Skip to main content

Saving the imperiled Hamouns of eastern Iran

Iran must take swift action to save the dying Hamoun wetlands in Sistan.
A fisherman looks out at the dried up Hamoun lake which used to serve
as a water supply for agriculture outside Zabol in south eastern Iran
July 17, 2001. Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province is suffering from a
third consecutive year of drought which the United Nations says has
cost the country $2.6 billion this year, up from $1.7 billion last
year. Local officials say without rain remaining water sources will dry
up by December.

CJF/ns - RTRKVOZ

“Angels will kiss the hands of those who help us,” the man said.

The face behind the handshake was grizzled and weathered. The tanned, leathery skin bespoke years of harshness. The fisherman’s eyes welled with suppressed tears. He yearned for a time when his life was one of plenty. Lakes brimmed with water, he told me. And fish. His children were happy, and life was good.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.