DUBAI, UAE - The local government of Iraq’s Dhi Qar province has implemented measures to support the residents of the country’s southern marshes as the population in the area continues to decline, an official said Sunday.

Razaq Kashish, the deputy governor of Dhi Qar, told Iraqi state media that the population of Chibayish district has reached 120,000 people, according to latest records.

“The local government has taken steps to preserve residents of the marshes,” Kashish said. “However, Iraq alone is not responsible for protecting the Ramsar Convention, this is a global responsibility.”

Kashish emphasized that while the provincial government is focused on supporting citizens, water resource management remains a federal issue.

The marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have been severely affected by climate change, increasing temperatures and drought have dealt great damage to the marshes. 

The crisis has led to the loss of large areas once used for farming, fishing, and livestock, forcing many indigenous inhabitants to relocate to other parts of the country. 

Water shortages have also been exacerbated by upstream restrictions imposed by neighboring Iran and Turkey.

Kashish called on Iraq’s central government and the Ministry of Water Resources to intensify efforts to restore the marshes and protect the remaining wetlands.

Iraqi Water Resources Minister Aoun Diab previously announced that authorities are working to maintain a stable water supply for the marshes despite declining inflows from Turkey.