Will Iraq's wetlands join World Heritage List?
In order to better protect them, the Iraqi government is pressing for the inclusion of Iraq's wetlands as well as the Ur, Eridu and Uruk archaeological sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
BAGHDAD — The archaeological sites of Ur, Eridu and Uruk as well as the Iraqi marshlands are under consideration for UNESCO's World Heritage List. The decision will be made at the World Heritage Committee meeting to be held July 10-20 in Turkey, where the UNESCO member states will vote on adding new sites to World List.
In anticipation of the event, President Fouad Masoum formed a committee on May 19, headed by presidential adviser Qahtan al-Jubouri. Its members include Deputy Culture Minister Qais Hussein Rashid, Deputy Environment Minister Jassim, adviser to the foreign minister Ihsan al-Awadi, and the provincial council heads of Maysan, Muthanna, Basra and Dhi Qar.
On June 1, the committee announced its program to pursue this matter and work toward getting the Iraqi marshlands on the World Heritage List.
On May 19, Jubouri issued a statement saying, “The inclusion of the marshlands and historic cities in the World Heritage List will ensure water quotas and international protection for these marshlands and historic cities and will contribute to activating tourism.”
