BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Report Discusses Dramatic Decline of Jordan River

Bible and archaeology news

According to a new report, 97 percent of the historical flow of the great Jordan River has been diverted to countries like Israel, Syria and Jordan that exploit the river’s waters for local agriculture, fish ponds and other industries. In one of its bleakest statements, the report, authored by Friends of the Earth Middle East, stated, “The river has already lost 50 percent of its biodiversity and has essentially been converted into a sewage canal.” While the report aims to provide the Israeli government with guidelines for decreasing the amount of water that is being diverted away from the ancient Biblical river, it has been derided by many in the water and agricultural industries who view the recommended water reductions as simply impossible given current demands and consumption.

According to a new report, 97 percent of the historical flow of the great Jordan River has been diverted to countries like Israel, Syria and Jordan that exploit the river’s waters for local agriculture, fish ponds and other industries.