Comprehensive Marshlands Restoration Plan
Re-flooding and ecology management solutions that conserve the Garden of Eden
- Location: Marshlands of Mesopotamia, Iraq
- Date: 2004 – 2012
- Client: Nature Iraq
- Project Type: Water resources engineering
Master planning to balance water supply and ecosystem restoration
By the turn of the century, most of the iconic Marshes of Mesopotamia of southern Iraq had been drained or destroyed. With the fall of the former regime in 2003, an opportunity emerged for the Iraqi and international actors to assess the damage and begin restoration efforts. The new government needed sound information and analytical tools to decide on the way forward.
In 2004, Hydro Nova was commissioned to assist the Iraqi Government by engineering and designing a comprehensive plan to sustainably restore and develop the Marshlands. Our team of scientists, engineers and restoration specialists carried out baseline studies, master planning, project implementation advisory services and training.
Ten years on, the project played an integral role in restoring the Marshlands, achieving the reflooding and re-naturalization of 60% of the Marshlands, the erection of critical water management infrastructure, and the return of a significant number of native species.
Services Provided
Restoration baseline study
Our hands-on studies determined the pre-restoration state of the Marshlands, gathering data critical for understanding regional water resources, water supply and sanitation infrastructure, agriculture activity, and endemic species and habitat.
Re-flooding simulation
We used numerical models to understand re-flooding processes, determine alternative re-flooding scenarios, and develop design criteria for re-flooding mechanisms.
Master planning
Our team developed a 10-year, Master Plan to Re-flood and Restore the Marshlands, including preliminary designs of dams, levees, reservoirs and pumping stations that would flood and maintain the marshlands, along with a $24.5 million investment plan for construction and implementation.
Project monitoring and training
During the marsh reflooding process, we monitored areas to measure restoration success. Our team of trainers taught over 500 individuals on environmental management and monitoring.
