Land degradation rises in Middle East and North Africa

Significance

Dust storms across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have increased in recent years, disrupting day-to-day life and creating significant health issues. The Levant has borne the brunt of the storms, with Iraq particularly hard hit. Land degradation, despite government initiatives, is increasing..

Impacts

• Political tensions will undermine cross-border efforts to address desertification.
• Local grassroot initiatives are likely to have greater impact than multilateral and national government policies.
• Countries with close ties with Israel will benefit from their low water-use agricultural technology.