IUCN Strengthened Marshland Conservation and Gender Inclusion at the 5th Baghdad International Water Conference

The conference, organized by the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources under the theme “Water and Technology: Partnership for Development,” was a great opportunity for the Union to reaffirm its commitment to advancing climate resilience, sustainable marshland conservation, and gender inclusion across Southern Iraq.

“Sida is pleased to support Iraq through this partnership in its effort to find sustainable solutions for water management. We recognize the importance of the work being done by IUCN and several partners in the fields of water resource management, agricultural efficiency, and the introduction of nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment.” – Ms. Camilla Ottosson, Head of MENA-unit, Sida, Stockholm

The BIWC served as a vital platform for IUCN to highlight the ecological and cultural significance of Iraq’s southern marshes, which are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through a series of focused sessions and activities, IUCN raised awareness, fostered stakeholder engagement, and promoted sustainable development through nature-based solutions and the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus approach.

On Day 1 of the conference, IUCN contributed to a high-level session hosted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on climate-induced displacement. Moderated by Deputy Minister Mr. Raed Abdul Zaid Al-Jashami, the session featured contributions from experts across IOM, UNEP, WHO, the UK Foreign Office, and IUCN, represented by Eng. Ali Hayajneh. The discussion explored the growing links between marshland degradation, climate change, and human displacement, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated approaches—including policy support, habitat protection, and Nature-based Solutions—to reduce vulnerability and safeguard both communities and ecosystems in fragile regions like Iraq’s marshes.

Also, on Day 2, IUCN co-led a session titled “The Environmental and Cultural Value of the Iraqi Marshes: Key Threats and Emerging Opportunities.” Chaired by Eng. Ali Hayajneh, the session brought together H.E. Eng. Aoun Diab Abdullah (Minister of Water Resources), Mr. Jassim Al-Asadi (Nature Iraq), Mr. Hussein Ali Hussein (CRIM), Mr.Abdel Mageed Yahia (World Food Programme), and Dr. Majed Abu Zreig (Irbid University), with Dr. Haider Lafta as rapporteur. Speakers discussed climate impacts on the marshes, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and the need for sustainable solutions including modern technologies, private sector investment, and cross-border cooperation.

IUCN also hosted a gender empowerment session on Day 3, titled "Women and Wetlands" to emphasize the critical role of women in preserving marshland ecosystems and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Organized in partnership with Basra Governorate, CRIM, and Nature Iraq, the session featured success stories and personal testimonies from local women leaders, cooperative members, and environmental activists. Participants shared how women’s traditional knowledge and leadership had played a pivotal role in natural resource management, highlighting the need for inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches.

In addition to these sessions, IUCN, along with CRIM and Nature Iraq, curated an interactive exhibition booth that remained open throughout the three-day conference. The booth featured a documentary film showcasing the historical and cultural role of Marsh Arab women in ecosystem stewardship. Visitors also explored a collection of traditional crafts, photographs, books, and awareness materials focused on the southern marshes. Designed with a Sumerian visual theme by Nature Iraq, the booth offered a rich sensory experience that connected attendees with the cultural and ecological heritage of the marshlands.

“The Baghdad International Water Conference provided a vital platform for strengthening regional collaboration on climate resilience. IUCN ROWA is proud to support Iraq’s efforts to conserve its iconic marshlands, while championing inclusive climate adaptation strategies that place women, local communities, and ecosystems at the heart of the solution.”
– Dr. Hany El Shaer, Regional Director of IUCN, Regional Office for West Asia

“The Iraqi Marshes are not only a cradle of biodiversity but a living heritage that connects us to our cultural roots. Protecting them means protecting our identity, our communities, and our future. Through strong partnerships and sustained efforts, we can restore what has been lost and build resilience for generations to come.” – Mr. Jassim Al-Asadi, Director, Nature Iraq

By participating in the BIWC, IUCN reinforced its role as a key environmental actor in Iraq and highlighted its commitment to marshland conservation, climate adaptation, and social inclusion. The organization remains dedicated to supporting the people and ecosystems of Southern Iraq through collaborative, nature-based, and community-driven solutions.

About IUCN:

IUCN is a membership Union composed of both government and civil society organizations. It harnesses the experience, resources, and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organizations and the input of more than 16,000 experts. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
www.iucn.org

About Sida:

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) is a government agency working on behalf of the Swedish parliament and government, with the mission to reduce poverty and support sustainable development worldwide. Sida partners with organizations and institutions to improve living conditions for people in developing countries through long-term cooperation, humanitarian aid, and climate resilience programs.
www.sida.se

About Nature Iraq:

Nature Iraq is a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting, restoring, and preserving Iraq’s natural environment and cultural heritage. Established in 2004, Nature Iraq works on biodiversity conservation, water resource protection, and sustainable development, with a strong focus on the Iraqi marshlands. The organization collaborates with local communities, government agencies, and international partners to promote environmental awareness and stewardship.
www.natureiraq.org