LocationsFrom the waterways of southern Iraq to the heart of Toronto
From the Mesopotamian Marshes to Canada, carried by a mashhoof
September 22, 2026
Photo: UNDP Iraq
From the waterways of southern Iraq to the heart of Toronto, our journey to Canada was more than a trip. It was a journey of stories, voices and connection.
For a moment, we travelled by mashhoof — the traditional Iraqi boat that has carried communities through the waterways of the Mesopotamian Marshes for generations.
This time, the mashhoof carried something else: the voices of women, girls and young people of the Mesopotamian Marshes.
Through three documentaries presented in Toronto as part of TIFF, their stories travelled thousands of kilometres from the Marshes to an international audience. Stories of people and communities, biodiversity and culture, challenges and resilience.
Photo: UNDP Iraq
The films were produced through UNDP Iraq’s Human and Biodiversity Resilience in the Mesopotamian Marshes (HBR) project, a broader initiative supporting the resilience of the Marshes, their ecosystems and the communities who depend on them. Raising awareness of their extraordinary environmental, cultural and human value is one part of this wider work.
From the shores of Toronto to the waterways of Mesopotamia, the journey reminded us that stories can cross borders, connect communities and bring places that seem far apart closer together.
Our mashhoof made the journey.
The voices of the Marshes travelled with it.
We are deeply grateful to the Government and people of Canada for their generous support and partnership, and to everyone who helped bring these stories to a wider audience.