Iraq: ancient swamps threatened by dirty water Middle East News
In southern Iraq, a vulture pours water from waste pipes into swamps, famous for living in the biblical garden of Eden, threatening the already weak heritage of humanity.
In a country where the state does not have the capacity to provide basic services, 70% of Iraq’s industrial waste is dumped directly into rivers or the sea, according to data collected by the United Nations and academia.
Jassim al-Asadi, head of the non-governmental organization Nature Iraq, told the AFP news agency that the black wastewater discharged into the UNESCO-listed marshes contains “pollution and heavy metals that directly threaten the flora and fauna.”
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Iraq declared on Saturday that March 6 will be a National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence following the landmark visit by Pope Francis to the country.
The pontiff is in Iraq to encourage Christians to return home after years of persecution and violence.
The historic visit is Pope Francis first international trip since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic – and the first papal visit to Iraq. In celebration of the historic meeting in Najaf between Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani and Pope Francis, and the historic inter-religious meeting in the ancient city of Ur, we declare March 6 a National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence in Iraq, Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi said.