Shrinking Arin Lake transforms ecological landscape and grazing areas
The areas that emerged as a result of the decrease in the water level in Lake Arin, located in the Adilcevaz district of Bitlis, which is home to numerous bird species, have been transformed into grazing areas for animals.
- Turkey
- Published Date: 11:06 | 14 August 2023
- Modified Date: 11:11 | 14 August 2023
Climate change, drought, and decreased rainfall are causing Lake Arin, located at the foothills of Mount Süphan, like Lake Van, to lose its territory.
With its area of 13 square kilometers, the volcanic barrier lake is important for migratory birds. However, the water level in the lake is decreasing every year due to drought, the opening of wells, and indiscriminate agricultural irrigation.
As the water level drops, coastlines are experiencing meters of retreat, revealing extensive areas that were once underwater.
Local herders have also begun grazing small and large livestock in the green areas that emerged after the meters of retreat.