Latest news with #desertification
Zawya
a day ago
- General
- Zawya
Eritrea: Commemoration of World Drought and Desertification Day
World Drought and Desertification Day was commemorated at the national level at Embasoira Hotel, Asmara, on 17 June under the theme 'Restore the Land – Unlock the Opportunity.' The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, was attended by experts from the Ministries of Agriculture and Land, Water and Environment, the Forestry and Wildlife Authority, Higher Education Institutions, stakeholders, national associations, and farmers. In his keynote address, Mr. Semere Amlesom, Director General of Agricultural Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the Eritrean Government's commitment to combating drought and desertification and emphasized the need for collective action to restore degraded land. He further noted that drought and desertification are among the main causes of biodiversity loss, poverty, forced migration, and conflict, and that restoring the land is essential to addressing these issues and reversing their consequences. The event featured presentations on various topics, including Eritrea's commitment and experience in combating drought, land degradation, and desertification; land use change and its impact on poverty and livelihoods; conservation and sustainable land-use management practices; agroforestry systems for restoring land; environmental impact assessments of agricultural farms; and the role of date palms in restoring degraded land, among other relevant subjects. The participants, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to address drought and desertification, called on stakeholders to work in partnership to achieve the intended goals. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it is essential to accelerate the implementation of sustainable land-use practices and conservation measures. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Arab News
a day ago
- General
- Arab News
Middle East's critical reminder on desertification
Among the UN's designated days, one stands out for its growing urgency in the face of climate change: this week's World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. Established in 1994 by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, this day, which is marked on June 17 every year, is a global reminder of the escalating crisis of land degradation and water scarcity. While the effects of desertification are seen worldwide, few regions are as vulnerable — or as consequential — as the Middle East. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought highlights the need to preserve land and water resources, especially in regions already teetering on the edge of collapse. Already this year, parts of the Middle East have experienced record-breaking drought conditions, declining rainfall and increasingly frequent sand and dust storms. These climate extremes, combined with decades of unsustainable land and water use, are accelerating desertification across a region already strained by conflict, population pressures and resource scarcity. In Iraq, Jordan and Iran, the land is not only drying up — it is disappearing. In Iraq, the crisis is acute. Once considered the heart of the ancient Fertile Crescent, it is now facing catastrophic levels of land degradation. The Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which provide the majority of the country's surface water, have seen dramatic reductions in flow, exacerbated by damming upstream and climate-induced drought. The output of these rivers is down by 30 to 40 percent compared to 40 years ago. Climate extremes, combined with decades of unsustainable land and water use, are accelerating desertification Dr. Majid Rafizadeh Nearly half of Iraq's agricultural land is at risk of becoming desert. The southern marshlands, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to buffalo herders for centuries, have dried out to the point where families are abandoning their herds and relocating to already overwhelmed cities. Dust storms, which used to be occasional, now roll in with alarming regularity, reducing visibility, disrupting daily life and endangering public health. What was once Iraq's lifeline is now a fading memory of abundance. Jordan faces a different but equally urgent crisis. The country is one of the most water-scarce in the world, with annual renewable water resources per person far below the threshold for survival. Rainfall is minimal and increasingly unpredictable, and Jordan's aquifers are being drained far faster than they can recharge. Compounding the crisis is the fact that nearly half of the country's treated water is lost due to aging, leaky infrastructure. The Jordan Valley, historically a hub of agricultural production, is struggling to sustain crops and many farmers are abandoning their land. This has led to increased dependence on food imports and placed additional pressure on the economy. The burden of water scarcity is most heavily felt by vulnerable populations, including refugees and impoverished communities. Without swift action, Jordan's water crisis could spiral into a humanitarian disaster. Iran is confronting an even more expansive and deep-rooted ecological collapse. In 2025, rainfall across the country is down by 45 percent and key reservoirs like Lar Dam are nearly dry. Dozens of cities are relying on emergency water deliveries and the government is struggling to maintain a consistent supply, even in urban centers. More than 100 million hectares — about half of Iran's total landmass — is at high risk of turning into desert. In central Iran, advancing sand dunes have already begun to engulf towns and infrastructure, even threatening ancient cultural sites. Agriculture, a vital sector for rural communities and national food security, is faltering. Traditional crops like wheat and pistachios are becoming harder to cultivate and widespread water shortages have previously sparked protests and civil unrest. The environmental crisis is rapidly becoming a national emergency with political consequences. If left untreated, the consequences of desertification and drought in the Middle East will be catastrophic. Agricultural systems will collapse, triggering widespread food insecurity and economic destabilization. Millions will be displaced, as rural populations abandon uninhabitable land and move toward cities or across borders, increasing the pressure on urban areas and neighboring countries. Dust storms and water shortages will worsen public health, particularly among children and the elderly. Entire cultural landscapes, some thousands of years old, could vanish. As water becomes scarcer, competition over shared rivers and aquifers could spark new conflicts, intensifying already fragile geopolitical dynamics in the region. Despite the bleak outlook, there are solutions. Modernizing irrigation systems can dramatically reduce water waste and improve agricultural yields. Restoring degraded land through reforestation, controlled grazing and soil regeneration efforts can halt and even reverse desertification. Recycling wastewater and collecting rainwater can provide alternative sources of water for households and farms. If left untreated, the consequences of desertification and drought in the Middle East will be catastrophic Dr. Majid Rafizadeh Fixing aging infrastructure, especially water pipes and dams, can reduce losses and make existing resources go further. Promoting drought-resilient crops and providing support to small farmers can help sustain rural economies. Regional cooperation is also essential. Shared rivers like the Tigris, Euphrates and Jordan require collaborative management between countries, not competition. The international community has a crucial role to play. Significant investment is needed to support drought and land degradation mitigation efforts. The UN has estimated that reversing land degradation globally will require trillions of dollars in funding by the end of this decade. For the Middle East, that funding must be prioritized. International expertise in water efficiency, environmental monitoring and climate adaptation should be shared with governments and local communities. Research institutions can support data collection and analysis to guide policy decisions. Conflict mediation efforts must include water diplomacy to prevent disputes over shared resources. Private companies should be encouraged to invest in water technologies, sustainable farming and green infrastructure. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought offers a chance to shift the conversation from despair to determination. For the Middle East, this is not just another observance — it is a critical reminder of what is at stake. Some parts of the region are approaching a tipping point, after which recovery may no longer be possible. Yet, with political will, coordinated action and international solidarity, there is still a chance to turn the tide. Combating drought and desertification is not simply about saving the land. It is about preserving human dignity, economic stability, cultural heritage and peace. For the Middle East, the sands are rising — and so too must the world's response and support.
Zawya
2 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Qatar expands public parks, green infrastructure to fight land degradation
Doha, Qatar: On the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, observed annually on June 17, the Ministry of Municipality has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability by scaling up the nation's green infrastructure. This strategic focus on expanding public parks and increasing vegetation cover is a key component of Qatar's national efforts to combat desertification, curb the effects of drought, and promote long-term sustainable development. Under the theme 'Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities', the 2025 observance shines a light on how restoring nature's foundation — land — can create jobs, boost food and water security, support climate action and build economic resilience. With land degradation now impacting up to 40% of the world's land area, the observance serves as a vital reminder of the urgency to restore and protect terrestrial ecosystems. Qatar is responding with action, aligning its greening policies with international environmental goals and taking decisive steps to manage land sustainably. The Ministry of Municipality underscored the essential role that public parks and green spaces play in building resilience against drought and land degradation. As of today, Qatar is home to 127 public parks and 153 established green areas, including public parks, landscaped plazas, and scenic Corniches. Ambitiously, the Ministry is working to increase the number of green spaces, which is expected to reach 160 soon. More than three million square meters of green space have already been developed. These initiatives are being implemented with a focus on sustainability and efficiency. Landscaping projects prioritise native and drought-tolerant plant species, which are ideally suited to Qatar's arid climate. Additionally, the Ministry has adopted smart water-saving technologies and continues to use treated wastewater for irrigation, significantly reducing the ecological footprint of these developments. Expanding public parks and green infrastructure can play a crucial role in combating land degradation by promoting sustainable land use, improving soil health, and managing water resources. These green spaces offer a multitude of benefits, including enhanced biodiversity, reduced urban heat island effects, and improved air and water quality. The Ministry's landmark Plant Ten Million Trees Initiative, designed to enhance biodiversity, increase carbon absorption, and improve overall ecological balance. Complementing this afforestation programme is a comprehensive strategy to expand green belts, ornamental agriculture, and aesthetic landscaping across urban areas. Sustainability in Qatar is not just about planting trees — it's about cultivating a culture of environmental responsibility. The Ministry continues to lead public awareness campaigns that educate citizens about the value of agriculture and green living, fostering greater community participation in conservation and urban farming. Through these outreach efforts, residents are empowered to contribute to a greener, healthier environment. As Qatar moves forward with its environmental agenda, the Ministry of Municipality embraces the guiding principle that 'Every tree we plant and every square metre we green is an investment in a greener future for Qatar.' This vision reinforces the nation's commitment to environmental stewardship and intergenerational equity, ensuring that future generations inherit a livable, resilient, and sustainable homeland. In solidarity with the global movement to halt land degradation and restore ecosystems, Qatar's initiatives offer a powerful model of how urban development, climate adaptation, and community engagement can converge to create a thriving green legacy. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia marks UN's World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has marked the UN's World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, an awareness event held annually on June 17. The day aims to spotlight the urgent need to address the growing challenges of land degradation, desertification and drought. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said the event emphasized the importance of land restoration as a driver of opportunity, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It helps to raise awareness of the critical role healthy ecosystems play in creating jobs, enhancing food and water security and strengthening economic resilience, the ministry added. It also highlighted Saudi Arabia's diverse geography and climate which is home to a unique biodiversity adapted to a range of climatic conditions. The Kingdom has launched several major environmental initiatives, most notably the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees over the coming decades. The Kingdom is currently implementing 86 initiatives and programs with total investments exceeding SR705 billion ($188 billion), covering all aspects of the green economy. These initiatives align with the core objectives of the SGI: reducing carbon emissions, expanding national afforestation, and protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems. More than 313,000 hectares of degraded land across the Kingdom have now been restored, and 115 million trees planted. MEWA has also launched the Environmental Awareness Initiative, which is designed to raise environmental literacy and support Sustainable Development Goals. The plan also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and cross-sector collaboration — from public institutions to private and non-profit entities. As part of its efforts to monitor marine habitats, the ministry has conducted extensive field surveys along the Red Sea coast, covering over 600 coral reef sites, 200 seagrass locations and 100 mangrove areas. According to UN data, desertification, land degradation and drought remain among the most pressing environmental challenges today, impacting up to 40 percent of the Earth's land surface. As the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) reaches its midpoint, there is a critical need to accelerate restoration efforts on a global scale. If current trends continue, the world will need to restore 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030, creating a restoration economy valued at over $1 trillion. The planet is currently losing healthy land at a rate equivalent to four football fields per second.
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Madinah Expands Green Cover with Over 230,000 Trees Planted in 2024
In 2024, a total of 237,942 trees were planted in Madinah as part of ongoing efforts to combat desertification, improve vegetation cover, and promote environmental sustainability. According to SPA, Madinah Municipality noted that the increase in tree planting supports its broader goals of enhancing the city's urban landscape and visual identity across streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces, as well as expanding green areas along pedestrian pathways and within public facilities. The municipality emphasized its ongoing commitment to creating an ideal urban environment that enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
