Newly constructed wetland in Thi Qar benefits 30,000 people, supports climate adaptation

Thi Qar, Iraq, 18 February 2026 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Iraqi national authorities today officially handed over a constructed wetland project addressing pollution and drought in Thi Qar, Iraq’s heat-stressed southern region. The project benefits 30,000 local residents through effective wastewater treatment and provides a sustainable nature-based solution for climate adaptation, pollution management, biodiversity preservation and environmental protection.

Southern Iraq faces growing environmental stress driven by population growth, climate change, contributing to prolonged drought, desertification, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. Inadequate wastewater treatment exacerbates these pressures, with untreated sewage being discharged directly into rivers and marshlands, threatening public health, livelihoods, and fragile ecosystems. 

Today’s ceremony saw representatives from IOM and UNEP join with officials from Iraq’s Ministry of Water Resources, the Governor’s Office of Thi Qar, the Thi Qar Directorate of Sewerage, and other partners for official handover to national authorities, who will continue to safeguard and operate the constructed wetland system as part of local water management efforts.

“The Islah constructed wetland is a simple, cost-effective solution that improves water quality and protects public health. It also provides a range of co-benefits: it is low cost, easy to operate and maintain, fits Iraq’s environment, creates habitats that support biodiversity, and helps us face climate challenges. The ministry supports expanding such nature-based solutions to improve our water security and protect our natural resources.” Aoun Diab Abdullah, Minister of Water Resources, Government of Iraq. 

With support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, the constructed wetland was jointly implemented by IOM and UNEP in partnership with local authorities to simultaneously address environmental challenges while also reducing risks associated with climate-induced displacement and protecting Iraq’s cultural heritage. 

“Climate and environmental pressures are already affecting livelihoods across southern Iraq, forcing many families to consider leaving their homes. Scalable nature-based solutions like this help communities build climate resilience, giving people a real choice to stay and sustain their livelihoods rather than being forced to move. We hope that this approach will be adopted in other areas,” said Pascal Reyntjens, IOM Iraq Chief of Mission.

The wetland treats up to 4,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day through sedimentation and natural filtration in reed beds, significantly improving water quality before it is released into the marshlands. Monitoring results show strong environmental performance, including major reductions in pollutants and pathogens, while restoring conditions that support biodiversity and aquatic life.

"The constructed wetlands project shows how nature can support people. It is now improving water quality and increasing water availability through sustainable Nature-based Solutions. As we officially hand over the project to national authorities, I recognize the strong partnerships that made this possible - national and municipal partners, UNEP and IOM working closely together to solve critical development, peace and environmental challenges” Dr. Susan Gardner, Director, UNEP Ecosystems Division.

The project also supports national priorities for sustainable water management and contributes to Iraq's Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plan. It’s a scalable model for secondary towns and rural areas where conventional infrastructure is costly or difficult to maintain. The system operates with minimal energy requirements, relies on locally available skills for maintenance, and creates opportunities for water reuse in agriculture, contributing to long-term livelihoods, mitigating displacement risks, and improving public health.

The handover to national partners marks an important step towards the project’s long-term sustainability, enabling the integration of nature-based wastewater treatment into Iraq’s broader climate adaptation and water management strategies.

Learn more : Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment leaflet

About IOM

IOM is the leading United Nations organization in the field of migration and works closely with governments, partners and communities to promote safe, orderly and regular migration for the benefit of all. In Iraq, IOM supports national and local authorities in advancing recovery, climate resilience, sustainable development and community stabilization, while addressing the drivers and impacts of displacement.

About UNEP   

UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations 

The initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Iraq, supporting climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and inclusive development.

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For more information, contact:

IOM Iraq Media and Communications Unit, iraqmcu@iom.int

UNEP News desk, unep-newsdesk@un.org