Iran’s Green Future: Environmental Challenges

Introduction

The natural environment in Iran, a country rich in biodiversity and varied ecosystems, is currently under severe threat due to numerous environmental challenges. These issues, such as desertification, forest and rangeland degradation, land use changes, declining groundwater tables, and frequent landslides, have been extensively documented (Geravandi et al., 2012; Ravanbakhsh Sangjoei, 2013; Mesgaran et al., 2017). The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of Iran's economy, is particularly vulnerable, with ecological pressures manifesting through overuse of land, mismanagement of water resources, and declining productivity (Afrakhteh et al.

, 2013). These challenges indicate a pressing need for sustainable solutions. This essay explores these environmental challenges, examines their impact on agriculture, and evaluates Conservation Agriculture (CA) as a viable solution to promote sustainability in Iran.

Agricultural Instability

Over the past few decades, the environmental situation in Iran has deteriorated significantly, with human activities identified as the primary drivers of these adverse changes (Panahandeh et al., 2010). The consequences of such activities have prompted urgent environmental concerns, making environmental protection a critical challenge for societies worldwide (Bronfman et al., 2015; Mondéjar-Jiménez et al., 2012). Environmental sustainability has become a pivotal concept for all nations, aiming to maintain the quality of natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity over both short and long terms (Vlek and Steg, 2007). In Iran, the agricultural sector's instability is evident through frequent land use, inefficient water resource management, and reduced productivity of essential production factors like water and land (Afrakhteh et al., 2013). This instability is reflected in sustainability indicators and environmental performance reports, where Iran consistently receives low ratings (Ravanbakhsh Sangjoei, 2013).

Environmental Sustainability

A significant aspect of addressing these environmental challenges lies in understanding and influencing human behavior. Individuals frequently make choices that benefit them personally but have detrimental effects on the environment (Nordlund and Gorvill, 2002). Therefore, evaluating people's behavior, particularly farmers, is crucial to achieving sustainable living principles (Muharram Nejad, 2007). Agriculture, being a major source of income and livelihood in developing countries like Iran, makes farmers pivotal actors in the natural environment (Rao and Rogers, 2006). Understanding and promoting conservation behavior among farmers is essential because they interact closely with the natural environment through their activities. Governments worldwide are increasingly concerned about unsustainable agricultural practices and are actively working to mitigate environmental issues within this sector (Seymour and Ridly, 2005).

Conservation Agriculture

Conservation Agriculture (CA) emerges as a promising alternative for achieving sustainable agricultural practices. It is an approach that aligns with sustainable agriculture principles and helps address food security challenges, particularly in developing countries, while combating climate change (Powlson et al. 2016). CA operates on ecological principles, emphasizing sustainable land use and environmental stewardship (Lal 2013; Abdulai and Abdulai 2016). The approach involves three core practices: maintaining crop residues on the soil surface, adopting no-tillage or low-tillage planting methods, and implementing crop rotation or integrated planting systems (Shetto and Owenya 2007). Globally, approximately 124 million hectares of land are managed under CA, with 87% of this area located in countries like the US, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, and Canada (Brouder and Gomez-Macpherson 2014). In Europe, CA is practiced extensively in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, Finland, and Germany (FAO 2015).

Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of CA, including increased crop yields (Mafongoya et al. 2016; Bayala et al. 2012; Sharma et al. 2012; Mazvimavi 2011), reduced production costs, enhanced energy efficiency, and decreased labor requirements (Sanchez-Giron et al. 2007; Moreno et al. 2011). Additionally, CA practices contribute to reducing soil erosion, improving soil fertility (Bonzanigo et al. 2016), sequestering carbon in the soil (Piccoli et al. 2016), and enhancing soil quality under both irrigated and rain-fed conditions (Cantero-Martinez et al. 2007; Madejon et al. 2009; Melero et al. 2011; Cid et al. 2014). These benefits collectively reduce input costs for farmers (Brouder and Gomez-Macpherson 2014).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Iran's environmental challenges, particularly in the agricultural sector, necessitate a comprehensive approach to sustainability. Addressing these challenges requires evaluating and influencing human behavior, especially among farmers, who are integral to the agricultural landscape. Conservation Agriculture offers a viable solution, promoting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and agricultural productivity. By adopting CA principles, Iran can work towards achieving a more sustainable agricultural system, ensuring food security, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. It is imperative for policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders to collaborate, promote, and implement sustainable practices, paving the way for a resilient and environmentally sustainable future.

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