Abstract This paper examines how in Iraq, decades of conflict have resulted in the deterioration of land and the collapse of the marshlands, which are vital to the region. It looks at how, in order for Iraq to secure a stable and sustainable future, there are many environmental challenges the country faces and that must be addressed.
From the Paper "With the continued loss of these marshes, there is a threat of collapse of the entire Ahwar ecosystem and retardation of its numerous functions, which includes the "provision of habitat to support commercial fishing and the protection of a large urban population and critical infrastructure (e.g., energy, transportation, industrial) from damaging floods and storm surges" (Environmentalism pp). Moreover, the marshlands serve as "wintering grounds for migratory birds along the West Siberian-Caspian-Nile flyway... also nursery grounds for shrimp migrating up from the Arabian Gulf," a commercial importance to Gulf states (Environmentalism pp)."
