In The Name Of God

Foreword Without incorporating women’s abilities that make up half of the country’s population, it is impossible to accomplish the goals of sustainable development. Sustainable development is a multi-dimensional practice that involves different economic, social, political, cultural, and environmental aspects. Considering the role of village women within their families and societies, their contributions are key parts in development. Paving the way for training women in order to build self-confidence, introduction of appropriate employment according to bi-cultural needs of each village, educating women with current knowledge in prevention of land destruction, sustainable usage of natural resources, protection of environment, access to capital toward creating jobs, partaking in decision making, participation in planning meetings on provincial and national levels are all key aims of this project in regards to enhancing women’s active participation in matters of development. Therefore, the significant and effective role of women in villages in carrying culture and values to future generations are undeniable. Creation of women’s local organizations and their presence alongside men have increased their participation in decision making, planning and evaluating results for the welfare of their villages. Among such organizations there are women’s rural cooperatives, for example in Rameh and Farvan in , Hablehroud project. The women’s rural cooperative of Rameh was selected as the top provincial cooperative in the agricultural field in the country in 2014. MENARID’s goal in creating 24 types of compatible occupations with the environment, and the employment of more than 800 women in rural areas by 2015 are effective examples in the field of women participation and empowerment. Nevertheless, society is yet to believe in women’s empowerment. It’s crucial to emphasis on these roles and to foresee the necessary education, to promote and increase such beliefs in provincial communities.

Houshang Jazi National Project Manager of HablehRoud & MENARID

Quarterly newsletter of Sustainable Management of Land & Water Resources (Hableh Roud)/ 30th issue Managing Director: Parviz Garshasbi Editor-in-Chief: Houshang Jazi Executive Editor: Zohreh Jamshidi Translator: Yasaman Kazemi Editorial Board: Ismael Arab Masoumi, Sayed Vahid Khatami, Ahmad Golivari, Shahla Tavangar, Aboozar Kooshki, Somayeh Mirzayi, Mohammad Rastin, Ali Mohammad Bahou Designer: Dariush Golesorkhi Publisher: Omran Publications Address: Forests,Ranges & Watershed Management Organization , After Mini City – Artesh Boulevard.Tehran Zip Code: 1955756113 Telefax:: +98 (0)21 2248857

Publishing the interviews, articles or translations does not mean the approval of its content. The authors and translators are responsible for the accuracy of the works. Quarterly Newsletter No.30 1

Participation of Hablehroud and MENARID Projects in the Environmental Exhibition

Zohreh Jamshidi – Hablehroud Project Expert These cooperative activities may influence the reduction Environmental Exhibition is the largest annual event of unsustainability. These practices could be significant and in the field of production and presentation of national determinative in ’s current serious condition.” environmental products and services in which broad number Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization of the stakeholders of the field and interested audience in participated in the exhibition by allocating 5 stands for Tehran International Exhibition Center. The Environment the international projects of carbon sequestration, JICA, Exhibition 2016 was held under the slogan of ‘Green Economy Hyrcanian, Zagros, Hablehroud, and MENARID. in the Post-Sanctions Era’ during 29 February - 3 March. Hablehroud and MENARID projects presented various At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, the Vice documents such as newsletters, brochures, books, posters, President and Director of Environmental Protection boards, and stands, in order to enhance public knowledge Organization, Mrs. Masoumeh Ebtekar, thanked and share the project’s knowledge with the other experts of the organizers of the exhibition, both in public and environment and natural resource field. The experts and private sections, as well as environmental activists. She stakeholders of both projects answered the questions of the mentioned that ‘Green Economy’ is the main discourse audience. in the exhibition. Several managers in the field of water, soil and environment The Vice President said: “Iran is considering international as well as experts, university faculties, students and other cooperation in terms of creating green technologies, interested people visited the Hablehroud and MENARID attracting new investments, and resource conservation. stands in this 4 Days exhibition.

Finland’s Minister of Agriculture and the Environment, Kimmo Tiilikainen, Director of Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization, and Finland’s Ambassador to Iran, Harri Kämäräinen, and Ministry of Mr. Jalali, and Director of Public Relations and International Affairs of Agriculture and Forestry Managers visit Hablehroud and MENARID stands the Organization, Mr. Naghilou, visit Hablehroud and MENRID stands

Holding the 11th Hablehroud Project Steering Committee Meeting

Zohreh Jamshidi – Hablehroud Project Expert Affairs Minister, Jihad Agriculture Minister, Management and The 11th steering committee meeting was held on 7th of February, Planning Organization, District Administration, Jihad Agriculture and chaired by Deputy of Watershed Managemen t, Rangeland Organization, Natural Resource and Watershed Office of Tehran & Desert Affairs and Deputy of National Director of Hablehroud and Semnan, and Tehran Regional Water Company. Project, Mr. Garshasbi, with the presence of other committee National Project Manager of Hablehroud and MENARID, members from United Nations Development Program, Foreign Mr. Jazi, presented the progress of the project in 2015, 2 Quarterly Newsletter No.30 considering two outputs of the project – developing a model for integrated watershed management in order to reach sustainable development – participatory processes for natural resource and land degradation control improvement. He continued by articulating the work plan of Hablehroud (SMLWR) for 2016 and provided suggestions for administrative process development of Hablehroud (SMLWR). General Manager of Semnan Natural Resource and Watershed, Mr. Heydarian, and Hablehroud Expert in Tehran province, Mr. Kooshki, explained proceedings of Hablehroud (SMLWR) in 2015 and the plans for these two provinces, in the year ahead. Director of Management and Planning Organization in Tehran province, Mr. Tavakoli, mentioning the main goal of the project regarding the development of a model for planning, management, implementation, operation, monitoring and of the Hablehroud project. He said that the presence of evaluation of land and water in the Hablehroud watershed the steering committee members as an emphasis on the declared that if the outcome and model of Hablehroud watershed management. (SMLWR) is appropriate, the only release from the land and Based on steering committee comments, it was decided to water problems is this project. allocate the appropriate budget for supporting the network Deputy of UN Resident Representative in Iran, Mr. Moraly, of Hablehroud watershed organizations. Also make the congratulated the selection of Hablehroud (SMLWR) Hablehroud model prepared through Agriculture Sciences as the national mega project for integrated watershed and Natural Resource department of Gorgan University management and considered it as one of the greatest results with the support of related institutions in the year ahead. of international projects. He believed that the conversion Moreover, establish a water co-committee for Tehran and of provincial approach to watershed approach based on Semnan provinces in terms of setting the joint programs of watershed management is one of the significant outputs Hablehroud watershed management.

MENARID and Hablehroud Technical and Scientific Support for Ghezel-Tapeh Watershed Integrated Management

Zohreh Jamshidi – Hablehroud Project Expert In the first National – Provincial consultancy meeting Ghezel-Tapeh watershed integrated management in Zanjan, it was decided that the managers and stakeholders of MENARID and Hablehroud projects, National Mega WIM of Iran, Planning, Operation and Monitoring Organizations of the province provide full technical, scientific, and credit support for Ghezel-Tapeh WIM in order to apply the international experiences of watershed integrated management. Quarterly Newsletter No.30 3

Holding Tehran Province Water, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Joint Work Group

Shahla Tavangar – Hablehroud Project Expert in Tehran the provided suggestions and analyzing the ways of Water, agriculture, natural resource joint work group strengthening local communities with the presence of was held on the 22 Dec 2015 with the aim of approving East Tehran regional water representatives, Firuzkuh Jihad Agriculture and provincial experts and staff of Hablehroud. There was a discussion in the meeting on the cropping pattern changes of the watershed beneficiaries. Moreover, in order to make changes in farming system for local communities, there was an emphasis on training, assisting, and participation of local communities regarding the determination and changes in the farming system. It was approved in the meeting that the water output volume of the valve goes under the control of Jihad Agriculture. Also the regional water experts teach the methods for using water pipelines to the local communities. In addition, it was suggested that the training sessions get hold in the water- cultivation year ahead when the farmers are working on their farms to enhance the impact.

The Opening of Small Manufactory for Food Production and Packaging of Sarbandan Village Women’s Organization

Aboozar Kooshki – Hablehroud Project Expert in Damavand One of the most significant goals of Hablehroud project is to identify the available capacities and capabilities in the local communities, especially with regards to resident women. The women organization of Sarbandan village is one of the organizations which was formed in Damavand through the endeavors of Jihad Agriculture promotion experts, Hablehroud project and the local community representatives of Sarbandan village. The organization has taken big steps with a low budget. It is the most dynamic organization in the watershed, including 40 members. The organization’s small manufactory for rural production was opened with the presence of national and provincial officials of Hablehroud and Damavand and Sarbandan local community in the Natural Resource week on 10th of March 2016 by National project manager of Hablehroud and MENARID, Mr. Jazi. In the manufactory, in addition to nuts packaging, bread and cookies are cooked and sent to the market. Besides the opening ceremony seedlings were planted by Mr. Jazi and the others in the opening bridge of the village. 4 Quarterly Newsletter No.30

Gorgan University Students and Staff Visit from Hablehroud Watershed in Semnan Province

Sayed Vahid Khatami – Hablehroud Project Expert in Semnan In line with the selection of a pilot watershed with regard to staff and MA and PhD students of Desert, Rangeland, the National Mega Project of Iran’s Integrated Watershed Watershed and Forests of Gorgan University visited Management, Hablehroud watershed was selected as Hablehroud watershed in Semnan Province. the pilot through various meetings and workshops. The Deputy of Watershed Management and Provincial selection of the watershed was based on the practices of Manager of Hablehroud project, Mr. Mohammad Hablehroud watershed (SMLWR) and its progress as well Hadi Nocheh, in the closing meeting at the women as its valuable outcomes plus the most important aspect organization office of Farvan, while providing a detailed which is its important data accessibility. The selection explanation regarding the practices, announced the of Hablehroud watershed (SMLWR) was under the support of Hablehroud for related dissertations, which agreement of Mega Project Steering Committee. was welcomed by the students. Accordingly, in 24th of December 2015 a group including

Holding the Local Communities Committee Empowerment Workshop in Firuzkuh City

representatives of Firuzkuh city, Hablehroud project expert, and capacity building consultant. In the workshop the activities, in terms of projects and workshops for the targeted community, were predicted. The representatives of local communities were willing for enhancing the sensitivity of officials by Hablehroud Shahla Tavangar – Hablehroud Project Expert in Tehran managers and District Administration. Also they were The third local communities’ committee empowerment requesting for the follow up of the members’ reference workshop was conducted in Firuzkuh city, in the 5th of letters to the councils from the Provincial Governorship January 2016, with the presence of local communities’ based on the sentences of the government. Quarterly Newsletter No.30 5

Ahmad Golivari – Hablehroud Project Expert in Aradan City In line with Hablehroud watershed (SMLWR) the center for agricultural and hand craft products was established in Farvan village by the cooperation of the village women organization in 2013. Now, after 3 years, the women of the organization, based on the income of selling their products, have bought a refrigerator in order to keep their products in it. They have also moved their place to a larger and more appropriate one. Since the place enjoyed a remarkable sale rate and position, some Farvan women established the 2nd branch of the center in Farvan by the loan they granted from the fund of organization. The Establishment of Agricultural and Hand Craft Supply Center, 2nd Branch

Holding Co-Meeting with Reference to Lasak Warp Dam

Ali Mohammad Bahou (Hablehroud Project Senior Expert in Firuzkuh) – Somayeh Mirzayi (Hablehroud Project Expert in Firuzkuh) After forming Ab-Baraan organization and following its users (local representatives), and organization members activities regarding Lasak warp dam and its pipelines and discussed about the project implementation plan and equipment more than 10 local meetings and workshops subnet pipelines. related to project implementation plans, its use steps and With regard to the above subject a meeting was held in the maintenance were held in which beneficiaries, water village mosque on 1st of February, 2016 in which Ab-Baraan 6 Quarterly Newsletter No.30

organization members’ representatives, Lazour in the department of conservation and exploitation in village Islamic Council, Hablehroud beneficiaries TRWA with the presence of experts of TRWA, Jihad and experts and village president attended. They Agriculture and Hablehroud project. While analyzing discussed about follow-up process of subnet the issues, problems and deficiencies of Lasak warp dam pipelines issues. They decided that Ab-Baraan project they discussed about the approved clauses of the organization members provide their suggestions about previous meeting (field visit meeting on 17 Dec 2015 and resolving the deficiencies as well as their proposals on the 1 Feb 2016). They decided to act for the required actions project process (the main pipeline and subnet pipelines) after determining and introducing related representative. to Hablehroud office as the representative of beneficiaries. Accordingly, the final time schedule regarding the Therefore, the suggestions would be discussed in the co- deficiencies was provided and approved. Also Ab-Baraan meeting with the deputy of conservation and exploitation organization should provide the completed action plan in Tehran Regional Water Authority (TRWA). in order to continue the complimentary operations of Finally, a co-meeting on 8th of February, 2016 was held warp dam.

Loans Granted by the Women Organization Fund of Farvan Village

Ahmad Golivari – Hablehroud Project Expert in Aradan Director of women organization of Farvan, Mrs. Shirin Sadat, announced that 19 village women have been granted the loan of 10 million IRR. Women of the village have started their activities considering rearing chickens, sheep, domestic cows, making hand crafts and pickle production. Moreover, 20 million IRR essential ingredients such as (thread) rug, small rug and prayer-carpet and other similar products were bought and were shared between 9 women who work in the field of weaving. Quarterly Newsletter No.30 7

The Implementation of Flood Control Operation with Participation of Aslaan Tamisiaan People

Aboozar Kooshki – Hablehroud Project Expert in Damavand Considering the announcement of Aslaan people in Damavand County in March 2016, about the probability of flooding in one of the valleys which is leading to the fruit gardens of the village the experts of the watershed department studied the case and realized that there are 2 stony and gabion structures in the valley which are full of sediment because of the wideness of the watershed and are highly in danger of damaging based on the high pressure of sediment and the slope of the valley. After the technical study and meeting with the people and Islamic Council of the village, three new structures were marked in the upstream and downstream of the previous structures. Also more than 500 cubic meters structure were constructed with a high quality in 3 spots of the region with the collaboration of people in expenses and provision of materials in addition to the technical supervision of watershed department of Natural Resources and Watershed Office in Damavand County. If the project was implemented by the Natural Resources and Watershed Office, the expenses would be about one billion Rls. One of the main reasons of flooding and sediment formation is the weak vegetation in the region specially in the watershed downstream. As demonstrated in the above picture the vegetation of downstream watershed in extremely weak. As the planting season was passed the region was tree planted by people of the village. These trees including Amygdalus lycioides and berberies were planted and chosen based on the environmental condition of the region. 8 Quarterly Newsletter No.30

Natural Resources and Watershed Office of Damavand implementation of scientific methods of processing and County provided some the trees. The office also provided fertility were implemented the seeds were sowed. Nearly 90 more than 15 Kg. seeds of amygdalus lycioides. After the percent of them grow.

Ali Mohammad Bahou (Hablehroud Project Senior Expert in Firuzkuh) – Somayeh Mirzayi (Hablehroud Project Expert in Firuzkuh) Following the presentation of completing plans for Lasak By finalizing the project’s complementary programs based warp dam project in Lazour by local communities, a training on the announced issues of local community, the final workshop and a field survey were held in 21st of April 2016 coordination meeting was held in 3rd of May 2016 in order to in order to integrate the technical comments and expertise as implement the provided program based on the announced well as following-up its implementation. The experts of the programs by Ab-Baraan organization with the supervision deputy of conservation and exploitation in Tehran Regional of experts in the deputy of conservation and exploitation in Water Authority (TRWA), project contractor and Hablehroud TRWA office. project experts of Lazour and public region participated in The meeting was held in Tehran Regional Water Company the workshop and filed survey, in which they shared their with the presence of all the experts of Jihad Agriculture, comments on water transfer system, related equipment and Hablehroud project, deputy of conservation and exploitation tools as well as resolving the available deficiencies. in TRWA and contractor representative, and project

Non-Stop Effort for Completion of Lasak Warp Dam Project in Lazour Quarterly Newsletter No.30 9

consultant. After the discussion and sharing ideas on the follow-up and implementation of the operation and issues and announced problems by Ab-Baraan organization project completion. as well as provision of expertise and integration of ideas, the • The related authorities, who were in charge of following- following cases were finalized with the collaboration and up and implementing each action, were determined and participation of all present members of the meeting and the responsibility of each was defined and documented. all involved participants of the project as the decisions and • Hablehroud project in Firuzkuh is responsible to approved clauses: coordinate and notify the accurate start time of operation. • Mentioned issues and announced deficiencies were In the end the present members of the meeting emphasized approved in 19 sections after checking, and were on the necessity of comprehensive participation of people in documented as the available deficiencies. the project implementation process as well as the its on-time • The required scheduling based on the working season completion. and climate condition was documented regarding the

The Visit of FRWO Director, and Aradan and Representative from Hablehroud Organizations of Farvan Village

Ahmad Golivari - Hablehroud Project Expert in Aradan management. Moreover, he considered occupation as one Mr. Jalali, deputy director of Forest, Rangeland and of the vital requirements of the country and said that the Watershed Management Organization (FRWO), Mr. Kateb, principal of creating more occupations in the country is the the representative of people of Aradan and Garmsar in focus on domestic production. Islamic Consultative Assembly and the director of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Semnan Province visited the organization achievements exhibition of Farvan, Elika and Rameh women which were related to Sustainable Management of Water and Land Resources (SMWLR) of Hablehroud project in 20 July 2016 in Farvan village. Following the visit, a meeting was held between executive managers and local communities’ representatives. In the exhibition Mr. Nocheh, deputy of watershed management and provincial project manager, talked about the project, its background and actions. Moreover, he spoke about the spatial planning of the watershed which was through the lens of integrated management and was conducted for the first time in 1.2 ha including 5 counties of Tehran and Semnan Provinces. He emphasized that operation of projects as well as developmental action would cause irrecoverable impacts in the country if the capacity of land, collaboration between relevant organization and active participation of grassroots organizations. While visiting the center of Farvan women’s rural products, Mr. Nocheh said that the center can take an effective part in producing organic products as well as sustainable conservation of natural resources and environment while creating jobs. After visiting the project, Mr. Jalali, appreciating the taken actions, stated that the government has started the year (Solar year/March 2016) with an emphasis on rural development and supporting the agriculture and water resources 10 Quarterly Newsletter No.30

Readiness of Sanard People in Order to Participate in Hablehroud Project

Ismael Arab Masoumi – Director of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Garmsar Observing the impacts of Hablehroud project in the pilot villages, people of Sanard, in Garmsar county, asked for an induction about the goals and objectives of the project. villagers came back to their village, renewed their houses The goals, objectives and role of rural communities in and the alleys, and life flowed in the village. Sanrad is achieving the goals was explained in a meeting with the located on the edge of the desert. Its geographical location presence of project experts of the Province and county. makes it very much suitable for star observation. After hearing the primary information announced their Some of the participants, as the representative of the will to participate in the project. rural communities, visited water village project of Asad- Sanard is one of the villages of southern Garmsar plain Abad in and held a meeting with the which was abandoned in 1982. However, 2 years ago representatives of the village organization.

The Visit of Faculty Members and Students of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources from Sustainable Management of Water and Land Resources of Hablehroud Project in Aradan County

Mohammad Rastin - Hablehroud Project Expert in Aradan and by-products (Ferula gummosa) beneficiaries. To introduce the activities of Hablehroud project In the meeting, Dr. Onogh, faculty member of Gorgan organizations a meeting on 23rd of July 2016 in Farvan university of agricultural sciences and natural resources, village mosque was held, with the attendance of faculty mentioning his 40 to 50 years of background in spatial and Ph.D. students of Gorgan university of agricultural planning and watershed management, stated that national sciences and natural resources as well as Farvan and Elika development depends on active participation and sustainable women’s organizations in addition to Kohan Tal farmers scientific solidarity. He emphasized that creation of a Quarterly Newsletter No.30 11 systematic communication between sustainable development management, spatial planning and watersheds integrated management will lead to the philosophy of developmental planning. Dr. Onogh considers land as a political-strategic concept based on a regional scale, also he contemplates watershed management as an approach-engineering concept based on watershed scale in order to develop national space. Following his speech, a questionnaire regarding the impacts of SMWLR of Hablehroud project on the inhabitants of the watershed and the interest of beneficiaries about the continuation of the project was filled out with the consultation of students and organizations members. Also they had a visit from Farvan women’s organization activities including noodle cutting, bakery and agriculture supply store. In the visit Mrs. Sadat, the director of the organization talked about the activities of the organization.

The Increase of Volumetric Flow Rate Ahmad Golivari – Hablehroud Project Expert in Aradan In 2014 the participatory project of concrete and Decrease of Permeability Through channel construction (1000 meters length) was Participatory Construction of Concrete implemented in Kohan Tal region in Aradan Channel county, based on the monitoring and evaluation plans in Hablehroud watershed as well as the water resources indexes (related to efficiency and performance of water in agriculture), aiming to modify the irrigation methods of agricultural lands in Hablehroud downstream. In 2016 the project was developed with the participation and interest of farmers (another 1000 meters) which led to the increase of volumetric flow rate and decrease of permeability. Moreover, the growth of herbage in the course of the traditional river stopped. 12 Quarterly Newsletter No.30

Construction of Hydroponic Forage Production Unit as A Participatory Rangeland Management Project in Toroud Pilot

Ali Mohammad Bahou (Hablehroud Project Senior Expert in Firuzkuh) – Somayeh Mirzayi (Hablehroud Project Expert in Firuzkuh) The implementation process of hydroponic forage production In the meanwhile, through the follow ups of Hablehroud unit construction speeds up according to the follow ups, office in Firuzkuh several meetings with the presence of aiming to reduce the pressure of livestock on rangelands, as beneficiaries, farmers’ council representatives, members of well as the training workshop and then identification and village development fund, village Islamic council, village presentation of local communities’ representatives (members president, and farmers trustee group were held. In the of village development fund) who would follow up and meetings the required activities and processes regarding execute the project. Later with the support of government, project’s completion were discussed. Moreover, they Electricity Company, Water and Watershed Company (ABFA) negotiated on the methods of management, utilization of Firuzkuh, necessary licenses for electricity and water branch of project, the beneficiaries’ share of the produced forage was received. Also electrical components and equipment and the ways of provision and payment of related costs. related to electricity branching (pylon, switchboard, cable Simultaneously in a training workshop, held by the executive and electricity meter) were installed. Almost 90 percent of counselor of the project, the necessary information and the operation is done, including: land clearing, installation of trainings were provided for the local communities and target concrete platforms and channel, installation of various parts groups. The preparation cost of the machine is participatory of production building such as building structure, shelving, paid by Hablehroud project, village farmers’ council and the air-conditioning system, CCTV, insulation and water supply. village development fund.

Discussion on the Various Dimensions of Women’s Social and Economic Participation in the Cooperative Section with the Presence of Mrs. Rameh The meeting of women’s social issues study group of the meeting, Mrs. Rameh, the director of Rameh village Iran’s sociology association on women’s employment women’s cooperative, attended as one of the successful and entrepreneurship was held on 30th of August 2016, women entrepreneurs in the field of cooperative companies in the conference hall of Iran’s sociology association. In and NGOs. She talked about her experience: the activities Quarterly Newsletter No.30 13 of cooperative started in 1999 at the beginning of Hablehroud project that some of its goals are to prevent the environmental degradation as well as supporting the natural resources and environment. First, the project discussed about the rural-urban migration as well as sustainable livelihood in villages in several workshops. They prioritized the issue of rural families, and specially rural women low income. To solve the problem, Hablehroud project suggested various activities such as beekeeping. After the discussions some of the members chose beekeeping as their main priority based on their skills and experience. They started their work with a share of fifty thousand tomans. In the first year our business developed quickly so each member earned a fair amount of money and could pay the family fees. In the second year the group sent a proposal on a rangeland management project to UNDP, aiming to cultivate a plant which is unique for the region. It was approved and two thousand ha was assigned for

cultivation of the plant. In 2011, the village cooperative got registered and proposed other projects to UNDP. The group also developed the beekeeping project and two honey varietals of the Rameh women cooperative were selected as top honey. At the moment we have 11 active members, 33 backers and credit units in the cooperative company. We encourage villagers to work in their village by providing fund for them. We have formed other cooperatives in other villages and by travelling to other villages/cities we inspire people to participate in teamwork and set up cooperative company. Rameh women cooperative with the direction of Mrs. Mina Rameh was established in the event of capacity building and empowerment of local communities in terms of sustainable management of land and water management of Hablehroud project. Through the beginning of beekeeping project, the organization got motivated to participate in village area management. The goal was proposed as rangeland management of Rameh village area project and was implemented by the support of UNDP/GEF/SGP as international financial facilities. The cooperative was selected as the premier cooperative of rural women in agriculture section.

On the occasion of Government Week, an exhibition called and activities of the Province administrative organizations. Prudence and Hope was held in Simorq Park in Semnan The local organization of SMLWR in Semnan Province with the participation of all administrative organizations. The participated in the exhibition, presenting their products. main goal of the exhibition was to present the achievements

The Presence of Hablehroud Project Organizations in Prudence and Hope Exhibition 14 Quarterly Newsletter No.30

Nomination of Provincial Representatives of Hablehroud Project’s Caste Organization

Ali Mohammad Bahou (Hablehroud Project Senior Expert in Firuzkuh) – Somayeh Mirzayi (Hablehroud Project Expert in Firuzkuh) A joint meeting with the presence of all elected representatives Shokat Esfandiar were elected as the provincial (Tehran) of Firuzkuh and Damavand local communities was representatives of caste organization of Hablehroud watershed held in 6th of September 2016. In the meeting Mr. Sayed upstream based on the directive of the previous meeting. Mohammad Hussein Mashhadi, Mr. Zakaria Shoja and Mrs.

Ali Mohammad Bahou (Hablehroud Project Senior Expert in Firuzkuh) – A meeting regarding the election of local communities’ Somayeh Mirzayi (Hablehroud Project Expert in Firuzkuh) national representatives of Tehran and Semnan Provinces was held on 18th of September 2016, with the presence of local communities’ representatives and Hablehroud project experts of Tehran and Semnan. Mr. Rastin, Hablehroud Election of Local Communities project expert in Semnan, explained the methods of electing Representatives in National Level the local communities’ representatives and the future plans. Then each representative stated their opinions on the subject of Hablehroud project operation, as well as the position, condition and communication range of these representatives with the organizations and offices. Expressing concern about the carelessness of several offices with regard to Hablehroud project, they asked for the clarification of plans, support and reinforcement of the organization. They expressed their requests as below: • Holding training workshops • Establishment of a registered organization and being recognized by authorities • Creation of communication with the members and components of each region and village (such as people, rural representatives and legal rural organizations (Islamic Council, Village President)) by local communities’ representatives Quarterly Newsletter No.30 15

• Emphasis on an introduction letter and issuing ID card Hablehroud office • Emphasis on the establishment of an NGO by the • Following up the representative of each province with members, follow ups for reducing the limit of 3 years of regard to starting an NGO in national level similar activity background of the members • Hablehroud is responsible to negotiate on the limit Finally, after discussion and negotiation regarding the of 3 years of similar activity background in the field for mentioned issues, below items were approved by the registration of the NGO members and local communities’ representatives took the • Follow ups for creation of local network (board of trustees responsibility to follow the necessary actions up. or board of directors) • Creation of a registered network • Follow ups for related issues, creation of identity, provision • Studying the conditions of NGO foundation in province of local network regulations level and if it is possible to establish one in province level • It was decided that Mr. Golivari, Hablehroud project including nomination of a representative from each province expert in Semnan and Mr. Bahou and Mr. Kooshki, and referring to the provincial governor (the mentioned Hablehroud senior experts in Tehran follow up the necessary representative must be in contact with Hablehroud office) related issues • Coordination with the provincial government by

The Visit of North Khorasan Local Communities from the Pilot Villages of Hablehroud National Project in Firuzkuh

different departments of the company North Khorasan local community got familiar with the products of the company. The hydroponic forage production unit, which relates to rangeland management, land degradation control and reduction of livestock pressure on rangelands was visited in Toroud. After a visit from the hydroponic forage machine in Lazour on 9th of November 2015, through the suggestion and follow ups of the local community and farmers’ council representatives of the village, Toroud farmers decided to construct a hydroponic forage production unit. The machine prevents the Ali Mohammad Bahou (Hablehroud Project Senior Expert in Firuzkuh) – Somayeh Mirzayi rangeland degradation while producing 1.5 (Hablehroud Project Expert in Firuzkuh) tones forage for 800 heads of livestock. In order to introduce the achievements of the local communities of At the end of the visit, North Khorasan local Hablehroud pilot villages (Toroud and Lazour) to North Khorasan local community stated that the facilities and communities, one-day visit was organized for 27 September 2016 in Lazour, potentials in the North Khorasan provides from the Riz Barg Alborz, a small cooperative company which produces an appropriate condition for similar projects herbal essences. Mr. Zakaria Shoja, member of local communities and while mentioning the similarities of the board of directors of Riz Barg Alborz and one of the stockholders of the climate and weather condition of these two company spoke about the beginning of company activities. regions. They expressed their interest on Then Mrs. Esfandiar, another stockholder of the company and member participation in the similar projects based of local women community talked about the solutions for overcoming the on the positive impacts of the implemented social issues in the village to let women participate in the activities. She also projects on land and water conservation as explained the steps of establishing women organization in Lazour. Vising well as local livelihood enhancement. Women of Desert

(A Story of Hablehroud SMLWR – Farvan Village) Sayed Vahid Khatami – Hablehroud Expert in Semnan Province Quarterly Newsletter No.30 17

We all have heard about the geniality and endeavors of of Garmsar Plain; a hot plain with a burning sun and equally people of the desert; people with great souls and little warm-hearted people who have sympathy with their country. expectation; people who appreciate their having and learn I aim to talk about people who have a high culture and are how to appropriately use them from their childhood; people rich enough financially and socially. I am going to describe who appreciate water. I am going to talk about the women women, who live in Garmsar plain, the women who work alongside their men, whose hands are as rough as them and participate in family earnings; women who don’t have the same expectations of urban women but put more effort for their family. They work in the farms together with men but in the houses they stay the same housewives, in their simple and pure houses, which do not have any luxury furniture but are beautiful and relaxing. I have born and grown up in the same plain and I know the village life. Whenever I am under the pressure of work and routine life I review my memorials of the past which gives me calmness, and helps me to recover my energy. Quarterly Newsletter No.30 19

I want to talk about Farvan village, which is a big village in Garmsar plain. People of Farvan make their living from agriculture and (heavy and light) husbandry. 60% to 70% of family economy is based on husbandry. The nomad life in the northern heights of Garmsar plain and the heights of Damavand and Firuzkuh starts from the beginning of June and continues to October. For Hablehroud project, which thinks about sustainable management in the watershed, the usage rate of the watershed rangelands, the amount of domestic animals entrance to the watershed as well as optimized and sustainable rangeland usage, is vital and important. It is not possible to ask farmers to decrease their animals or to lessen their usage of the rangelands without an alternative income source. All farmers are aware of the significance of rangelands and available resources. Also they know that their future and the future of their children depend on the natural recourses. They are aware that they need new income sources. If these sources are introduced to farmers, they of course will think about conservation. One of the ways of enhancing the family income is to unite the women activities. Village women have several activities which may bring income to the family if are based on a target. Cooking jam, making local noodles, producing processed animal products, pickles, and hand crafts are part of women of Farvan village daily activities. An efficient management may bring about a reasonable income out of these activities, so that Hablehroud project reaches its objective of “introducing new income sources for families in order to decrease the usage of rangelands and natural resources”. Knowing the lifestyle of people in Farvan village we entered the village in one of the warm days of summer 2013. We aimed to focus on the issues of women of the village. Based on the previous coordination, we were invited, at our arrival, to the village Zeinabieh where women were used to gather in respect of religious ceremonies. Based on the dialogues with the women, we identified an important issue which facilitated our project. These women had their local fund which was in charge of providing loans for the members. They produced domestic organic productions for family use, as well as making hand crafts (such as wool rugs). We got very happy of these team works and the communication between the women of the village. It facilitated our tasks. The first workshops for introducing Hablehroud project, building trust and capacity, approach change, progressed well between the women and we did not recognize a problem. Our only concern in the village was the management of the domestic products through recognition of markets without intermediaries and the activities of their local fund. 20 Quarterly Newsletter No.30

were merged to bigger funds that could be used in order to establish small economic activities. Also it could be used as loan for members. Another benefit of the funds is that the governmental organizations assist groups and commune interests easier than individuals. Great habits were developing amongst the members, after creating the fund. Their approach and perspective for spending their loans were changings. Village women used to spend their loans for buying gold jewelry, home accessories, home appliances, clothes, and daily requirements of family. But now the loans are spent for buying domestic calves, hen, construction of stores and other issues related to family During the workshops they soon came to some important economy. Now women of the village are eager to earn conclusions: money from their financial sources. They are now proud of Family can be considered as a production unit; the more having two stores related to women organization of Farvan, cooperation, the more income, consultancy brings about construction of several small domestic aviculture and rearing a better future, and self-confidence and solidarity mean a calves which are all ways of natural resources conservation in sustainable income. the rangelands. In terms of building more cooperation there was suggested After creating the fund and feeling the experience of working to have the local fund, called ‘Farvan Women’, which together and having more incomes, village women were was accepted by all members. In several workshops they looking for sale market for their products, somewhere larger suggested their statutes and its sections got prepared. In than their local market. Accordingly, they were categorized the end, the statutes were approved. After the approval, the into various production groups: board members were selected through an election and based Hand craft group, making jam and pickle group, dried and on the approved statutes they started their official work. frozen vegetable group, processing agricultural products Building the fund caused credit and solidarity between group, dairy production group, herbal distillates and people. Small funds that could not be used by individuals medicine group, local noodle production group, animal Quarterly Newsletter No.30 21 husbandry group, and nuts production group. were continuously assured that they are not alone in their Based on the guidance of Hablehroud project and conduction future endeavors. of several workshops, women of Farvan finally came to the They have become more optimistic about the future since moment of ‘participatory business planning’ regarding their their county governor supports their progress, empathizes activities, in order to have a perspective about the market, and assures them about the upcoming collaborations. in addition to prioritizing the products in terms of their Furthermore, they are more positive and hopeful as they production rate, ease of sale, and their importance for the witness the UNDP representative such as Mr. Moraly, a members. They have to totally know their products. They figure who has collaborated with other projects in different should know the amount of the essential ingredients of their countries present amongst themselves, evaluating their work products in order to provide them for the customers. During as remarkable. the workshops related to business, they got familiar with the The fact that they are invited to take part at UNDP exhibitions above concepts. and present their products means that their goods are clean and healthy and this gives them reassurance to continue with this work because they are getting closer to their goal of reaching bigger markets other than their local market. What they believe in is that we could reach our goal if we curb our expectations and let go of our obsession with urban luxuries to create healthy and sustainable products in order to contribute to building a better Iran in which people can believe that “we can do it.”

Nowadays their target is not merely limited to distributing products to their own village. Participating in different exhibitions on national, international and provincial levels, as well as distribution of products to Tehran and other city markets, and marketing through viewings that we organize have enabled them so significantly that they now wish they had begun the process earlier. It only took half a day for UNDP executives and their national and regional colleagues to make their first viewing of this Story of Farvan women is similar to the stories of women group’s activities, yet the accomplishments they witnessed from all deserts who are eager to receive the appropriate during that short time was strong and demonstrated the attention and guidance in order to grow. administrative procedures of Hablehroud project in Semnan province. It revealed the honest and tiresome efforts of the participants without any expectations from the local government. Perhaps the only expectation they have from P.s.: Many thanks to Farvan women, especially the organization director, Mrs. Sadat, project facilitator, Ms. Ashouri, facilitators of the officials is not to be forgotten or abandoned. These business plan, Mr. Pazouki and Ms. Khademi, director of Hablehroud beneficiaries have minimized their expectations so they could national project, Dr. Jazi, Hablehroud project senior technical expert, produce healthy and high quality food for their compatriots Ms. Karimi Pour, prior chief of watershed and natural resource of and make them proud. Aradan, Mr. Momeni, current chief of watershed and natural resource In the process of supporting and empowering these people of Aradan, Mr. Rahaee, Hablehroud expert in Aradan, Mr. Golivari, deputy of watershed management and manager of Hablehroud the name of UNDP, FRWO, and Hablehroud project were project in Semnan province, Mr. Nocheh, and Hablehroud project mentioned constantly. Throughout the viewing that took expert in Semnan, Mr. Rastin who all worked day and night in order place where all members of this project were present they to reach the goals of the project. 22 Quarterly Newsletter No.30

If you start the journey, you hear the voice of God! If you do not give up, you hear the whisper of God every moment!

village in which he built a building. So he provided a fair Hussein Ghasemi – Senior Counselor of Rameh Women Cooperative place for the growth of his children. Traditionally the girl married and moved to her husband place while she did Once upon a time not too long ago in village in the middle not finish her studies. But her thoughts and ideas do not of mountains where all people used to think about their turn off. Since she had a great sympathy with everyone purveyance for the cold weather too feed their family a in social and family sadness and happiness became a kind baby was born who used to acted differently from the nurse for her mother and father in law in her husband’s birth. Her cries, her laughers, the games with her friend, house. They both were so ill because of their age. Her her works and to sum up her approach and thoughts first child was a glance of hope. The second one had an were so different from the ones of the elder villagers. She illness and she had to also take him to hospital. But none was growing up and her thoughts and perspective was of the difficulties did not stop her as if she was born to developing. Assisting her father was a part of her love and face hardships. Her thoughts and strong beliefs were like existence for her. Trainings and learning from her father a firm mountain. She was bound with her thoughts. In was so precious for her. But she used to mix her father’s 1999, with the first trigger and the first social action she activities with an innovation and new ideas. Finally, it was got in touch with her dreams and felt a strong calmness time to go to school. She studied in the same village until in her. She found her missing half. A strong peace that 5th grade. For the rest of her studies she was supposed to was blowing up her heart. She was not aware of what was move to another village. Her father bought a land in that going on around her but she embraced her missing half Quarterly Newsletter No.30 23

with her love and friendship and awareness, as if someone situation of the village and the country. For example, has told her: If you start the journey, you hear the voice of ferula gummosa has both medical impacts and is used God! If you do not give up, you hear the whisper of God for military industries. Beekeeping not only was a tool every moment! for the growth and development of the village as well It all happened in a workshop that she was not supposed as the conservation of nature degradation, but also was to attend but she did. It was the destiny. In the workshop a significant factor for fruition and increase of trees which faculty members and students of Tehran University products. The new project started in 2000. Organization as well as SMLWR project experts (a joint project of members also requested more beehives. With the Islamic Republic of Iran government and UNDP) support of above organization and other governmental attended, the participants talked about the role of village organizations they could get 33 million tomans loan (4% in natural resources management. Rural women gave commission). Therefore, in the second year each member the highest priority to livelihood enhancement. They had 14 beehives and in general the organization possessed suggested beekeeping to support other efforts. According 462 beehives, which based on the members’ comments to the offer and vote of rural women, she became the the earning was fair and influential and inspired others director of “women’s” organization in her village. as well. All the activities, follow ups and a great amount It was decided that all rural women start beekeeping with of love were extremely hard specially when she had to the monitoring and supports of Hablehroud project. take care of her personal life, her son in addition to her So to make it possible, they decided that each woman mother and father in laws. However, since the she was pays ten thousand tomans. They bought beehives for 33 going to become a pioneer in her village, city and country women. The main reason to suggest beekeeping was that alongside with the growth of members’ livelihood, village it had some roots in their background. Also they aimed to inhabitants and sustainable management she continued. prevent the degradation of nature, rangeland, environment Then management of rangelands in the Rameh village and wealthy plants while controlling the irregular animal limited area was implemented in a 2200 ha rangeland, grazing which would influence the economic and social with the support of international financial facilities 24 Quarterly Newsletter No.30

(UNDP/GEF/SGP) in the small grant programs of global and everyone participate in the division which is more environment facility. In 2001, almost 300 ha of the village suitable for her. The heroine of our story was in the top of limited area was seeded with the assistance of rural women the beekeeping group. Because of the changes beekeeping and organization members in two years. According to the group could not do any activity. In 2011 they decided to plans the rangeland had to be protected for seven years. register their rural cooperative. It was the time that she Women looked after this as well. Their action brought started new activities. While she became the director of about the revival of destroyed plants, specially ferula the cooperative she took part in some innovative activities gummosa. that provide a fair amount of profit for the cooperative in The impacts of rangeland management: its 3rd year of being registered. She continues growing 1. Preventing floods which every year destroyed the village and being more influential. She received an appreciation and its fruit gardens plaque from the president in 2014 as the pioneering 2. Praxis of conservation and protection of rangelands and region unique plants cooperative of rural women. She was anybody but Mrs. 3. Grazing (local and non-local) management Mina Rameh, the director of Rameh women cooperative. 4. The growth of ferula gummosa which is used in military industry as well as healthcare and medical industry in addition to being a significant factor for the development of village economy Fund establishment in the organization with the facilities of Agriculture bank had a positive impact on the development of the business as well as empowering the handcraft and dehydrated production activities of some members. They assisted the production of a documentary movie as well as publication of 1000 copies of “rangeland management project lessons learned”. The first phase of the project finished on 2009. They decided to start a new activity. So in a warm summer day 50 members of the organization gathered in the village mosque and decided to divide the organization into 5 groups with 10 members,