On October 14, Governor Mohammad Karami of West Azerbaijan province led a delegation on a field visit to the islands of Lake Urmia, one of the world's largest salt lakes located in northwestern Iran. The inspection aimed to examine the environmental status, ecosystem health, and progress of lake restoration projects.
According to the governor's office, the delegation visited Ashk, Kaboudan, and several smaller islands that were once habitats for numerous migratory birds and wildlife. In recent years, Lake Urmia has faced severe drought, causing a sharp decline in water surface area and threatening the existence of the islands and surrounding ecosystems.
Karami emphasized that the provincial government is coordinating with relevant ministries to implement solutions such as water transfer from adjacent basins, improved groundwater management, and restrictions on unsustainable agricultural use. Several emergency projects have been launched to raise the lake's water level, restore wetlands, and preserve biodiversity.
The visit also included meetings with local residents and conservationists to hear their views on the challenges of protecting the lake. The governor pledged to formulate long-term policies that combine economic development with environmental protection, aiming to restore Lake Urmia to ecological balance in the coming years.
