page_title: Environmental issues in Iraq
section_title: River basins
hierarchical_section_title: Environmental issues in Iraq / Issues / River basins
caption_attribution_description: English: Marsh Arabs poling a traditional mashoof in the marshes of southern Iraq. Photograph slightly enhanced by contributor.
context_page_description: Iraq has a number of environmental issues.
context_section_description: Transboundary pollution and a lack of river basin management by the government have led to the degradation of Iraq's major waterways. Under Saddam Hussein, the government constructed the Glory Canal which drained the extensive marshes in the lower reaches of the alluvial plain, changing water circulation and wildlife patterns over a wide area. Beginning in 2004, some restoration has occurred.
  According to a 2001 United Nations Environmental Programme report, the projects resulted in:
  The loss of a migration area for birds migrating from Eurasia to Africa, and consequent decrease in bird populations in areas such as the Ukraine and the Caucasus.
  Probable extinction of several plant and animal species endemic to the Marshes.
  Higher soil salinity in the Marshes and adjacent areas, resulting in loss of dairy production, fishing, and rice cultivation.
  Desertification of over 7,500 square miles (19,000 km²).
  Saltwater intrusion and increased flow of pollutants into the Shatt-al-Arab waterway, causing disruption of fisheries in the Persian Gulf.
caption: Marsh Arabs in the wetlands.
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