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The Murray-Darling Basin in Southeastern Australia faces critical problems around water security for it's agricultural sector. They need to figure out a way to effectively manage the water they have, and to prepare for the impacts climate change will continue to have on their water security.

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Ecuador is the third-largest exporter of flowers in the world, with Cayambe as one of the most important cities for producing roses. However, the heavy use of pesticides has a major impact on workers and neighbouring communities. Many of these flowers are being shipped to Europe where there is no information on where the flowers came from, including the local working conditions or pesticide use.

Need: The hazardous chemicals used as pesticides in Ecuador and other countries in South America should be banned, just as these chemicals were banned for use in the EU. Transition to using biological controls and other alternatives to manage flower crops, in order to minimize health risks.

Reference: https://www.journalismfund.eu/ecuador-flower-trade-poison-pesticides-env12025750

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Ecuador’s Cut Flower Industry Under Scrutiny | Journalismfund Europe

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An investigation into Ecuador’s flower trade reveals severe exploitation of workers and indigenous communities encircled by the plantations - and how European customers are misled about the true conditions behind the pesticide-laden blooms they are buying.

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Problem: Land degradation in smaller communities in Mongolia's countryside, "partly due to environmental standards and capacity to enforce environmental laws and regulations". One reason for this is the uncontrolled use of chemicals in mineral processing. Herders living in mining areas face challenges from severe dust, water pollution and pasture damage, which in-turn has an impact on the agricultural sector.

Need: Mongolia is transitioning to a green economy, that prioritizes reducing environmental risk and improving communities. This plan will include increased consultation and environmental laws.

Reference: https://admin.un-page.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2014-mongolia-green-economy-eg-full-nov16-web.pdf

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Problem: Spain is experiencing prolonged periods of drought throughout the country, with 75% of the country at risk. These prolonged periods of drought and heat could reduce the amount of freshwater available and threaten agricultural yields in the future.

Need: Spain has a large agricultural industry, therefore transitioning to more sustainable agricultural practices that prioritizing water conservation can mitigate the effects of drought periods. It is essential, in particular for small communities on the interior, to develop plans with soil recovery and biodiversity in mind.

Reference: https://www.greenpeace.org/international/story/62511/environment-crisis-spain-climate-drought-water-pollution-aerial-photography/

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As big polluters plunge the world deeper into climate disaster every day and scientists warn that Earth's life support systems are now "well outside the safe operating space for humanity", action to end fossil fuels and destructive industrial farming is crucial. Here we take a closer look at 10 major environmental problems in one country, Spain - and proposed solutions to tackle the immediate crises and shift towards sustainable living.

Do you recognise similar challenges where you live?

In Spain, temperatures are becoming more extreme, fires more severe, and water shortages increasingly pressing ( reservoirs levels are just 37% at the start of September). Seventy five percent of the country's surface area is at risk of desertification. Working with acclaimed photographer Pedro Armestre, Greenpeace Spain compiled a bird's eye view of the impacts of climate breakdown on the country's landscapes, ecosystems and biodiversity:

Pollution by fossil fuels

PROBLEM: The fossil fuel industry is the major environmental problem globally and the source of many of the challenges in Spain shown below. Fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - are by far the main cause of climate breakdown, accounting for more than 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and almost 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. The extraction and use of fossil fuels generates toxic and hazardous substances that pollute our air, soil and water with grave impacts human health and the environment. The fossil fuel industry is built on colonialism and injustice. Since the beginning of their existence, fossil fuel companies have been destroying the lives and livelihoods of whole communities, polluting and lying just so they can keep making profits.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Governments must immediately cut climate-wrecking emissions and end the use of fossil fuels - fast, fairly and forever. We call on leaders to hold big polluters to account and ensure they stop drilling and start paying for harm they've caused. There are many things high emitting countries like those in Europe can do. Energy consumption must be reduced, savings encouraged and energy efficiency improved. A 100% renewable energy system can and must be achieved quickly, without spending a single euro more on new fossil fuel infrastructure.

Add your name

Drought

PROBLEM: Scientific data in Spain show a progressive expansion of arid and semi-arid climates which are prone to drought. But the expansion of irrigation projects in these areas continues unabated, without taking the climate crisis into account.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Action is needed in Spain to stem the growth in water demand for intensive and industrial irrigation and livestock farming, as well as for industry, tourism and urban use. Government needs to protect water catchment areas for human consumption in line with Europe's water protection framework. Establish a just hydrological transition, with a roadmap to adapt irrigation and agriculture to water availability, while ensuring fair distribution to communities and the environment. And guarantee people's right to water, through public management that incorporates progressive pricing for consumption, as well as the most efficient technologies in water saving, purification, recovery and reuse.

Fire

PROBLEM: Fires are no longer a natural disturbance that shapes the landscape but a terrible threat to Spain and other countries as they become more virulent and hard to control. In 2022, hundreds of thousands of hectares were burned in Spain's most devastating wildfires season for a decade. The situation will get worse as the landscape becomes hotter, dryer and more flammable with climate change.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: It's not just a question of putting out fires, they must be prevented. Firefighting campaigns cannot only be linked to the summer season. We must improve forest management all year round to create landscapes that are more resilient in the face of climate impacts. Forestry models need to favour genetic diversity, reduce tree density, and maintain the goods and services provided by the forests, as well as generating employment in rural areas.

Desertification

PROBLEM: Spain is one of the most water-stressed countries in Europe and the most threatened by desertification with 75% of its territory at risk. Climate projections indicate that Spain will suffer droughts ten times worse than at present. Prolonged periods of drought and heat will reduce freshwater availability and threaten agricultural yields. This may lead to water shortages and higher food prices.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Convert the country's current intensive and super-intensive agricultural production to sustainable, diversified and low water consumption farms. Increase organic farming to 30% of the surface area by 2030 and 100% by 2050. To achieve food sovereignty, promote the use of traditional seeds and increase the biodiversity of farms. Develop an adaptation and recovery plan for the most climate-vulnerable agricultural areas, in coordination with the autonomous communities. This should be based on agroecology, soil recovery, regeneration of ecosystems, and protection and restoration of rivers and wetlands.

Loss of biodiversity

PROBLEM: This dead zone in Doñana national reserve is just one example of biodiversity loss. Driven by human activity, around one million species face the risk of extinction, many in a matter of decades. Of nine planetary boundaries that make Earth habitable, six have been breached, pushing life into the danger zone.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Globally, protect at least 30% of land and oceans by 2030 at the latest, with an agreement that respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples, who play a leading role in conserving nature, and supports local communities. In Spain, this requires implementing the National Adaptation Plan to climate change threats, and including long-term nature-based solutions. At European Union level, we must support urgent adoption of an ambitious Nature Restoration Regulation to help guarantee the preservation of restored ecosystems while taking into account the sectors that manage and use the territory.

In areas such as Doñana, the solution must be immediate: prevent irrigation schemes that are sucking it dry; close illegal wells; and end impunity for crimes related to the theft and pollution of water.

Pollution from industrial agriculture

PROBLEM: Industrial agriculture is destructive. It consumes unsustainable quantities of water. It uses chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides that contaminate aquifers, soil and food (and cause climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions). And it reduces biodiversity. It also harms small producers and consumers by concentrating control of agricultural business in a few hands and threatening food sovereignty. Globally, 76% of the agrochemical market is controlled by six multinationals and 53% of the seed market by three.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: The answer we see in Spain is agroecology: the application of ecological concepts and principals in farming. We have to reconvert agricultural production to sustainable farms, reduce water pollution caused by the excessive use of synthetic fertilisers and prioritise places with affected natural areas that are high in biodiversity, such as Mar Menor (pictured above). As part of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Spain must ensure that environmental requirements are not lowered and promote a future CAP that is socially just and responds to current climate challenges and biodiversity loss.

Pollution from industrial livestock farming

PROBLEM: Slurry from industrial livestock farming is a pollutant and directly affects the groundwater and biodiversity of the area. In many parts of Spain, people are already drinking water with levels of nitrates above the permitted levels. The problem is so serious that the European Commission has opened an infringement procedure and sent a reasoned opinion to the Spanish government.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: An end to factory farming. Ban new industrial livestock projects and the expansion of existing ones, and eliminate subsidies. We must reduce intensive livestock farming in Spain by 50% by 2030 and promote a just transition for existing farms. This means ensuring that the Public Sector Contracts Act favours small local production while guaranteeing them support and services. This can prevent the loss of population in rural areas. Implementing tax exemptions and support for individuals and businesses in the green transition by applying the polluter pays principle. Strengthening the transition budget and bring green taxation to the level of the European average. Eliminating VAT on all organic food and increasing VAT on red meat and ultra-processed products.

Additionally, create and distribute a basic social basket of organic, local and seasonal food to vulnerable families, promote a diet that is high on plant-based foods and low in animal-based foods, and reduce food waste in the country by at least 50% by 2028.

Mass tourism

PROBLEM: Over the last 30 years the built-up area of Spain's coast has doubled. Many ecosystems have been destroyed, reducing their biodiversity and their benefits. With millions of tourists arriving on Spanish coasts each year, the human impact increases demand for water, energy, transport, and raises levels of solid waste, sewage and polluting gases. This leaves a saturated coastline unable to generate the goods and services necessary for future sustainable development.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Tax mass tourism and promote tourism that recognises the natural, cultural and heritage value of the territory. We need adequate planning that takes into account the carrying capacity of the environment and seeks a social and ecological balance. The number of protected areas on the coast should be increased and green infrastructure and corridors created to protect essential ecological processes. Ensure the 100% purification of inland wastewater and an end to polluting discharges into the sea.

Plastics

PROBLEM: Plastic waste does not only come from industrial agriculture but, as pictured, these 'seas' of plastic add to the tide of plastic pollution that is choking our waterways, beaches, seas and oceans. Not even 30% of plastics are recycled in Spain.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: Recycling is not the solution. The current system must be reformulated with policies implemented for reduction and reuse. Recycling companies cannot be allowed to export plastic waste to unlicensed operators in low- and middle-income countries. As well as demanding that massive consumer goods companies end unnecessary throwaway plastics; and that governments deliver a Global Plastic Treaty; we must promote conscious, critical and responsible consumption.

In Spain, we can start with education in schools to build skills for sustainable consumption. Demand durability and repairability of products. And ban planned obsolescence by enforcing Consumer Guarantees Act, which gives consumers the right to seek a repair or a replacement from the manufacturer.

Environmental impunity

PROBLEM: For years, chemical manufacturing company Fertiberia has been damaging the health of the environment and people who have been exposed to its toxic, dangerous and radioactive industrial waste. Social and environmental organisations have been challenging Fertiberia in the courts for 13 years. And yet, this summer, the Junta de Andalucía granted further authorisation. This is not the only polluting project that has gone unpunished in Spain, where economic interests of a few still prevail over our collective welfare.

PROPOSED SOLUTION: End the impunity in which polluting industries operate. In Spain, let's start by ensuring a responsible mining standard, based on reduction, through the sufficiency principle, taking into account impacts in other regions and countries. Ensure effective environmental protection in line with European regulations. And make the development of mineral recycling a priority.

Companies must be held to account for damage caused to people and nature, and made to comply with court rulings, locally, nationally and internationally.

Take action

Environmental injustice problems can seem so big that they are overwhelming, but there are solutions. People power is real and with hope and determination there are many ways we can take action together for a better world.

Take action
Julio Barea Luchena is a consumer and biodiversity campaigner and Laura Chinchetru is a communications manager, both at Greenpeace Spain.

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10 environmental challenges in Spain from above - Greenpeace International

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As big polluters plunge the world deeper into climate disaster, we take a closer look at the environmental challenges in one country, Spain, together with possible solutions.

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Farmers in Punjab rely heavily on groundwater to irrigate crops such as rice and wheat. Overuse has caused water tables to decline, making irrigation more difficult. There is a need for water-efficient irrigation systems and farming practices that conserve groundwater.

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Immediate Measures Needed To Handle Groundwater Depletion In India: Experts

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It’s high time India takes corrective measures as the problem of groundwater depletion is getting more acute with passing day, the experts feel.

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Madagascar produces most of the world's vanilla, but theft has become a major challenge for vanilla growers. Because vanilla is so valuable, some farmers harvest their beans before they are fully mature to avoid losing their crops, which lowers the quality of the vanilla. There is a need for better crop security and farming practices that allow vanilla to mature fully while protecting growers' livelihoods.

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Xochimilco is famous for its floating gardens. These small artificial islands are actually an ancient Mayan farming practice that is sustainable, naturally irrigated, and highly productive. These are at risk due to rapid urbanization, water scarcity, pollution, and the economic abandonment of traditional farming. There is a need to restore water quality and support farmers who continue using these traditional growing practices to support both Mexico's agricultural industry and its heritage.

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Some tropical plants found in Brazil are collected from the wild to be sold as ornamental plants. This can reduce natural plant populations and damage forest ecosystems. There is a need for more sustainable plant production and stronger efforts to encourage consumers to purchase legally grown plants.

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Citrus greening disease has had a major impact on Florida's orange industry. The disease spreads through insects and causes orange trees to produce fewer and lower-quality fruit before eventually dying. Because oranges are one of Florida's most important crops, there is a need for disease-resistant trees, better ways to control the insects that spread the disease, and continued research to help growers keep their orchards productive.

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New Zeland Labour costs in Agriculture.

Problem: New Zeland exported foods are becoming less viable when compared to competing markets. Agriculture is a larger component of their GDP when compared to simliar nations.

Needs: A stable labour market for workers. Reduction of living expenses.

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Challenges and opportunities impacting New Zealand’s economic foundation – pastoral agriculture - NZIAHS

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John Caradus New Zealand has a highly developed free-market economy with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of NZD $425 billion. In 2025, the Internation Monetary Fund ranked NZ as the … Continue reading “Challenges and opportunities impacting New Zealand’s economic foundation – pastoral agriculture”

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Water Management - Seasonal Reservior (Ubein Bridge)

Problem: During the dry season, ground water is reduced. Argiculture stops and the city residents must reduce their use of water. This is a hot location with variable access to electricity and modern conveniences (AC).

Need: Access to freshwater during the dry season.

Solution: This reservoir is filled with riverwater during the rainy serason, then used throughout the dry season. Without this reservior, Mandalay would experience larger than normal issues with water and food insecurity.

FYI: You should go! I lived in this city for two years. It is a beautiful country with amazing people. I hope that their political situation improves.

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Four Rivers Restoration - All of Korea

http://nationalatlas.ngii.go.kr/pages/page_1273.php

Problem: 70% of Korean landmass is mountain or hillside. They have limited arera for growing crops and living spaces. They need to feed roughly 50 million people given past and current politics and war. Because of this, much of this small peninsula (170kmx400km), must be used for argiculture. In the past flooding and water insecurity have reduced argicultarl land mass and crop yield.

Need: Water for irrigation insecurity. Flooding issues during rain events and typhoons.

Solution: Management of the four major rivers with repossession of lands to create a river system proviudes consistent water for irrigation, reduced floods and provides green active space for residents (cycle paths, walkings paths, gardens, boardwalks, parks, etc).

https://www.bikeradar.com/features/routes-and-rides/korea-four-rivers-cycling-route

I would highly recommend cycling it (Seoul to Busan)

http://nationalatlas.ngii.go.kr/pages/page_1273.php

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The terrain of Korea is characteristically high along the east coast and low along the west coast. Consequently, most of the rivers flow into the Yellow Sea and the South Sea. The shoreline of the east coast is smooth and rivers flowing into the East Sea are relatively short and steep-sloped. On the other hand, the shoreline of the west coast is more complex with lots of indentations, offshore islands, and deltas. Many rivers flowing to the western and southern coasts are relatively long; they have gentle slopes and wider basins that result in higher amounts of discharge. In these areas, river sediments shape extensive alluvial plains and alluvial basins; meandering channels are often formed as well.
In Korea, there are five large rivers: Nakdonggang, Hangang, Geumgang, Seomjingang, and Yeongsangang ("ang"is the Korean word for rivers). Several mid- to small-scale rivers are also found in the country, including Anseongcheon ("heon"is the Korean word for midto small-scale rivers), Sapgyochun, Mangyeonggang, Dongj ingang, and Hyeongsangang. In order to systematically manage river and water resources, the rivers have been divided into 117 sub-basins. Hangang has the largest drainage area of 35,770 km2 (including its portion in North Korea). It also has an annual runoff volume of 16 billion cubic meters, which constitutes 35.1% of the nation' total runoff volume. The longest river in Korea is Nakdonggang, with a length of 510 km.

From 2005 to 2014, the average annual precipitation in Korea was approximately 1,323.7 mm, which is equivalent to about 1.6 times the world average. This is enough to classify Korea as a high rainfall region even though seasonal variability is extremely high. Due to seasonal rain and typhoons, 735.8 mm of rainfall (55.6% of the annual rainfall) occurs in the summer and often causes floods. Furthermore, rainfall has the tendency to quickly collect in rivers as over 70% of the land is mountainous with an average slope of about 20%. These geomorphic and climatic characteristics cause high fluctuations in the discharge rate of rivers throughout the year, often causing extensive floods and severe droughts.

The coefficient of river regime indicates the ratio between the maximum and minimum flow of a river. Seomjingang currently has a coefficient of river regime of 270, which is the highest among the five large rivers of Korea. Before the installation of dams, each of the five large rivers had coefficients of river regime that were higher than 300. In particular, Seomjingang and Yeongsangang displayed
extremely high levels at around 700. Consequently, dams and reservoirs were actively constructed to ensure the reliability of water resources, reduce flood damage, and mitigate the effects of drought. Intensive plans were also implemented to conserve river banks and their surrounding areas.

As the nation grows, accompanied by population increases, the need for transportation infrastructure, and high rates of urbanization, rivers and watersheds need to be protected. Given the complex nature of human interaction with the land that involves the building of dams and usage of water for home consumption, agriculture, and industry, water resources need to be sustained. The government proceeded to develop policies on the usage of water, river management efforts, and plans for maintenance.

A River Master Plan is a comprehensive river maintenance, conservation, and utilization plan for the functional sustenance and prevention of natural disasters in
river systems.

Based on the River Master Plan, river banks are established to prevent flooding by calculating the area of cross-section depending on flood discharge standards for each river. By December 2013, 52.1% of the total length of legally designated rivers had completed river bank maintenance. Newly established banks are required by 23.1% of all river areas, among which 3.8% are for national rivers, while 48.9% are for local rivers.

Among the five major rivers, Hangang displays the highest percentage of maintenance completion at 56.9%, followed by Yeongsangang at 56.3%. Geumgang has the highest percentage of reinforcement needed (28.9%), while Yeongsangang comes last (21.6%). Seomjingang requires the most new infrastructure (31.8%), while Hangang needs the least (18.7%). By municipal district, Seoul has the highest percentage of maintenance at 95.8%, followed by Gwangju (87.1%) and Daegu (76.3%). Sejong shows the highest percentage of reinforcement needed at 34.4%, followed by Chungcheongnam-do (30.8%) and Jeollabukdo (29.2%). Districts that need the most new infrastructure are Incheon (45.6%), Jeollanam-do (32.2%), and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (31.5%).

In terms of small-scale rivers, records indicate that 43.1% of a total of 22,823 rivers in Korea have been maintained. Daegu had the highest rate of small-scale river maintenance at 67.5%, followed by Daejeon (60.1%), Gwangju (60.1%), and Seoul (54.1%). On the other hand, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has a small-scale river maintenance rate of only 20.9%.

Brief Interpretation of the Map
With a high average rainfall (1.6 times the world average) and a river ratio of over 700 (ratio of maximum to minimum flow), watershed management is of critical importance to South Korea. The primary reasons for watershed management are to decrease the effects of flooding in the mainly summer rains and to provide a stable water supply for Korea's increasing population. The development of adequate watershed management systems is a large task that is accomplished over
many years. Each of the regions judge that their management process is just over half complete and well maintained with the balance about evenly divided between needing maintenance and needing reinforcement stages.

Each of the five major watershed management regions contains at least one major dam. The dams in these regions are located in different areas of the region. Some are nearer the headwaters and some very near the coast. Can you project the different functions of the dams by the geographic locations? Flooding in Korea is a major concern because of the concentration of rainfall in the late spring and summer. In addition the rivers on the east side of the country are shorter and rise nearer the coast, while on the west side they are longer and display a much more complex drainage system. If you were charged with proposing a new flood control dam in each management region, where you chose to construct it?

River Management
Up until the 1950s and 1960s, most rivers in Korea were in their natural form. However, due to the rapid urbanization of the 1970s, many tributaries were covered or revamped and meandering channels were straightened out in rural areas. As a result, the rate of water flow and discharge become more rapid and larger amounts of sediments are washed downstream. As such environmental issues gained light in the 1990s, various environmental improvement projects (such as the construction of waterfront parks and promenades) were launched in areas around rivers. In the 2000s, the concept of improvement evolved beyond the simple concept of parks to recognize the ecological and scenic conservation value of rivers for ecosystems and humans.

From the before and after photos of the Cheonggycheon Restoration Project, what can you see as the major difference between the before and after photos pertaining to the center of the photos? Discuss the economic, environmental, and public health ramifications of changing a freeway back to a river channel. What are the ecological gains and what are the environmental degradations? Discuss the pros and cons of this project and the gains and losses.

The total water use in Korea increased more than six times from 5.12 billion cubic meters in the 1960s to 33 billion cubic meters in the 1990s. This steep rise can be attributed to population growth, economic advancement, increased industrial development, and an increasing number of irrigation facilities. Accordingly, channel maintenance flow also increased to protect water quality, ecosystems, and landscapes. Since the 2000s, however, the rate of increase for water usage has been slowing down.

In 2007, agricultural use accounted for the largest proportion of total water use at 48%, followed by domestic use (23%), channel maintenance flow (23%), and industrial use (6%). Domestic and industrial water usage has remained about the same since 1998, while agricultural use experienced a decrease over the same time period. On the other hand, channel maintenance flow-hich is used for maintaining river functions-as gradually increased.

As of 2011, the Hangang Watershed was recorded as the largest area of water use at 5.23 billion cubic meters, followed by the Nakdonggang Watershed (5.1 billion cubic meters), Geumgang Watershed (2.61 billion cubic meters), Yeongsangang Watershed (1.5 billion cubic meters), and Seomjingang Watershed (0.9 billion cubic meters).

In the Hangang Watershed, domestic water use accounted for the highest proportion of water use nationwide at 54.4% due to the large population that inhabits the area, while agricultural and industrial water use amounted to 44% and

1.6%, respectively. For all other watersheds, agricultural water use had the highest proportion, followed by domestic and industrial water use. Large industrial complexes contribute to the relatively high rate of industrial water use in the Nakdonggang Watershed (6.4%), while a smaller population and fewer industrial facilities are responsible for the relatively high rate of agricultural water use in the Seomjingang Watershed (88.1%).

As of 2014, Korea has a total of 17,735 dams and reservoirs, including those under construction. This number includes 20 multipurpose dams, 54 domestic and industrial dams, and 12 hydroelectric dams, with the rest being smallscale agricultural dams. In terms of hydropower capacity, multipurpose dams account for 68.1% of all structures. There are also three dams for flood control: "am for Peace,"Gunnam Flood Control Reservoir, and Hantangang Dam.

The "Four Major Rivers Restoration Project"was launched in February 2009 with the aim to promote local development by building weirs, thus securing water resources, enhancing water quality, and developing the leisure industry. A total of 16 weirs were newly installed on the four major rivers (Hangang, Nakdonggang, Geumgang, and Yeongsangang), and various leisure facilities such as riverside parks and bicycle paths were created as well. However, there are serious ongoing debates concerning water quality degradation and the effectiveness of the project.

Brief Interpretation of the Maps

The Hangang and Nakdonggang Watersheds comprise almost two-thirds of the managed watershed land in South Korea, encompassing both mountainous and urban lowland provinces and cities. The remaining three watershed regions are smaller and located in the south and west lowland and coastal areas. Different geographic processes are at work when comparing watershed management and use patterns to the distribution of water shortages by management area. Over half the Hangang Watershed water usage is devoted to domestic use; this is not unusual because this management area includes the large metropolitan areas of Seoul and Incheon. However, the coastal area surrounding Incheon shows a shortage of water that is suggested by deterioration of water quality due to resources and distribution systems. This coastal pattern of water shortage continues on the southwest part of the coast, especially in the island areas surrounding the coast. The islands obviously do not have an extensive riverine catchment to draw upon for their water resources.

The four watershed management areas other than Hangang are dominated by agricultural water use and while they include urban areas, the impact of the water shortages primarily affect agricultural usage. Patterns of water use and associated shortages in different applications are needs that are not easily remedied. The overall water budget for human consumption is largely supplied by natural processes on the supply side and population growth on the consumption side. Efforts at increasing water conservation are important but can only slow demand, and developments in desalinization are prohibitively expensive for agriculture use.

The impact of global warming on rainfall is not well documented other than anecdotal associations with an apparent increase in storms in some areas. If there is actually an increase in major storms, the effect of flooding may offset the usual absorption of water into the soil needed for agricultural production. With an increase in major cyclonic events, how would their frequency affect water availability for agricultural, domestic, and industrial use? With the increasing land reclamation on the west coast of South Korea, how would this process affect the water utilization for domestic uses?

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청소년을 위한 대한민국 국가지도집

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어린이를 위한 대한민국 국가지도집

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국가와 영토, 국토와 자연 환경, 국토와 인문 환경, 청소년을 위한 대한민국 국가지도집, 어린이를 위한 대한민국 국가지도집

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Freshwater Desalination Plant - Umm Al Houl Power Plant, Qatar

Generates 99% of all drinking water in Qatar.

Problem: In a region with little annual rainfall and unsustainable population, drinking water is a key strategic resource.

Need: Drinking water is needed to keep residents healthy.

This is also an item of national security. There are underground reserviors in case of damage to the facility.

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Neom the Line - Greenwashing leads the public to loose trust in green initatives.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-023-00374-4

https://www.neom.com/en-us/regions/nature

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/11/opinion/saudi-arabia-the-line.html

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Nature: Conservation for Future Generations

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NEOM is committed to protecting its environment and preserving majority of the region's nature

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Olive groves in Apulia, southern Italy, have been severely affected by the plant bacterium Xylella fastidiosa subspecies pauca. The bacterium is carried between plants by xylem-feeding insects and blocks movement of water though infected olive trees, causing leaf scorch, branching dieback, canopy decline, and eventually tree death. since the outbreak was detected in Lecce province in 2013, millions of olive trees have died or been severely damaged, including many ancient trees that are important to the regions economy, culture, and landscape. This creates a need for continued disease monitoring, insect-vector control, restrictions on plant movement, tolerant olive cultivars, restoration of damaged groves, and financial support for affected farmers

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Feral swine, Sus scrofa, are a major invasive-species problem across Texas, particularly in East Texas and Gulf Coast areas with cropland, pasture, forests, wetlands, and waterways. Texas has the largest feral swine population in the United States, and the animals are now established in 253 of the state's 254 counties. Their rooting, trampling, and wallowing damage crops and pasture, disturb soil, reduce forest regeneration, compete with native wildlife, and can contaminate waterways. This creates a need for coordinated population monitoring, trapping and removal, disease surveillance, landowner education, and habitat protection. Because feral swine reproduce quickly and move across property boundaries, long-term cooperation between farmers, landowners, wildlife agencies, and local government is necessary.

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Description of brochure about feral hog control

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Invasive Burmese Pythons in the Florida Everglades

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Invasive Burmese Pythons in the Florida Everglades

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The Florida Everglades are facing a serious invasive-species problem caused by Burmese pythons, Python bivittatus. These large constrictors have established a breeding population and prey on native mammals, birds, and reptiles while also competing with native predators for food. Their spread has been linked to major declines in several mammal populations and has disrupted the natural food web of the everglades. This creates a need for continued research, improved detection methods, coordinated removal programs, population monitoring, public education, and stronger prevention of exotic-pet releases. Because Burmese pythons are difficult to locate and have already spread across a large wetland area, complete eradication may not be realistic, making long-term control and protection of native species especially important.

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Burmese pythons in Florida: A synthesis of biology, impacts, and management tools

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Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are native to southeastern Asia, however, there is an established invasive population inhabiting much of southern Florida throughout the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Pythons have severely impacted native species and ecosystems in Florida and represent one of the most intractable invasive-species management issues across the globe. The difficulty stems from a unique combination of inaccessible habitat and the cryptic and resilient nature of pythons that thrive in the subtropical environment of southern Florida, rendering them extremely challenging to detect. Here we provide a comprehensive review and synthesis of the science relevant to managing invasive Burmese pythons. We describe existing control tools and review challenges to productive research, identifying key knowledge gaps that would improve future research and decision making for python control.

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The Canadian Prairies regularly experience drought and soil-moisture shortages that can reduce crop growth and leave agriculture soil vulnerable to wind erosion. when dry soil is left bare or heavily disturbed, valuable topsoil, nutrients, and organic matter can be carried away, lowering long-term soil productivity. This creates a need for farming practices that conserve moistuyre and keep the soil protected, including no-till seeding, retaining crop residue, leaving taller stubble to trap snow, planting drought-tolerant cultivars, and converting highly erosion-prone land to perennial forage. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada identifies these practices as useful ways to help dryland cropping systems adapt to drought conditions

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Adapting dryland cropping systems for drought conditions - agriculture.canada.ca

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Drought has and continues to be a dominant crop production constraint across the Canadian prairies. The frequency and severity of drought varies between soil zones and even local areas within soil zones. With mounting evidence for climate change and increased climate variability, the risk of drought will likely also increase and the pattern of drought sensitive areas may become more irregular.

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Soil Erosion and Land Degradation in South Africa

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Soil Erosion and Land Degradation in South Africa

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South Africa is experiencing serious land degradation caused by water and wind erosion, unsustainable agricultural practices, overgrazing, and the loss of protective vegetation. When fertile topsoil is removed, agricultural land loses organic matter, nutrients, and its ability to retain water, which can reduce crop productivity and threaten rural livelihoods. This creates a need for locally appropriate soil conservation practices, including cover crops, reducing tillage, crop-residue retention, rotational grazing, windbreaks, and the restoration of degraded land. South Africa's Department of Agriculture indentifies wind and water erosion as the two main causes of land degradation, together accounting for 84% of degraded areas.

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(Exemplar)

Theresa Watt

The increasing salinity of soil in the Philippines has significantly impacted agriculture, creating an urgent need for salt-tolerant crops. Research efforts are now focused on developing such crops, with particular attention to rice and wheat. These crops are essential staples in the region's diet and economy, and improving their resilience to high salinity conditions could help secure food supply and support local livelihoods amidst changing environmental patterns.

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