Iran and Iraq Select Pilot Regions to Combat Sand and Dust Storms

TEHRAN – In a bid to tackle the growing environmental issue of sand and dust storms (SDSs), officials from Iran and Iraq have convened to select pilot regions for effective monitoring and management strategies. The chosen pilot regions in Iran are situated in the Khuzestan province, as reported by ISNA.

Moreover, a significant meeting focused on sand and dust storms is scheduled for February 18-19 in Doha, Qatar. This meeting will provide a platform for senior officials from both countries to exchange insights and establish collaborative actions aimed at managing dust phenomena across the region.

Key Objectives of the Meeting

• Develop joint actions for effective dust management.
• Categorize participating countries based on affected areas and intensity of SDS impact.
• Enhance cooperation between Iran and Iraq to mitigate environmental challenges.

The cooperation between Iran and Iraq is particularly crucial, considering that the hotspots for sand and dust storms in Iraq significantly impact the western and southwestern regions of Iran. In a meeting held in September 2024, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, emphasized the importance of collaboration with Baghdad to combat this environmental challenge. He noted that one of the key aspects of this partnership would be to engage in joint environmental initiatives and monitor the progress of previously established agreements, according to IRNA.

Research Insights on Dust Sources

A recent study conducted by four Iranian researchers has identified the primary sources of sand and dust storms affecting Iran, which predominantly originate from Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. The research paper, titled ‘Dust in Western Iran: the emergence of new sources in response to shrinking water bodies’, was authored by Azar Beyranvand, Ghasem Azizi, Omid Alizadeh, and Ali Darvishi Boloorani, and was published by Nature on September 27, 2023.

The findings from the report indicate that the most significant sources of dust affecting Western Iran are located near:

• The shore and northwest of Lake Tharthar
• Hour-al-Azim Marsh
• The shores of Razzaza and Habbaniyah Lakes
• West Hammar Marsh

These areas have contributed to a concerning number of dusty days in the region, with the respective contributions being 110, 79, 59, 56, and 51 dusty days.

Historical Context of Dust Activity

The peak dust activity in Western Iran was recorded between 2008 and 2012, coinciding with a notable reduction in the size of key water bodies in Iraq. The primary sources of dust impacting this region vary by season, with significant contributions from:

• Spring: Northern and eastern Saudi Arabia
• Summer: Deir ez-Zur in Syria’s Aleppo and Raqqa
• Winter and Spring: Homs and Al-Hasakah in Syria

For the purpose of this research, meteorological data was gathered from 33 synoptic stations across Western Iran, covering the period from 2000 to 2016.

The Impact of Water Loss on Dust Sources

The research revealed that approximately 1133.5 km² of regions in West Asia, which had permanent surface water in 1984, completely dried up by 2015, becoming potential sources of dust. A significant decrease in precipitation from autumn 2007 to 2012, coupled with severe droughts, has led to the shrinkage of lakes and wetlands, ultimately reducing agricultural productivity in the region. These factors have collectively intensified dust activity in Western Iran in recent decades.

According to the study’s results, the main sources of dust impacting Western Iran are predominantly situated in Iraq. The reduction of surface water in lakes across Iraq has resulted in the emergence of new dust sources, significantly escalating dust activity in Western Iran in recent years.

This collaboration and the findings from the research underscore the urgency of joint efforts to combat sand and dust storms, which pose significant threats not only to the environment but also to public health and agricultural productivity in both Iran and Iraq.

As the upcoming meeting in Doha approaches, it is imperative that the nations involved prioritize strategies that will effectively mitigate the adverse effects of SDSs, fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment for their citizens.