Note: The destruction of natural resources entails numerous adverse consequences, and as long as there is no awareness of these effects, no measures will be contemplated to prevent them. These measures must be considered both from an executive perspective and from a knowledge-based perspective. To implement knowledge-based measures aimed at preventing the destruction of natural resources within the framework of fiqh, we have addressed the status of natural resource destruction in Iran in a report. The details of this report are presented for your review:

Natural resources, as the most valuable and fundamental assets of any country—including forests, rangelands, water resources, soil, and biodiversity—play a vital role in preserving the environment and achieving sustainable development. Iran, due to its unique geographical position and diverse climates, is one of the countries endowed with rich natural resources. Nevertheless, the state of Iran’s natural resources in recent years has faced serious threats due to factors such as rapid urbanization, unbalanced industrial development, climate change, and mismanagement. The degradation of these resources not only causes environmental damage but also poses economic, social, and even security threats. The objective of this report is to analyze the factors contributing to the destruction of natural resources, their consequences, and to propose effective solutions for addressing the natural resources crisis in Iran.

Factors Contributing to the Destruction of Natural Resources in Iran

1.1. Deforestation and Destruction of Vegetation Cover

Forests and rangelands in Iran, in addition to their economic and social values, play a major role in maintaining the country’s ecological balance. These natural resources contribute to temperature regulation, soil erosion prevention, water purification, and biodiversity conservation. However, the rate of deforestation in Iran is rapidly increasing. Climate change, human activities, and mismanagement of natural resources have led to severe degradation of these assets.

Factors of deforestation:

• Expansion of urban and industrial areas: Population growth and urban development, particularly in the northern and western regions of the country, have resulted in the conversion of forested lands to residential, industrial, and transportation infrastructure zones. These changes have led to the loss of vast areas of forests and natural vegetation cover.
• Agriculture and land-use change: The conversion of forested lands to agricultural fields, especially in the northern and northwestern provinces of Iran, is one of the primary reasons for the reduction in forest area. Unsustainable agriculture, particularly the cultivation of water-intensive crops and the use of traditional farming methods that cause soil erosion, has destroyed parts of the forest ecosystem.
• Illegal wood harvesting: The felling of trees for timber, charcoal production, and other forest products, especially in remote areas, constitutes a fundamental problem in Iran. These harvests are often illegal and unsustainable, exerting significant negative impacts on the ecological balance of forests.
• Natural and human-induced fires: High temperatures, recurrent droughts, and human negligence during summers cause widespread fires in forests and rangelands. In many cases, fires occur deliberately or due to the carelessness of tourists and farmers.

Statistics on deforestation in Iran:

According to the report of the Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization, more than 40,000 hectares of Iran’s forests are destroyed annually.

The area of the northern forests of the country has decreased over the past 50 years from 3.6 million hectares to less than 1.8 million hectares. This reduction in forest area has intensified in recent years, to the extent that some predictions warn that if this trend continues, the northern forests of the country will be completely eradicated within the next 20 years.

1.2. Desertification and Depletion of Water Resources

Desertification is one of the most significant environmental threats in Iran. This phenomenon, resulting from climate change, mismanagement of water resources, and overgrazing, is expanding rapidly, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of the country such as Sistan and Baluchestan, Yazd, and Kerman. Desertification not only reduces agricultural productivity and biodiversity but also diminishes the quality of life for people in these areas.

Factors of desertification:

• Drought and climate change: Iran has experienced some of the most severe climate changes in recent decades. Decreased rainfall and rising temperatures have led to reduced water resources and accelerated desertification. In many regions of Iran, droughts have escalated into environmental crises.
• Excessive extraction of groundwater resources: One of the major causes of desertification in Iran is the overexploitation of groundwater. The drilling of unauthorized wells and excessive withdrawal from aquifers have caused a decline in groundwater levels and, ultimately, land subsidence.
• Overgrazing by livestock: The increase in livestock populations and excessive grazing in natural rangelands have degraded vegetation cover and reduced rangeland capacity. This has increased soil erosion and intensified desertification.

Statistics on desertification:

More than 30 percent of Iran’s land area is at risk of desertification. This rate is particularly severe in the southern and eastern provinces of the country.

Land subsidence, as one of the primary consequences of excessive groundwater extraction, has significantly increased in provinces such as Isfahan, Tehran, and Kerman.

1.3. Air, Water, and Soil Pollution

Environmental pollution has profound negative effects on natural resources and the quality of life. In recent years, Iran has faced various crises related to air, water, and soil pollution, the impacts of which on human health and ecosystems are evident.

Air pollution:

The consumption of fossil fuels, circulation of outdated vehicles, unsustainable industrial and agricultural activities are the main causes of air pollution in Iran. Major cities such as Tehran, Mashhad, Ahvaz, and Isfahan, due to high population density and industrial activities, experience air pollution crises in different seasons.

These pollutions have led to the prevalence of respiratory, cardiovascular, and cancer diseases among the population. Additionally, air pollution can negatively affect agriculture, particularly in polluted areas.

Water pollution:

The discharge of industrial, agricultural, and urban wastewater into the country’s water resources is one of the most important causes of river and lake pollution. Many Iranian rivers, such as the Zayandeh Rud and Karun, have experienced severe quality degradation due to industrial and agricultural pollution.

The drying up of Lake Urmia, the reduction in water levels of the Hoor al-Azim and Shadegan wetlands, and the contamination of water resources due to the use of chemical substances in agriculture are among the serious consequences of water pollution in Iran.

Soil pollution:

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and changes in agricultural patterns, especially in rainfed lands, have reduced soil quality and eliminated beneficial microorganisms. This trend has decreased agricultural productivity and threatened food security in certain regions.

Consequences of the Destruction of Natural Resources in Iran

2.1. Water Crisis and Escalation of Environmental Tensions

The reduction of water resources in Iran has become one of the largest environmental crises. In many regions of the country, particularly in the southern and central provinces, severe water stresses exist. The depletion of surface and groundwater reserves, land subsidence, and environmental crises such as the drying of lakes and wetlands pose serious threats to agriculture, industry, and daily life.

2.2. Increase in Natural Disasters

The destruction of natural resources has led to the occurrence of numerous natural disasters. Soil erosion and the loss of vegetation cover in various regions have intensified floods and landslides. These natural disasters not only damage infrastructure but also pose serious threats to human lives.

2.3. Economic and Social Impacts

The destruction of natural resources directly affects various economic sectors. Reduced agricultural production, loss of natural tourism capacities, increased health costs due to pollution, and migrations caused by environmental crises have entailed numerous negative economic consequences. Rising unemployment in rural areas and pressure on urban centers are among the social problems stemming from the destruction of natural resources.

Proposed Solutions for Addressing the Destruction of Natural Resources

3.1. Reform of Management Policies

Preventing unauthorized land-use changes in forests and rangelands: More precise management of natural resources and stronger oversight of land-use changes.

Implementation of forest and rangeland restoration programs: Support for restoration projects and combating deforestation through governmental and private sector initiatives.

3.2. Utilization of Modern Technologies

Development of modern irrigation systems: Adoption of drip irrigation systems and reduction of water consumption in agriculture.

Expansion of renewable energies: Use of solar and wind energy instead of fossil fuels to reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change.

3.3. Public Education and Cultural Promotion

Public awareness-raising: Conducting educational courses and media campaigns to enhance societal awareness of the importance of natural resource conservation.

Encouragement of public transportation use: Promotion of public transport to reduce traffic and air pollution.

3.4. Strengthening International Cooperation

Collaboration with global organizations: Cooperation with environmental organizations and international institutions such as the United Nations to address global environmental challenges.

Attracting investment for environmental projects: Encouraging domestic and foreign investments in conservation and restoration projects for natural resources.

Conclusion

The destruction of natural resources in Iran has evolved into an environmental, social, and economic crisis that, if the current trend persists, will pose irreparable threats to the country’s future. However, through the adoption of proper management policies, the utilization of modern technologies, enhancement of public awareness, and strengthening of international cooperation, it is possible to avert this crisis and preserve the country’s natural resources for future generations.