Iran’s pastures suffering from overexploitation
Experts in natural resources and forestry have warned that pastures in Iran are facing a dire condition due to overexploitation and destruction. The indiscriminate and excessive grazing by livestock has caused a decline in palatable plant species, leading to the regression of pastures. The summer season exacerbates the problem as high moisture and livestock grazing compact the soil, making it less absorbent and permeable, which sets the stage for erosion.
The growth of the human population, along with agricultural, industrial, and urban development initiatives, has pushed the earth’s capacity to sustain life to the brink of destruction. The diverse range of plant species found in pastures plays a crucial role in environmental protection and maintaining the natural ecosystem. These plants regulate the flow of water, carbon, and nitrogen in the biological-chemical cycle and provide resources for fossil fuels, energy, wood, food, and medicine.
Vegetation also helps mitigate air pollution by absorbing harmful substances released through fuel combustion. Failure to protect vegetation can lead to poisoning, respiratory ailments, anemia, and neurological disorders in humans. Furthermore, wildlife species depend on specific plant species for their dietary, survival, and reproductive needs. However, growing human population and increased livestock grazing have destroyed natural vegetation areas, forcing animals to migrate to distant territories.
The removal of surface vegetation has dire consequences, including soil erosion caused by rainfall impact. Soil erosion threatens human life, decreases agricultural productivity, depletes reservoirs, and generates sandstorms. Destruction of pastures disrupts water flow, leading to rapid surface runoff and devastating floods with severe damage.
Environmental activists highlight the strategies adopted by European countries to manage vegetation and control livestock numbers while maintaining agriculture and animal husbandry. Financial support is provided to reduce livestock production. In contrast, Iran has an excessive number of cattle in pastures, contributing to grass uprooting and increased water velocity during floods.
Climate change has altered rainfall distribution, leading to floods. Areas affected by drought suffer irreparable damage due to reduced soil absorption capacity. Effective flood management can maximize water utilization for irrigation, but without proper planning, these opportunities become threats.
Floods destroy agricultural topsoil, impacting biodiversity and wildlife habitats. Iran, significantly affected by climate change, experiences floods, droughts, and forest and pasture fires, which affect populations and diversity.
The absence of vegetation, abandonment of agricultural lands, and land degradation contribute to the dust issue in various regions. Unauthorized constructions at high altitudes enable dust entry into urban areas. Preserving high-altitude regions is crucial to allow vegetation growth as a natural barrier against fine dust. The destruction of pastures, forests, and water sources leads to soil degradation and wildlife decline.
Livestock grazing and deforestation have led to vegetation destruction, desertification, and fine dust issues in Iran. The loss of plant life and barren soil contribute to health risks posed by fine dust carried by wind and storms. Increasing vegetation cover is crucial to prevent soil erosion, and immediate action is needed to preserve forest vegetation and water reservoirs. Environmental activists propose using machinery that navigates challenging terrains to avoid road construction and advocate for modern scientific methods in mining operations to reduce environmental damage and fine dust emissions.
Activists call for a minimum distance between mining sites and freshwater sources and emphasize the preservation of valuable trees and natural vegetation to combat climate change. Land use changes, such as illegal occupations and infrastructure development, have led to the destruction of pastures, exacerbated by population growth and industrial projects. Fires caused by disputes and negligence have intensified pressure on remaining pastures. Sustainable mining practices, preservation of natural covers, and effective pasture management strategies are crucial for addressing these concerns.
Ahmad Beiranvand highlights inadequate pasture management and grazing capacity non-compliance as contributors to vegetation destruction. Insufficient restoration efforts hinder traditional methods, and governmental actions to address degradation have been insufficient.
He stresses the need to empower rural and nomadic communities through alternative activities aligned with their expertise. Long-term programs and coordination between customary and official approaches are necessary for securing livelihoods and restoring degraded pastures.
Efficient tracking and reporting of grazing permits, establishment of monitoring systems, and online databases are crucial for addressing conflicts over permits. Transferring management responsibilities to users, modifying policy tools, and raising awareness among nomadic communities can enhance user accountability and promote sustainable pastoral practices.
Comprehensive measures should be implemented to address the complexities of contemporary nomadic life and promote sustainable practices.