The Western Karkheh region, known for its rich biodiversity and vibrant plant cover, is home to a unique ecosystem. This includes the enclosed lakes west of Karkheh, where water can be found at depths of less than a meter. This area is particularly notable for its sandy habitat, which has the remarkable ability to store millions of litres of rainwater, contributing to the sustenance of the region’s diverse flora and fauna.
Unfortunately, this once-thriving ecosystem is now severely threatened due to destructive environmental policies carried out by the Iranian occupation regime. For years, the Iranian regime has been implementing practices that are devastating the region. The widespread use of oil-based mulch sprays and the planting of invasive tree species have led to the degradation of vast areas of this precious land.
The Iranian regime’s practice of spraying oil-based substances across the region is causing irreparable damage to the environment. These oil sprays are intended to prevent dust storms( as stated by the regime), suffocate the natural flora, contaminate water sources, and kill off native wildlife. The situation in Ahwaz has become dire, as the ecosystem’s ability to regenerate and support life is being systematically destroyed.
Ahwazi activists and environmental experts have raised alarms about this ongoing disaster, emphasising that the damage is not just local but has far-reaching consequences for the broader region. The destruction of these habitats could lead to increased desertification, loss of biodiversity, and a decline in the quality of life for the local population, who rely on these ecosystems for water and agriculture.
The environmental crisis in the occupied Al-Ahwaz requires immediate international attention and intervention. The Iranian regime’s policies are not only destroying the natural environment but are also contributing to a broader environmental catastrophe that could have global implications. The international community must pressure the Iranian regime to halt these destructive practices and implement sustainable environmental policies.
Video from the Ahwazi affected region:
Environmental organisations, governments, and global leaders must come together to address this issue before it escalates further. Preserving Western Karkheh’s unique ecosystem is crucial for the Ahwazi people and the global environment.
The situation in Western Karkheh and Ahwaz is a stark reminder of the dangers of unsustainable and harmful environmental practices. The international community must act now to stop the Iranian regime’s destructive policies and protect this vital region from further devastation. Failure to intervene will result in the loss of one of the region’s most valuable natural resources, with consequences that will be felt for generations to come.
Ahwazi Centre for Human Rights
26-08-2024
