On the Dead Sea: Why Do They Ride?

WONG:
Hundreds of bicycle riders traveled to the Dead Sea in Israel for a special ride... to save the environment. Our Israeli bureau brings us there.


STORY:
These riders are waiting for the start of a 124-kilometer run in the Dead Sea area.

The weather is not especially warm, but it does not stop them from participating in this event, which calls for saving the Dead Sea from drying up.

[Esti Argov, Israeli Participant]:
I came to bike for the preservation of the Dead Sea, and for preventing its dehydration. I think this struggle is very important and I would like to join it.

[Dr. Yoni Yarom, Israeli Cycling Federation]:
This event is aimed at promoting the agenda of preserving the Dead Sea, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also aimed at turning peoples attention to nature, to the preservation of nature, and to using alternative physical mobility methods such as cycling.

The Dead Sea is a unique salt lake and the lowest place on the globe. It is situated between Israel and the Palestinian territories to the west, and Jordan to the east. Today, the Dead Sea faces the very real possibility of drying up.

This is caused by the lack of fresh water, also called sweet water, which is usually supplied by the Jordan River. Today, this resource is no longer able to supply enough water to the Dead Sea.

[Eli Raz, Dead Sea Information Center]:
Over 80% of the water that flows into the Dead Sea is being taken by man today. This has caused an accelerated drop in the water level during the past months. It has also caused many negative environmental phenomena. On the other hand, many special phenomena which were unique to the Dead Sea have disappeared."

During the past three decades, the Dead Seas level has descended by 27 meters.

Majid Shead came from Jordan to offer his support.

[Majid Shead, Participant from Jordan]:
"Concerning the Dead Sea, our concern is mutual."

By this peaceful way of demonstration, bicycle riders hope to attract public attention to this pressing issue.

NTD, on the Dead Sea, Israel.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• ntd
• ntdtv
• news
• dead sea
• bicycles
• isreal