The Sistan Basin is an important hydrological resource in the arid region of Eastern Iran and Western Afghanistan. It is home to a vast network of wetlands, rivers, springs and aquifers that provide essential water resources for millions of people living in the region. The basin also plays an integral role in supporting biodiversity, traditional livelihoods and the economy through its marshlands and wetlands. Furthermore, the Sistan Basin has been identified as a key site for efforts to promote transboundary cooperation on shared water resources in the region.

1. The Sistan Basin is a large endorheic basin located in the southeastern portion of Iran and Afghanistan, covering an area of approximately 180,000 square kilometers (69,480 square miles).

2. It straddles the Iranian plateau, draining most of northeastern Iran as well as parts of southeastern Afghanistan.

3. Nearly all of the basin receives very low or no rainfall annually, with the exception of some parts in western Sistan that receive a moderate amount from the local mountain range.

4. The major river in the basin is called Helmand, which arises from Afghan sources and enters Sistan at Zabol on the northwest side. Other smaller rivers include Sirjan River, Farah River and Balutak River.

5. Formed by a series of depressions among several faults systems, there are almost 50 natural depression lakes within the Sistan Basin including Hamun-e Puzak, Hamun-e Osmaniyeh and Howz-e Sorudpoor.

6. Among them is Lake Uromiyeh (locally known as Daryacheh-ye Orumiyeh), which is Iran’s largest saltwater lake with a surface area up to 5800 sq km depending on season as it recedes significantly during summer months because water evaporates quickly due to hot climate conditions in region.

7. The population residing in the basin consists both rural peasant farmers and nomadic tribal communities who rely heavily on agriculture (especially cotton production) and various animal husbandries for their livelihoods; livestock (such as goats and sheep) are considered integral component to regional culture – many people raise featherless chickens here traditionally for their meat!

8. Bordered primarily by desert landscapes - such as Great Salt Desert or Dasht-e Kavir – crosswinds can create sandstorms that often affect quality air especially when humidity levels are low during summer months; this can have detrimental impacts health/quality life residents who already face hardship from lack access to education medical resources here due poverty dearth economic resources available!