The Chibayish marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once-thriving aquatic ecosystem in southern Iraq, have been experiencing a catastrophic crisis of drought. As a result of restricted water supply from neighbouring countries such as Turkey and Iran, which are hoarding water for their own dam and canal projects, the once-lush marshes have turned into a virtual desert, North Press Agency reports.
The decrease in water levels has created major difficulties for the local population. The agricultural industry is suffering and the lives of many Iraqis have been affected. Recent video footage of thousands of dead fish washed ashore in the region has raised concerns among both residents and experts about the its future.
This is not the first time Iraq has faced such a crisis. In 2018, the Tigris River was seriously depleted when Turkey began filling the newly-built Ilısu Dam. Iraq and Syria have repeatedly called on Turkey to act in accordance with international agreements that guarantee the rights of riparian states, but the water scarcity continues.
Turkey has also frequently stopped the water flow to the Alouk water station, the sole water source for Hasakah (Hesekê) and surrounding areas in northern Syria. The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) recently declared Hasakah Governorate a disaster area, in response to Turkey’s repeated stoppage of water flow.
A UNICEF agreement previously stipulated that the AANES should provide electricity to areas under the control of the Turkish-backed Syrian militia in exchange for the pumping of drinking water from the station to the city of Hasakah.
However, Turkey has violated the agreement several times, according to AANES officials.