Soil conservation and water harvesting to improve community livelihoods and fight land degradation in the mountains of Syria

Abstract

The study provides a model for implementing land and water resource conservation strategies in mountainous, arid areas. A community-based plan prioritized the implementation of various interventions to optimize the positive environmental impacts, land productivity, and the use of water resources. The methods employed here could be extended to other communities across Syria and throughout similar Mediterranean regions. In order to promote sustainable development which reduces the vulnerability of rural areas to climate change, support for soil conservation and water harvesting activities by appropriate public policies is indispensable.