DAMASCUS, June 17 - Syria is currently experiencing widespread desertification due to climate change and civil unrest, according to Muhammad Manhal Al-Zoubi, director of the country's Natural Resources Research Administration.

In an interview with Xinhua, Al-Zoubi said the absence of vegetation cover, deterioration of the desert, and forest fires have all contributed to the expansion of desertification in Syria, subsequently leading to a major water shortage.

Syria has seven water basins, most of which, except for the coastal basin, suffer from water scarcity, said the official.

Al-Zoubi also highlighted the negative impact of civil instability on the country's irrigation systems, forests, and protected areas, referring to the damage caused by armed groups' operations to irrigation systems, particularly in areas like the Euphrates Basin. He further elaborated on the damage, saying it has led to the removal of vegetation cover and exacerbated the issue of desertification.

The official proposed several steps to mitigate the repercussions of climate and environmental challenges.

"There are many ways to adapt to this climate change. For example, we can introduce good agricultural practices, store rainwater, and apply improved agricultural methods," he said.

Al-Zoubi revealed that an environmental emergency was declared in the country. In response, the Syrian Ministry of Local Administration and Environment has been working with the Natural Resources Research Administration to address the grave risks posed by climate change and drought, he added.

In addition, Syria's resources have been "stolen" and infrastructure was destroyed, while the country, in the meantime, encountered "unjust" Western economic sanctions, Mohammed Abu Hamoud, director of the Drought and Natural Disaster Relief Fund, told Xinhua.

Abu Hamoud described the sanctions, especially those imposed by the United States, as one of the "worst weapons any country can use," rebuking them for violating "all international laws and norms."

He also accused the U.S. forces of occupying eastern Syrian areas that are rich in oil and other energy resources, which are necessary for agricultural activities that Syrians are "in dire need of."

Abu Hamoud stressed the importance of developing a flexible plan to utilize available resources effectively and achieve self-sufficiency amidst the challenges of climate change and sanctions.

"We have started to suffer from a lack of self-sufficiency, and our food security is now at risk because we lack essential food items due to siege and economic sanctions," he warned.

Abu Hamoud noted that the Agriculture Ministry has decided to develop a flexible plan to efficiently use and properly manage the limited resources to secure minimal loss, so as to achieve the best products that adapt to climate change and align with sanctions.

"Then we can achieve self-sufficiency once again," Abu Hamoud said.

 - Xinhua