Pressure on Natural Resources and Increasing of Desertification

DAMASCUS, (ST) – Marking the World Day to Combat Desertification, the Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs yesterday launched activities of the Environmental Awareness Week under the title “Pressure on Natural Resources and Increasing of   Desertification.”

The Environmental Awareness Week, which lasts from 22 to June 24, includes a number of themes that focus on desertification, its concept, causes, and manifestations and what has been implemented of solutions to reduce the phenomenon of desertification. The three- day event will discuss the citizen’s role in protecting the environment and alleviating the pressure on natural resources and increasing desertification. Proposals will also be presented about the reality of natural resources and desertification in the provinces of Damascus, Damascus countryside and Quneitra.

“The environmental awareness week is held by the ministry in the governorates of Damascus, Damascus countryside and Quneitra,” Minister of State for Environmental Affairs Dr. Nazira Sarkis said in a press statement.

The environmental week, the minister added, falls within the ministry plans to promote environmental awareness among different segments of society and the preservation of natural resources, instilling the values, knowledge and the sense of responsibility towards the environment and the use of methods and behaviors to protect and improve the environment.

The minister pointed out that the ministry is working, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and people’s organizations, NGOs, on the development of knowledge among the citizens through the definition of environmental problems and the call to reduce the use of natural resources properly.

Dr. Sarkis noted that environmental protection and the preservation of resources is one of the biggest challenges we face in the present time which requires bearing responsibility by everyone to meet these challenges.

Sharif el -Khatib