World Wetlands Day and the Bitter Fate of Iran's Wetlands; Hamoun Has Dried Up

On World Wetlands Day, the Telegram channel "Baloch Activists Campaign" reported on a gathering of residents and civil activists in the Sistan region protesting the drying up of the Hamoun wetland. The Baloch Activists Campaign cited the lack of formation of the Hirmand Water Commission in the Ministry of Energy for "17 years," the "weak positions" of the Islamic Republic regarding dam constructions in Afghanistan, and the neglect of water rights in the trilateral treaty between Iran, India, and Afghanistan as reasons for the wetland's desiccation. Simultaneously, the head of Iran's Department of Environment blamed the current situation on Afghanistan's failure to provide water rights to Hamoun and the existence of sanctions. Ali Salajegheh stated, "The world does not allow us to have environmental communications because of sanctions." He also criticized what he described as the European Union's cessation of cooperation for the restoration of Hamoun wetland. This official of the Islamic Republic pointed out that Iran is a member of 15 international conventions and 54 treaties, protocols, and annexes, adding, "The international community is committed to us, but why are you playing politics?" The Tasnim news agency recently criticized the Ministry of Energy for implementing an "unprofessional plan to organize Hamoun Sabouri" and digging a 26-kilometer canal in the heart of the wetland, stating that this canal has become a corridor for easier dust movement and is referred to as the "flower of the Ministry of Energy in Hamoun wetland." In response, Ali Akbar Mehrabian, the Minister of Energy, criticized the Taliban government in Afghanistan on Friday, February 1, stating that Taliban officials are making "excuses" regarding drought. He added that if the Taliban do not provide water rights, "we will use legal and judicial tools." This official of the Islamic Republic did not provide further details on this matter. The treaty concerning the water of the Hirmand River between the then Iranian government and the Afghan government includes "12 articles and two attached protocols" that were signed on March 13, 1973, in Kabul. According to Article 6 of this treaty, "Afghanistan must not take actions that would generally make Iran's water rights for agriculture unsuitable or pollute the water with chemicals from industrial wastewater to the extent that it cannot be treated by the latest technical and conventional methods, making the use of water for essential needs impossible and harmful." Based on this agreement, Afghanistan is required to send 820 million cubic meters of Hirmand water to Iran annually. Many senior officials of the Islamic Republic, including various heads of the Department of Environment, some deputies of different government heads, and even local officials such as governors and mayors, have repeatedly claimed to have pursued "Iran's water rights from Hirmand" over the decades without delivering any tangible results to the region's residents. Ebrahim Raisi, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, also, during a trip to Sistan and Baluchestan province earlier this year, threatened the Taliban regarding Hirmand's water rights, stating, "Take my words seriously so you do not complain later." His remarks were met with strong reactions from the Taliban. One notable reaction that sparked significant discussion on social media came from "General Mobin," a well-known Taliban figure, who filled a yellow jug with water and addressed Ebrahim Raisi, saying, "Take this barrel and do not attack us; we are afraid." Iran is somewhat the founder of World Wetlands Day. By signing the "Ramsar Convention" on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, at the suggestion of the then Iranian government, the oldest international treaty concerning the protection of nature and wetland biodiversity, centered around Iran, was signed. Currently, this treaty covers 2,412 sites spanning over 254,000 hectares in 171 countries. This treaty obliges member countries to designate and maintain internationally significant 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 since the 1979 revolution. Among the well-known wetlands and lakes that have dried up are Bakhtagan, Parishan, Jazmourian, Hamoun, Gavkhouni, large parts of Shadegan, Urmia, Anzali, and Hoor-al-Azim. Wetlands play a vital role in oxygen production, water storage, water purification, carbon sequestration and storage, nutrient production, and soil stabilization. Ambiguity in the dangerous status of Lake Urmia; local sources: "Malch-pashi" on the lake bed; environment: a laboratory action! Environment sacrificed for oil; the risk of Hoor-al-Azim's destruction under the pretext of developing oil fields. Wetlands in Fars province have been gradually dying. Storms and dust in Sistan and Baluchestan sent two thousand people to the hospital. Ongoing environmental crises in Iran; "Hoor-al-Azim" is in a coma. A member of parliament: the Caspian Sea has retreated by about 100 to 120 meters in some areas. Experts warn: Anzali wetland is likely to dry up in the next five years.