Environmental Program said the wetlands, which had been regarded as "a key natural habitat for people, wildlife and fisheries, " have bounced back to about 40 percent of the area they covered in the 1970s.

CNN: U.N.: Iraq's marshlands recovering

Artificial reef: a man-made marine habitat constructed for the purpose of improving fisheries.

UNESCO: L O S S A R Y

"In many parts of the country, water is absolutely more valuable than gold, " says fish habitat and water consultant Shannon Skelton, who runs CFI Global Fisheries Management, a company that helps landowners manage their water assets.

WSJ: A River Runs Through��the Home