The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities

The Ahwar of Southern Iraq are a complex of southern Mesopotamian marshes and relict archaeological landscape that form a refuge for wetland biodiversity and retain remains of some of the region’s ancient cities. The property is recognised for the ecological and cultural values of the marsh ecosystem within the Tigris-Euphrates plain.

The area contains extensive reedbeds, shallow marshes and permanent wetlands that support large numbers of waterbirds, fish and wetland plants. Patches of archaeological remains associated with ancient Mesopotamian urban centres are interspersed with the marsh landscape; the wetlands themselves are important for migratory birds and regional biodiversity.

The marshes and settlements have long been used for fishing, reed-gathering and small-scale agriculture by local communities. In the late 20th century parts of the marshes were drained and later partially reflooded, and ongoing ecological and social restoration efforts have affected wildlife and settlement patterns.

Geographically the Ahwar lie in southern Iraq across the lower Mesopotamian plain where branches of the Tigris and Euphrates reach the plains before flowing toward the Persian Gulf; the marshes are most closely associated with the Basra and Nasiriyah regions.

• Visiting conditions: Seasonal water levels meanaccess and wildlife viewing vary across the year; boat and supervised guided visits are common where visitor services operate.