Restoration Concepts for the Tigris-Euphrates Marshlands (2003)

CONCUR worked on this innovative initiative, sponsored by the Iraq Foundation, the U.S. State Department and other funders. The aim of the project, known as “Eden Again”, is to outline scientifically sound concepts that can be used to facilitate the restoration of the Mesopotamian Marshlands-including the Hammar, Haweizeh, and central marsh– which are located within modern day Iraq and Iran. Once encompassing over 20,000 square kilometers, these marshlands play a key role in the intercontinental flyway of migratory birds and support numerous endangered species, but have virtually disappeared over the past few decades.

In February 2003, Principal Scott McCreary and Associate Rebecca Bryson facilitated an international technical workshop that brought together a panel of 20 scientists with expertise in ecology, hydrology, and geochemistry. Panelists articulated restoration challenges from the standpoint of their discipline, outlined a series of ecological functions that could be accomplished developed and evaluating a series of preliminary restoration options for the marshlands. A Report summarizing the scientists’ findings and recommendations was produced in April of 2003. A news account of the project and the Panel’s work can be found on NPR.