Iraq's historic Mesopotamian Marshes, including the UNESCO World Heritage site in Chibayish, are experiencing a revival after years of severe drought that had left significant areas cracked and barren. Heavy winter rainfall has replenished reservoirs, allowing the Ministry of Water Resources to increase water releases into the wetlands. This influx has restored waterways, revived pastureland, and enabled buffalo herders and fishermen to return to areas like Ishan Hallab, which had completely dried up between 2021 and 2025. The proportion of submerged marshland has risen to 32-36% from a low of 8%, supporting biodiversity and providing resources for the local Marsh Arab population whose livelihoods depend on these ecosystems.