MIRATH: Archaeological Rehabilitation and Historical Tourism in Iraq

In Iraq, explosive contamination is not confined to urban or agricultural areas. In Dhi Qar governorate, it also affects major archaeological sites and unique landscapes such as the Mesopotamian Marshes, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Left over from past conflicts, this unexploded ordnance (UXO) often lies both at the surface and at depth, including in areas of high heritage value.

This contamination is at once a security, cultural and economic issue. It restricts safe access to historic sites, exposes local communities to constant risk and holds back the development of tourism, identified as a major driver of economic recovery in the Dhi Qar region.

Clearance in these heritage settings presents specific challenges. Operations must use adapted methods in order to preserve the integrity of archaeological remains, which calls for close coordination between clearance specialists and cultural authorities, as well as technologies allowing precise intervention, including at depth.

In response, HAMAP-Humanitaire is developing an integrated approach combining local capacity building, technical innovation (notably through the use of large-loop detectors) and collaboration with heritage stakeholders. This multidisciplinary approach aims to secure the sites for the long term, support their tourism potential and contribute to protecting cultural heritage while improving the safety of local people.