News Ecosystems

Return of the Wetlands? Restoration possible for some Iraqi marshes

By Sid Perkins

- More than 2 years ago

Field studies in Iraq conducted during the past year suggest that some of the region’s ecologically devastated marshes could be restored, scientists reported at a meeting on Feb. 20.

TALE OF TWO MARSHES. A judicious resupply of water to drained Iraqi marshes, such as those southeast of Baghdad (top), could restore the ecosystems to the vibrancy of intact marshes, such as those near the Iranian border (bottom).