World’s Soil Resources

Turkey
Iran
Lebanon
Syria
Iraq
Palestine
Jordan
Kuwait
Dust source areas
Saudi Arabia
Bahrain
Qatar
Figure 13.6 Internal and external dust sources in recent years in Iran. Source: University of Tehran, 2013.
The origin of dust in dust storms in Iran is both internal and external to the country. Since 2006 considerable
dust has affected the west and south west of the country, originating from Iraq and Syria. Other areas such
as parts of Jordan, Kuwait and northern Saudi Arabia are also involved in the creation of dust in Iran (Jalali,
Bahrami and Darvishi Bolurani, 2012). Although many recent dust storms in Iran have foreign origins, this does
not mean that domestic sources play no part in this phenomenon (Fattahia, Noohia and Shiravand, 2012).
13.6.2 | Case Study: Tunisia
Between 2006 and 2010 a detailed study was undertaken to assess land degradation in Tunisia. A
standardized methodology was adopted to map in an interdisciplinary way all aspects of land degradation
(type, extent, degree, trends and impact on ecosystem services) at a national scale. The exercise involved a
large number of national institutions and stakeholders, together with international expertise (FAO, 2011a). In
addition, an inventory was made of successful local practices that combatted land degradation (FAO, 2011b).
This study was complemented by three investigations at local level (in Kasserine, Siliana and Médenine) that
refined the identification of the socio-economic pressures and drivers behind land degradation (FAO, 2011c).
The results have subsequently been expanded and refined.
Major outcomes of the investigation, relevant for the present assessment of soil change and its impact on
ecosystem goods and services were:
1 - The preparation of a national land use system map
The scale of this map is 1:500 000. It is based on a rasterized database at 30 arc seconds. It was prepared
using a standard methodology (Nachtergaele and Petri, 2011). The draft map was validated by regional
institutions in the country and was later refined by simplifying the pastoral classes and by introducing a
specific unit that concerned alfalfa areas which make up 170 000 ha of the country.
Status of the World’s Soil Resources | Main Report Regional Assessment of Soil Changes
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in the Near East and North Africa