Urmia Lake’s Remarkable Revival: A Success Story in Ecological Restoration

Recent satellite imagery reveals promising developments in the restoration of Lake Urmia, a significant ecological treasure in northwestern Iran. As of January 24, the lake’s level has risen slightly from 1,270.05 meters to 1,270.13 meters, resulting in an increase of 0.19 billion cubic meters in water volume, totaling 1.24 billion cubic meters compared to the same date last year. This encouraging news highlights the ongoing efforts to combat the alarming decline of Lake Urmia, the largest lake in West Asia and the sixth-largest salt lake globally.

Since the early 2000s, Lake Urmia has been facing severe challenges, primarily due to water mismanagement and climate change. It boasts a water surface area ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 square kilometers, making its conservation crucial for the region’s biodiversity and ecological balance.

Recent data from the Iranian Energy Ministry indicates that the area of Lake Urmia has expanded significantly:

• From 770 km² in the Iranian year 1402 (March 2023 – March 2024)
• To 930 km² in the current Iranian year (starting March 19, 2024)

This increase of 160 km² illustrates the positive impact of restoration efforts and signifies that the lake is experiencing better conditions than in previous years.

Experts assert that for Lake Urmia to achieve ecological stability, its water volume must exceed 5 billion cubic meters. This benchmark is essential for ensuring the sustainability of its ecosystem.

Japan-Funded FAO Project for Lake Urmia

In an effort to promote sustainable agricultural practices and conserve Lake Urmia, a joint initiative led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the Government of Japan has been launched. The project is titled “The Project for Developing Conservation Systems of Wetlands in Lake Urmia and Other Wetlands, Including Their Surrounding Communities.”

The project commenced following an exchange of notes signed on December 1, 2024, and will be operational from 2024 to 2028. Key partners include:

• The Department of Environment
• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

This initiative aims to deliver long-term benefits for local communities while preserving the wetlands’ biodiversity, which are critical ecosystems facing significant threats.

Lake Urmia’s plight has been exacerbated by the overconsumption of water resources and the adverse effects of climate change. These factors have put immense pressure on the region’s agricultural activities, which are increasingly susceptible to water shortages. Studies suggest that ongoing climatic changes may further disrupt agrifood systems and the lake’s delicate environment.

To combat these challenges, the FAO, with the support of Japan’s government, has identified technical agricultural solutions aimed at enhancing water efficiency in the Lake Urmia basin. These measures are crucial for conserving the internationally recognized biosphere reserves.

Historical Context and Continued Efforts

Since 1995, Lake Urmia has been shrinking due to rapid agricultural expansion upstream and the impacts of climate change. This alarming trend has pushed the lake towards depletion, threatening the health of the regional ecosystem, economy, and agriculture.

Despite the ongoing efforts of the Lake Urmia Restoration Program National Committee, focused on restoration since 2013, the lake’s critical situation persists. This reality underscores the need for comprehensive sustainability strategies and effective management solutions in action plans.

In 2016, the FAO launched the “Integrated Program for Sustainable Water Resources Management in the Lake Urmia Basin,” funded by the Government of Japan. Key achievements from this initiative include:

• Implementation of a water accounting project in the Lake Urmia Basin
• Identification of water-consuming hotspots within the basin

Notably, the water accounting project highlighted the significant role of irrigated and rainfed agriculture in the lake’s total evapotranspiration, emphasizing the urgent necessity for water-saving measures to facilitate the lake’s restoration.

In conclusion, the recent developments surrounding Lake Urmia showcase the positive outcomes of collaborative efforts aimed at ecological conservation. Continued commitment and innovative strategies will be essential in ensuring the lake’s health and stability for future generations.