Invasive Nile Flower Devastates Agriculture and Livelihoods in IDLIB, Syria

Accident – Death – Obituary News : The Orontes River in northwestern Syria has been a vital resource for farmers in the region, providing water for irrigation. However, a new threat has emerged that is devastating crops and livelihoods. An invasive flower known as the Nile flower, or water hyacinth, has taken over the entire surface of the river, choking off the water supply.

Bahjat al-Bakru, a 50-year-old farmer, has seen 70% of his fruit trees die as a result of the invasive flower. He relies on agriculture as his sole source of income, and the loss of his trees has had a significant impact on his livelihood. The spread of the Nile flower has reduced the water level in the river and made it difficult to water his crops.

The Nile flower, native to parts of South America, is considered one of the most aggressive invasive species in the world. It can grow and spread rapidly, causing damage to ecosystems and local economies. The United Nations Environmental Programme and the International Union for Conservation of Nature have identified it as one of the worst weeds globally.

The exact introduction of the Nile flower to the Orontes River is unclear. It currently covers a vast majority of the water in Syria’s Idlib province, extending for 34 miles. The dense vegetation blocks the flow of water, absorbs large amounts of water, and suffocates the aquatic ecosystem by blocking out light and oxygen. This poses a significant risk to the livelihoods of local communities.

Furthermore, research suggests that global warming may favor the survivability and growth of the Nile flower. As temperatures rise, the plant’s distribution may expand into higher latitudes, posing problems for areas that were previously unaffected by the invasive species.

Neighboring countries like Egypt have managed to control the spread of the Nile flower using various techniques, such as pesticide spraying and mechanical removal. However, these methods are not currently available in Syria’s Idlib province.

The ongoing conflict in the region has made it difficult for local authorities to address the issue. Idlib and other opposition-held areas have been heavily bombarded by the Syrian military and allied Russian forces. The resources and capabilities to combat the Nile flower are limited, and the situation requires assistance from international organizations.

Local farmers, like al-Bakru, are trying their best to protect their land and stop the spread of the invasive flower. However, their individual efforts are ultimately in vain. The plant grows rapidly and creeps into agricultural land, destroying crops and trees.

The impact of the Nile flower is not limited to farmers. Fishermen, such as 55-year-old Nafia Sattouf, have also been affected. Sattouf used to catch a significant amount of fish in the Orontes River, but now he barely gets a few fish. The spread of the Nile flower has disrupted the aquatic ecosystem, leading to a decline in fish populations.

Without intervention, the Nile flower has the potential to completely consume waterways like the Orontes River. It is crucial to develop comprehensive management strategies and action plans to address the issue. The support of international organizations is needed to combat the spread of the invasive species and prevent further devastation to the region’s agriculture and economy..