Lake Orumieh, or Urmia, in northwestern Iran, was once one of that country's most beautiful natural wonders. Now, shrunk by drought and mismanagement of rivers, the lake is better known as an environmental disaster. (photos by Abbas Atilay, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service)
Orumieh, Iran's Dying Lake
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The lake borders Iran’s East and West Azerbaijan provinces, home to much of Iran’s ethnic Azeri population; the region’s history of protest against Tehran has helped galvanize demonstrations for policies to save the lake.
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Without decisive action, this UNESCO biosphere reserve -- home to hundreds of species of birds, reptiles, and mammals -- might disappear forever.
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