Drought & Desertification Control:
Achievements and Experiences
of Islamic Republic of Iran
Mohammad Darvish
1. Introduction:
The desertification of Central Iran had most probably been due to the unstable periods of the earth which minimized the plant growth and biomass production (Motamed, 1992). Evidently, the climate of Iran used to be warm and humid when still located in lower than 10° Northern altitude, 180-200 million years ago (Lias Period) (Ahmadi, 1998), but as a result of continental movements during the past 1-2 million years (Neogen and Quaternery), most geographical boundaries of Iran was disposed between 25°-35° Northern altitudes (world deserts belt) which together with other environmental factors created a climatic condition leading to the formation of deserts in most parts of Iran (Motamed, 1992 and Ahmadi, 1998).
Although a long time has passed since the formation of deserts in Iran, but it seems insignificant in comparison with the appearance of the first deserts in the world 400-570 million years ago (Asadian, 1986); Deserts of Iran are considered as young natural phenomena of 4600 million year old Earth (Moore et al, 1996), a planet that knows nothing of the 8 billion years of galaxy’s history.
Even if we consider that the desertification process started 5000 years ago (Grimburg, 1941), yest in comparison with the above mentioned figures it would be considered as a fraction of a second. However, by affecting the life on earth within a short time, this germinal phenomenon has been able to compensate its time lag.
Here is an attempt to review the first reactions of Iranians towards desertification and drought in Ancient Iran and recognize their latest achievements and experiences in this regard during the past 5 decades.
