January 15, 2012
Today, Terra Informa takes a closer look at environmental issues from overseas, starting with the urgent situation of Lake Urmia in Iran. This critical body of water, located between the East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan provinces, is home to over 200 species of birds and supports a saltwater shrimp population. It is also an important resource for the local Azerbaijani Turkish communities. However, the lake is rapidly drying up, and if the trend continues, the consequences will be devastating. We speak to Azerbaijani community members about the effects of this environmental crisis and hear from organizations working to save the lake, discussing what is being done to reverse the damage.
Iran's Lake Urmia
Lake Urmia, one of the largest salt lakes in the world, lies between the East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan provinces of Iran. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. The lake is essential for the region’s ecological balance, providing habitat for flamingos and saltwater shrimp, and is of immense importance to the 13 million people living in the surrounding areas. However, the lake is drying up at an alarming rate, with severe ecological, economic, and social consequences for the local populations.
Terra Informa correspondent Kathryn Lennon talks to members of the Azerbaijani community in Edmonton and Vancouver about their concerns regarding the lake’s future and the ongoing efforts to protect this vital environmental resource.