Um Al-Wada’ marshes
Dhi Qar marshlands workshop trains youth as eco-tour guides
DHI QAR — The Souq Al-Shuyoukh Environmental and Community Forum, in partnership with Iraq’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, has launched a workshop to train young residents of the local marshlands as tour guides. The program is held in the Um Al-Wada’ Marsh in Karma Bani Said, southern Dhi Qar, and combines both classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
The training covers a range of skills, including how to welcome visitors, explain local landmarks—especially the marshlands—set up seating areas for tourists, and organize boat rentals for guided tours. Participants are also learning to introduce visitors to the region’s local and migratory birds as well as key fish species found in the marsh.
Majid Al-Aqili, a trainer, told 964media, “The workshop includes both theoretical and practical aspects. We are now in the Um Al-Wada’ Marsh in Karma Bani Said, witnessing the beauty, biodiversity, and environment of the area.” He explained that the tour guide’s role is to “welcome visitors and provide a detailed explanation of these beautiful landmarks while also ensuring essential services such as seating and boat rentals.”
Al-Aqili highlighted the untapped economic potential of the region, stating, “Um Al-Wada’ is a beautiful region with ecological and biological diversity. All we need is to attract tourists, and the economic return will be great.” He also stressed the environmental responsibilities of tour guides, urging them to educate visitors on preserving the area and avoiding littering.
The Iraqi Marshes, also known as Al-Ahwar, stretch across southern Iraq between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Celebrated for their cultural and biological importance, the marshes were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. However, recent reports indicate that drying conditions have led to a substantial reduction in their size and a decline in wildlife diversity, adversely affecting local communities and reducing income for many fishermen.
