Scientific Research: Anzali Wetland May Dry Up in 35 Years

Results from a scientific study published on the 'EOS' website, affiliated with the American Geophysical Union, indicate that the Anzali Wetland may dry up by the year 1438 (2060). According to the researchers, with the expansion of climate change globally, wetlands in some countries are drying up at a faster rate. Following Greece, Iran ranks second, having lost 14% of its wetland area between 2009 and 2019. The Anzali Wetland, located in northern Iran, is where nine major rivers flow into the Caspian Sea. It is considered one of the largest freshwater wetlands in the world, home to at least 150 species of resident and migratory birds. According to available statistics, 49 species of fish, a multitude of mammals, amphibians, and reptiles also inhabit this wetland. The Anzali Wetland plays a significant role in the local economy, fishing, and agriculture, attracting over 180,000 tourists annually. Heat and dry weather, decreasing water levels in the Caspian Sea, increased sedimentation, and higher water demand have contributed to the reduction of the Anzali Wetland's area. Between 1929 and 1988, the area of this wetland decreased from 258 square kilometers to 52 square kilometers, losing about 80% of its water surface. Scientists are concerned that if this trend continues, the Anzali Wetland may completely disappear in the future. The village of Siyah Darvishan is one of the tributaries of the Anzali Wetland. Experts of this research, considering various indicators including climate change and natural and human factors, have projected the future of the Anzali Wetland in the coming decades. The study predicts that the water level of the Caspian Sea may decrease by 4 to 10 meters. This modeling shows that even in the most conservative scenario, the Anzali Wetland will at least turn into a seasonal waterbed by the end of this century and may completely dry up by 2060. The destruction of this wetland will not only lead to an environmental disaster but will also negatively impact the ecology and economy of the region. According to the authors of this research, preserving the Anzali Wetland requires serious planning and actions in water management and agriculture to reduce sedimentation and pollutants, allowing this 'ecological gem of Iran' to continue to thrive. Iran is somewhat the founder of World Wetlands Day. With the signing of the 'Ramsar Convention' on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, at the suggestion of the then Iranian government, the oldest international treaty focused on the protection of nature and wetland biodiversity was signed, with Iran at its center. Currently, this treaty covers 2,412 sites spanning over 254,000 hectares in 171 countries. This agreement obliges member countries to designate and preserve internationally important wetlands and encourages their wise use. Iran has a total of 25 valuable wetlands, most of which have either completely disappeared or are at risk of destruction in the years following the 1979 revolution. Bakhtegan, Parishan, Jazmourian, Hamoun, Gavkhouni, a large part of Shadgan, Urmia, Anzali, and Hoor al-Azim are among the well-known wetlands and lakes that have dried up. Wetlands play a vital role in oxygen production, water storage, water purification, carbon sequestration and storage, nutrient production, and soil stabilization. This report was compiled using information from the EOS research website affiliated with the American Geophysical Union and previous articles from Voice of America.