This picture taken on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, shows Iranians spending time in Urmia Lake near Urmia, northwestern Iran. Hopes for survival of Urmia salt lake have been revived after more rains boosted a government program aimed at preserving the almost dried up water body. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

Located in Northwestern Iran, Lake Urmia has undergone a major transformation. It has shrunk significantly in the past few decades,. The water is also known to change colors, thanks to the microscopic organisms that live in the salt lake.

While much of the lake is rimmed with white salt deposits, the water often transitions from green to dark red in the spring and early summer. When rainfall peaks in April and mountain snow melts, the . The summer heat dries up portions of the lake, making it saltier, which is when the lake’s microorganisms show their colors.

People in the region, mostly Azeris and Kurds, have voiced their concerns on the diminishing presence of the lake. In response, President Hassan Rouhani .

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