Najaf Environment Directorate Reports Sharp Decline in Najaf Sea Water Levels
Najaf Environment Directorate reports sharp decline in Najaf Sea water levels
BAGHDAD — The Najaf Environment Directorate reported Thursday a concerning drop in water levels in the Najaf Sea lake, citing the closure of flow wells, reduced rainfall, and potential geological factors that require expert analysis. Officials have warned of the environmental impact, including threats to aquatic life, bird populations, and the natural cooling effect the water provides to the region.
Jamal Abdul Zaid Shalaka, director of Najaf Environment, explained to Al-Sabah, “The main factor is the closure of flow wells by the Najaf Water Resources Directorate, which aimed to conserve the region’s groundwater reserves. In addition, there has been less rainfall, and there are geological factors that need research and analysis by experts to fully understand.”
He continued, “The shrinking Najaf Sea negatively impacts the region’s ecosystem, potentially leading to a decrease in migratory birds during winter. The reduction in water levels also threatens fish and other aquatic life, which in turn could diminish the bird and wildlife populations dependent on them. This will also adversely affect the cooling of the area’s climate overall.”
Iraq continues to grapple with the effects of climate change, including rising temperatures and dwindling water resources. Over the last four decades, the flow of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers—responsible for up to 98% of Iraq’s surface water—has dropped by 30-40%. This decline has dried out the southern marshlands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and increased soil salinity, endangering agricultural livelihoods.
To combat these issues, Iraq has stepped up diplomatic efforts with neighboring Turkey, which controls much of the Tigris and Euphrates headwaters. In April 2024, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a ten-year agreement to enhance water management cooperation. The pact includes joint projects for water resource management, modern irrigation systems, and equitable water distribution between the two nations.
Despite this progress, Iraq faces significant challenges. Effective implementation of the agreements depends on sustained commitment from both sides. Internally, Iraq’s outdated infrastructure and the need for systemic water management reforms continue to hinder progress. Nevertheless, the agreement with Turkey represents a key step toward securing Iraq’s water future in the face of intensifying climate challenges.