News Letter; MENARID Int’l Project

National News

The 4th Project Board Meeting of the MENARID International Project was Held in Sep. 2013

Members of the Project Board of the MENARID Project in Deputy to the Minister of Agricultural Jihad and Head of its fourth meeting discussed on the quality of MENARID Forests, Rangelands and Watershed Organization (FRWO) project processes and activities, assessed the outputs and and MENARID National Project Director (NPD), FRWO required modifications to continue project measures. Watershed Deputy and Actin NPD of the Project, UNDP The session benefited the presence of KhodaKaramJalali, Deputy Resident Representative in Iran and Head of

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Inclusive Growth and Development Unit in UNDP- Iran, 1- Transferring the project activities to provinces level as a Representatives from Minister of Foreign Affairs and key policy, Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, Deputy of Planning of 2- Making practical the annual work plan, Sistan and Baluchistan Governor Office, General Director 3- Monitoring and evaluation of the project implementations of Planning of Yazd Governor Office, General Managers through holding regular participatory monitoring and of Natural Resources and Watershed Organizations in evaluation sessions. Kermanshah and Sistan and Baluchistan, MENARID Jazi provided a positive evaluation of the decrees adopted Provincial Project Manager in Yazd and also representatives by the Project Board since its launch and said that in three of local communities on November 30, 2013. last sessions, 21 decrees were discussed and 16 were The session commenced with ParvizGarshasbi, FRWO completely undertaken, 3 other have been adopted, yet, not realized and actions have not been taken regarding 2 other decrees. Then, the Provincial Planning Deputies and General Managers of Natural Resources and Watershed Bureaus in Kermanshah and Sistan and Baluchistan and Yazd provinces, presented their views and comments for further progress and full achievement of MENARID project objectives. Later, Murali, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Iran, expressed his gratitude of those involved in this project and described the ultimate objective of the project from two perspectives, described below: Watershed Deputy, defining the objectives and agenda of the First, establishment of an efficient and effective model session and continued with HoushangJazi, National Project at executive level to foster consistency and coordination Manager of the L/W and MENARID Projects, providing in comprehensive management of the watersheds and a comprehensive report on the measures undertaken in then generalization of this model to other sites in the the project during the current year to realize intended country. Murali, described the initiative of this project in achievements of the project. collaboration with development agents at local to national In this report, general policies and executive strategies of level to be a unique experience within international projects MENARID project were provided, for the past year, based implemented in Iran and considered this achievement as a on three key principals as stated below: successful experience to be generalized in other projects.

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L/W and MENARID Projectsand “Barij Essence” Company Signed a Cooperation Agreement

Regarding to requests of local communities from Hablehroud objectives with MENARID project. So they signed an and MENARID projects’ pilot sites for herb cultivation, the agreement for cooperation and joined implementations. region potential to grow and cultivate herbs and valuable This measure is expression of MENARID project to utilize experiences in this field in Forests, Rangelands and all available capacities which covers the whole chain from Watershed Organization; experts of the above mentioned production to consumption and gathers the government, projects considered to train and develop proper types of public and private sector. herbs in their agenda. Also, in order to define a sustainable Along this cooperation, representatives of Barij Essence process and establish suitable markets for consumption of Company, with a team of experts from two projects of herbs, they negotiated with successful company of “Barij MENARID and L/W visited Bahabad site in Yazd province Essence” for further cooperation. and Hablehroud in Tehran province. During various sessions, Barij Essence, as the founder of essence extraction in the list of proper herbs for each region was provided as well the country, is one of the most viable pharmaceutical as enhanced “damask rose”cultivation, setup the factories companies in the country.The company focuseson medicine and efficiency of their work were outputs of these visits. manufacture and herbal products which are common

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International Projects in the Field of Environment and Natural Resources, Assessed Collaboration Opportunities

Managers of the environmental international projects participated in a “Joint Meeting of International Projects in the Field of Management of Natural Resources and the Environment”, dated September 2013. Resident Representative of UNDP, Bala Subramanim Murali and Deputy of Watershed Department of Forests, Ranges and Watershed Organization (FRWO), Parviz Garshasbi, attended in the meeting which was hosted by the MENARID project. In this meeting, managers of projects “Sustainable Land and Water Management in Habeleh Roud Basin- L/W-, “Carbon Sequestration”, “Conservation of Biodiversity in Central Zagros”, “Conservation od Iranian Wetlands”, “Conservation of Asiatic Cheetah”, “Conservation of Hyrcanian Forests” and “GEF-UNDP Small Grants Projects”, discussed regulatory and structural challenges and constraints in integrated management of the environment and natural resources and reviewed opportunities for enhanced cooperation and coordination, acquiring knowledge and capacity building at all levels and exchange of the lessons learned and best practices.

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Houshang Jazi, National Manager of L/W and MENARID Projects, stated the importance of establishing a reasonable and meaningful relation between the projects and indicated that provision of a defined agenda considering the interest of all projects shall be effective at all national levels and mutual interests and public intellect shall benefit such opportunity. Garshasbi, in this meeting, stated that the objective of establishing structural consistency among active projects in the field of environment and natural resources management is to achieve a comprehensive model for integrated management of all biological resources, which requires cross-sectoral and bilinear planning. Deputy to Watershed Department of FRWO stated that required condition for many measures for organizational consistency exists in the country. For instance, village and city councils, from legal and executive point of view, have sufficient capacity at local level where MENARID project is experimenting adoption of such capacities in the activities of the project. Resident Representative of UNDP in Iran, referring to the fact that upon execution of Hyrcanian Forests Project, FRWO has become one of the key partners of UNDP projects in Iran, appreciated the hospitality of this organization. He stated that environmental projects have critical value for UNDP since natural resources play a vital role in supporting the life and livelihood of the people. Murali added that Iran, has valuable historical background, competence and efficient structures for natural resource management where joint projects of the Government of Iran and UNDP, with focus on local community involvement in natural resource management, provides the opportunity to put this knowledge and competence in use. In this meeting, managers of the projects reviewed the draft of a Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration among them. Also, it was decided to hold expert and managerial sessions regarding joint practical grounds in these projects to identify gaps and legal constraints for comprehensive management of natural resources and the environment, participation and synergy of knowledge and demonstration of the best practices for sustainable water and land management.

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Closer collaborations with ICARDA MENARID Project

On Monday, 18th of November 2013, Dr Aden Aw- March 2014. He also mentioned that they are now Hassan, Chair of the Social, Economic and Policy fully focused on identifying the most relevant M&E Research Program (SEPRP), visited Menarid Project indicators for all Menarid projects, with support from Office in Iran and met with National Project Manager, IFAD. He welcomed Menarid Iran’s contributions in MrJazi and National Project Director, MrGarshasbi. this regard. In response, MrJazi welcomed Dr Aw- These meetings were a follow up to the two previous Hassan and wished he would come back and visit field visits that were conducted by the ICARDA some of the Menarid project sites in Iran in the near Menarid Project Coordinator, Hugo Remaury, who future and get more familiar with the Iranian context. visited Semnan, Yazd and Kermanshah Menarid sites MrJazi also gave a brief overview of the project , its in coordination with Iran Menarid project. goal and objectives. He welcomed ICARDA’s proposal In his meeting, Dr Aw-Hassan emphasized that in identifying the best M&E indicators, especially for Menarid-Iran’s contribution and responsiveness Institutional Strengthening in INRM, which is the to the regional Menarid initiative was very good main goal of Menarid Iran project. and important. He also informed that ICARDA has It is worth mentioning that the cooperation between established a website (Gateways) to promote sharing ICARDA and Iran Menarid project was already engaged lessons learned between various Menarid projects in by Iran’s active participation in Menaridregional the region. This website would be fully launched in workshops, hosted and organized by ICARDA in 2013.

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The International Environmental Economic Consultant Visited the L/W and MENARID Pilot Sites

AlexandrBorde,contracted as Environmental Economic Consultant of the L/W and MENARID Projects, visited the mentioned projects pilot sites. He has a PhD in Natural Resources Economy and his career shows close cooperation with the international organizations, such as UN agencies, FAO, World Bank and GEF. His contract expired after his mission to Iran and the goals of his mission were to design a payment mechanism for the environmental services and economical evaluation of ecosystem services locally and globally. He stayed in Iran from 23 Dec. 2013 to 12 Jan. 2014 and visited the pilot sites in Semnan, Tehran, Yazd and Kermanshah. During these visits, he had consultative meetings with the relevant authorities and local people on implemented activities for sustainable land management. In these meetings members of technical committees shared their experiences with him. Suitable payment mechanism for environmental services for the pilot sites, its monitoring and evaluation indicators and the methods of economical evaluation prepared and determined during his attendance in Iran.

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Consultative Meeting on “Payment for Environmental Services” Held by International Consultants of the MENARID Project Consultative meeting on “Payment for Environmental Services” was held by MENARID project with attendance of Alexander Board, International Consultant of Environmental Economy of the MENARID project and ChiefTechnical Advisor of the project, Jitendra Kumar Sinha, on December 2013. The objectives of this meeting were exchange of experiences and share of the best practices in payment for environmental services and valuing ecosystem services in the other countries. Participants in this meeting included experts of Forests, Ranges and Watershed Organization, Natural Resources Departments of Semnan, Tehran, Sistan& Baluchistan provinces, Environment Organization and services and various models and operational global Department of Environment of Sistan& Baluchistan province, mechanisms were introduced and best practices of these International Projects in field of environment and natural models in different countries were described. At the end of resources, Managers of UNDP and Keshavarzi Bank. the meeting, the international consultants answered questions In this meeting, the concept of payment for environmental raised by the participants

Food Products “Ladybird Healthy & Organic Food Shop” is a bridge between farmers and of Hablehroud producers of the healthy and the green food products and their consumers, and MENARID which was launched in autumn of 2013 in Tehran. Hablehroud and Projects’ Pilot MENARID projectscooperate with this shop and have introduced local producers to the owners of this shop and Sites Supplied in facilitate their collaboration. The main goal of the activity is to establisha “Ladybird Healthy permanent market to supply healthy food produced in their sites and create incentives for local people. & Organic Food Some of the products of Hablehroud and MENARID supplied in this shop are: dried vegetables, herbs, essence, various types of vinegar, jams, dried Shop” in Tehran fruits, Sistan yellow curds, etc.

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Managers & Experts of L/W & MENARID Projects Visited the Best Practices of Integrated Management of Natural Resources in China

Due to the capacity building activities in MENARID and management, control of land degradation and management L/W projects, visiting the best practices in countries with and regeneration of deserts through engagement of private similar situation have been put in their agenda. The offered sector and local communities. The most important activities best practices are: land sustainable management, biodiversity and visits of the trip were as follows: conservation, border waters management, and resilience against Meeting with International Institute for Poverty Reduction impacts of climate change, relevant process to environmental in China economy and alternative employment through participatory Meeting with UNDP authorities in China methods for livelihood improvement and employment of local Visit of the projects for combating desertification in China; communities. In this regard, a research trip was planned and including: implemented to china from 24 to 30 November 2014. Study Using desert lands for livestock production; and visit of arid regions in north and central Ningxia, Honsipu, Planting to combat desertification Yanchi, Zhongwei and also Yinchuan were the places, the Establishing economic and nature base infrastructure to group has been gone. The results are as follows: combat desertification (setup of greenhouses); Induction of methods of local community engagement in Developing solar energy usage to provide electricity; watershed integrated management; Using break winds; Induction of policies, regulations and guidelines of China in Adopting grazing as a tool to preserve lands; watershed integrated management; Breeding ships in deserts; Visit of successful projects in watershed integrated Conserving soil in steep desert terrains.

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Translated Version of the 17th Volume of “Sharing Innovative Experiences” is Published by MENARID Project

“Capacity Building” is one of the development challenges, therefore, in the MENARID project, capacity building in organizations, increasesocial capacities and promotion of equipment are emphasized to implement activities, resolve issues, setting targets and achieving them under sustainable circumstances in the pilot sites. Some of the project’s strategies in capacity building amonglocal authorities and communities include; 1) Technical supports, 2) Proper trainings, 3) Establishing sustainability at organizational level, 4)Promotion of knowledge and awareness among key actors and other beneficiaries. To realize this, identification, record and induction of the best practices at national and international levelsare capacity building measures in the MENARID project. The book on “Sharing Innovative Experiences” includes 19 projects carried out in various developing countries based on a participatory approach. These projects has been studied and analyzed and resulted to be effective to introduce to experts and actors of participatory measures, hence translation and publication of the global best practices was considered in the agenda of the project. The mentioned book not only introduces practical methodology of successful projects in the other countries, but also defines the impacts and benefits of these projects for various levels including local communities and actors of capacity building and livelihood.

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Iran Participated in Knowledge Exchange Workshop of TheMENARID Projects in Tunisia

MENARID Knowledge Exchange workshop, with measures of the project in the pilot sites and elaborated lessons attendance of all seven countries in the Middle East and learned in local community engagement and participation in North Africa, was organized by the “International Center integrated natural resourcesmanagement through National for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas” (ICARDA) Project Manager and Monitoring and Evaluation Expert. ICARDA in cooperation with the “International Fund Two best practices done by Iran-MENARID explained in for Agriculture Development” (IFAD), and the “Global this workshop are: “Solar panel heating system re-uses to Environment Facility”in spring of 2013 in Tunisia. meetcommunity’s needs” andthe “Implementation of a In this three-day workshop on “Lessons Learned from participatory Geographic Information System”. Integrated Natural Resources Management in the Middle Finally, in this session, key indicators targeted by each East and North Africa”, project managers and technical project in the countries were defined by their representatives. experts were present. Iran MENARID projectwas described These indicators for Iran as accounted were as follows:

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1. Number of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) community demand supported by coordinationcommittees practices implemented; and cross sectors; 2. Area under which SLM is applied; 10. Cross sectoral mechanism for INRM at local and 3. Cross sector activities at local level; provincial level; 4. Number of women involved in decision making in income 11. Local women are consulted in decision making especially generating activities; in income generation; 5. Number of Monitoring and Information systems established 12. Monitoring and information participatory system in for land use change and degradation assessment; established for land use change and water andecosystem 6. Number of communities involved in GIS basic database; degradation assessment; 7. Number of departments trained for; 13. Enhance capacity of national and provincial government 8. Number of people involved in the participatory approach; departments in INRM, PES, etc. viaworkshops and training 9. Number of implementation of SLM projects on and recoding lesson learned. L/W and MENARID Projects Had a Training Trip for relevant directors and experts to Turkey in Spring 2013

L/W and MENARID project, in line with its capacity and approaches of directors and experts in participatory building activities, were implemented a visits of the best projects and affirmed crucial role of people in development through participatory mechanismsfrom Turkey in 2013. of India. Last visit of India and its achievements had actual success Therefore, Turkey exposure visit was planned because of aspects.The results of the visit were to change of the attitudes its similarity with Iran in ecological, cultural, economic

Autumn 2013 - No. 4 53 and social conditions.Conservation resource management of Turkey. Some experiences, regeneration and of the meetings are: development of natural resources, Consultative meeting with Deputy history of mutual cooperation in the of Minister of Forests and Water regional and international meetings Resources, and joint agreements between Iran and Consultative meeting with Deputy of Turkey were other issues considered Water & Hydraulic Activity Organization, by the project directors in selecting this Deputy of Agricultural Reforms country for capacity building activities of Ministry of Food, Agriculture & of two projects of MENARID and L/W. Livestock. The delegation to Turkey included fifteen members of authorities and General outputs of this trip are: senior managers of institutions in natural Induction methods of public resource management, led by, former participation in integrated management director of Forests, Ranglands and of watershedin Turkey; Watershed Organization, accompanied Induction policies, regulations and by a number of Agriculture and Natural guidelines of Turkey in integrated Resrouces’ Commission of the Islamic management of watershed; Parliament who had an intensive Visit of successful projects in the field program and meetings with authorities of integrated management of watershed and actors in the water and natural in Turkey. News Letter; MENARID Int’l Project

Sistan and Baluchistan

With Presence of Deputy National Manager and Executive Manager of MENARID Project in Hamoon Site and Zahedan County, Expert & Management Meetings and Sessions of this Project Were Held

In order to review the process of executive measures of the MENARID project in Hamoon site, Acting NPD and NPM of the MENARID project visited Hamoon site in summer 2013 and subsequently travelled to Zahedan for further coordination required and essential to MENARID project at provincial level. Summary of three meetings held, is as follows:

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1- Meeting with Head of Agricultural A- Establishment of Technical Experts’ Committee under Jihad at Provincial Level: the supervision of Provincial Planning and Monitoring Summary of issues discussed in this session wasemphasizing committee to provide professional recommendations to the MENARID project managers on the critical role planning and monitoring committee. of Agricultural Jihad Organization in the project B- Rapid pursuit of MENARID strategic document implementation site. Also, they requested further support development in Hamoon site and covering processes and of the project from agricultural sector, where Mr.Najafi, relevant legal measures. Head of Agricultural Jihad,affirmed further synergy with C- Considering upstream national documents in provision MENARID to realize its objectives towards reinforcement of this document and using views and ideas of local elites of organizational integrity. and trustees. D- Provision of project executive procedure in quantitative 2- Second Session meeting of Provincial Planning form in the committee sessions and also presenting findings and Monitoring Committee: and experiences of previous managers from studies and visits in In this session, upon rendering a full account of measures future sessions of the committee to be exploited as required. undertaken by MENARID project to realize the approvals Sessions with academics of Sistan and Baluchistan to adopted in the first session of Provincial Planning and develop MENARID strategic document and also with active Monitoring Committee and review of opportunities and Non- Governmental Organization at provisional level were challenges, the followings were approved: organized during the visit of managers from the province.

Two Villages in Hamoon Site Were Selected to Implement Agriculture Development through IPCM Strategy

Agricultural development project through IPCM with participation and establishment of local strategy, in the framework of achievement number community networks constituted the objectives two of MENARID project, was reviewed and its and missions of this program. implementation based on selected local Non- Induction sessions of this program and its Governmental Organization network will be objectives were held in summer of 2013 and followed up. Empowerment, promotion of skills during these meetings, implementer of this and awareness rising of agriculture beneficiaries project in Hamoon site was selected and two in land management based on agro ecosystem, villages of Baghak and Boland were selected as risk reduction and increased economic efficiency pilot sites of this program

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MENARID Project Held Participatory & Consultative Meeting with Active Non- Governmental Organizations in the Field of Natural Resources and Environment

National and provincial managers objectives and operation in Hamoon of the MENARID project had a site by Provincial Project Manager consultative meeting with active and Capacity Building Expert of this NGOs in the field of natural resources project, each from groups attending and environment in Sistan and the session, introduced and provided Baluchistan. Three non-profit and a summary of their activities. Finally, non-governmental organizations, it was decided, through coordination Negarineh, Bahar Afarin Shargh and made by Mr, Haj Khalili (focal point Koneshgaran Ejtemaee participated of one of NGOs present in the session) in the meeting. a workshop on provincial NGOs In this session, upon a summary engagement in MENARID strategy introduction to MENARID, its at provincial level to be organized

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Offices of Agricultural Jihad & Natural Resources of Sistan& Baluchistan Province, Adopted 42 Projects to be implemented in Hamoon site of the MENARID Project

Towards inter-sector consistency region, considering compatibility between offices of natural resources of these projects with the context, and watershed and Agricultural Jihad potentials and possibilities of the of Sistan& Baluchistan province region, as well as requests of local with the aim of designing programs people, selected 42 projects to be according to MENARID approach, adapted with MENARID approach experts of these two offices held and implemented. technical meetings to review and This selection method prevents study proposed programs in different parallel works in different sectors sectors. During these sessions, 92 and is an exercise for bottom-up different proposed projects were planning and based on peoples’ reviewed for Bahabad site by demand to be more effective for all experts. Following a visit from the beneficiaries.

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Local Communities of Hamoon Site Visited Successful Rural Women’s Corporation in the South Khorassan

With the aim of visiting successful rural corporations, with 51 members and a primary capital of IRR 1,000,000 notably women’s corporations as a participatory activity, and now is involved in fabric production, plan extracts and a group of Keykha and Boland village residents (Hamoon pastry. In 1999, Alzahra Women’s Fund was established site villages) along with members of local organizations of through micro-credits and now is allocating loans with an this village and experts of Rural Corporations Organization interest rate of 4% to 12%. of Sistan& Baluchistan province visited successful rural This corporation has also established an entrepreneurship corporation in cities of Moud,Khosof and Khorashad village fund. The operation process of the fund is in a way in the SouthKhorassan province. that all employment loan applicants have to go through In the one-day visit, Training and Corporation Development entrepreneurship training, and then establish their own Officer of Rural Corporations Organization of South business. This corporation currently has 500 members and Khorassan led the group and provided extensive description IRR 470 million capitals and the entrepreneurship fund has regarding this corporation and its function. In this trip, 450 members and IRR 35 million capitals. Moud Rural Women’s Corporation (MoudAlzahra Women’s Corporation), Khorsahd Rural Women’s Corporation, Kosar Women’s Corporation of Khosef were visited and the following is a summary description of activities undertaken by each of the above corporations .

Pastry Workshop of Moud Women’s Corporation

1- Moud Rural Women’s Corporation (MoudAlzahra Women’s Corporation): This company was established in 1994 by Ms. Hemmat Pour, MoudAlzahra Women’s Corporation Shop

Autumn 2013 - No. 4 47 2- Khorshad Rural Women’s Corporation: General Director of this company, Ms. Zakerian, is one of village residents, who has established this company to revive textile production tradition in Khorsahd village and through her endeavor and due to high quality of textiles produced, has received “Iran Code” brand title. Daily textile production might have an approximate income of 17 to 18 thousand Tomans for housewives.

Khorsha Textile Production Workshop

Employment of all age groups in textile production industry

Employment of all age groups in textile production industry

3- Kosar Women’s Corporation in Khosef: This company was established in 2004, with Ms. Ghazi Zade as its General Director and a primary capital of IRR 10,250,000 with 120 members and currently has one billion Rial capital and 700 members. This corporation has various departments in the field of housing, driver training, kindergarten and supermarket. News Letter; MENARID Int’l Project

Kermanshah

Women of Zameleh Village Visited Promotion-Livelihood Complex of Bilvar

A group of women who had welcomed giveh weaving and sewing trainings, visited promotion-livelihood complex of Bilvar to get acquainted with other livelihood and sustainable and alternative income generation methods. This promotion-livelihood complex was established with the aim of offering successful alternative livelihood methods which are less dependent to natural resources. In this visit, a brief description of small-size projects implemented in income generation and their importance in livelihood was offered to the rural community and various activities of the complex were introduced. This visit was very interesting for rural community and they asked for trainings on extracting essence from plants. Trainings on alternative livelihood methods within rural community have a positive impact on decreasing pressure over natural resources of the country.

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Cultivation of Vetiver Grass Was Introduced as a Strategy to Resolve the Issue of Sewage Contamination and Domestic and Livestock Wastewater in Rezin Watershed Region by MENARID Project Most villages in Kermanshah face acute and contaminants before entering the toxins and …); contamination and domestic sewage, as cultivation area and then measures Reform of acidic and alkaline soils well as livestock waste which seriously such parameters in out flowing sewage and their erosion control; endangers the health of individuals and and comparison of these two measure Maintenance of waterways and threatens environmental sanitation. These shall reveal the impact of vetiver grass drainage channels; contaminations have destructive effect cultivation in absorbing contaminants Prevention of degradation and on water resources, notably constructed and their disposal, qualitative and maintenance of humid areas; dams in downstream. Cultivation of quantitatively. Vetiver grass is of millet Reform and regeneration of degraded vetiver grass, as a strategic solution of family and has large roots with a fine lands due to mining; water contamination, land degradation structure and is capable of rapid growth Distribution of rainfall and flowing and soil erosion, was reviewed and studied and its root system creates high resilience waters; by the experts of MENARID project and against drought and strong water flow or It has a high potential to absorb soluble wind and sleeps against environmental adversity and regeneration of desirable conditions, wakes of the plant and its starts its activity. This plant has stiff and raised stem and plays a vital role in preventing water and soil contamination and treatment of polluted water, elimination or reduction of sewage, increasing the upon affirmation of its effectiveness; quality of sewage and contaminated elements such as nitrogen, phosphor and cultivation of this plant was introduced water, phytoremediation of contaminated has high absorption capacity of heavy, to the region. Hence, in livelihood lands and absorption of heavy metals and toxic and soluble metals in contaminate promotion complex of Bilvar, which other contaminants and keeping pests waters. is constructed by Agricultural Jihad in and mosquitoes away. Most important Various departments including village collaboration with various departments of function of this plan is as follows: water and drainage, health center, water the province, pilot cultivation of vetiver Sewage refine and reduction of affairs, Agricultural Jihad, environment, grass was undertaken. This effort might contaminants in village, livestock and regional water are directly involved be used by all relevant departments and factory sewage through cultivation of in this measure and it is possible to in case of success; it can be enhanced vetiver along transfer channels; hold technical meetings with the to other regions with similar conditions. Quality improvement of flowing water representatives of these departments to For monitoring purposes, it is essential to containing chemical contaminants (such design and implement joint and mutual measures various parameters of sewage as chemical fertilizers and agricultural projects towards organizational integrity.

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MENARID Project Introduced Carpet Weaving as an Alternative Livelihood Opportunity in Zameleh Village In line with measures undertaken by the MENARID project and in order to establish sustainable and alternative livelihood opportunities, considering potential in Zameleh village, a carpet weaving training course was organized in collaboration with Department of Education in the province, by “Kermanshah School of Carpet, Kilim and Gabbeh” for 20 female residents of the village. Fortunately, training process was assessed to be favorable and at the end of the training, trained individuals might take carpet looms to their houses and continue weaving a carpet with dimensions of one in one and a half meter at home. Upon completion of the weaving process, a sum equal to IRR 12 per knot, an estimated total sum of IRR 2,500,000 – 3,000,000 shall be paid by the course implementer in the form of wage to the weavers. In the next step, without any involvement of MENARID project, every individual, through a new agreement, shall start guaranteed weaving of a new carpet. In this way, it is expected each weaver to have a monthly income of IRR 5,000,000 to 6,000,000. This measure was encouraging for carpet weavers and their families and it is hoped that it would have a vital role in the household income.

Introducing income generation and alternative MENARID Project in livelihood opportunities which do not directly depend Collaboration with on natural resources is one of MENARID project’s programs, hence, based on a request from women Technical & Vocational of Razin village and the interest expressed to learn Training Organization and sewing, a training workshop of sewing was organized in this village. This workshop was organized in Department of Education collaboration with Technical and Vocational Training Organization and Department of Education in in Kermanshah Held a Kermanshah in the premises of girls’ high school Sewing Training Course of Razin village. Women of the village expressed great enthusiasm to participate in this course; hence for Women in Razin Village selection of a limited number was a complicated task.

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MENARID Project Trained Women of Zameleh Village in “OramiGiveh” Weaving After “Silk Giveh Weaving” training course held for Zameleh village women and due to the great interest expressed for such trainings, the MENARID project took measures to hold “OramiGiveh” weaving training course in this village. This course was implemented by experienced trainers of “Technical and Vocational Training Organization”, and “Cultural Heritage Organization” of Kermanshah province in collaboration of provincial department of Education. Based on primary estimates, weaving every pair of OramiGiveh costs IRR 450,000 and it takes four days of weaving. During primary studies for marketing of this product it was revealed that each pair of OramiGiveh is purchased in a minimum amount of IRR 1,200,000 and accordingly each trainee might have an approximate income of IRR 4,500,000 through OramiGiveh weaving. OramiGiveh weaving does not require any complicated tools or specific place and can be easily done during daily chores; hence village community members can use their spare time for production and income generation activities. This was a measure based on the objective of the MENARID project towards establishing sustainable and alternative livelihood opportunities and also empowerment of local community in Zameleh village.

It is hoped that in the next phases it would be possible to provide such trainings for everyone. Considering the technical issues in sewing and the concept of commercializing it, the MENARID project has made an effort to contact centers such as hospitals, etc. in need of simple clothes in massive quantities and negotiations are made for such centers to place their order to the rural communities to provide a livelihood opportunity for them. Now, the emphasis of the project is on social aspects of learning sewing and empowerment of village women to cover their households’ needs which in turn shall contribute to the household economy.

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Demands & Recommendations of Local Communities in Razin Watershed Were Reviewed by Experts & Professionals

Engagement and involvement of local people in production of this fertilizer and a number of young people are management of natural resources results in effectiveness interested to carry out the task. It was decided to review the and sustainability of management of these resources. possibility of visiting sites under supervision of Agricultural Hence, MENARID project in collaboration with Non- Jihad by village members to actually get acquainted with the Governmental organizations (NGOs) and establishment of production process and its benefits. local committees for management of watershed regions, Regarding dredging Razavar river; dredging shall not have attracted participation of local community members in this any effect on the condition of lands located on its banks measure. After various meetings held among project experts, and will not resolve any issue since major volume of the NGOs representatives and local committee members, river water belongs to its marginal lands which are in fact recommendations and demands of people in the field of riverbed and are currently allocated to agriculture. Also, management of watershed were raised as follows: this task is associated with high costs and interrupts natural Review of vermin-compost production; ecosystem of the region. Cutting trees in river bank, which Dredging parts of Razavar river; has occurred in some parts, is associated with unpleasant Assessing possibilities for pisciculture; impacts and directs more water into farm lands and results Identifying suitable place for weather station in the Razin in bank erosion, hence it is possible to cut plants growing in region. riverbed to facilitate water flow. These recommendations and demands were discussed with Regarding pisciculture, based on the recommendation of the a group of professionals from relevant institutions and after representative of Fishery Organization, considering that at an exposure visit from Razin and Sarab Shah Hossein, the end of summer and beginning of autumn, water is almost the results were communicated to the local communities dried in Sarab and its level is very low, it is not possible as defined below. Regarding vermi-compost production; to launch pisciculture, however, at the end of winter and SarabShahabHossein village has a high potential for beginning of spring there is access to enough water and fish

Autumn 2013 - No. 4 41 farming is achievable. be reviewed. Establishment of weather station Also, considering that water quality of in the region; relevant coordination were made Sarab is suitable to be used as potable with Meteorological Organization and they water, packaging it as mineral water was expressed their interest in setting up a weather recommended and included in the agenda to station in the region.

A Training Workshop on “Environmental Economy and Payment for Environmental Services” (PES) Was Held by the MENARID Project in Kermanshah Province

A two-day training workshop (PES), on induction to “Environmental Economy and Payment for Environmental Services” was held in spring 2013 in collaboration with Agricultural Jihad Organization of Kermanshah province and attendance of 35 representatives of provincial technical committee of MENARID. In the first day of the workshop, Karim Zadegan, the trainer, focused on the issue of environmental economy and environmental assessments and defined the concept of payment for environmental services based on the condition of Razin site and used the point of views of attendees regarding Razin site. In the second day, Yahya Parvizi from Agricultural Research and Natural Resources Center of Kermanshah province, offered an article on natural carbon sequestration and its role in modifying climate change and environmental sustainability and conducted a case study of Razin site in the MENARID project. Then, Karim Zadegan, to complete his argument of the previous day, discussed green accounting. PES workshop, where workgroups were established by the participants and exercises were conducted is considered a new step towards achieving the approaches of International MENARID project in Kermanshah province. News Letter; MENARID Int’l Project

Yazd

Strategic Plan for Bahabad Watershed Development Was Included in Technical Committees’ Agenda

MENARID strategic plan in Bahabad watershed, plan is emphasis on participatory activities’ principles and considering the ecologic and socio-economic context of upstream and downstream impact fields to achieve strategic four pilot villages of MENARID, was included in the orientation for the whole watershed region of Bahabad. agenda of the MENARID Provincial Committees agenda Based on extensive studies, collection of various available in Yazd province. The foundation and base of this strategic data, field visits and establishment of a databank and

Autumn 2013 - No. 4 39 News Letter; MENARID Int’l Project considering the necessity of participatory development of Strategic intervention with private sector and methods to strategies, different committees were formed to discuss and absorb this sector for cooperation with villages in which to share ideas. These committees were designed in three levels preserve benefits for farmers and village habitants in priority, of village, county and scientific provincial committee. Design Enhancement of rangeland and farm cultivation and of these committees was based on five pivots: microeconomic effective use of medical herbs, issues, infrastructural issues, production issues, socio- Development of bee farming, cultural issues and environmental issues-natural resources. Design alternative crop cultivation, notably sesame with Village committees were established in four villages of Asfij, wheat and barley Kamkouyeh, Banestan and Karim Abad. Development of strategies and plans to promote social Development potentials and challenges were identified cohesion, according to aggregated data and recommendations of the Methods of benefiting mining capacity in Chadormelo and committees. These issues were assessed and prioritized in minimizing its side effects on natural resources and… scientific committee and strategies and some solutions were Considering the significant research and participatory recommended. Then, the committees were informed of efforts undertaken, in case of implementation of the strategic these strategies and solutions for final decision making and plan and observation of its principles, it is expected to see extracted outputs by professionals of each area. transformational development in four villages and the whole So far, over fifty five strategies and core plans are extracted region and through monitoring, evaluation and review of and development of their operation plan is in final phase. plans in specified intervals during implementation process. The following are some of the plans and programs: It is possible to achieve a model for sustainable development Implementation of activities in every village based on for arid and semiarid regions of the country sharing common economic effectiveness, specifications with Bahabad. Active Presence of the MENARID International Project’s Actors in 9thConference of Iran Watershed Science and Engineering Actors the MENARIDinternational project in the ninth conference on Iran Watershed Science and Engineering on October 30-31, 2013 at the University of Yazd. Ninth conference on Iran watershed science and engineering was held with the aim of exchange and share of latest scientific, research and study achievements in the field of watershed integrated management in arid and semiarid areas based on indigenous knowledge and most advanced technological science to reduce phenomena of flood and drought, cost effective and most efficient methods to reduce

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flood and drought from economic and social point of view of activities undertaken by these committees. on October 30-31, 2013 in Yazd. Then, members of technical panel of theproject, explained Managers, experts and other stakeholders of the capacity building activities undertaken by the MENARID MENARID project participated in this conference to project and expressed the challenges and achievements of express their experiences and lessons learned of the project these measures. in comprehensive management of natural resources to Nader Tavakoli, one of the representatives of local academic community and national professionals. National community from Kamkouyeh village provided a detailed Executive Manager of the project, HoushangJazi, in this account of productive measures of the MENARID project two-day conference, not only introduced the measures and including installation and setup of solar water heating operational activities of MENARID in three watershed systems in Asfij village and renovation and rehabilitation of regions in provinces of Yazd, Sistan and Baluchistan and water transfer system to farmlands in Kamkouyeh village. Kermanshah, but also mentioned the establishment of He stated that these activities have saved exploitation of monitoring and evaluation committees at provincial levels resources such as fossil fuels and water in the region. and watershed management committees at county level in Then, Ms. SoltanPanah, as a representative of women project sites and membership of authorities and experts of in Bahabad defined the role of the MENARID project in relevant bodies and natural resources’ beneficiaries and also mobilizing and prosperity of women skills in the area. This representatives of local communities and defined the outline member of the MENARID technical panel emphasized

Autumn 2013 - No. 4 37 News Letter; MENARID Int’l Project that there are many natural potential opportunities in their products and crop in the MENARID sites was held and region which might be a proper source of income for local warmly received by all participants including authorities, households and have less destructive impact on land, experts, university professors and students. In this exhibition, however, local communities are not familiar with them and participants raised questions regarding these products through the project awareness rising to use these potentials including herbs, plan extracts, traditional food and crafts as are formed within village residents. well as the MENARID project, its objectives and activities. Along the conference, an exhibition of local and village Participants were hosted by local food.

MENARID Project Held a Consultative Meeting with Non- Governmental Organizations and Institutions in Yazd Province

Considering the importance and the role of non- NGOs in natural resources in Yazd province, General governmental organizations (NGOs) in achieving Director of Social Affairs of Yazd Governor’s MENARID project objectives, better acquaintance Office, Deputy of Watershed of Natural Resources’ of the project with active NGOs in the province, Department, Representative of Islamic Council of introduction of the project to them and finally Yazd city, national and provincial experts of the consultation on interactions and collaboration project and a number of experts and those interested opportunities, a meeting was held regarding social in natural resources attended the meeting. and development based activities in summer with a In this meeting, the clip of outputs of the project for number of active NGOs in Yazd province. 2012 was played and the objectives and indicators In this session, representatives of more than 10 active of MENARID project were described. Then, every

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invited NGO introduced its respective organization the MENARID in other provinces. He emphasized and described its measures and experiences. At that through appropriate coordination and coherent the end of this three-hour meeting, discussions planning, it is possible to pursue sustainable and exchange of information continued regarding development principles in development process questions of NGOs and challenges faced in social- of Bahabad (MENARID pilot site) and with a based activities. comprehensive approach in diverse issues, needs Finally, Mr. Jazi summarized the session and of subordinate villages of this county, issues and offered conclusions of the session by mentioned challenges faced in sustainable and comprehensive the experiences gained through implementation of development process shall be resolved.

MENARID Project & University of Yazd signed an Agreement of Cooperation to Review Biodiversity Status in the Pilot Sites of the MENARID Project in Bahabad

In order to realize and achieve its objectives and create INRM and exchange of academic experience to delegate scientific and executive synergy, the MENARID activities of land conservation and regeneration in the project and University of Yazd signed an agreement of area to local beneficiaries. cooperation. This agreement covers study and research on So far, review of the biodiversity in pilot sites of the biodiversity and carbon sequestration, training workshops, MENARID project in Bahabad is fully undertaken based cooperation in development of Behabad strategic plan for on the agreement.

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Discussed in the Seminar of Watershed Deputies of Nation-wide Natural Resource Departments: MENARID international project explores integrated natural resources management (INRM) through development of knowledge and awareness of local and indigenous communities

The seminar of deputies to the Natural Resources and ParvizGarshasbi, FRWO Watershed Deputy, in the session, Watershed Departments was held in May 7 and 8, 2013 in expressed that comprehensive management of watershed Yazd. This seminar recommended by the Acting NPD of the resources and natural resources are vital necessities of the MENARID and FRWO watershed deputy and MENARID country, which has not been fully successful up to now due to NPM, to discuss establishment of organizational consistency governmental nature of this type of management.However, towards INRM in watersheds, through which, created now, through the MENARID project, joint management knowledge by the international MENARID project to be is practiced with all stakeholders including governmental shared with other managers all over the country. organizations, private institutions, particularly the local

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Yazd Governor’s Office, expressed the willingness of the province for any collaboration towards the success of MENARID project. He described Yazd province as the homeland of aqueducts and worship and contentment. He said that these three factors are key principles contribute to MENARID project. HoushangJazi, the MENARID NPM said that due to limited international funds, efforts to secure and attract national and provincial finance to realize the objectives of the projects have been made. He defined the provision of Strategic Operational Plan Document to be a key measure which is being prepared in participation and collaboration with all relevant bodies and actors at provincial level and local community. The objective of this document is to define the community and beneficiaries which is a key element of capacity of every region and how to use them to be the base success in this field. of all measures as human, physical and natural resources in Then, Mohammad Reza Babaee, Deputy of Planning of this regard.

Local Communities of Kamkouyeh, Asfij and Karim Abad Visited Income Generation Projects in Khezr Abad

During three phases of visit during summer 2013, local communities of Kamyouyeh, Asfij and Karim Abad villages visited income generation projects in Khezr Abad. During these visits from Kafi Abad and Kazab villages, participants attended vermi-compost production workshop and it was explained the whole process of fertilizer production and their questions for the implementers of the project. Increased production by 1.5 fold in case of using vermi-compost and its pesticide power was reaffirmed by the experts of this workshop. The project implementers described this type of fertilizer to be highly durable which is capable to providing job opportunities in the village.

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Quail farm was another case of visit which was highly welcomed by majority of the local people. Necessity of observing robust health principles in quail production and its high profitability were confirmed by the implementer. Presence in herbs farm of Marzangoush and induction to cultivation and harvesting, was another program which attracted the local people. Production through bushes and twice harvest annually, reduced irrigation process for this plant during growth were described as its key features. Also, local people visited the bee farm. Agricultural Jihad experts’ team of Yazd and MENARID field office accompanied local people in this visit.

Integrated Pest and Crop Management Project Was Launched in Bahabad

Integrated Pest and Crop Management (IPCM) project was towards enhanced participation with the aim of achieving launched during summer of 2013 in the form of a workshop sustainable agriculture were key discussions of this in Behabad. In this one-day workshop, attended by a workshop. group of national and provincial authorities of MENARID Climate of the area, foun and flora coverage, water project, methods of cooperation to advance agricultural and requirements of every crop and proper size of cultivation sustainable development programs were introduced to local area using new irrigation methods were issues offered to the community participants. Adopting advanced technologies participants. The workshop, in the process, invited habitants

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of pilot villages and jointed them and held a meeting with the local communities in Asfij and Kamkouyeh villages. In this meeting, capacity building expert of MENARID project, Ms. Pourshad, explained the importance of sustainable agriculture and ways to realize it. Then, the provincial project manager of the MENARID, Mr. Bagheri, requested the participants of this workshop to raise their issues and express their ideas to avoid any ambiguities. Finally, Mr. Sharifi, workshop facilitator, drawing tables and diagrams, referred to the importance and water and land and crop choice and defined, in simple words, the models to achieve sustainable agriculture.

Asfij Local Development Groups Visited Grape Processing Project in Khatam Representatives of Asfij local development groups and grape producing farmers visited processing method of grape gardens of Marvast in summer 2013. The objective of the visit was to advocate and train massive grape cultivation in Asfij village and induction to its processing method. Participants first visited one of the gardens to learn the production method and use of vermi-compost in cultivating grapevines. Proper way of picking grapes and use of acid solution and putting them in the sun to produce various types of raisins, were taught in this visit. Then, the participants met authorities in the field of agriculture in the premises of Agricultural Jihad. Visiting a raisin production unit as an agricultural transformative industry was the last item in the agenda of this one-day trip. A number of the visitors, at the end of the trip, requested coordination with authorities of Bahabad to establish raisin production factory in the region to prevent waste of grapes.

Autumn 2013 - No. 4 31 Yazd Province Experts visited International Carbon Sequestration Project in Birjand

A group including authorities and experts of Provincial Executive Committee of International MENARID Project, Watershed Management Committee of Bahabad and Administrative Council of Bureau of Natural Resources and Watershed of Yazd province visited the Carbon Sequestration international project in spring 2013 in Birjand to learn about the project and its methodology. In this two-day visit, along with the induction of the activities undertaken during the term of Carbon Sequestration project and questions raised face to face between the experts and local community of the village where the project was implemented, biogas equipment of Gazdor village, Gazdor village development fund, tableau carpet weaving workshop of Gazdor, tailoring workshop of Hassan Kolangi village, herb and flower extraction workshop of Hassan Kolangi were visited. Also, they learned about regeneration method of Hossein Abad plain in collaboration with people in the region and biologic operation undertaken there. They also visited the exhibition of achievements in Carbon Sequestration project in the area.