The photographic exhibition on Eden: Marshlands of Messopotamia jointly organised by MedWet, the Embassy of Canada and the Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage will open in Athens between 4-14 July.
Eden portrayed in the exhibition is the largest wetland in the Middle East. It is an expansive oasis flooded by waters of mountains in Turkey and Iran that then flow into the Gulf of Persia. Home to the civilization of the Sumerians, it is also important for communities of Marsh Arabs who have lived in that area for centuries. A population of about 100,000 Ma’dan, as they are known live in Messopotamian wetlands today and their well being is linked to the wise use of the wetlands.
As about one third of the wetlands of Messopotamia have been drained and lost over the last 30 years it is important to protect what remains. With support by the Ramsar Convention, Iraq and Iran have agreed on working together to designate the shared Hawr Al Hawizah site as a wetland of international importance under the Convention.
Thirty seven color prints with portraits of Marsh Arabs, village life, wildlife and landscapes taken during a Biodiversity Survey organised in 2005 will be displayed in the exhibition. The photographer, Mr Mudhafar Salim participated in the Survey undertaken as part of a
Canada-Iraq Marshlands Initiative (CIMI) to restore the wetland.
Official opening to be followed by a reception on Wednesday 8 July, 20:00
Venue: Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage, 28 Tripodon Str, Athens / Tel +210 32 25 245
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:30-17:30
Admission Free
The exhibition was previously held in Rodos, during the course of the Ecofilms Rodos International Film Festival, 20-25 June and hosted at the Auberge de France. Besides the Embassy of Canada MedWet and Ecofilms the exhibition received support by the Organisation of Cultural Development / Prefecture of the Dodecanese islands, Greece.
Updated on 7/3/2006 6:30:00 PM.
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