A major environmental concern is the depletion of underground water as a result of overuse in agricultural developments, causing salinity and sea-water penetration into the coastal aquifers. The Great Manmade River Project, currently under development to transport water from large aquifers under the Sahara Desert to coastal cities, is the world's most extensive water supply project. Another significant environmental problem in Libya is water pollution. The combined impact of sewage, oil byproducts, and industrial waste threatens the nation's coast and the Mediterranean Sea generally. Libya has 0.8 cu km of renewable water resources with 87% used in farming activity and 4% for industrial purposes. Only about 68% of the people living in rural areas have pure drinking water. The nation's cities produce about0.6 million tons of solid waste per year. The desertification of existing fertile areas is being combated by the planting of trees as windbreaks. As of 2001, 11 of Libya's mammal species and 2 of its bird species were endangered. About 41 of its plant species were also endangered. Endangered species in Libya include the Mediterranean monk seal, the leopard, and the slender-horned gazelle. The Bubal hartebeest and Sahara oryx are extinct.
DESPITE THE GROWING INTEREST in conservation, protection and enhancement of ancient cities in the world, recent urbanization in the Arabian states has led to a rapid decline in the indigenous economy and urban forms and in the socio-cultural fabric of Islamic life. Historic cities such as the Madina of Tripoli which once had strong indigenous values, cultural aspirations and related resources for promoting tourism and sense of place, are now giving way to modern forms of development.
Deterioration of walled heritage sites has been observed in recent field tours of Madrid, Toledo, Fez and Tunis as well as in Tripoli. This deterioration is because of negligence, poor maintenance and an emphasis on modernization. Traditional districts are deteriorating and many residents are abandoning settlements.
Endangered species in Libya: Addax, Mediterranean Monk Seal, and Sand Gerbil.
Threatened species in Libya: Cheetah, Barbary Sheep, and Dorcas Gazelle.
