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Seven Million Hectares of Iran at Risk of Desertification

Jan 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 1 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Abbas Kargar has announced that seven million hectares of land in Iran are at risk of desertification, highlighting the urgent need to protect water and soil resources. This issue is part of a larger global challenge of desertification, which is not unique to Iran. The situation raises concerns about environmental sustainability and resource management in the country.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Iran faces a critical environmental challenge with seven million hectares at risk of desertification, necessitating urgent action.

👥 Key Players

Abbas Kargar MENTIONED
Director of the Desert Affairs Office
"He is responsible for managing desertification issues in Iran, which are critical for environmental sustainability."
Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Management Organization MENTIONED
Government agency overseeing natural resource management
"This organization plays a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges in Iran, including desertification."
Nasser Karami MENTIONED
Climatologist and professor
"His expertise provides valuable insights into the climate-related aspects of desertification."

📰 What Happened

Abbas Kargar announced that seven million hectares of land in Iran are at risk of desertification, stressing the need to protect water and soil resources. This issue is part of a broader global challenge of desertification.

  • Seven million hectares of land in Iran are at risk of becoming desert.
  • Desertification is described as a 'silent earthquake' affecting not only Iran but the world.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: Desertification poses a significant threat to Iran's agricultural productivity and water resources, impacting food security and livelihoods.
🌍 Regional: The issue of desertification is relevant to neighboring countries facing similar environmental challenges, potentially leading to regional cooperation or conflict over resources.
🌐 International: Desertification is a global concern, and Iran's situation may draw international attention and aid for environmental management.

📚 Background

Desertification is a process where fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture. It is a growing concern globally, affecting food security and biodiversity.

Climate change Water scarcity
📡 Source: NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence: 70%
The information comes from a government official and a reputable news agency, suggesting a reliable account of the situation.

Abbas Kargar, the director of the Desert Affairs Office at the 'Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Management Organization of the Country', has reported that approximately seven million hectares of critical desert land exist in the country. According to ISNA, Kargar stated on Sunday, November 24, during a press conference at the sidelines of the 25th training workshop of the international participatory natural resource management and rural development project in Mashhad, that currently about seven million hectares of land in the country are at risk of becoming desert. He emphasized that 'we must not allow the country's water and soil resources to be destroyed.' According to this official from the Forests, Rangelands, and Watershed Management Organization, 'desertification is a major concern and challenge for the world, referred to as a silent earthquake, and this issue is not limited to Iran.' Elaheh Ravanesh inquired about the views of Nasser Karami, a climatologist and professor at the University of Bergen in Norway, regarding this issue.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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