The marshes were drained when Saddam Hussein turned them into a charred desert, and ever since they have faced sewage pollution, dams, the withholding of water by political players and increasing global temperatures. Meridel leads an international team that is building a 10 acre wastewater garden, a public art and cultural heritage site that will bring clean water, health, and beauty back to the distressed region. The design of the garden celebrates the enduring ancient Marsh Arab culture. Through her captivating photos, Meridel also showcases the resilience of the Marsh Arabs and the environmental hardships that have taken place. She is committed to regenerating the marshes and uplifting the people of Iraq, working alongside Nature Iraq NGO to restore and rejuvenate Iraq and its neighbouring regions. Visit her website for more.