. The marshlands region in comparison to the national average was thus found to be in dire need of safe drinking water due to the desiccation. Those interviewed complained that the water sources were difficult to access, unreliable and scarce. In addition, the interviews shoed that only one out of six villages had secured access to clean water from the UNEP project. This shows that while the project has improved the conditions of some, a vast majority of the population does not have access to clean drinking water. 5. With regards to overall sanitation, the interviews revealed that 61% of villagers answered that they used areas directly near their houses for sanitation purposes since no definite sanitation method was available. Only 23% of those interviewed had access to a sewerage system and only 39% of those interviewed used pit latrines. This raises serious public health concerns therefore the UNEP project needs to improve the marshland management programme to make sanitation inclusive in its implementation. 6. The interviews also found limited power supply due to water shortage problems. 176 villages were connected to the national grid, but it was only of restricted dependability therefore 86% used private generators in the area. In summary, the interviews drew attention to the existing economic and social problems experienced by Marshland residents due to the ecosystem degradation with regards to accessibility to water, health services, lifestyle changes, sanitation, and even education. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Whereas the project has been an overall success over the years, the year 2009 has seen its restoration being threatened by drought (Keil, 2009). Evidently, the restoration process is far from being over and still requires a sustained effort to ensure that the marshlands do not dry up ever again. The following are some recommendations that the UNEP should implement to ensure that the project remains on course over the years to come: 1. Ensure the basic needs of local people are met such as provision of clean drinking water health services, schools and so on to prevent them from jeopardizing the long-term management of the project. 2. Consistently involve local people in the projects activities. 3. Ensure the safety of Iraqi and foreign personnel. 4. Ensure the setting up of a local presence and management structure for project implementation purposes. 5. Ensure that stakeholders are engaged to maintain existing initiatives, assess the real needs on the ground and to provide security. 6. Implement comprehensive programming to cover training, technology support and data collection to effect real change on the ground. 7. The UNEP should develop an integrated regional approach with all neighbouring countries so as to protect the Iraqi Marshlands through the setting up of regular bilateral meetings. 8. Lastly, to provide basic services to the local people, (UNEP - Marshlands Project - Phase II-B, 2008). REFERENCES Ali, Saleem Hassan. 2007. Peace parks: conservation and conflict resolution. The MIT Press: Massachusetts. Aoki, Chizuru. 2004. Session on UNEP Marshland Project Overview Roundtable on Iraqi Marshland Management. International Environmental Technology Centre, UNEP. Aoki, Chizuru and Al-Lami, Ali. 2008. Progress of UNEP Marshlands Project Phases I, II-A, II-B, and III. International Environmental Technology Centre. 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Accessed on the 27th of August, 2009 from http://www.grida.no/news/press/1558.aspx Keil, F. 2009. Restored Iraqi Marshlands threatened by drought. African- Eurasian Waterbird Agreement. Accessed on the 27th of August, 2009 from http://www.unep-aewa.org/news/news_elements/2009/iraqi_marshlands.htm Maxwell, C. F. 2009. The Role of Comparative Risk Assessment in Decision Analysis Marshlands of Mesopotamia and Affected Riparian Countries. Springerlink Publications. Accessed on the 27th of August, 2009 from http://www.springerlink.com/content/h26017348p571534/fulltext.pdf?page=1 Papastavrou, Lakis. 2006. Monitoring & Evaluation Services for UNEP Project Support for Environmental Management of the Iraqi Marshlands: Final Report. Pro-Dev Resources & Associates. Accessed on the26th of August, 2009 from http://www.unep.org.bh/Publications/Iraq/Final%20monitoring%20&evaluation%20report%20on%20UNEP%20Iraqi%20Marshlands.pdf Partow, H et.al. 2007. Iraqi Marshlands Observation System – UNEP Technical Report. http://imos.grid.unep.ch/uploads/imos_techn_report.pdf Ray, Sue. And Now for the Good News: A Mega-Dose of Positive News to Inform, Inspire and Fill You with Optimism. Moment Point Press: Massachusetts. Science Blog. 2008. Scientists Find Damage, Renewal in Devastated Iraqi Marshlands. Accessed on the 27th of August, 2009 from http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/node/7068 Simpson, David. 2009. UNEP Annual Report 2008. UNEP Division of Communications and Public Information: Nairobi. Steiner, Achim. 2006. UNEP Annual Report 2006. Accessed on the 27th of August, 2009 from http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=3vTSVD-3434C&pg=PA67&dq=The+UNEP+Support+for+Environmental+Management+of+the+Iraqi+Marshland+project&client=firefox-a#v=onepage&q=The%20UNEP%20Support%20for%20Environmental%20Management%20of%20the%20Iraqi%20Marshland%20project&f=false Stevens, Michelle L. 2009. Eco-Cultural rehabilitation of the Mesopotamian marshes of southern Iraq. Accessed on the 27th of August, 2009 from http://eco.confex.com/eco/2009/techprogram/P19160.HTM Töpfer, Klaus. 2005. Assessment of environmental "hot spots" in Iraq. UNEP. Accessed on the 25th of August, 2009 http://books.google.co.ke/books?id=QoZ0dfCeT0IC&pg=PT20&dq=The+UNEP+Support+for+Environmental+Management+of+the+Iraqi+Marshland+project&lr=&client=firefox-a#v=onepage&q=The%20UNEP%20Support%20for%20Environmental%20Management%20of%20the%20Iraqi%20Marshland%20project&f=false UNEP - Marshlands Project. 2009. Support for Environmental Management of the Iraqi Marshlands. Accessed on the 27th of August, 2009 from http://marshlands.unep.or.jp/ UNEP - Marshlands Project - Phase II-A. 2008. Survey on Demographic, Social and Economic Conditions of Marshlands in the South of Iraq. Accessed on the 27th of August, 2009 from http://marshlands.unep.or.jp/default.asp?site=marshlands&page_id=88D83D74-AACF-40BF-B3FF-FF7B4D0C92CF UNEP - Marshlands Project - Phase II-B. 2008. International Workshop on Sustainable Management of the Iraqi Marshlands - Summary Report. Accessed on the 27th of August, 2009 from http://marshlands.unep.or.jp/default.asp?site=marshlands&page_id=FE7B0781-9F1D-45AC-94BD-BC80EBF75116 UNEP Press Releases. 2006. UNEP Reveals New Data on Marshlands Recovery and Progress in Bringing Clean Water to Marsh Arab Communities. Accessed on the 27th of August, 2009 from http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=496&ArticleID=5450&l=en Read More