By Dr. Mohammed Al-Saabri
When people hear about Maysan Province, what often comes to mind is salinity and scarcity of water, and the presence of the barren southern desert. However, these perceptions are greatly exaggerated. What truly distinguishes the governorate are the stunning southern marshes, which—despite suffering from water shortages—still represent a unique and iconic symbol of Iraq on a global scale due to their one-of-a-kind ecosystem.
The fish from Amarah are among the most delicious and high-quality in the south. More importantly—and something that many Iraqis are unaware of—is that there are vast areas in the eastern part of the governorate (in the eastern plateau along the Iranian border) that become lush green plains during the winter and spring months due to abundant rainfall. This area is known as Al-Tayeb, located within the eastern province. The region boasts a striking diversity in soil types, birds, insects, and plant life.
This area attracts many local tourists from within the city of Amarah, Maysan Governorate, and neighboring cities—especially during this time of year. Some visitors even stay overnight, camping in the area. When you visit Al-Tayeb, you feel as though you’re in the northern regions of Iraq during springtime.
One of the main challenges facing the environment in general, and wildlife in particular, is the lack of consideration by some tourists who leave behind waste, especially various types of plastic, which tarnishes the beauty of certain areas. In response, our organization launched a cleanup campaign following our visit to this area, with the participation of most attendees—especially children, as shown in the accompanying photos.
On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, we must collectively work to raise awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife and protecting animals, plants, and other living organisms. As an Iraqi and global community, we must unite to conserve biodiversity and safeguard wildlife everywhere. This can be achieved by adopting the necessary policies and measures, and by providing the support and funding needed for activities that promote the protection of wildlife.