Telling a New Story About Iraq's Natural Resources

The ACA is proud to support the Rawanduz River Expedition, a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the endangered rivers in Iraq.

Environmental protection in Iraq is complicated by negative perceptions of the country. The Rawanduz River Expedition is hoping to change these attitudes by showing people the true beauty of Iraq's waterways, inspiring stewardship and conservation of the region's last wild rivers. 

The Rawanduz Gorge.

What is the Purpose of the Expedition?

Championed by Nature Iraq, an Iraqi non-governmental organization, the Rawanduz River Expedition has two main goals: 

1. Lead a kayak expedition down the Rawanduz River of Kurdistan, northern Iraq, in the spring of 2014 with a team of professional kayakers, river advocates, and a videographer who will conduct outreach to local communities raising awareness about river threats.
2. Tell the story of the expedition through a short film, which will chronicle this record-setting first kayak expedition down the full length of the Rawanduz River in northern Iraq. The film will be used to raise awareness locally and internationally, showcasing the tourism potential of these rivers and demonstrating how they can be protected and used sustainably. 

How Can I Help?
First, read the full press release here, or watch the video below to learn more:

Then, be sure to visit the expedition's official indiegogo campaign site to show your support for this important project. 

The ACA is proud to be an official sponsor of the Rawanduz River Expedition (as well as its predecessor project, the Tigris River Flotilla.) For more information, please contact ACA International Paddlesports Ambassador, Dave Burden.