Klaus
Refugee
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3921151.stm
The United Nations has announced a major project to help restore the lost marshlands of Iraq, which supported the ancient way of life of the Marsh Arabs.
The $11m scheme, funded by Japan, will help purify contaminated water and re-create natural habitats destroyed during the rule of Saddam Hussein.
The wetlands were drained as punishment after the Marsh Arabs gave sanctuary to rebels fighting the Saddam regime.
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It is estimated that during the Saddam period, around 95% of the marshes dried out, largely due to the deliberate diversion of water.
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The new project will construct small-scale water treatment plants and recreate reed bed habitats which help purify water and shelter wildlife