Democracy, Human Rights, and Climate Justice: The Case of Lake Urmia 2/2

Photo by Maximilian Mann

This article is the part 2 of Lake Urmia's Heartbreaking Death blog series. Read the first part here for a more comprehensive context.

Climate change knows no borders, and its consequences are becoming increasingly evident around the world. In Iran, a country located in one of the most climate-vulnerable regions of Asia, the effects of climate change are painfully apparent. Iran is grappling with an anthropogenic and climatologic drought, often referred to as "water bankruptcy," where the demand for water far exceeds the available supply. This crisis is not just an environmental issue; it is deeply intertwined with issues of water management, environmental governance, democracy, human rights, and climate justice.

The Local Economy and Ecosystems

Urmia lake’s basin is home to 5.2 million people and about 1.5 million people are rated as rural population mostly farmers and are particularly dependent on the lake basin’s resources. These resources such as water, soil and crops all of which are heavily threatened by progressive environmental degradation are risking the lives of local population who depend on them.

Meanwhile, local inhabitants, many of whom relied on the lake for their sustenance, observed with dismay as their beloved resource slowly receded into the distance. Waterside accommodations, including hotels and guesthouses, found themselves stranded hundreds of meters from the receding shoreline. Consequently, tourism dwindled, and numerous residents made the difficult decision to relocate, leaving behind a landscape of decaying boats and structures on the newly revealed salt plains.

Has Anything Been Done?

In 2013, UNDP collaborated with the Iranian government on a plan called'Restoration of Lake Urmia via local community participation in sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

Progress was seen in 2017, training 12,000 farmers and communities around the lake's basin. Water usage dropped by 25%, irrigation efficiency increased by nearly 42%, and Lake Urmia's water levels stabilized at 1,271.68 meters above sea level.

However, after the program was done, the Iranian government couldn't keep up with the practices! Some strategies for lake restoration by the government focused on symptoms rather than causes, with suggestions of water transfer or costly desalination projects.

UNDP's approach demonstrated that reduced water consumption and improved efficiency offer more cost-effective solutions. Yet, the existing water governance structure in Iran, coupled with a lack of understanding about the root causes, hinders the pursuit of sustainable answers to Iran’s pressing water crisis. Addressing this crucial issue necessitates filling the knowledge gap and gaining a deeper understanding of water loss levels across the nation.

A scary Future

The future projections of disappearance of the water suggests that disastrous climatic and social effects are on their way.

Climate experts also contend that transforming the lake into an active zone of saline dust can give rise to Saline dust winds, capable of carrying high concentrations of fine-grain saline, alkaline, and potentially harmful elements over considerable distances, up to 300 kilometers. Inhaled toxins from similar scenarios have been linked to a surge in health problems like throat and lung cancers, infant mortality, reduced life expectancy, and an increase in child defects in regions neighbouring the lake. This is eventually cause mass migrations of locals to other cities and new challenges that comes following this phenomenon.

The Role of Democracy in Climate Change Management

The Iranian government's governance model is classified as non-democratic, with principles protected in the Constitution that often lead to unlawful and corrupt governance arrangements. In such a system, decision-making concerning water resources becomes complicated and less effective.

Community participation, as advocated by the UNDP, has been shown to improve sustainable water resource management. However, limited participation and a top-down approach to decision-making have hindered progress. The emphasis on showcasing achievements, driven by a centralized administrative structure, has contributed to unsustainable water management strategies.

Moreover, ideological policies at national and international levels, such as high population growth and self-sufficiency in agricultural production, have distorted water distribution and management priorities.

To address Iran's water bankruptcy, a systematic transition is recommended. This transition should include a move toward a democratic, decentralized, and diversified political structure, away from ideological policies. While this transition may not immediately solve the crisis, it would provide the foundation for sustainable water resource management and enhance the country's capacity to adapt.

Climate Justice and Human Rights

The water crisis in Iran has not only environmental implications but also significant human rights dimensions. In July 2022, protests erupted in cities near Lake Urmia due to the authorities' lack of attention to its drying. Iran's response included arrests and accusations of "destroying public property" and "disturbing the security of the population." Similar protests in 2011 were also met with government crackdowns.

Additionally, in July 2021, people in Khuzestan province protested against water access deficiencies. Iranian authorities used excessive force against demonstrators, raising concerns about the violation of human rights.

Climate change affects fundamental human rights, including access to safe water, food, health, housing, education, and development. Authoritarianism, neoliberalism, and racial discrimination violate rights to peaceful assembly and association. International human rights law obliges governments to prevent the interference with these rights. However, many states have violated these rights through physical attacks and smear campaigns, complicating the quest for climate justice.

In conclusion, the water crisis in Iran, particularly exemplified by the case of Lake Urmia, underscores the critical interplay between democracy, human rights, and climate justice. Addressing climate change and its consequences requires a comprehensive and sustainable approach that respects democracy, human rights, and the principles of justice. Only by embracing these principles can we hope to navigate the complex challenges posed by climate change while upholding the dignity and well-being of all people.