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In
Syria, INECO will focus on water polluti on related-problems
faced in the Barada River Basin.
The Barada Basin is the
area where the capital of Syria, Damascus, is located, and
therefore the region that concentrates most of the
industrial activities in the country. According to the list
of policy priorities set by the Ministry of Local
Administration and Environment, an immediate action plan
should be drafted and implemented in order to address
environmental issues in the basin.
Historically, the Barada River was a vital environmental and
socio-economic resource, sustaining the large forest of "Ghouta",
which contributed to the local economy and constituted a
rich ecosystem, which was also considered a cultural
heritage. However, in recent years, the Barada River
ecosystems have collapsed, due to the high loads of
industrial and domestic waste and wastewater discharge,
which exceed the river's self purification capacity, and decrease of river flow, resulting from rainfall decrease and
use of the Feige Spring for drinking water supply.
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At present, the efforts undertaken in order to address the
problem are incomplete due to the absence of
environmental law, legislative limitations, and lack
of environmental awareness. Most industries discharge
contaminants to the sewerage system or simply to land and
rivers without treatment, free of charge and without
penalties being enforced. In addition, the spatial
dispersion of micro- and small-scale industries hinders the
effective control over discharges. The current agricultural
practices, which include excessive application of
fertilizers and pesticides, overexploitation of water
resources and application of inefficient irrigation methods
have also contributed to the exacerbation of water pollution
in the area.
In order to address the problem, a feasible and integrated
solution should be developed to mitigate environmental
damage and prevent further deterioration in water quality.
Considering current economic growth patterns and the
emerging need for environmental protection, attempts should
be made to develop an optimal policy, reflecting trade-offs
between economic development and environmental protection in
general, and water resources in particular.
Syria section of the INECO web site |
