Environment - current issues In 35 editions of 36.

• large areas subject to overpopulation,
• industrial disasters,
• pollution (air, water, acid rain, toxic substances),
• loss of vegetation (overgrazing, deforestation, desertification),
• loss of wildlife,
• soil degradation,
• soil depletion,
• erosion

• soil erosion from overgrazing and other poor farming practices;
• desertification;
• dumping of raw sewage, petroleum refining wastes, and other industrial effluents is leading to the pollution of rivers and coastal waters;
• Mediterranean Sea, in particular, becoming polluted from oil wastes, soil erosion, and fertilizer runoff;
• inadequate supplies of potable water

• the overuse of pastures and subsequent soil erosion attributable to population pressures;
• desertification;
• deforestation of tropical rain forest, in response to both international demand for tropical timber and to domestic use as fuel, resulting in loss of biodiversity;
• soil erosion contributing to water pollution and siltation of rivers and dams;
• inadequate supplies of potable water

NA

• recent droughts have severely affected marginal agriculture in north;
• inadequate supplies of potable water;
• poaching threatens wildlife populations;
• deforestation;
• desertification

• overgrazing;
• desertification;
• limited fresh water resources

• recent droughts and desertification severely affecting agricultural activities, population distribution, and the economy;
• overgrazing;
• soil degradation;
• deforestation

• soil erosion as a result of overgrazing and the expansion of agriculture into marginal lands;
• deforestation (little forested land remains because of uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel);
• habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

• overgrazing of livestock and improper land use such as the cultivation of crops on steep slopes has led to soil erosion;
• demand for wood used as fuel has resulted in deforestation;
• desertification;
• environmental damage has threatened several species of birds and reptiles;
• overfishing

• water-borne diseases are prevalent;
• deforestation;
• overgrazing;
• desertification;
• poaching;
• overfishing

• tap water is not potable;
• poaching has diminished its reputation as one of the last great wildlife refuges;
• desertification;
• deforestation

• inadequate supplies of potable water;
• improper waste disposal in rural areas contributes to soil and water pollution;
• desertification

soil degradation and erosion results from crop cultivation on slopes without proper terracing; deforestation

• poaching threatens wildlife populations;
• water pollution;
• deforestation;
• refugees who arrived in mid-1994 were responsible for significant deforestation, soil erosion, and wildlife poaching in the eastern part of the country (most of those refugees were repatriated in November and December 1996)

• air pollution from vehicle emissions;
• water pollution from the dumping of raw sewage;
• tap water is not potable;
• deforestation

• deforestation (most of the country's forests-once the largest in West Africa-have been cleared by the timber industry);
• water pollution from sewage and industrial and agricultural effluents

inadequate supplies of potable water; desertification

• agricultural land being lost to urbanization and windblown sands;
• increasing soil salinization below Aswan High Dam;
• desertification;
• oil pollution threatening coral reefs, beaches, and marine habitats;
• other water pollution from agricultural pesticides, raw sewage, and industrial effluents;
• very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Nile which is the only perennial water source;
• rapid growth in population overstraining natural resources

tap water is not potable; desertification

• deforestation;
• desertification;
• soil erosion;
• overgrazing;
• loss of infrastructure from civil warfare

• limited supplies of potable water;
• wildlife populations being depleted because of excessive hunting;
• overgrazing;
• soil degradation;
• soil erosion

• deforestation;
• overgrazing;
• soil erosion;
• desertification

NA

deforestation; poaching

Published as “Environment-current issues”

• deforestation;
• desertification;
• water-borne diseases prevalent

Published as “Current issues”

The Israel-PLO Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements ("the DOP"), signed in Washington on 13 September 1993, provides for a transitional period not exceeding five years of Palestinian interim self-government in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Permanent status negotiations began on 5 May 1996, but have not resumed since the initial meeting. Under the DOP, Israel agreed to transfer certain powers and responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority, which includes a Palestinian Legislative Council elected in January 1996, as part of interim self-governing arrangements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

A transfer of powers and responsibilities for the Gaza Strip and Jericho took place pursuant to the Israel-PLO 4 May 1994 Cairo Agreement on the Gaza Strip and the Jericho Area and in additional areas of the West Bank pursuant to the Israel-PLO 28 September 1995 Interim Agreement and the Israel-PLO 15 January 1997 Protocol Concerning Redeployment in Hebron. The DOP provides that Israel will retain responsibility during the transitional period for external security and for internal security and public order of settlements and Israelis. Permanent status is to be determined through direct negotiations.

• recent drought in north severely affecting agricultural activities;
• deforestation;
• overgrazing;
• soil erosion;
• poaching and habitat destruction threatens wildlife populations;
• water pollution;
• inadequate supplies of potable water

NA

• deforestation;
• inadequate supplies of potable water;
• desertification;
• soil contamination and erosion;
• overfishing, overpopulation in forest region

• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• overgrazing;
• overfishing

NA

• water pollution from urban and industrial wastes;
• degradation of water quality from increased use of pesticides and fertilizers;
• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• desertification;
• poaching

Published as “Environment-current issues”

• population pressure forcing settlement in marginal areas results in overgrazing, severe soil erosion, and soil exhaustion;
• desertification;
• Highlands Water Project controls, stores, and redirects water to South Africa

Published as “Current issues”

The Abuja Peace Accords ended seven years of civil warfare in Liberia. More than 20,000 of the estimated 33,000 factional fighters gave up their arms to the Cease-Fire Monitoring Group of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOMOG). Free and open presidential and legislative elections were held 19 July 1997; former faction leader, Charles TAYLOR, and his National Patriotic Party won overwhelming victories.

The years of civil strife coupled with the flight of most business people disrupted formal economic activity, but with peace restored and a popularly-elected government installed, the difficult task of rebuilding the social and economic structure of this war-torn country can proceed.

• tropical rain forest subject to deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• loss of biodiversity;
• pollution of rivers from the dumping of iron ore tailings and of coastal waters from oil residue and raw sewage

• desertification;
• very limited natural fresh water resources;
• the Great Manmade River Project, the largest water development scheme in the world, is being built to bring water from large aquifers under the Sahara to coastal cities

• soil erosion results from deforestation and overgrazing;
• desertification;
• surface water contaminated with raw sewage and other organic wastes;
• several species of flora and fauna unique to the island are endangered

• deforestation;
• land degradation;
• water pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, industrial wastes;
• siltation of spawning grounds endangers fish populations

• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• desertification;
• inadequate supplies of potable water;
• poaching

• overgrazing, deforestation, and soil erosion aggravated by drought are contributing to desertification;
• very limited natural fresh water resources away from the Senegal which is the only perennial river

water pollution

NA

• land degradation/desertification (soil erosion resulting from farming of marginal areas, overgrazing, destruction of vegetation);
• water supplies contaminated by raw sewage;
• siltation of reservoirs;
• oil pollution of coastal waters

• a long civil war and recurrent drought in the hinterlands have resulted in increased migration of the population to urban and coastal areas with adverse environmental consequences;
• desertification;
• pollution of surface and coastal waters

very limited natural fresh water resources; desertification

• overgrazing;
• soil erosion;
• deforestation;
• desertification;
• wildlife populations (such as elephant, hippopotamus, giraffe, and lion) threatened because of poaching and habitat destruction

• soil degradation;
• rapid deforestation;
• desertification;
• recent droughts in north severely affecting marginal agricultural activities

NA

• deforestation results from uncontrolled cutting of trees for fuel;
• overgrazing;
• soil exhaustion;
• soil erosion

NA

deforestation; soil erosion and exhaustion

Published as “Environment-current issues”

• wildlife populations threatened by poaching;
• deforestation;
• overgrazing;
• soil erosion;
• desertification;
• overfishing

Published as “Current issues”

• Serbia and Montenegro have asserted the formation of a joint independent state, but this entity has not been formally recognized as a state by the US;
• the US view is that the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), has dissolved and that none of the successor republics represents its continuation.

Published as “Environment-current issues”

water supply depends on catchments to collect rain water

Published as “Current issues”

On 25 May 1997, the democratically-elected government of President Ahmad Tejan KABBAH was overthrown by disgruntled army personnel under the command of Major Johnny Paul KOROMA; President KABBAH fled to exile in Guinea. The Economic Community of West African States Cease-Fire Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) forces, led by a strong Nigerian contingent, undertook the suppression of the rebellion. They were initially unsuccessful, but, by October 1997, they forced the rebels to agree to a cease-fire and to a plan to return the government to democratic control by 22 April 1998.

However, the agreed demobilization of the combatants was not carried out by the rebel junta. On 5 February 1998, hostilities broke out in the outskirts of Freetown and ECOMOG mounted a major offensive, completely routing the rebels. President KABBAH returned to office on 10 March to face the task of restoring order to a demoralized population and a disorganized and severely damaged economy.

• rapid population growth pressuring the environment;
• overharvesting of timber, expansion of cattle grazing, and slash-and-burn agriculture have resulted in deforestation and soil exhaustion;
• civil war depleting natural resources;
• overfishing

• famine;
• use of contaminated water contributes to human health problems;
• deforestation;
• overgrazing;
• soil erosion;
• desertification

• lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures;
• growth in water usage threatens to outpace supply;
• pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge;
• air pollution resulting in acid rain;
• soil erosion;
• desertification

• inadequate supplies of potable water;
• wildlife populations threatened by excessive hunting;
• soil erosion;
• desertification

• soil degradation;
• deforestation;
• desertification;
• destruction of coral reefs threatens marine habitats;
• recent droughts affected marginal agriculture

deforestation attributable to slash-and-burn agriculture and the use of wood for fuel; recent droughts affecting agriculture

NA

• toxic and hazardous waste disposal is ineffective and presents human health risks;
• water pollution from raw sewage;
• limited natural fresh water resources;
• deforestation;
• overgrazing;
• soil erosion;
• desertification

• draining of wetlands for agricultural use;
• deforestation;
• overgrazing;
• soil erosion;
• poaching is widespread

sparse water and arable land

• air pollution and resulting acid rain in the mineral extraction and refining region;
• poaching seriously threatens rhinoceros and elephant populations;
• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• desertification;
• lack of adequate water treatment presents human health risks

• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• land degradation;
• air and water pollution;
• the black rhinoceros herd-once the largest concentration of the species in the world-has been significantly reduced by poaching

in 1995 it was reported that the ozone shield, which protects the Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation, had dwindled to the lowest level recorded over Antarctica since 1975 when measurements were first taken

NA

NA

NA

NA

• protection of the arctic environment;
• preservation of their traditional way of life, including whaling;
• note-Greenland participates actively in Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC)

water pollution from fertilizer runoff; inadequate wastewater treatment

NA

NA

• soil degradation;
• overgrazing;
• deforestation (much of the remaining forests are being cut down for fuel and building materials);
• desertification

• soil pollution from toxic chemicals such as DDT;
• energy blockade, the result of conflict with Azerbaijan, has led to deforestation when citizens scavenged for firewood;
• pollution of Hrazdan (Razdan) and Aras Rivers;
• the draining of Sevana Lich (Lake Sevan), a result of its use as a source for hydropower, threatens drinking water supplies;
• restart of Metsamor nuclear power plant without adequate (IAEA-recommended) safety and backup systems

• local scientists consider the Abseron (Apsheron) Peninsula (including Baku and Sumqayit) and the Caspian Sea to be the ecologically most devastated area in the world because of severe air, water, and soil pollution;
• soil pollution results from the use of DDT as a pesticide and also from toxic defoliants used in the production of cotton

• many people are landless and forced to live on and cultivate flood-prone land;
• limited access to potable water;
• water-borne diseases prevalent;
• water pollution especially of fishing areas results from the use of commercial pesticides;
• intermittent water shortages because of falling water tables in the northern and central parts of the country;
• soil degradation;
• deforestation;
• severe overpopulation

soil erosion; limited access to potable water

NA

• air pollution (greenhouse gases, particulates) from the overwhelming use of high-sulfur coal as a fuel, produces acid rain which is damaging forests;
• water shortages experienced throughout the country, particularly in urban areas and in the north;
• future growth in water usage threatens to outpace supplies;
• water pollution from industrial effluents;
• much of the population does not have access to potable water;
• less than 10% of sewage receives treatment;
• deforestation;
• estimated loss of one-fifth of agricultural land since 1949 to soil erosion and economic development;
• desertification;
• trade in endangered species

• air pollution, particularly in Rust'avi;
• heavy pollution of Mtkvari River and the Black Sea;
• inadequate supplies of potable water;
• soil pollution from toxic chemicals

• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• overgrazing;
• desertification;
• air pollution from industrial effluents and vehicle emissions;
• water pollution from raw sewage and runoff of agricultural pesticides;
• tap water is not potable throughout the country;
• huge and rapidly growing population is overstraining natural resources

• air pollution from power plant emissions results in acid rain;
• acidification of lakes and reservoirs degrading water quality and threatening aquatic life;
• Japan's appetite for fish and tropical timber is contributing to the depletion of these resources in Asia and elsewhere

• radioactive or toxic chemical sites associated with its former defense industries and test ranges are found throughout the country and pose health risks for humans and animals;
• industrial pollution is severe in some cities;
• because the two main rivers which flowed into the Aral Sea have been diverted for irrigation, it is drying up and leaving behind a harmful layer of chemical pesticides and natural salts;
• these substances are then picked up by the wind and blown into noxious dust storms;
• pollution in the Caspian Sea;
• soil pollution from overuse of agricultural chemicals and salinization from faulty irrigation practices

• localized air pollution attributable to inadequate industrial controls;
• water pollution;
• inadequate supplies of potable water

• air pollution in large cities;
• water pollution from the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents;
• drift net fishing

• water pollution;
• many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells;
• as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent;
• increasing soil salinity from faulty irrigation practices

depletion of freshwater aquifers threatens water supplies

• limited natural fresh water resources;
• policies of the former communist regime promoting rapid urbanization and industrial growth have raised concerns about their negative effects on the environment;
• the burning of soft coal and the concentration of factories in Ulaanbaatar have severely polluted the air;
• deforestation, overgrazing, the converting of virgin land to agricultural production have increased soil erosion from wind and rain;
• desertification

• the almost total dependence on wood for fuel and cutting down trees to expand agricultural land without replanting has resulted in widespread deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• water pollution (use of contaminated water presents human health risks)

• water pollution from raw sewage, industrial wastes, and agricultural runoff;
• limited natural fresh water resources;
• a majority of the population does not have access to potable water;
• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• desertification

• air pollution from heavy industry, emissions of coal-fired electric plants, and transportation in major cities;
• industrial and agricultural pollution of inland waterways and sea coasts;
• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• soil contamination from improper application of agricultural chemicals;
• scattered areas of sometimes intense radioactive contamination

• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• wildlife populations threatened by poaching;
• coastal degradation from mining activities and increased pollution;
• freshwater resources being polluted by industrial wastes and sewage runoff

• inadequate sanitation facilities;
• increasing levels of soil salinity;
• industrial pollution;
• excessive pesticides;
• part of the basin of the shrinking Aral Sea suffers from severe overutilization of available water for irrigation and associated pollution

• contamination of soil and groundwater with agricultural chemicals, pesticides;
• salinization, water-logging of soil due to poor irrigation methods;
• Caspian Sea pollution;
• diversion of a large share of the flow of the Amu Darya into irrigation contributes to that river's inability to replenish the Aral Sea;
• desertification

• drying up of the Aral Sea is resulting in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts;
• these substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and contribute to desertification;
• water pollution from industrial wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human health disorders;
• increasing soil salinization;
• soil contamination from agricultural chemicals, including DDT

supplies of potable water sometimes cannot meet increasing demand largely because of poor distribution system

water management-a major concern because of limited natural fresh water resources-is further hampered by the clearing of trees to increase crop production, causing rainfall to run off quickly

NA

coral reef decay; solid waste disposal

• pollution of coastal waters from waste disposal by ships;
• soil erosion;
• illegal solid waste disposal threatens contamination of aquifers

• deforestation;
• water pollution from sewage,
• industrial effluents,
• agricultural runoff

limited natural fresh water resources (except for a few seasonal streams and springs on Tortola, most of the islands' water supply comes from wells and rainwater catchment)

Published as “Environment-current issues”

no natural fresh water resources, drinking water supplies must be met by rainwater catchment

Published as “Current issues”

In 1996, the Central African Republic experienced three mutinies by dissident elements of the armed forces, which demanded back pay as well as political and military reforms. Continuing violence in 1997 between the government and rebel military groups over pay issues, living conditions, and lack of opposition party representation in the government has destroyed many businesses in the capital, reducing tax revenues and exacerbating the government's problems in meeting expenses.

deforestation, largely a result of the clearing of land for cattle ranching; soil erosion

• pollution of Havana Bay;
• overhunting threatens wildlife populations;
• deforestation

NA

• water shortages;
• soil eroding into the sea damages coral reefs;
• deforestation

• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• water pollution;
• contamination of soils from disposal of toxic wastes

NA

NA

• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• water pollution

• extensive deforestation (much of the remaining forested land is being cleared for agriculture and used as fuel);
• soil erosion;
• inadequate supplies of potable water

Published as “Environment-current issues”

• urban population expanding;
• deforestation results from logging and the clearing of land for agricultural purposes;
• further land degradation and soil erosion hastened by uncontrolled development and improper land use practices such as farming of marginal lands;
• mining activities polluting Lago de Yojoa (the country's largest source of fresh water) as well as several rivers and streams with heavy metals

Published as “Current issues”

Pursuant to the agreement signed by China and the UK on 19 December 1984, Hong Kong became a special administrative region of China on 1 July 1997. Under the terms of this agreement, China has promised that Hong Kong shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy in all matters except foreign and defense affairs.

• deforestation;
• coastal waters polluted by industrial waste, sewage, and oil spills;
• damage to coral reefs;
• air pollution in Kingston results from vehicle emissions

NA

land erosion occurs on slopes that have been cleared for cultivation

NA

NA

• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• water pollution

• water pollution from agricultural runoff threatens fishery resources;
• deforestation of tropical rain forest;
• land degradation

occasional drought has caused water levels in reservoirs to drop and has prompted water rationing

NA

deforestation; soil erosion, particularly in the northern region

• pollution of coastal waters and shorelines from discharges by pleasure yachts and other effluents;
• in some areas pollution is severe enough to make swimming prohibitive

• water pollution from agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, and raw sewage;
• oil pollution of beaches;
• deforestation;
• soil erosion

limited natural fresh water resources, private cisterns collect rainwater

lack of natural freshwater resources

• deforestation;
• soil erosion;
• water pollution from industrial and domestic effluents

Published as “Environment-current issues”

deforestation; overgrazing of mountain meadows contributes to soil erosion

Published as “Current issues”

Civil war has been the norm since independence from Portugal on 11 November 1975. A cease-fire between the government and (UNITA) lasted from 31 May 1991 until October 1992 when UNITA refused to accept its defeat in internationally monitored elections and fighting resumed throughout much of the country. The two sides signed another peace accord on 20 November 1994 and the cease-fire is generally holding, but military tensions and banditry persist.

The peace accord provided for the integration of former UNITA insurgents into the Angolan armed forces and the government. A Government of National Unity and Reconciliation was installed in April 1997 and military integration was declared complete in June 1997, although UNITA filled fewer than half of the military positions allocated to the rebels. Efforts which began in May 1997 to extend government into UNITA-occupied areas are proceeding slowly. The original 7,200-man UN peacekeeping force began a phased drawdown in late 1996 and all UN military components are scheduled to depart by 30 June 1998 except for through 1998.

Published as “Environment-current issues”

• some forest degradation caused by air and soil pollution;
• soil pollution results from the use of agricultural chemicals;
• air pollution results from emissions by coal- and oil-fired power stations and industrial plants and from trucks transiting Austria between northern and southern Europe

Published as “Current issues”

Azerbaijan continues to be plagued by an unresolved 10-year-old conflict with Armenian separatists over its Nagorno-Karabakh region. The Karabakh Armenians have declared independence and seized almost 20% of the country's territory, creating almost 1 million Azerbaijani refugees in the process. Both sides have generally observed a Russian-mediated cease-fire in place since May 1994.

soil pollution from pesticide use; southern part of the country contaminated with fallout from 1986 nuclear reactor accident at Chornobyl' in northern Ukraine

• Meuse River, a major source of drinking water, polluted from steel production wastes;
• other rivers polluted by animal wastes and fertilizers;
• industrial air pollution contributes to acid rain in neighboring countries

• air pollution from metallurgical plants;
• sites for disposing of urban waste are limited;
• widespread casualties, water shortages, and destruction of infrastructure because of the 1992-95 civil strife

• air pollution from industrial emissions;
• rivers polluted from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents;
• deforestation;
• forest damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain;
• soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes

• air pollution (from metallurgical plants) and resulting acid rain is damaging the forests;
• coastal pollution from industrial and domestic waste;
• widespread casualties and destruction of infrastructure in border areas affected by civil strife

air and water pollution in areas of northwest Bohemia and in northern Moravia around Ostrava present health risks; acid rain damaging forests

• air pollution, principally from vehicle and power plant emissions;
• nitrogen and phosphorus pollution of the North Sea;
• drinking and surface water becoming polluted from animal wastes and pesticides

• air heavily polluted with sulfur dioxide from oil-shale burning power plants in northeast;
• contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products, chemicals at former Soviet military bases;
• Estonia has more than 1,400 natural and manmade lakes, the smaller of which in agricultural areas are heavily affected by organic waste;
• coastal sea water is polluted in many locations

NA

• air pollution from manufacturing and power plants contributing to acid rain;
• water pollution from industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals;
• habitat loss threatens wildlife populations

• some forest damage from acid rain;
• air pollution from industrial and vehicle emissions;
• water pollution from urban wastes, agricultural runoff

• emissions from coal-burning utilities and industries and lead emissions from vehicle exhausts (the result of continued use of leaded fuels) contribute to air pollution;
• acid rain, resulting from sulfur dioxide emissions, is damaging forests;
• heavy pollution in the Baltic Sea from raw sewage and industrial effluents from rivers in eastern Germany;
• hazardous waste disposal

limited natural freshwater resources, so large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rain water

air pollution; water pollution

NA

NA

• the approximation of Hungary's standards in waste management, energy efficiency, and air, soil, and water pollution with environmental requirements for EU accession will require large investments, estimated by the Government of Hungary at $4 billion over six years;
• the 1997 budget allocated $9.7 million for this purpose;
• the 1998 budget allocated $11.3 million;
• the Central Environmental Fund, which collects monies from product charges, environmental fines, and mining taxes, provided approximately $76.2 million in 1997 and is expected to provide $109.5 million in 1998

Published as “Environment-current issues”

• water pollution,
• especially of lakes,
• from agricultural runoff

Published as “Current issues”

The territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 war are not included in the data below, unless otherwise noted. In keeping with the framework established at the Madrid Conference in October 1991, bilateral negotiations are being conducted between Israel and Palestinian representatives, and Israel and Syria, to achieve a permanent settlement between them. On 25 April 1982, Israel withdrew from the Sinai pursuant to the 1979 Israel-Egypt Peace treaty. Outstanding territorial and other disputes with Jordan were resolved in the 26 October 1994 Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace.

NA

• air pollution from industrial emissions such as sulfur dioxide;
• coastal and inland rivers polluted from industrial and agricultural effluents;
• acid rain damaging lakes;
• inadequate industrial waste treatment and disposal facilities

NA

Published as “Environment-current issues”

• air and water pollution because of a lack of waste conversion equipment;
• Gulf of Riga and Daugava River heavily polluted;
• contamination of soil and groundwater with chemicals and petroleum products at military bases

Published as “Current issues”

Lebanon has made progress toward rebuilding its political institutions and regaining its national sovereignty since the end of the devastating 16-year civil war, which began in 1975. Under the Ta'if Accord-the blueprint for national reconciliation-the Lebanese have established a more equitable political system, particularly by giving Muslims a greater say in the political process while institutionalizing sectarian divisions in the government.

Since the end of the civil war, the Lebanese have formed five cabinets and conducted two legislative elections. Most of the militias have been weakened or disbanded. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) has seized vast quantities of weapons used by the militias during the war and extended central government authority over about one-half of the country. Hizballah, the radical Shi'a party, retains most of its weapons. Foreign forces still occupy areas of Lebanon.

Israel maintains troops in southern Lebanon and continues to support a proxy militia, the Army of South Lebanon (ASL), along a narrow stretch of territory contiguous to its border. The ASL's enclave encompasses this self-declared security zone and about 20 kilometers north to the strategic town of Jazzin. Syria maintains about 25,000 troops in Lebanon. These troops are based mainly in Beirut, North Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley.

Syria's deployment was legitimized by the Arab League during Lebanon's civil war and in the Ta'if accord. Citing the continued weakness of the LAF, Beirut's requests, and failure of the Lebanese Government to implement all of the constitutional reforms in the Ta'if accord, Damascus has so far refused to withdraw its troops from Lebanon.

NA

contamination of soil and groundwater with petroleum products and chemicals at military bases

air and water pollution in urban areas

very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination

• heavy use of agricultural chemicals, including banned pesticides such as DDT, has contaminated soil and groundwater;
• extensive soil erosion from poor farming methods

NA

• water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates;
• air pollution from vehicles and refining activities;
• acid rain

air pollution from metallurgical plants

• water pollution;
• acid rain damaging forests and adversely affecting lakes, threatening fish stocks;
• air pollution from vehicle emissions

• situation has improved since 1989 due to decline in heavy industry and increased environmental concern by postcommunist governments;
• air pollution nonetheless remains serious because of sulfur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants, and the resulting acid rain has caused forest damage;
• water pollution from industrial and municipal sources is also a problem, as is disposal of hazardous wastes

• soil erosion;
• air pollution caused by industrial and vehicle emissions;
• water pollution, especially in coastal areas

• soil erosion and degradation;
• water pollution;
• air pollution in south from industrial effluents;
• contamination of Danube delta wetlands

NA