Najaf Sea Dries Up, Raising Environmental and Social Alarm in Southern Iraq

Najaf Sea Dries Up, Raising Environmental and Social Alarm in Southern Iraq
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The Najaf Sea, a historic and natural landmark in Iraq, is facing near-total desiccation in what experts describe as one of the most severe environmental crises in decades. Once a vital water reservoir and a sanctuary for migratory birds and aquatic life, the sea has now almost disappeared due to a combination of climate change, declining groundwater levels, rising temperatures, and reduced rainfall.

Environmental specialists warn that the loss of the water body will trigger a collapse in local biodiversity and intensify dust storms across Najaf and surrounding areas. They caution that without immediate intervention, the site could transform into a barren desert, erasing both ecological value and cultural heritage.

Local activists are urging the federal and provincial authorities to adopt water-harvesting initiatives and modern climate adaptation measures to prevent further deterioration. Lawmakers have echoed these concerns, labeling the crisis the most serious in decades, with far-reaching consequences for water and food security.

According to parliamentary figures, more than half a million families reliant on farming, livestock, and fishing are at risk of losing their livelihoods. The crisis has already disrupted agricultural planning, reduced access to drinking water, and led to rising livestock and fish deaths, fueling fears of broader humanitarian fallout.