Water shortage in the Holy Land – Environmental projects conserve nature and bring peace
The Dead Sea is dying without help
The Dead Sea lies in an old cultural landscape bordering Israel, Jordan and Palestine. Due to the extreme heat, large quantities of water evaporate with the consequence that the salt content is ten times higher than in the Mediterranean Sea. The high water abstractions from the Jordan river cause the dramatic shrinking of the Dead Sea. Over the past 30 years, the water level has dropped by unimaginable 25 metres! Along the shores of the Dead Sea, and even a couple of kilometres away, deep holes have formed threatening man and beast. To save the salt lake as an important foreign currency earner, politicians favour the construction of a channel from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. Neither the effects have been checked so far nor the fresh water consumption will be slowed down by this measure.
Rare species such as the Nubian Ibex, Rock Hyrax, and Leopard live in the mountains surrounding the Dead Sea. To preserve them it is indispensable to protect and maintain their habitat including the freshwater sources. A UNESCO biosphere designation would finally facilitate the control of hunting and help reduce overgrazing by goats.
Saving water – could help bring peace to the region
In one of the aridest regions on Earth fruits and vegetables are grown for export consuming large quantities of drinking water, just as the local industry. The rest is wasted through leaking water pipes. The Jordan river for much of its run is a thin rivulet and the vital groundwater level is continually dropping. Drinking water has already been rationed. In the three neighbouring states sanitation must be improved, water saved and a just distribution of the water guaranteed.
The intention of FoEME, an Israeli-Arabian environmental association is the protection of nature by joint water projects. To stop spreading deserts, in the Jordanian Sheikh-Hussein, the so called “Peace Park” is being reforested. In the Israeli Ein-Gedi oasis, a dry toilet project will be carried out by teaching pupils how to economize water, the most precious commodity, and protect sources and groundwater. A second ecological centre of education will be constructed in the Palestinian village of Auja. Additionally, together with FoEME, we do all we can to get leaking water pipes repaired and we claim just distribution of the water. We also strive for the renaturation of the Jordan river.
Your help is valuable. Man and nature at the Dead Sea will benefit from your donation or sponsorship.
Donations account : 804041 6000 at GLS-Bank, Bank Code Number 430 609 67.
Please call us + 49 - 77 32 - 99 95 - 85 (Manuela Uhde).
