Iraq: Drought Threatens Najaf Sea, Raising Environmental and Social Concerns

Iraq: Drought Threatens Najaf Sea, Raising Environmental and Social Concerns
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The Najaf Sea, one of Iraq’s most significant natural and historical landmarks, is experiencing near-total drought, sparking alarm among environmental experts and residents in Holy Najaf province. Once a vital water reservoir and habitat for birds and fish, the Najaf Sea also served as a stopover for migratory birds between Asia and Africa.

However, rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and falling groundwater levels have accelerated its desiccation. Specialists warn that the disappearance of its waters will lead to severe ecological losses, including the extinction of local biodiversity and an increase in dust storms across Najaf and the central Euphrates region.

Environmental activists are urging both federal and local authorities to implement urgent water management strategies, including rainwater harvesting and climate adaptation technologies, to prevent the area from turning into a permanent desert. Adding to these concerns, Iraqi lawmaker Arif al-Hamami cautioned that southern and central regions face unprecedented water shortages threatening food and water security for hundreds of thousands of people.

He noted that nearly half a million families dependent on farming, livestock, and fishing are at risk, while drinking water shortages and rising livestock deaths compound the crisis. Local reports also indicate that more than 90% of Iraq’s marshes have dried up, underscoring the scale of the country’s water emergency.