Field Trip to Al-Suwaira District, Wasit Governorate

The Natural History Research Center and Museum at the University of Baghdad organized a field trip to the Al-Suwaira area on September 21, 2026, with the support of the Center’s Director, Prof. Dr. Hanaa Hani Al-Saffar.
The trip was conducted by a research team comprising:
1- Prof. Dr. Razzaq Shaalan Akal
2- Prof. Dr. Hanaa Hani Abdul-Hussein
3- Asst. Prof. Dr. Zainab Alwan Makkawi
4- Asst. Lecturer Mustafa Salim Kadhim
5- Asst. Lecturer Yasmin Sarmad Hassan
6- Asst. Lecturer Fatima Hussein Braij
The objective was to conduct field surveys of biodiversity and identify the living species present in the area—particularly insects, amphibians, and fish—as well as to document aquatic plants and species that serve as indicators of the environmental status of the Tigris River.
The research team, led by the Center’s Director, Prof. Dr. Hanaa Hani Abdul-Hussein Al-Saffar, was hosted by Mr. Adnan Al-Hassouni, with whom they discussed matters related to agriculture and the environment.
The visit involved conducting direct surveys at field sites, observing and recording the presence of living species, and collecting samples using specialized field collection tools and nets to facilitate subsequent examination and scientific classification. Significant botanical observations were also documented; most notably, the water hyacinth (*Eichhornia crassipes*) was observed drifting with the Tigris River current—a phenomenon that necessitates monitoring its spread and assessing its presence and potential impact on the aquatic environment. Key recommendations resulting from the field trip include classifying, photographing, and preserving collected samples according to established scientific methods and creating a documented record of them; monitoring the spread of the water hyacinth in the Tigris River—specifically identifying its locations, density, and direction of spread; studying the potential impacts of invasive aquatic plants on the aquatic environment and biodiversity; conducting seasonal surveys to compare biodiversity across different times of the year; and finally, fostering collaboration among researchers and specialists in biodiversity and aquatic environments to establish a database of species recorded in the region.
This activity supports the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically: Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).