Iran (IMNA) - Asna-Ashari made these statements during a meeting of the steering committee for the international project aimed at conserving Iranian wetlands. Currently, 49 wetlands, which account for approximately 22 percent of the nation's total wetland area, are being preserved through a native ecosystem management partnership, as reported by IRNA.
Since its inception in 2021, the project has targeted three specific wetlands: Shadegan in Khuzestan province, Bakhtegan in Fars province, and Urmia in West Azarbaijan province. The initiative has implemented sustainable farming practices and trained 2,433 farmers. By February 2024, the project reported a 22.5 percent increase in average agricultural production, a 27.5 percent decrease in irrigation water usage, and a reduction of chemical fertilizer use by 25 to 30 percent. Consequently, farmers have seen their income rise by 14 percent.
The project has also established 26 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and 181 livelihood support groups while implementing alternative livelihood plans across 44 villages. Asna-Ashari noted that for 2024, the project was allocated a budget of $678,000 and expressed hope for further positive outcomes with future funding. She highlighted the need for collaboration among various ministries—including Agriculture, Energy, Interior, and Foreign Affairs—as well as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to enhance project implementation.
In related news, the UNDP has secured a significant contribution of JPY 690 million from the Government of Japan to improve wetland management and bolster climate resilience in Lake Urmia, Shadegan, Parishan, and Anzali wetlands. This partnership has been ongoing since 2014 and aims to support sustainable natural resource management within wetland basins.
During a signing ceremony on December 1, 2024, officials from Japan and UNDP agreed to implement "The Project for Developing Conservation System of Wetlands in Lake Urmia and Other Wetlands including their Surrounding Communities" from 2024 to 2028. This initiative will build upon previous successes while promoting sustainable agriculture and alternative livelihoods that adapt to climate change.
Gulbahor Nematova, UNDP Iran Deputy Resident Representative, emphasized Japan's decade-long support for agricultural productivity and community livelihoods in target areas. She stated that the upcoming four years will focus on innovative water-efficient agricultural practices.
H.E. Mr. Tsukada, Japan's Ambassador to Iran, stressed the importance of conserving Iran's valuable wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention. He called for effective management strategies to address challenges such as water extraction and climate change impacts while promoting eco-tourism as a sustainable industry.
This collaborative effort aims not only to tackle immediate environmental challenges but also to share knowledge and technologies across other wetlands in Iran.
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