Urmia Lake

Bari Castle is located on the western side of Urmia Lake. The castle enclosed with stony walls measuring several meters high, encompasses a widespread area. It was used in the first millennium BC considering the castle’s architectural features and potsherd remains found on its surface. For almost 150 years, from the middle of the 9 th century to the end of the 8 th century, the Urartian areas in Iran did not witness any attack from Assyrians. It was only during the reign of Sargon II, clashes erupted between Urartu and Assyria. The reason was that Urartu interfered more and more in the affairs of the kingdom of Mannea, which Assyria considered a tributary. The first half of the 7 th century is when Mannaean seized the power in that area. It was the time which saw the expansion of Mannean more than ever, especially its dominance on the Urmia plain, hence; the Bari castle was of the Mannaean Empire.

Environmental culture can reduce environmental issues by increasing environmental awareness and lead to responsible behavior towards environment and protection of water resources. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between rural environmental culture and water consum-ption pattern. It is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of nature and method. The statistical population of this study includes rural households in the south of Lake Urmia catchment located in the cultivation project "Cooperation in the revitalization of Lake Urmia through the participation of local communities in the establishment of sustainable agriculture." Using multi-stage cluster sampling method 372 households were selected as a sample. The analysis and observation unit of this research is the head of rural households who used a questionnaire tool and technique to collect data. The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between environmental attitudes and beliefs, environmental knowledge and awareness, social trust and environmental Concern with water consumption pattern and 35% of the variance of water consumption pattern is explained by environmental culture components. In terms of impact among environmental culture variables, people's trust in responsible institutions with a beta of 50% has the most impact, so based on the results of the research can be said that the most important component to improve water consumption pattern, reform water governance and efforts to build and Restoring the social trust of the villagers to the environmental authorities and the local water governancy.

Background and Theoretical Foundations: Lakes are among the most important natural habitats, life-giving systems, and productive environments in the world. They have always been exposed to threats, destruction, and dangers throughout human history. As one of the most important international lakes, this lake has faced serious threats due to factors such as water level reduction, pollution, climate change, and human pressures. Methods: The present study, using the descriptive-analytical method, deals with the approach of international environmental law regarding the responsibility or non-responsibility of the Iranian government for the drying up of Lake Urmia. Findings:  Lake Urmia, one of the largest salt lakes in the world, is rapidly losing water and drying up. This environmental hazard has raised concerns about its consequences and impact on surrounding communities. Maintaining and improving the condition of Lake Urmia requires the cooperation of all related people and institutions. This includes governments, organizations, researchers, civil society, and the international community. Everyone should pay attention to this issue and take appropriate measures to maintain and improve the condition of Lake Urmia. All individuals and institutions need to understand that the drying up of Lake Urmia is a global issue and requires the cooperation of all relevant parties to combat it. Conclusion: By adopting appropriate measures and effective interaction, it is possible to realize a significant improvement in the condition of Lake Urmia. Based on the provisions of international conventions and environmental principles and the perspective of international organizations, governments have international responsibility in various environmental fields, including the protection and restoration of lakes. Governments are responsible for preserving natural resources such as water, soil, forests, and biological resources. Carrying out numerous development projects in the area of ​​Lake Urmia, such as the construction of the Shahid Kalantari highway and numerous reservoir dams on the rivers that supply water to the lake, disturbs the ecological and hydrodynamic balance of Lake Urmia and is considered contrary to the commitment to promote reasonable use in the framework of the Ramsar Convention. The inefficiency of environmental impact assessment systems, starting projects before presenting the results of environmental assessment, not publishing and notifying the results to the public, not using the best available technology, etc. has finally endangered the life of this valuable wetland more and more. Therefore, the government of Iran is responsible for the drying up of Lake Urmia and its environmental damage according to international conventions and is required to comply with environmental principles to preserve and improve the conditions of Lake Urmia. The government of Iran should formulate and implement appropriate policies and laws to prevent illegal exploitation, pollution, and sabotage of these resources.