Humans and climate change 'kill' Lake Sawa

Once a biodiversity wetland, the Lake Sawa basin today is reduced to a small pond, surrounded by barren wasteland.

Lake Sawa dries up due to climate change and human activity. (Video: AFP)

The "No Fishing" sign on the edge of the western desert of Iraq, about 23 kilometers from the capital city of Al-Samawa in Muthanna province, is one of the few remaining clues that this was once Lake Sawa, an area wetland biodiversity along with recreational activities and tourism resorts.

However, human activity and climate change have turned the area into a barren wasteland with salt covering the cracked surface. The saltwater lake that used to be more than 5km2 wide is now just a small pond, which is connected to the underground water source.

"This year, the lake disappeared for the first time," emphasized environmental activist Husam Subhi. "In previous years, the water area only decreased in the dry season."

The area of ​​the lake is reduced to only a small pond.

"Lake Sawa has a special history for all the inhabitants of Samawa. I am 60 years old and grew up with the lake. I used to think I would die before it, but sadly it disappeared before me." , environmental activist Latif Dibes added.

According to Youssef Jabbar, head of the environment department of Muthana province, the amount of water in the lake has decreased markedly since 2014. The main reason is due to drought and rising temperatures, caused by climate change.

"Muthana is a desert province, with frequent droughts and lack of rainfall," explains Jabbar.

In a statement last week, the Iraqi government also pointed to more than 1,000 illegally dug wells for agricultural activity in the area, which, along with nearby salt and cement plants, had "drawn significant amounts of water from the groundwater supply to the lake".

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands has described Sawa as a "unique lake" because it is a completely enclosed body of water inside a salt flat with no inputs or outputs.

"The lake is formed on limestone and is isolated by surrounding gypsum barriers. Its water chemistry is unique," the convention's website says.

A stopover for migratory birds, Lake Sawa was once home to several globally endangered species such as the Eastern emperor eagle, Houbara magpie and marbled duck, but today all have been lost. disappear.

Rainfall in Samawah or the area near the lake is very low and reaches only 30% of the annual average, which has reduced the water table. Rising temperatures also cause more water to evaporate.

In an effort to revive Lake Sawa, authorities have banned the digging of new wells and are closing down existing illegal wells.

"Measures must be taken and of which, the most important is stopping dug wells as well as industrial projects, such as cement and salt factories near the lake. If these projects stop working, part of it will be closed. groundwater can return to the lake," Jabbar said.