Ahwar of Southern Iraq

The Ahwar of Southern Iraq: Refuge of Biodiversity and the Relict Landscape of the Mesopotamian Cities is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southern Iraq sometimes called the "Garden of Eden" by Biblical scholars. It consists of marshlands and ancient cities sustained by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The Ahwar of Southern Iraq currently consists of seven sites, including three cities of Sumerian origin and four wetland areas of the Mesopotamian Marshes:

Huwaizah Marshes Central Marshes East Hammar Marshes West Hammar Marshes Uruk Archaeological City Ur Archaeological City Tell Eridu Archaeological Site

The Ahwar of Southern Iraq were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in July 2016. Some believe its inscription may protect the natural environment and encourage further conservation. Since the inscription, native wildlife and Marsh Arabs have returned to the region.

Iraqis from different regions and some foreign tourists visit the marshlands each year. Tourists can paddle on the rivers on a reef raft and have lunch in the traditional mudhif guesthouse. However, there is little infrastructure to support the rising demands of tourism.