Dead Sea Already Dying; Can It Be Saved?

In the heart of the Syrian-African rift valley, bordered by the Jordan, Israel and Palestine is the Dead Sea. It is situated 1,407 feet below sea level -- the lowest point in the world.

The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is 30 miles long and 9 miles wide and is considered as one of the greatest natural wonders of the world as it is also one of the saltiest bodies of water known. Unfortunately, living up to its name, it is also dying.

Recent decades showed that the sea had been deteriorating and shrinking about 3 feet every year, meaning that it is literally dying for the past few decades.

The sea is particularly popular to tourists, who travel to the Middle East specifically to experience floating in its high-sodium chloride waters with its salt content about 10 times more than the usual salts in the ocean.

While so named because it cannot allow marine life to thrive in its waters, humans have discovered over the years that it has many healing powers. It is believed to be able to treat skin, heart and lung conditions. Yet, as the New York Post pointed out, its healing powers could also be the reason for its demise, as humans have been "stealing" the natural springs to put them in beauty products and therapeutic treatments.

Environmentalist group EcoPeace Middle East also added that the construction of hotels and other developments enhanced mineral and water extractions, which also add to the reasons of the dying Dead Sea. Water flowing into it from the Jordan River had been diverted, so there is little source of water to keep it full. Today, the group is fighting for the preservation of the Dead Sea by limiting its tourism development.

Some plans are already being put into action. CNN reported that a canal will be built from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea so that the water can be supplied to both countries -- and about 300 million cubic meters could also be pumped back into the Dead Sea annually. This way, the Dead Sea can be saved.