The Mesopotamian Marshlands
The draining of the Mesopotamian Marshlands occurred in Iraq and to a smaller degree in Iran between the 1950s and 1990s to clear large areas of the marshlands in the Tigris and Euphrates Flood Plains.The drainage and destruction of these marshlands, according to the United Nations Environmental Program, has caused a decrease in bird population in areas such as Ukraine and the extinction of seven different natural plant and animal species from the marshlands. Other results are loss of soil salinity in the Marshes. This has deprived Iraq of crucial agricultural land and has caused the loss of dairy production, fishing, and rice cultivation in the region. The drainage and destruction has also caused the desertification of 7,500 square miles in and around Iraq. |
Jordan's Environment
The country of Jordan has many environmental threats such as a rapidly growing population, industrial pollution, wildlife hunting, and habitat loss due to development in the country. The rapid flood of people coming into the country since 1948 has caused it to overuse many of its natural resources and a huge shortage of water which has caused the drainage of underground aquifers. Jordan used to be known for its huge forests, but Jordan is now suffering from major loss of its forests due to deforestation and desertification. All of the destruction is killing of large numbers of different animal and plant species and also causing major erosion in areas due to loss of plant roots to hold soil in place. |