Stunning Photos From the Iraqi Marshes
- 15 Aug 07, 12:46 PM
When we suggested a trip to the Mesopotamian marshes for 'Wild Arabia' the 大象传媒's safety advisors were not amused. Not only would we have to attend a 'hostile environment' course (a week in a conference centre being shouted at by ex-SAS officers) but we wouldn't be allowed to move without a posse of armed guards.
Our budget (and, let's be honest, our nerves) couldn't quite handle the hiring of Haliburton's finest so we sent out some recording equipment to the local environment organisation, . One of their researchers, Omar Faidal took our gear, along with his notebook, camera and several armed guards into the marshes as part of the first surveys of Iraqi wildlife in thirty years.
Fans of Wilfred Thesiger will know all about the unique civilisation of the and its near destruction by Saddam Hussein. The wonderful news from Omar is that the locals have breached the dams and brought life flooding back. In the last edition of 'Wild Arabia' on September 3rd you'll hear the birdsongs that prove nature can fight back from even the worst that man can throw at her. In the meantime, enjoy Omar's photos.
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Beautiful photos, it makes a refresing change to see photos coming out of Iraq that are as wonderful as these.
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I have just listened to the final programme on 大象传媒 Radio 4 about wildlife in the Iraqi marshes.
What a heartwarming programme. Thank you to all the courageous people trying to re-build and restore that devastated environment.
These beautiful photographs are proof of their faith and trust that wildlife can be returned to the marshes despite continuing problems.
I hope and will keep hoping.
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Isn't it amazing and gratifying to see how quickly nature reclaims its own.
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I listened to this programme on the radio last night and was delighted to hear about the regeneration of the Iraqi Marshes - especially after having read Gavin Maxwell's fascinating book, "A Reed Shaken by the Wind" which is all about his travels with Thesiger through the Marshes in the 1940's (and where he finds his famous otter, Mijbil, of "Ring of Bright Water" fame)
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Wonderful images from an area that has been known more for the ugly side of conflict rather than the beauty of nature.
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