MENA: Nature retaliates under pressure of climate change
- Tamara Coelho
- Oct 7, 2023
- 3 min read
Introduction:
The MENA region is one of the world’s most vulnerable regions affected by climate change, and its exacerbated impact is diminishing biodiversity.
Biodiversity is crucial in order to support life, promote resilience to climate change, as well as improve mitigation and adaptation. Despite the fact that the MENA region is one of the most water-stressed and limited areas, with excessive temperatures throughout the region, it is home to a diverse and rich ecosystem that is currently under threat owing to human activities.
Morocco:
Drought has been plaguing the Moroccan region for more than four years, with wetlands drying up and birds shifting their migration routes. Wetlands contain essential nutrients and minerals with countless species relying upon them for survival. Intensive agricultural practices, and urbanization in Morocco are putting pressure on these wetlands, resulting in habitat loss, and driving species away. Migratory birds require these wetlands to seek food, water shelter, and without these are now opting to migrate towards Northern Spain or Southern France.
Lebanon:
Excessive heat waves all throughout the MENA region are slowly increasing to dangerously high levels, becoming intolerable to the populace. High temperatures are now resulting in the prevalence of wildfires, which are now increasing in frequency. Several fires broke out in Lebanon the summer of 2019. "In a single day, between 1,200 and 1,500 were burnt down..."This is a huge number because it's the equivalent of Lebanon's annual rate of land loss due to fires," said Sawsan Bou Fakhreddine, an adviser at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit. As the frequency and intensity of these wildfires grow, habitats are being destroyed and compromised, resulting in endangerment and worse extinction of certain rare species.
United Arab Emirates:
Albeit, the UAE has been regarded to be one of the most infertile and deserted regions across the globe, it is still home to numerous species of plants and animals. The Hajar mountains which stretch across UAE and Oman is particularly rich in flora and fauna. Ecosystems of freshwater habitats, popularly known in the Arab region as wadi’s, take abode in these mountains. These mountains provide the best climate aiding to the growth of the bee population and the production of high-quality honey. Furthermore, as these wadis are home to aquatic habitats such as gravel pools and bedrock, they tend to make ideal breeding grounds for certain species, such as dragonflies and butterflies. Climate change has now resulted in extreme changes in the overall climatic conditions in the mountains, which are necessary for the abundant existence of species. In addition, groundwater extraction, litter, and the construction of dams, resulting in habitat loss are accelerating the shrinkage of biodiversity in the region.
Conclusion:
Despite ongoing threats to habitats and the species occupying these areas, there have been several attempts to mitigate these risks. The Moroccan water and forest department (HCEFLCD) announced the designation of two new wetland protected areas Merja de Fouwarat and Sebkhat Imlili, which will now receive international protection under the Ramsar Convention. Lebanon has also started taking action towards protecting the woodlands by organizing reforestation and reclamation initiatives. The Lebanese Reforestation Initiative, since its inception in 2010, has planted about 1.3 million trees with the assistance of volunteers. After being put on pause for several years owing to the country's economic downturn, political upheaval, and the COVID-19 epidemic, the organization has began a fresh program aimed at reforesting areas around Lebanon.
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