JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT MINISTRY OF JIHAD-E-AGRICULTURE THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF

THE STUDY ON INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION OF THE ANZALI WETLAND IN THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

FINAL REPORT

Volume II: MAIN REPORT

MARCH 2005 Photo : A. Bahri

NIPPON KOEI CO., LTD. LIST OF VOLUMES

Volume I 㧦 Executive Summary

Volume II 㧦 Main Report

Volume III 㧦 Supporting Report

Volume IV 㧦 Data Book

EXCHANGE RATE

US$ 1 = IRR 8,652, Yen 100 = IRR 7,955 (as of June 30, 2004)  PREFACE

In response to a request from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Government of decided to conduct The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of The Anzali Wetland in the Islamic Republic of Iran and entrusted to the study to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

JICA selected and dispatched a study team headed by Mr. Hirofumi Sadamura of Nippon Koei Co., LTD. between May, 2003 and December, 2004.

The team held discussions with the officials concerned of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and conducted field surveys at the study area. Upon returning to Japan, the team conducted further studies and prepared this final report.

I hope that this report will contribute to the promotion of this project and to the enhancement of friendly relationship between our two countries.

Finally, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the officials concerned of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for their close cooperation extended to the study.

March 2005

Etsuo Kitahara, Vice-President Japan International Cooperation Agency Mr. Etsuo Kitahara Vice-President, Japan International Cooperation Agency Tokyo, JAPAN

Letter of Transmittal

Dear Sir,

We are pleased to submit herewith the final report of “The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland”.

The Anzali Wetland is internationally known as an important wetland for migratory birds on the southern coast of the , and was registered as a Ramsar site in 1975. However, it was added to the Montreux Record of wetlands being degraded by human activities in 1993. The environment of the Wetland is deteriorating due to inflow of wastewater, solid waste and sediment from its watershed.

This Study aimed at preparing the integrated management master plan for ecosystem conservation, implementing the pilot activities and conducting capacity development of the stakeholders for wetland conservation. The proposed master plan broadly covers the wetland ecological management plan, watershed management Plan, wastewater management plan, solid waste management plan, environmental education plan and institutional plan for implementation. As a pilot activity, eleven pilot activities such as environmental education program, eco-, soil erosion control, etc. are selected and implemented in collaboration with Iranian stakeholder. Through these master plan preparation and pilot activities, the capacity development of the stakeholder was conducted.

We hope that this report and results of our activities will be effectively utilized by Department of Environment, Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture and relevant organizations of Iran, and consequently the Anzali Wetland will be successfully conserved and sustainably used. It is also our sincere hope that this study and report will contribute to foster a long lasting partnership and friendship between the two nations of Japan and Iran.

Finally, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to the officials of JICA, JICA Advisory Committee, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Land and Transportation, the Embassy of Japan for Iran, JICA Expert for their continuous support throughout the Study. Also, we would like to express our great appreciation to the members of National Steering Committee and Local Steering Committee of Iranian side and other Iranian personnel concerned for their cooperation extended to us during the Study.

Yours faithfully,

Hirofumi Sadamura Leader for JICA Study Team E 49o 00' E 49o 30' To Astra N CASPIAN SEA Rezvan Shahr

o N 37 30' Bandar Anzali

To Kiyashahr

Khomam

Masal To Khoshkebijar Somehsara

Marjaghal

To Bahijan Fuman Sangar Shaft

Masuleh

To Siyah Mazgi

N 37o 00'

ArmeniaAzerbaijan Turkmenistan Caspian Sea

Study Area Tehran Legend Iraq Iran Study Area Afganistan Anzali Wetland Anzali Kuwait River Persian Gulf City / Town Provincial Capital Scale Road 5 0 5 10 15 km

The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland in the Islamic Republic of Iran Location Map of the Study Area JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY Final Report, Volume II Main Report Photographs

Selke Wildlife Refuge

Swans in the Wetland Migratory Birds in Winter

Lotus Flower in the Wetland Caspian Tern in the Wetland

Present Conditions of Anzali Wetland and Its Watershed (1/2)

Nippon Koei Co.,Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland Photo - 1 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Photographs

Upper Mountain Area (more than EL 2,500 m) Rangeland Area (from EL 1,500 m to 2,500 m)

Forest Area (from EL 500 m to 1,500 m) Plain Area (Lower than EL 500 m)

Downstream River Condition Anzali Port and Caspian Sea

Present Conditions of Anzali Wetland and Its Watershed (2/2)

Nippon Koei Co.,Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland Photo - 2 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Photographs

Overgrazing in the Upper Watershed Degraded Area in the Upper Watershed

Sediment Runoff in the Upstream Inflow of River Water with Silt

Discharge of Wastewater without Treatment Polluted River Water

Environmental Pressure on Anzali Wetland (1/2)

Nippon Koei Co.,Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland Photo - 3 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Photographs

Illegal Dumping of Solid Waste along River Anzali Dumping Site beside the Wetland

Fishing in the Wetland Hunting Hut in the Wetland

Expansion of Phragmites Area Overgrowth of Azolla sp.

Environmental Pressure on Anzali Wetland (2/2)

Nippon Koei Co.,Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland Photo - 4 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

THE STUDY ON INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM CONSERVATION OF THE ANZALI WETLAND

FINAL REPORT Volume II Main Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL LOCATION MAP FIELD PHOTOGRAPHS ABBREVIATIONS Page

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION...... 1-1 1.1 Background of the Study...... 1-1 1.2 Objectives of the Study...... 1-1 1.3 Study Area...... 1-2 1.4 Work Schedule...... 1-2 1.5 Organization for the Study ...... 1-2

CHAPTER 2 PRESENT CONDITIONS OF THE STUDY AREA...... 2-1 2.1 Socio-Economy...... 2-1 2.1.1 National Socio-Economy...... 2-1 2.1.2 Regional Socio-Economy ...... 2-3 2.2 Natural Conditions ...... 2-10 2.2.1 Climate ...... 2-10 2.2.2 Topography ...... 2-11 2.2.3 Hydrology ...... 2-11 2.2.4 Geology and Soil ...... 2-17 2.2.5 Vegetation ...... 2-18 2.2.6 Land Use...... 2-19 2.3 Ecological Conditions of the Anzali Wetland...... 2-21 2.3.1 Biological Components ...... 2-21 2.3.2 Physical Components ...... 2-29 2.3.3 Chemical Components ...... 2-32 2.3.4 Ecological Issues and Concerns ...... 2-33 2.4 Wetland Ecological Management ...... 2-37 2.4.1 Relevant Laws ...... 2-37

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2.4.2 Protected Areas...... 2-37 2.4.3 Strategies and Plans for Wetland Conservation...... 2-38 2.4.4 Organization for the Management ...... 2-42 2.4.5 Present Activities ...... 2-43 2.4.6 Major Issues...... 2-46 2.5 Watershed Management...... 2-48 2.5.1 Situation of Soil Erosion...... 2-48 2.5.2 Situation of Rangeland and Forest Degradation...... 2-50 2.5.3 Laws and Organizations for Erosion Control...... 2-53 2.5.4 Present Management Activities for Erosion Control ...... 2-54 2.5.5 Present Forest and Rangeland Management Activities ...... 2-55 2.5.6 Present Plain Area Management Activities...... 2-62 2.5.7 Major Issues...... 2-62 2.6 Wastewater Management ...... 2-65 2.6.1 Pollution Sources and Pollution Loads to the Anzali Wetland...... 2-65 2.6.2 Responsible Organizations for Wastewater Management ...... 2-68 2.6.3 Domestic Wastewater Management in Urban Areas...... 2-69 2.6.4 Domestic Wastewater Management in Rural Areas...... 2-73 2.6.5 Management of Industrial Effluent...... 2-73 2.6.6 Management of Livestock Waste...... 2-75 2.6.7 Management of Pollution from Farmland ...... 2-76 2.6.8 Major Issues...... 2-78 2.7 Solid Waste Management...... 2-79 2.7.1 Impact of Improper Solid Waste Disposal on the Wetland ...... 2-79 2.7.2 Laws and Organizations ...... 2-80 2.7.3 Municipal Solid Waste ...... 2-81 2.7.4 Industrial and Medical Solid Waste ...... 2-83 2.7.5 Major Issues...... 2-83 2.8 Environmental Education...... 2-85 2.8.1 Introduction...... 2-85 2.8.2 Relevant Laws and Organizations ...... 2-85 2.8.3 Environmental Education for Children and Young People...... 2-87 2.8.4 Environmental Education in Higher Education...... 2-88 2.8.5 Environmental Education for Adults...... 2-88 2.8.6 Awareness Raising for the General Public...... 2-89 2.8.7 Public Participation...... 2-91 2.8.8 Major Issues...... 2-92 2.9 Institutional and Organizational Aspects of Environmental Management...... 2-93 2.9.1 Introduction...... 2-93 2.9.2 Institutional Structure of Government...... 2-93 2.9.3 Anzali Stakeholder Organizations ...... 2-94

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2.9.4 Existing Co-ordinating Body ...... 2-95 2.9.5 Institutional Problems of Environmental Management...... 2-97

CHAPTER 3 FRAMEWORK OF MASTER PLAN...... 3-1 3.1 Introduction ...... 3-1 3.2 Goal and Approaches...... 3-2 3.2.1 Goal...... 3-2 3.2.2 General Approaches of the Master Plan...... 3-2 3.3 Target Year ...... 3-6 3.4 Components of the Master Plan...... 3-7 3.5 Socio-Economic Framework...... 3-9 3.5.1 Introduction...... 3-9 3.5.2 Population of the Study Area ...... 3-9 3.5.3 Future Economic Forecast ...... 3-10 3.6 Basic Conditions for Cost Estimate...... 3-11 3.7 Prioritization and Evaluation of the Proposed Measures...... 3-12 3.7.1 Prioritization of Proposed Measures...... 3-12 3.7.2 Evaluation of Proposed Measures...... 3-12

CHAPTER 4 WETLAND ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT PLAN...... 4-1 4.1 Introduction ...... 4-1 4.2 Objective and Strategies ...... 4-1 4.2.1 Objective...... 4-1 4.2.2 Strategies...... 4-1 4.3 Environmental Zoning...... 4-3 4.3.1 Proposed Zoning...... 4-3 4.3.2 Physical Description of Each Zone...... 4-6 4.3.3 Regulatory Framework in Each Zone ...... 4-7 4.3.4 Necessary Arrangements for Implementation of the Proposed Zoning. 4-9 4.4 Conservation of Wildlife...... 4-9 4.4.1 Conservation of the Threatened Species...... 4-9 4.4.2 Control of Alien Species...... 4-11 4.5 Conservation of Habitat...... 4-12 4.5.1 Strengthening of Regulations ...... 4-12 4.5.2 Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Habitat ...... 4-13 4.6 Promotion of Wise Use...... 4-13 4.6.1 Development of Ecotourism ...... 4-14 4.6.2 Sustainable Use of Natural Resources...... 4-20 4.7 Environmental Monitoring...... 4-20 4.7.1 Environmental Monitoring for Adaptive Management ...... 4-21

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4.7.2 Environmental Research...... 4-23 4.8 Summary of Proposed Wetland Ecological Management Plan ...... 4-25 4.9 Cost Estimate...... 4-27 4.9.1 Project Cost...... 4-27 4.9.2 Operation and Maintenance Cost...... 4-27 4.10 Implementation Program ...... 4-28 4.10.1 Executing Organizations...... 4-28 4.10.2 Criteria for Prioritization ...... 4-28 4.10.3 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization ...... 4-28 4.10.4 Implementation Schedule ...... 4-29 4.11 Priority Projects ...... 4-30

CHAPTER 5 WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 5-1 5.1 Introduction ...... 5-1 5.2 Objectives and Strategies ...... 5-1 5.2.1 Objectives ...... 5-1 5.2.2 Strategies...... 5-1 5.3 Soil Erosion Control and Prevention of Landslides ...... 5-5 5.3.1 Soil Erosion Control...... 5-5 5.3.2 Prevention of Landslides ...... 5-7 5.3.3 Effect of Soil Erosion Control Works ...... 5-8 5.4 Forest and Rangeland Management ...... 5-8 5.4.1 Introduction...... 5-8 5.4.2 Pilot Activity for Participatory Resource Management...... 5-9 5.4.3 Reforestation of Degraded Forests (70 km2)...... 5-10 5.4.4 Reforestation of Margin Areas (112 km2)...... 5-11 5.4.5 Forest Management under Forestry Plans ...... 5-12 5.4.6 Conservation of Protected Forests ...... 5-13 5.4.7 Rangeland Management by Graziers ...... 5-13 5.4.8 Regulations Necessary for Participatory Resource Management...... 5-15 5.4.9 Improvement of the Livestock Resettlement Program...... 5-15 5.5 Plain Area Management...... 5-17 5.5.1 Source-level Control of Sediment Runoff in the Plain Area...... 5-17 5.5.2 Construction of Sediment Trap...... 5-17 5.5.3 River Management for Extreme Conditions ...... 5-18 5.6 Livelihood Development ...... 5-19 5.6.1 Participatory Study on Livelihood Development of Graziers ...... 5-19 5.6.2 Capacity Development of NRGO Provincial and Local Offices...... 5-21 5.6.3 Livelihood Development of Local People in Forest and Rangeland Management...... 5-22

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5.7 Environmental Monitoring...... 5-24 5.7.1 Introduction...... 5-24 5.7.2 Monitoring Plan...... 5-25 5.8 Institutional Arrangements ...... 5-28 5.8.1 Coordination among Relevant Organizations ...... 5-28 5.8.2 Capacity Development for Sustainable Watershed Management...... 5-29 5.9 Summary of Proposed Watershed Management Plan...... 5-29 5.10 Cost Estimate...... 5-32 5.10.1 Project Cost...... 5-32 5.10.2 Operation and Maintenance Cost...... 5-34 5.11 Implementation Program ...... 5-34 5.11.1 Executing Organizations...... 5-34 5.11.2 Criteria for Prioritization ...... 5-34 5.11.3 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization ...... 5-34 5.11.4 Implementation Schedule ...... 5-36 5.12 Priority Projects ...... 5-37

CHAPTER 6 WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 6-1 6.1 Introduction ...... 6-1 6.2 Objective and Strategies ...... 6-1 6.2.1 Objective...... 6-1 6.2.2 Strategies...... 6-1 6.3 Management of Domestic Wastewater in ...... 6-5 6.3.1 Introduction...... 6-5 6.3.2 Sewerage System Development ...... 6-6 6.3.3 Promotion of Individual Wastewater Treatment Facilities outside Sewerage Service Area...... 6-9 6.3.4 Promotion of Low Phosphorus Detergent Use...... 6-9 6.4 Management of Domestic Wastewater in Rural Area...... 6-10 6.4.1 Introduction...... 6-10 6.4.2 Community Wastewater Treatment System Development ...... 6-10 6.5 Management of Industrial Effluents...... 6-12 6.5.1 Introduction...... 6-12 6.5.2 Centralization of Industrial Factories...... 6-13 6.5.3 Construction of Centralized Wastewater Treatment Systems ...... 6-14 6.5.4 Strengthening of Monitoring Activities by DOE...... 6-15 6.6 Management of Livestock Waste...... 6-16 6.6.1 Introduction...... 6-16 6.6.2 Treatment of Waste from Industrial Animal Husbandry...... 6-16 6.6.3 Control of Livestock Waste in Grazing Lands in the Plain Area...... 6-17

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6.7 Management of Pollution from Farmland...... 6-18 6.7.1 Introduction...... 6-18 6.7.2 Promotion of Farming with Less Input ...... 6-19 6.8 Environmental Monitoring...... 6-21 6.8.1 Introduction...... 6-21 6.8.2 Monitoring Programs ...... 6-21 6.9 Institutional Arrangement ...... 6-23 6.10 Summary of Proposed Wastewater Management Plan ...... 6-24 6.11 Cost Estimate...... 6-26 6.11.1 Project Cost...... 6-26 6.11.2 Operation and Maintenance Cost...... 6-27 6.12 Implementation Program ...... 6-28 6.12.1 Executing Organizations...... 6-28 6.12.2 Criteria for Prioritization ...... 6-28 6.12.3 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization ...... 6-28 6.12.4 Implementation Schedule ...... 6-29 6.13 Priority Projects ...... 6-32

CHAPTER 7 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 7-1 7.1 Introduction ...... 7-1 7.2 Objectives and Strategies ...... 7-1 7.2.1 Objectives ...... 7-1 7.2.2 Strategies...... 7-1 7.3 Municipal Solid Waste Management...... 7-2 7.3.1 Environmental Awareness Raising...... 7-2 7.3.2 Provision of Efficient Municipal Solid Waste Collection Service to the Whole Area...... 7-3 7.3.3 Proper Disposal of Municipal Solid Waste...... 7-7 7.4 Industrial and Medical Solid Waste Management...... 7-13 7.4.1 Proper Treatment of Hazardous Solid Waste ...... 7-13 7.4.2 Non-hazardous Solid Waste Management ...... 7-14 7.5 Environmental Monitoring...... 7-16 7.5.1 Monitoring of Municipal Waste Management in Urban Areas ...... 7-16 7.5.2 Monitoring of Municipal Waste Management in Rural Areas ...... 7-17 7.5.3 Monitoring of Recycling Activities ...... 7-17 7.5.4 Monitoring of Leachate ...... 7-17 7.5.5 Monitoring of Industrial and Medical Solid Waste...... 7-18 7.6 Institutional and Organizational Arrangements ...... 7-19 7.6.1 Implication for Charging Fee...... 7-19 7.6.2 Solid Waste Improvement Meetings ...... 7-19 7.7 Summary of Proposed Solid Waste Management Plan...... 7-20

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7.8 Cost Estimate...... 7-23 7.8.1 Project Cost...... 7-23 7.8.2 Operation and Maintenance Cost...... 7-23 7.9 Implementation Program ...... 7-24 7.9.1 Executing Organizations...... 7-24 7.9.2 Criteria for Prioritization ...... 7-24 7.9.3 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization ...... 7-24 7.9.4 Implementation Schedule ...... 7-26 7.10 Priority Projects ...... 7-29

CHAPTER 8 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PLAN...... 8-1 8.1 Introduction ...... 8-1 8.2 Objectives and Strategies ...... 8-1 8.2.1 Objectives ...... 8-1 8.2.2 Strategies...... 8-1 8.3 Environmental Education...... 8-2 8.3.1 Environmental Education in Schools ...... 8-2 8.3.2 Environmental Education in Higher Education...... 8-5 8.4 Public Awareness Raising and Participation ...... 8-6 8.4.1 Decision Makers...... 8-6 8.4.2 Religious Leaders ...... 8-7 8.4.3 Business and Industry...... 8-8 8.4.4 Farmers and Farming Community...... 8-9 8.4.5 The General Public and Tourists...... 8-10 8.4.6 NGOs and Journalists...... 8-12 8.5 Institutional and Organizational Arrangements ...... 8-13 8.5.1 Environmental Education in Schools and Universities ...... 8-14 8.5.2 Public Awareness Raising and Participation...... 8-15 8.5.3 The Conservancy and NGOs...... 8-16 8.6 Summary of Proposed Environmental Education Plan...... 8-17 8.7 Cost Estimate...... 8-18 8.7.1 Project Cost...... 8-18 8.7.2 Operation and Maintenance Cost...... 8-19 8.8 Implementation Program ...... 8-20 8.8.1 Executing Organizations...... 8-20 8.8.2 Criteria for Prioritization ...... 8-20 8.8.3 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization ...... 8-20 8.8.4 Implementation Schedule ...... 8-21 8.9 Priority Projects ...... 8-23

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CHAPTER 9 INSTITUTIONAL PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION...... 9-1 9.1 Introduction ...... 9-1 9.2 Objective and Strategy...... 9-1 9.2.1 Objective...... 9-1 9.2.2 Strategy...... 9-1 9.3 Outline of the Institutional Plan...... 9-2 9.3.1 Establishment of the Anzali Conservancy ...... 9-2 9.3.2 What Is A Conservancy?...... 9-2 9.3.3 Application of the Conservancy Model in Iran...... 9-3 9.3.4 Application of the Conservancy Model to Anzali ...... 9-4 9.3.5 Representation on the Stakeholder Committee of the Conservancy..... 9-5 9.3.6 Functions of the Conservancy...... 9-6 9.3.7 Funding of the Conservancy ...... 9-7 9.3.8 Relationship with Other Plans in the Master Plan...... 9-8 9.3.9 Experience of Other Iranian Wetlands ...... 9-8 9.3.10 Management of the Anzali Watershed...... 9-9 9.3.11 Preparatory Steps...... 9-10 9.3.12 Capacity Development of Stakeholders ...... 9-13 9.4 Summary of Proposed Institutional Plan for Implementation ...... 9-15 9.5 Cost Estimate...... 9-15 9.5.1 Project Cost...... 9-15 9.5.2 Operation and Maintenance Cost...... 9-16 9.6 Implementation Program ...... 9-16 9.6.1 Executing Organizations...... 9-16 9.6.2 Criteria for Prioritization ...... 9-16 9.6.3 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization ...... 9-17 9.6.4 Implementation Schedule ...... 9-18 9.7 Priority Projects ...... 9-20

CHAPTER 10 EVALUATION OF MASTER PLAN ...... 10-1 10.1 Introduction ...... 10-1 10.2 Overall Implementation Schedules and Costs of the Master Plan...... 10-1 10.2.1 Overall Implementation Schedules of the Master Plan...... 10-1 10.2.2 Overall Cost Estimation of the Master Plan...... 10-8 10.3 Economic Evaluation...... 10-13 10.3.1 Approach to the Economic Evaluation of the Proposed Master Plan ... 10-13 10.3.2 Basic Conditions for Economic Evaluation...... 10-13 10.3.3 Values of the Anzali Wetland and Economic Benefit of the Wetland Ecological Management Plan...... 10-14 10.3.4 Economic Benefit of the Watershed Management Plan ...... 10-16

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10.3.5 Economic Benefit of the Wastewater Management Plan...... 10-19 10.3.6 Economic Benefit of the Solid Waste Management Plan...... 10-21 10.3.7 Economic Benefits of the Environmental Education Plan and the Institutional Plan ...... 10-22 10.3.8 Economic Evaluation of the Master Plan ...... 10-22 10.3.9 Economic Evaluation by Contingent Valuation Method ...... 10-25 10.4 Financial Evaluation...... 10-26 10.4.1 General Principles...... 10-26 10.4.2 Financial Sources...... 10-26 10.4.3 Basic Conditions for Financial Evaluation ...... 10-27 10.4.4 Financial Evaluation of the Proposed Management Plans...... 10-28 10.4.5 Price Contingency...... 10-34 10.4.6 Suggested Preparations...... 10-35 10.5 Environmental and Social Evaluation ...... 10-36 10.5.1 Introduction...... 10-36 10.5.2 Methodologies...... 10-37 10.5.3 IEE on the Wetland Ecological Management Plan...... 10-46 10.5.4 IEE on the Watershed Management Plan...... 10-48 10.5.5 IEE on the Wastewater Management Plan...... 10-50 10.5.6 IEE on the Solid Waste Management Plan ...... 10-52 10.6 Technical Evaluation ...... 10-53

CHAPTER 11 IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS LISTED BY IMPLEMENTING ORGANIZATION...... 11-1 11.1 Introduction ...... 11-1 11.2 Implementation Program for Each Organization...... 11-1 11.2.1 DOE ...... 11-1 11.2.2 MOJA...... 11-4 11.2.3 GWWC and RWWC ...... 11-7 11.2.4 Provincial Government and Municipalities ...... 11-8 11.2.5 Other Organizations ...... 11-10

CHAPTER 12 CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ...... 12-1 12.1 Introduction ...... 12-1 12.1.1 Goals ...... 12-1 12.1.2 Approaches ...... 12-1 12.2 Daily Activities...... 12-2 12.2.1 Development of Coordination Mechanisms ...... 12-2 12.2.2 Involvement of Local Stakeholders ...... 12-4 12.2.3 Participatory Study on Livelihood Improvement of Graziers ...... 12-5

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12.2.4 Environmental Surveys ...... 12-5 12.2.5 Analysis of Degradation Mechanisms of the Anzali Wetland and Its Watershed...... 12-6 12.2.6 Joint Development of the Master Plan ...... 12-6 12.3 Pilot Activities ...... 12-6 12.3.1 Objectives ...... 12-6 12.3.2 Selection of Pilot Activities ...... 12-7 12.3.3 Ecotourism...... 12-7 12.3.4 Wetland Education Program ...... 12-12 12.3.5 Beneficial Use of Azolla as Fertilizer...... 12-14 12.3.6 Erosion Control ...... 12-18 12.3.7 Community Wastewater Treatment System Development ...... 12-21 12.3.8 Research on Water Purification Capacity of Reed Bed...... 12-25 12.3.9 Livestock Wastewater Treatment Facility Development ...... 12-28 12.3.10 Waste Drop-off Centers ...... 12-31 12.3.11 Community-based Recycling...... 12-34 12.3.12 Report on State of the Environment...... 12-35 12.3.13 Website Development...... 12-37 12.4 Environmental Monitoring Activities...... 12-39 12.4.1 Introduction...... 12-39 12.4.2 Selection of Monitoring Items...... 12-39 12.4.3 Evaluation...... 12-41 12.5 Workshops and Seminars ...... 12-42 12.5.1 Workshops...... 12-42 12.5.2 Seminars ...... 12-43 12.6 Newsletters and Postcards...... 12-44 12.6.1 Newsletters...... 12-44 12.6.2 Postcards...... 12-45 12.7 Overseas Training ...... 12-46 12.7.1 Counterpart Training in Japan...... 12-46 12.7.2 Counterpart Training in the UK...... 12-46 12.8 Overall Evaluations ...... 12-46 12.8.1 Achievements of Capacity Development Activities ...... 12-46 12.8.2 Recommendations on Capacity Development ...... 12-48

CHAPTER 13 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 13-1 13.1 Conclusions ...... 13-1 13.2 Recommendations ...... 13-2

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APPENDICES APPENDIX 1 LISTS OF JICA STUDY TEAM AND JICA ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS ...... A-1 APPENDIX 2 LISTS OF STEERING COMMITTEES AND COUNTERPART MEMBERS...... A-2 APPENDIX 3 LIST OF LAWS...... A-7

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List of Tables

Table 2.1.1 Summary of the National Government Budget...... 2-2 Table 2.1.2 Breakdown of Government Budget in 2000 ...... 2-2 Table 2.1.3 Administrative Divisions in the Study Area ...... 2-3 Table 2.1.4 Estimated Population of Study Area by Township in 2004 ...... 2-4 Table 2.1.5 Agricultural Targets during the Third Development Plan in Guilan Province...... 2-5 Table 2.1.6 Planned Industrial Parks during the Third Development Plan in Guilan Province...... 2-5 Table 2.1.7 Investment Plan for Establishment of Industrial Parks ...... 2-6 Table 2.1.8 Average Annual Household Income in Guilan Province...... 2-8 Table 2.1.9 Poverty Line of Urban and Rural Residents in Guilan Province...... 2-9 Table 2.1.10 Summary of the Guilan Provincial Budget...... 2-9 Table 2.1.11 Expenditures from Provincial Budget by Executive Organization Related to M/P in 2002...... 2-10 Table 2.2.1 Monthly Precipitation ...... 2-12 Table 2.2.2 Monthly Discharge into the Anzali Wetland...... 2-14 Table 2.2.3 Average Annual Discharge of Rivers in the Anzali Wetland Watershed .... 2-14 Table 2.2.4 Maximum and Minimum Caspian Water Levels...... 2-15 Table 2.2.5 Land Use Based on LANDSAT Images ...... 2-20 Table 2.3.1 Number of Identified Plant Species Recorded in the Field Survey...... 2-22 Table 2.3.2 Number of Identified Bird Species and Individuals Recorded in the Field Survey...... 2-24 Table 2.3.3 The Feeding Methods of Waterfowl ...... 2-24 Table 2.3.4 Number of Identified Waterfowl Species and Individuals Recorded in the Field Survey...... 2-25 Table 2.3.5 List of Threatened Bird Species Recorded in the Field Survey ...... 2-26 Table 2.3.6 Number of Identified Fish Species and Individuals Recorded in the Field Survey ...... 2-27 Table 2.3.7 List of Threatened Fish Species Recorded in the Field Survey ...... 2-28 Table 2.3.8 Main Features of the Major Habitats in the Anzali Wetland (1/2)...... 2-30 Table 2.3.8 Main Features of the Major Habitats in the Anzali Wetland (2/2)...... 2-31 Table 2.3.9 Water Quality of the Anzali Wetland ...... 2-32 Table 2.3.10 Importance of Ramsar Site along the Southern Caspian Sea...... 2-34 Table 2.3.11 Market Value of the Fish of the Wetland ...... 2-35 Table 2.3.12 Market Value of the Waterfowl of the Wetland ...... 2-36 Table 2.4.1 Classification of Protected Areas in Iran...... 2-38 Table 2.4.2 Number of Licenses Issued in the Last Three Years...... 2-46 Table 2.5.1 Estimate of Annual Sediment Yield from Mountains ...... 2-49 Table 2.5.2 Estimate of Annual Sediment Yield from Plain Area...... 2-49

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Table 2.5.3 Estimated Stocking Density of Livestock...... 2-51 Table 2.5.4 Degraded Area of Rangelands and Forests...... 2-53 Table 2.5.5 Erosion Control Works Implemented by MOJA Guilan ...... 2-54 Table 2.5.6 Past Record of Outbreaks of Floods in the Study Area...... 2-54 Table 2.5.7 Numbers and Types of Affected Graziers...... 2-56 Table 2.5.8 Outlines of Forestry Activities in the Four Sub-Watersheds...... 2-57 Table 2.5.9 Reforestation for the Last Five Years...... 2-60 Table 2.5.10 Eco-tourism Development Plan...... 2-60 Table 2.6.1 Calculated COD Load Discharge ...... 2-67 Table 2.6.2 Calculated T-N Load Discharge ...... 2-68 Table 2.6.3 Calculated T-P Load Discharge...... 2-68 Table 2.6.4 Summary of Effluent Standard...... 2-69 Table 2.6.5 Task of Organizations Responsible for Wastewater Management...... 2-69 Table 2.6.6 List of Planned Projects of Sewerage System Development ...... 2-70 Table 2.6.7 Water Consumption and Wastewater Discharges from Industrial Factories ...... 2-74 Table 2.6.8 Management of Industrial Cities in the Study Area...... 2-74 Table 2.6.9 Main Agricultural Chemicals in the Paddy Field, 2002 ...... 2-77 Table 2.8.1 Requirements for Environmental Education and Public Participation...... 2-86 Table 2.9.1 Membership of the Land use & Environment (and Population) Working Group ...... 2-96 Table 2.9.2 Thematic Working Groups of the Provincial Council for Planning & Development...... 2-96

Table 3.5.1 Population Forecast in the Study Area from 2005 to 2019...... 3-10 Table 3.5.2 General Revenue of the Provincial Budget...... 3-10 Table 3.5.3 Forecast of GRDP in Guilan Province ...... 3-11 Table 3.7.1 Criteria for Prioritization of Proposed Measures...... 3-12 Table 3.7.2 Criteria for Evaluation of the Proposed Master Plan Components...... 3-12

Table 4.3.1 Main Policy and Zoning Criteria...... 4-4 Table 4.4.1 Status and Conservation Needs of the Threatened Species ...... 4-10 Table 4.6.1 Present and Proposed Management of Hunting and Fishing Licenses ...... 4-20 Table 4.7.1 Wetland Ecological Census Program – every 5 years...... 4-22 Table 4.7.2 Annual Ecological Monitoring Program ...... 4-22 Table 4.7.3 Ecotourism Monitoring Program...... 4-23 Table 4.7.4 Environmental Monitoring by Universities ...... 4-23 Table 4.8.1 Summary of Proposed Wetland Ecological Management Plan...... 4-25 Table 4.9.1 Cost Estimate of the Wetland Ecological Management Plan...... 4-27 Table 4.10.1 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization...... 4-29

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xiii Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

Table 4.10.2 Proposed Implementation Schedule of the Wetland Ecological Management Plan ...... 4-30

Table 5.2.1 Components of the Plan and Their Responsible Organizations ...... 5-4 Table 5.3.1 Total Numbers of Measures and Estimated Cost for the Measures in the Upper Watershed ...... 5-6 Table 5.3.2 Suggested Countermeasures against Landslides ...... 5-7 Table 5.3.3 Summary of Effect of Countermeasures ...... 5-8 Table 5.4.1 Outline of the Pilot Activity...... 5-9 Table 5.4.2 Recommended Silvicultural Practices...... 5-10 Table 5.4.3 Summary of the Reforestation Plan for the Target Area ...... 5-11 Table 5.4.4 Potential for Grazing and Estimated Number of Livestock...... 5-11 Table 5.4.5 Outline of the Reforestation Plan for the Margin Areas...... 5-12 Table 5.4.6 Summary of Reforestation Plan for the Margin Areas...... 5-12 Table 5.4.7 Protected Areas in the Watershed ...... 5-13 Table 5.4.8 Proposed Activities for Empowerment of Graziers ...... 5-14 Table 5.4.9 Management Activities to be carried out by Graziers...... 5-14 Table 5.4.10 Total Volume of Works for Rangeland Management...... 5-15 Table 5.4.11 Organizations Involved in the Resettlement Program...... 5-16 Table 5.5.1 Basic Plan of Construction of Sediment Traps...... 5-18 Table 5.6.1 Target Local People for Livelihood Development ...... 5-19 Table 5.6.2 Outline of the Participatory Study on Livelihood Development of Graziers ...... 5-20 Table 5.6.3 Results of the Participatory Study on Livelihood Development of Graziers ...... 5-20 Table 5.6.4 Outline of the Pilot Activity...... 5-22 Table 5.6.5 Estimated Annual Income per Grazier from Forest Management in the Margin Areas...... 5-23 Table 5.6.6 Estimated Annual Income per Grazier from Rangeland Management ...... 5-23 Table 5.7.1 Proposed Monitoring Plan on Erosion Control Work (1/4) ...... 5-25 Table 5.7.1 Proposed Monitoring Plan on Erosion Control Work (2/4) ...... 5-26 Table 5.7.1 Proposed Monitoring Plan on Erosion Control Work (3/4) ...... 5-27 Table 5.7.1 Proposed Monitoring Plan on Erosion Control Work (4/4) ...... 5-28 Table 5.9.1 Summary of Proposed Watershed Management Plan ...... 5-30 Table 5.10.1 Cost Estimate of the Watershed Management Plan ...... 5-33 Table 5.11.1 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization ...... 5-35 Table 5.11.2 Evaluation of the Sub-watersheds ...... 5-36 Table 5.11.3 Proposed Implementation Schedule of the Watershed Management Plan.. 5-37

Table 6.2.1 Target of Water Quality in the Anzali Wetland ...... 6-2 Table 6.2.2 Targets of Sediment Quality in the Anzali Wetland...... 6-2

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xiv Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

Table 6.2.3 Required Reductions of Pollution Loads...... 6-3 Table 6.3.1 Water Quality of Raw Wastewater and Treated Wastewater for Design Criteria...... 6-6 Table 6.3.2 List of Planned Projects of Sewerage System Development ...... 6-7 Table 6.4.1 List of Projects for Community Wastewater Treatment in Seven Villages. 6-12 Table 6.4.2 Service Population by Community Wastewater Treatment System...... 6-12 Table 6.5.1 Wastewater Treatment Systems in Industrial Cities in the Study Area ...... 6-15 Table 6.6.1 Measures for Management of Each Group of Livestock...... 6-16 Table 6.8.1 Proposed Monitoring Program for Wastewater Management...... 6-21 Table 6.8.2 Monitoring of Domestic Wastewater Treatment ...... 6-22 Table 6.8.3 Monitoring of Industrial Factories...... 6-22 Table 6.8.4 Monitoring of Agricultural Activity...... 6-22 Table 6.8.5 Water Pollution Load Discharged to Rivers ...... 6-22 Table 6.8.6 Ambient Water Quality Survey ...... 6-23 Table 6.10.1 Sammary of Proposed Wastewater Management Plan...... 6-24 Table 6.11.1 Data Source for Cost Estimate...... 6-26 Table 6.11.2 Cost Estimate of the Wastewater Management Plan...... 6-27 Table 6.12.1 Criteria for Prioritization...... 6-28 Table 6.12.2 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization...... 6-29 Table 6.12.3 Proposed Implementation Schedule for the Wastewater Management Plan ...... 6-31

Table 7.3.1 Three Composting Plants required in the Study Area...... 7-8 Table 7.3.2 Capacities of Landfill Sites to be Constructed...... 7-11 Table 7.5.1 Monitoring of Municipal Waste Management in Urban Areas ...... 7-16 Table 7.5.2 Monitoring of Municipal Waste Management in Rural Areas ...... 7-17 Table 7.5.3 Monitoring of Recycling Activity...... 7-17 Table 7.5.4 Monitoring of Leachate ...... 7-18 Table 7.5.5 Monitoring of Industrial Solid Waste Management...... 7-18 Table 7.5.6 Monitoring of Medical Waste Management ...... 7-19 Table 7.7.1 Summary of Proposed Solid Waste Management Plan ...... 7-21 Table 7.8.1 Cost Estimate of the Solid Waste Management Plan...... 7-23 Table 7.9.1 Criteria for Prioritization...... 7-24 Table 7.9.2 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization ...... 7-26 Table 7.9.3 Proposed Implementation Schedule for the Solid Waste Management Plan ...... 7-29 Table 7.10.1 Proposed Priority Projects in the Solid Waste Management Plan ...... 7-30

Table 8.6.1 Summary of Proposed Environmental Education Plan (1/2)...... 8-17 Table 8.6.1 Summary of Proposed Environmental Education Plan (2/2)...... 8-18 Table 8.7.1 Cost Estimate of the Environmental Education Plan...... 8-19

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xv Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

Table 8.8.1 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization ...... 8-21 Table 8.8.2 Proposed Implementation Schedule of Environmental Education Plan..... 8-22

Table 9.3.1 Problems to be Addressed by a Conservancy ...... 9-5 Table 9.4.1 Summary of Proposed Institutional Plan...... 9-15 Table 9.5.1 Cost Estimate of the Institutional Plan...... 9-15 Table 9.6.1 Scoring of Implementation Criteria ...... 9-17 Table 9.6.2 Evaluation of Proposed Projects for Prioritization ...... 9-17 Table 9.6.3 Proposed Implementation Schedule of Institutional Plan...... 9-20

Table 10.2.1 Implementation Schedule of the Master Plan (1/6) (Wetland Ecological Management Plan) ...... 10-3 Table 10.2.1 Implementation Schedule of the Master Plan (2/6) (Watershed Management Plan) ...... 10-4 Table 10.2.1 Implementation Schedule of the Master Plan (3/6) (Wastewater Management Plan)...... 10-5 Table 10.2.1 Implementation Schedule of the Master Plan (4/6) (Solid Waste Management Plan) ...... 10-6 Table 10.2.1 Implementation Schedule of the Master Plan (5/6) (Environmental Education Plan) ...... 10-7 Table 10.2.1 Implementation Schedule of the Master Plan (6/6) (Institutional Plan) ...... 10-7 Table 10.2.2 Cost of the Master Plan...... 10-8 Table 10.2.3 Cost Disbursement Schedule for the Master Plan ...... 10-10 Table 10.2.4 Disbursement of Project Cost and O&M Cost for the Component Plans of the Master Plan...... 10-11 Table 10.3.1 Economic Benefits of the Wetland Ecological Management Plan ...... 10-15 Table 10.3.2 Estimate of Ecosystem Value of the Anzali Wetland ...... 10-16 Table 10.3.3 Economic Benefits of the Watershed Management Plan...... 10-17 Table 10.3.4 Quantitative Evaluation of Economic Benefits of the Watershed Management Plan ...... 10-18 Table 10.3.5 Economic Benefits of the Wastewater Management Plan...... 10-20 Table 10.3.6 Economic Benefits of the Solid Waste Management Plan...... 10-21 Table 10.3.7 Economic Cash Flow and Cost-Benefit Analysis...... 10-24 Table 10.3.8 Assessment of the Environmental Viability of the Master Plan...... 10-23 Table 10.3.9 Willingness-to-Pay of Residents for Environmental Improvement...... 10-25 Table 10.4.1 Financial Sources for Implementation of the Master Plan ...... 10-26 Table 10.4.2 Comparison between GRDP and Total Cost of the Master Plan...... 10-28 Table 10.4.3 Annual O&M Costs of the Master Plan and Provincial Budgets for Relevant Organizations ...... 10-29 Table 10.4.4 Cost of Implementing the Wetland Ecological Management Plan...... 10-30

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xvi Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

Table 10.4.5 Cost of Implementing the Watershed Management Plan ...... 10-30 Table 10.4.6 Cost of Implementing the Wastewater Management Plan...... 10-31 Table 10.4.7 Estimated Average User Charges for Wastewater Management ...... 10-31 Table 10.4.8 Cost of Implementing the Solid Waste Management Plan ...... 10-32 Table 10.4.9 Estimated Average User Charge for Domestic Waste Management...... 10-33 Table 10.4.10 Cost of Implementing the Environmental Education Plan ...... 10-33 Table 10.4.11 Cost of Implementing the Institutional Plan ...... 10-34 Table 10.4.12 Estimate of Price Contingency...... 10-35 Table 10.4.13 Main Tasks of the Special Committees ...... 10-36 Table 10.5.1 Participants in the First Stakeholder Meeting on August 10, 2004 ...... 10-42 Table 10.5.2 Major Environmental and Social Issues Addressed in the First Stakeholder Meeting...... 10-43 Table 10.5.3 Comments Raised during the First Stakeholder Meeting...... 10-44 Table 10.5.4 Participants in the Second Stakeholder Meeting on October 4, 2004...... 10-45 Table 10.5.5 Comments on the IEE Documents Submitted by Stakeholders ...... 10-46 Table 10.5.6 Suggested Mitigating Measures for Rehabilitation and Maintenance of Habitat...... 10-47 Table 10.5.7 Suggested Mitigating Measures for Establishment of Environmental Zoning...... 10-47 Table 10.5.8 Suggested Mitigating Measures for Sustainable Use of natural Resources...... 10-48 Table 10.5.9 Suggested Mitigating Measures for Erosion Control...... 10-49 Table 10.5.10 Suggested Mitigating Measures for Prevention of Landslides...... 10-49 Table 10.5.11 Suggested Mitigating Measures for Improvement of livestock Resettlement Program ...... 10-50 Table 10.5.12 Suggested Mitigating Measures for Sewerage Development (Dispsal of Sludge) ...... 10-51 Table 10.5.13 Suggested Mitigating Measures for Sewerage Development (Water Pollution) ...... 10-51 Table 10.5.14 Suggested Mitigating Measures for Propser Disposal of Municipal Solid Waste...... 10-52 Table 10.5.15 Suggested Mitigating Measures for Provision of Efficient Municipal Waste Collection Service to Whole Area...... 10-53

Table 11.1.1 Responsible Organizations for Implementation of Proposed Sub-plans .... 11-1 Table 11.2.1 Proposed Implementation Schedule for DOE (1/2)...... 11-2 Table 11.2.1 Proposed Implementation Schedule for DOE (2/2)...... 11-3 Table 11.2.2 Proposed Implementation Schedule for MOJA...... 11-5 Table 11.2.3 Proposed Implementation Schedule for GWWC and RWWC...... 11-7 Table 11.2.4 Proposed Implementation Schedule for Local Governments ...... 11-9 Table 11.2.5 Proposed Implementation Schedule for Others...... 11-11

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Table 12.1.1 Methods of Capacity Development Activities ...... 12-2 Table 12.2.1 Selected Organizations Involved in Environmental Management ...... 12-3 Table 12.2.2 Environmental Surveys ...... 12-5 Table 12.3.1 Implementation of Ecotour ...... 12-9 Table 12.3.2 Treatment Area and Amounts of Chemical Fertilizer and Compost of We t Azolla...... 12-16 Table 12.3.3 Analysis of Compost...... 12-17 Table 12.3.4 Water Quality Data of Reed Bed...... 12-27 Table 12.3.5 Outline of Drop-off Center Activity ...... 12-31 Table 12.3.6 Amount of Waste Collected in Drop-off Centers ...... 12-32 Table 12.4.1 Items Selected for Environmental Monitoring Activities...... 12-40 Table 12.4.2 Timetable of Environmental Monitoring Activities...... 12-40 Table 12.5.1 Workshops ...... 12-43 Table 12.5.2 Seminars ...... 12-44 Table 12.7.1 Participants of Counterpart Training...... 12-46 Table 12.8.1 Overall Achievements of Capacity Development Activities ...... 12-47

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xviii Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

List of Figures

Figure 1.4.1 Overall Work Flow of the Study...... 1-3

Figure 2.1.1 Overlay of Environmental Zones and Anzali Development Plan...... 2-8 Figure 2.2.1 Typical Profile of the Anzali Watershed...... 2-11 Figure 2.2.2 Rivers in the Anzali Watershed ...... 2-13 Figure 2.2.3 Average Annual Water Level of Caspian Sea ...... 2-15 Figure 2.2.4 Measured Water Level in the Anzali Wetland...... 2-17 Figure 2.2.5 Land Use Map of Anzali Wetland Watershed (Satellite Image 2002 Landsat 7) ...... 2-19 Figure 2.3.1 Vegetation Map of the Anzali Wetland...... 2-22 Figure 2.3.2 Number of Migratory Birds during the Last 30 Years ...... 2-23 Figure 2.3.3 Field Survey Areas...... 2-24 Figure 2.3.4 Pictures of Anthya nyroca and Halaeetus albicilla...... 2-26 Figure 2.3.5 Pictures of Abramis brama orientalis and Perca flubiatilis ...... 2-28 Figure 2.3.6 Location of the Anzali Wetland in Flyways...... 2-35 Figure 2.4.1 Protected Areas in the Anzali Wetland...... 2-40 Figure 2.4.2 Present Zoning ...... 2-41 Figure 2.4.3 Organizational Structure of DOE Headquarters...... 2-42 Figure 2.4.4 Organizational Structure of DOE Guilan Bureau...... 2-43 Figure 2.4.5 Control of Illegal Fishing Gear by DOE Ranger...... 2-44 Figure 2.4.6 Areas with Encroachment Problems...... 2-45 Figure 2.5.1 Situation of Soil Erosion ...... 2-48 Figure 2.5.2 Sediment Budget in the Watershed...... 2-50 Figure 2.5.3 A Vicious Cycle of Overgrazing and Land Degradation...... 2-51 Figure 2.5.4 Causes of Forest Degradation ...... 2-52 Figure 2.5.5 Existing Protected Areas, Forestry Areas and Proposed Ecotourism Development Sites...... 2-59 Figure 2.5.6 Prospective Situation of the Resettlement Program...... 2-65 Figure 2.6.1 Composition of Pollution Sources in the Anzali Wetland Watershed ...... 2-66 Figure 2.6.2 Sub-Basins for the Study...... 2-66 Figure 2.6.3 Pollution Load Discharge Mechanism in the Anzali Wetland ...... 2-67 Figure 2.6.4 Construction Sites of Sewerage Systems in Rasht and Anzali...... 2-71 Figure 2.6.5 Location of Sewerage Planning Areas and Populations...... 2-72 Figure 2.6.6 Organization for Control of Consumption of Fertilizer and Pesticide ...... 2-76 Figure 2.7.1 Amount of Waste Dumped into Rivers ...... 2-80 Figure 2.7.2 Panoramic View of Dumping Site at Sarawan...... 2-81 Figure 2.7.3 Waste Flow in the Study Area...... 2-82

Figure 3.2.1 General Approaches of the Master Plan...... 3-3

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xix Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

Figure 3.2.2 Pictorial Representation of the Anzali Wetland and its Watershed...... 3-4 Figure 3.3.1 Phasing of the Master Plan ...... 3-7 Figure 3.4.1 Overall Structure of the Master Plan...... 3-7

Figure 4.2.1 Conceptual Model of Zoning...... 4-2 Figure 4.3.1 Zoning Map...... 4-5 Figure 4.4.1 Suitable Azolla Removal Area by the Guilan University (1999) ...... 4-11 Figure 4.6.1 Ecotourism Resources...... 4-14 Figure 4.6.2 Network of Ecotourism...... 4-15 Figure 4.6.3 Ecotourism Image Map ...... 4-19 Figure 4.7.1 General Flow of Adaptive Management for the Anzali Wetland ...... 4-21 Figure 4.7.2 Photographs of Damaged Nelumbium and Algal Blooms...... 4-24 Figure 4.8.1 Wetland Ecological Management Plan...... 4-26

Figure 5.3.1 Erosion Stages and Appropriate Countermeasures...... 5-5 Figure 5.3.2 Condition of Existing Gabion Check ...... 5-6 Figure 5.4.1 Proposed Organizational Structure of the Conservation Committee of NRGO ...... 5-17 Figure 5.9.1 Watershed Management Plan...... 5-31

Figure 6.2.1 COD, T-N and T-P Load in Western and Eastern Parts of the Anzali Wetland...... 6-3 Figure 6.3.1 Outline of Rasht Sewerage System...... 6-8 Figure 6.3.2 Outline of Anzali Sewerage System ...... 6-8 Figure 6.4.1 Locations of Community Wastewater Treatment Systems Proposed by RWWC ...... 6-11 Figure 6.4.2 Image of Community Wastewater Treatment System Proposed by RWWC ...... 6-11 Figure 6.5.1 Location of Existing and Planned Industrial Cities ...... 6-14 Figure 6.5.2 Image of Centralized Wastewater Treatment System ...... 6-15 Figure 6.6.1 Image of Management of Livestock Waste in Industrial Animal Husbandry...... 6-17 Figure 6.6.2 Image of Water Points and Buffer Zone...... 6-18 Figure 6.10.1 Wastewater Management Plan ...... 6-25

Figure 7.3.1 Number of Required Vehicles ...... 7-4 Figure 7.3.2 Required Collection Costs...... 7-5 Figure 7.3.3 Required Collection Costs per Ton...... 7-5 Figure 7.3.4 Illustration of Change of Collection Frequency and Collection Points...... 7-6 Figure 7.3.5 Composting Process...... 7-8 Figure 7.3.6 Required Cost for Collection, Composting and Landfill...... 7-9

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xx Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

Figure 7.3.7 Conceptual Illustration of Fukuoka Method ...... 7-10 Figure 7.3.8 Example of Sanitary Landfill by Fukuoka Method in Rostamabad ...... 7-10 Figure 7.3.9 Proposed Landfill Sites ...... 7-12 Figure 7.3.10 Proposed Construction Site in Anzali for Composting and Landfill ...... 7-13 Figure 7.6.1 Framework of Executing Organizations for Solid Waste Management ..... 7-20 Figure 7.7.1 Solid Waste Management Plan...... 7-22

Figure 8.5.1 Proposed Organizational Arrangement for Environmental Education Plan ...... 8-14

Figure 9.3.1 First Meeting of the Provincial Thematic Working Group...... 9-2 Figure 9.3.2 Generalized Structure of a Typical Conservancy ...... 9-3 Figure 9.3.3 Preparatory Steps toward Establishment of the Anzali Conservancy ...... 9-10

Figure 10.2.1 Proposed Projects in the Master Plan...... 10-2 Figure 10.4.1 Organizational Chart for the Proposed Special Committees for Financial Arrangement of the Master Plan...... 10-36 Figure 10.5.1 Steps of Initial Environmental Examination...... 10-38

Figure 12.1.1 Approaches of Capacity Development Activities...... 12-1 Figure 12.2.1 Examples of Stakeholder Meetings ...... 12-4 Figure 12.2.2 Participatory Livelihood Development Planning ...... 12-5 Figure 12.3.1 Signboard for Ecotourism Activity...... 12-9 Figure 12.3.2 Photographs of Ecotourism Activities...... 12-9 Figure 12.3.3 Satisfaction of the Participants...... 12-10 Figure 12.3.4 Desirable Activity...... 12-10 Figure 12.3.5 Willingness-to-Pay for the Ecotour ...... 12-11 Figure 12.3.6 Wetland Education Center and Related Facilities ...... 12-12 Figure 12.3.7 Layout of Environmental Education Facilities...... 12-13 Figure 12.3.8 Photographs of Environmental Education Activities...... 12-14 Figure 12.3.9 Photographs of Compost of Azolla ...... 12-15 Figure 12.3.10 Mean Grain Yield of Each Treatment ...... 12-17 Figure 12.3.11 Evaluation of Effectiveness of Azolla Fertilizer in Rice Production ...... 12-18 Figure 12.3.12 Erosion Control Activities in Upper Watershed...... 12-19 Figure 12.3.13 Tree Planting Activities in Masuleh Town...... 12-19 Figure 12.3.14 Vegetation Recovery at the Upper Masuleh Activity Site ...... 12-20 Figure 12.3.15 Recovery of Vegetation at the Tree Planting Site in Masuleh Town...... 12-20 Figure 12.3.16 Outline of Community Wastewater Treatment System at the Site ...... 12-22 Figure 12.3.17 Construction of Community Wastewater Treatment System...... 12-23 Figure 12.3.18 Water Quality Record in the Treatment Process...... 12-24 Figure 12.3.19 Large Amount of Algae ...... 12-24

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xxi Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

Figure 12.3.20 Signboard for Community Wastewater Treatment System...... 12-25 Figure 12.3.21 Schematic Diagram of Reed Bed Constructed at the Site ...... 12-26 Figure 12.3.22 Reed Bed during Construction...... 12-27 Figure 12.3.23 Design of Signboard for Reed Bed...... 12-28 Figure 12.3.24 System Layout of Proposed Treatment Process ...... 12-29 Figure 12.3.25 Outline of Livestock Wastewater Treatment Facility...... 12-29 Figure 12.3.26 Design of Livestock Waste Treatment Facility with Bio-gas Generation .. 12-30 Figure 12.3.27 Construction of Livestock Wastewater Treatment Facility...... 12-31 Figure 12.3.28 A Solid Waste Drop-off Center Constructed in Fuman...... 12-32 Figure 12.3.29 Comparison between “Before” and “After” in Fuman No.3 ...... 12-33 Figure 12.3.30 Comparison between “Before” and “After” in Fuman No.1 ...... 12-33 Figure 12.3.31 Educational Activity in Somehsara City ...... 12-34 Figure 12.3.32 Educational Activities in Fuman City ...... 12-35 Figure 12.3.33 An Excerpt from the Environmental Report...... 12-36 Figure 12.3.34 Web Pages...... 12-38 Figure 12.3.35 Training of DOE Staff...... 12-38 Figure 12.4.1 Photographs of Environmental Monitoring Activities ...... 12-41 Figure 12.6.1 Front Pages of Newsletters ...... 12-45 Figure 12.6.2 Post Cards...... 12-45

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ABBREVIATIONS

B/C Benefit-Cost Ratio BEA Business Environment Association BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand CEP Caspian Environment Programme CEPA Communication, Education and Public Awareness CHTO Culture, Heritage, and Tourism Organization COD Chemical Oxygen Demand COP Conference of Parties CPI Consumer Price Index DO Dissolved Oxygen DOE Department of the Environment DOE Guilan DOE Guilan Provincial Office EIA Environmental Impact Assessment El Elevation EIRR Economic Internal Rate of Return EMS Environmental Management System EPM Erosion Potential Method EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FFS Farmer Field Schools F/S Feasibility Study FRO Forestry and Range Organization GDP Gross Domestic Product GEF Global Environment Facility GIS Geographic Information System GOJ Government of Japan GOI Government of Islamic Republic of Iran GPS Global Positioning System GRDP Gross Regional Domestic Product GWWC Guilan Water and Wastewater Company HEEG Higher Education Environment Group HQ Headquarter HUDO Housing and Urban Development Organization IEE Initial Environmental Examination IEG Islam and Environment Group IMF International Monetary Fund IMO Industrial Mining Organization IPM Integrated Pest Management IRR Iranian Rial ISO International Organization for Standardization ISW Industrial Solid Waste ITTO Iran Touring and Tourism Organization IUCN The World Conservation Union JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency JPY Japanese Yen MCM Million Cubic Meter MOE Ministry of Energy MOED Ministry of Education MOE Guilan MOE Guilan Provincial Office MOIM Ministry of Industries and Mines MOJA Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture MOJA Guilan MOJA Guilan Provincial Directorates MORT Ministry of Roads and Transportation

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xxiii Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

M/P Master Plan MPO Management and Planning Organization NCSD National Council for Sustainable Development NGO Non Governmental Organization NPV Net Present Value NRGO Natural Resources General Office NWWEC National Water and Wastewater Engineering Company O&M Operation and Maintenance PEC Provincial Environmental Committee PPP Polluter Pay Principle PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal PSIAC Pacific Southwest Inter-agency Committee PSO Ports and Shipping Organization RAN Rural Advisers Network RAP Resettlement Action Plan REAN Rural Environment Advisers Network RET Rural Environment Team RWO Regional Water Organization RWWC Rural Water and Wastewater Company SCI Statistical Center of Iran SEG Schools Environmental Group SS Suspended Solid SWIM Solid Waste Improvement Meeting SWIM-H Solid Waste Improvement Meeting for Hospital Waste SWIM-I Solid Waste Improvement Meeting for Industrial Waste SWIM-M Solid Waste Improvement Meeting for Municipal Waste SWM Solid Waste Management The Study The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland TDS Total Dissolved Solid T-N Total Nitrogen TOR Terms of Reference T-P Total Phosphorus UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Program UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization USD United States Dollar US EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency VAT Value Added Tax WEMP Wetland Ecological Management Plan WGLEP Working Group on Landuse, Environment and Population WEAT Wetland Environmental Action Team WG Working Group WGLEP Working Group on Landuse, Environment and Population WL Water Level WMD Watershed Management Department WMP Watershed Management Plan WPDT Wetland Professional Development Team WTP Willingness-To-Pay WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xxiv Final Report, Volume II Main Report Table of Contents

ABBREVIATIONS (MEASUREMENT UNIT)

Length Time mm millimeter sec second cm centimeter min minute m meter hr hour km kilometer yr year

Currency Area IRR Iranian Rial m2 square meter JPY Japanese Yen km2 square kilometer USD United States Dollar ha hectare

Others Vo lu me % percent m3 cubic meter °C degree centigrade l, L liter 103 thousand MCM million cubic meter 106 million 9 Concentration 10 billion ppm parts per million mg/L milligram per liter

Weight mg milligram g gram kg kilogram ton metric ton

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland xxv Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The Anzali Wetland covers an area of 193 km2 in Guilan Province of Iran on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. It is internationally known as an important wetland for migratory birds and was registered as a Ramsar site in June 1975 in accordance with the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat. However, the water quality of the wetland is deteriorating due to the inflow of wastewater and solid waste from neighboring cities, including the provincial capital, Rasht. The Anzali Wetland is also getting drier and shrinking due to the inflow of sediment from the catchment area (approx. 3,610 km2). In 1993, the parties of the Convention decided to designate the Anzali Wetland as a wetland on the Montreux Record because conservation of the Anzali Wetland was deemed a priority issue among the Ramsar sites. The Iranian Government has been actively promoting conservation and wise use of the Anzali Wetland within its national policy for environmental conservation. Nevertheless, actions taken so far have been fragmented and have not reversed the course of environmental deterioration of this internationally important wetland. Under the situation described above, the Government of Iran (GOI) asked the Government of Japan (GOJ) to extend technical co-operation for a comprehensive study on how to recover wetland functions and achieve conservation of the Anzali Wetland. In response to the request, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) dispatched a Preparatory Study Team in November 2002. The Scope of Work for the Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland (the Study) was agreed between JICA and the Department of the Environment (DOE) and Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture (MOJA), Iran on November 12th, 2002. The study is now referred to as the “Anzali Wetland Conservation Study”.

1.2 Objectives of the Study The objectives of the Study are as follows: 1) Development of an integrated Master Plan for the conservation of the Anzali Wetland through close collaboration between the JICA Study Team and the Iranian counterpart organizations; 2) Initiation of some of the measures identified by the Iranian national and local organizations concerned during the development of the integrated master plan; and 3) Assistance for capacity development of the organizations concerned and their staff, to eliminate the causes of the Anzali Wetland degradation (following

Nippon Koei Co.,Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 1 - 1 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 1

scientific research work) and to build up co-ordination mechanisms for overall wetland management.

1.3 Study Area

The study area covers the Anzali Wetland itself and its watershed as shown in the Location Map.

1.4 Work Schedule

The total work period of the Study is 26 months from February 2003 to March 2005. The study period is divided into two phases as given below.

1) Phase 1: Basic Study (February 2003 to February 2004) ́ Preparatory Work in Japan (Feb-Mar 2003: 0.5 months) ́ First Field Work in Iran (May 2003-Feb 2004: 10 months) 2) Phase 2: Formulation of Master Plan (May 2004 to February 2005) ́ First Home Work in Japan (May-June 2004: 1.5 months) ́ Second Field Work in Iran (July-Oct 2004: 3.5 months) ́ Second Home Work in Japan (Oct-Nov 2004: 1.5 months) ́ Third Field Work in Iran (Dec 2004: 0.5 months) ́ Third Home Work in Japan (Feb-Mar 2005: 0.5 months) The overall work schedule is presented in Figure 1.4.1.

1.5 Organization for the Study The study was jointly implemented by the JICA Study Team, members of Iranian counterpart organizations, and other stakeholders. The members of the JICA Study Team and the JICA Advisory Committee are listed in the Appendix-1. In order to ensure smooth conduct of the study, the Iranian side organized the National Steering Committee, Local Steering Committee and Technical Committee, and assigned counterparts to the study team. They are listed in Appendix-2.

Nippon Koei Co.,Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 1 - 2 Phase Phase I: Study onon Situation of WetlandWetland and its CausesCauses - Phase II: Formulation of Master Plan First Home Work Second Home Work Third W ork Third W ork Study Stage Preparatory Work First Field Work Iran - in Japan Second Field Work in Iran In Japan In Iran - In Japan Fiscal Year 2002 2003 2004 Month 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9(F) 9(L) 10 11 12 1 2 3-5(F) 5(L)-6 7 8 9 10(F) 10(L) 11 12(F) 12(L)-1 2 RASHT City Precipitation a Month 33mm 53mm 32mm 34mm 9mm 72mm 114mm 329mm 329mm 145mm 130mm 163mm 131mm 33mm - 9mm 72mm 114mm 329mm 145mm 145mm 130mm 163mm - 33mm

【【88】】WaterWater QualityQuality andand SubstratumSubstratum SecondSecond ThirdThird SurveySurvey FirstFirst Survey SurveySurvey SurveySurvey 【【12】】Plankton and Survey 12 Plankton and (Sept.)(Sept.) (Dec.)(Dec.) BenthosBenthos Survey Survey (Jun.)(Jun.)

【【99】】 SoundingSounding SurveySurvey 【 】 【【1010】】 29 Social Survey Subletting Works Subletting Social Survey Subletting Works Subletting Additional Data Collection and Supplemental Field Survey 【【1111】】 Additional Data Collection and Supplemental Field Survey InstitutionInstitution SurveySurvey

【2】 【5】 【13】 【18】 【19】 【24】【26】 【28】 【39】 【41】 Pollution Source Survey Analysis of Wetland Degradation and 【32】 FieldField Pollution Source Survey Analysis of Wetland Degradation and ComparativeComparative StudyStudy Reconnaissance a)a) Water Water PollutionPollution EvaluationEvaluation ofof ProposedProposed PlansPlans FormulationFormulation ofof M/PM/P ofof IntegratedIntegrated Reconnaissance • Type and Di stribution of a) Influence by Water Pollution • Type and Distribution of a) Influence by Water Pollution •• Technical Technical Aspect,Aspect, ManagementManagement forfor EcosystemEcosystem ConservationConservation PollutionPollution SourceSource b) Influence by Waste b) Influence by Waste EconomicEconomic Aspect,Aspect, ofof thethe WetlandWetland 【6】 •• Generation Generation andand RunoffRunoff ofof c)c) Influence Influence byby SedimentSediment InflowInflow andand FinancialFinancial Aspect,Aspect, 1)1) Wetland Wetland ConservationConservation PlanPlan CollectionCollection andand PollutionPollution LoadLoad DepositDeposit Arrangement of Existing •• Present Present ConditionCondition ofof d)d) Others Others OrganizationOrganization andand 2)2) Land Land UseUse andand WatershedWatershed ManagementManagement Arrangement of Existing Institution Plan DataData andand InformationInformation SewerageSewerage SystemSystem andand Institution Plan a)a) Socio-Economy Socio-Economy FutureFuture PlanPlan AspectsAspects 3)3) Sewerage Sewerage DevelopmentDevelopment PlanPlan b)b) Administration Administration andand b)b) Waste Waste •Proposal• Proposal ofof thethe 4)4) Waste Waste ManagementManagement PlanPlan • Amount, Kind and Zone OrganizationOrganization • Amount, Kind and Zone 【22】 OptimumOptimum PlanPlan 5)5) Environmental Environmental EducationEducation PlanPlan • Present Condition of Waste c)c) Policy, Policy, LegalLegal StatusStatus • Present Condition of Waste 6)6) Environmental Environmental MonitoringMonitoring PlanPlan DisposalDisposal andand FutureFuture PlanPlan StudyStudy onon BasicBasic PrinciplePrinciple forfor M/PM/P andand ConventionConvention Formulation 7)7) Capacity Capacity DevelopmentDevelopment PlanPlan d) Community •• Illegal Illegal DumpingDumping ConditionCondition Formulation d) Community 1)1) Concept Concept ofof M/PM/P DevelopmentDevelopment PlanPlan 2) Setting of Vision and Goal e) Climate and 2) Setting of Vision and Goal e) Climate and 【15】 3) Planning Area and Target Year 【 】 Hydrology 3) Planning Area and Target Year 33 Hydrology 4)4) Setting Setting ofof TargetTarget (Conservation(Conservation Master Plan f)f) River, River, WaterWater BodyBody PresentPresent SituationSituation ofof WetlandWetland Level) 【27-1】 Level) ProjectProject ImplementationImpl ement ation ScheduleSchedule andand andand WatershedWatershed DegradationDegradation andand IdentificationIdentification ofof 5) Approach and Strategy g) Soil Spillage and 5) Approach and Strategy Preparation of ProjectProject CostCost EstimateEstimate 【 】 g) Soil Spillage and Causes 6) Components of M/P Preparation of 1-1 Sedimentation Causes 6) Components of M/P Sedimentation 7)7) Proposal Proposal ofof M/PM/P PrototypePrototype InterimInterim ReportReport PreparationPreparation ofof InceptionInception h)h) Wildlife Wildlife andand EcologyEcology (It/R) 【14】 (It/R) 【 】 ReportReport (Ic/R)(Ic/R) i)i) Land Land UseUse andand 34 VegetationVegetation OtherOther FieldField SurveysSurveys •Work•Work Items,Items, WorkWork a)a) InitialInitial EnvironmentalEnvironmental ExaminationExamination (IEE)(IEE) Allocation j)j) Wetland Wetland UseUse a)a) Soil Soil andand GeologyGeology Allocation k) Sewerage System b) Water Level and Discharge a-1)a-1) PreliminaryPreliminary ScopingScoping •• Management Management MethodMethod ofof k) Sewerage System b) Water Level and Discharge a-2) First Stakeholder Meeting l)l) Infrastructure Infrastructure c)c) Sediment Sediment RunoffRunoff andand 【23】 a-2) First Stakeholder Meeting StudyStudy CommitteeCommittee Facilities Deposit a-3)a-3) IEEIEE ofof ProposedProposed ProjectsProjects Facilities Deposit PreliminaryPreliminary StudyStudy ofof AlternativesAlternatives 【36】 •• Management Management MethodMethod ofof m)m) Water Water QualityQuality andand d)d) Inundation Inundation AreaArea a-4)a-4) SecondSecond StakeholderStakeholder MeetingMeeting Workshops and Seminars 1)1) Environmental Environmental ZoningZoning a-5) Preparation of IEE Document

Work Item Workshops and Seminars Substratum e) Ecology (Wildlife, Fish) a-5) Preparation of IEE Document Substratum e) Ecology (Wildlife, Fish) AlternativesAlternatives •• Concept Concept ofof NewsNews LetterLetter n) Waste f) Sewerage System FormulationFormulation ofof ProjectProject n) Waste f) Sewerage System 2)2) Component Component PlansPlans forfor ZoningZoning IssueIssue o)o) Environmental Environmental g)g) Waste Waste b)b) EconomicEconomic andand FinancialFinancial EvaluationEvaluation ImplementationImplementation PlanPlan (I/P)(I/P) AlternativesAlternatives c) Technical Evaluation •• Concept Concept ofof CapacityCapacity GuidelineGuideline h)h) Water Water LevelLevel ofof CaspianCaspian c) Technical Evaluation DevelopmentDevelopment p)p) Existing Existing EIAEIA SeaSea Implementation q)q) Relevant Relevant PlansPlans andand i)i) Management Management System,System, LandLand (1)(1) 【37】 Implementation Other Donors’ Use, Lives of Inhabitants, • Concept of Pilot Actions Other Donors’ Use, Lives of Inhabitants, • Concept of Pilot Actions Activities Industrial Activity, and Implementation Activities Industrial Activity, ProposalProposal onon Follow-upFollow-up and Implementation r)r) Existing Existing ReportsReports ofof Vegetation,Vegetation, etc.etc. ProjectsProjects andand ActivitiesActivities MethodMethod SurveySurvey andand PlanningPlanning s)s) Others Others 【7】 【35】 【38-1】

PreparationPreparation ofof DraftDraft FinalFinal ReportReport (Df/R)(Df/R) Presentation and Discussion of It/R of Discussion and Presentation Presentationand Discussion of It/R Preparation and Submission of F/R of and Submission Preparation Preparation and Submission of F/R of Submission and Preparation

【16】 【20】 【30】 FormationFormation ofof PilotPilot ActivityActivity PlanPlan a)a) Environmental Environmental Education,Education, ImplementationImplementation ofof PilotPilot ActivitiesActivities ImplementationImplementation ofof PilotPilot ActivitiesActivities EnlightenmentEnlightenment ActivityActivity /Interim/Interim EvaluationEvaluation (Continuation/New)(Continuation/New) b)b) Community Community DevelopmentDevelopment andand Eco-tourismEco-tourism c)c) Control Control of of SedimentSediment RunoffRunoff andand DepositDeposit d)d) Waste Waste ManagementManagement e)e) Waste Waste WaterWater ManagementManagement f)f) Small-scale Small-scale FacilitiesFacilities Presentation andDiscussion Ic/R of Presentation and Discussion Df/Rof Presentation and Discussion of Ic/R of Discussion and Presentation g)g) Conservation Conservation ofof WetlandWetland Df/R of Discussion and Presentation

【17】 【21】 【31】 Preparation, Presentation and Discussion of Pr/R Pr/R Pr/R of of Discussion Discussion and and Presentation Presentation Preparation, Preparation, Pr/R Pr/R of of (2)(2) Discussion Discussion and and Presentation Presentation Preparation, Preparation, Preparation, Presentation and Discussion of Pr/R of Pr/R Discussion and Presentation Preparation, Preparation, Presentation and Discussion of Pr/R of Pr/R of Pr/R Discussion Discussion and and Presentation Presentation Preparation, Preparation, Preparation, Presentation and Discussion of Pr/R of Pr/R Discussion and Presentation Preparation, Monitoring Plan FormulationFormulation ofof EnvironmentalEnvironmental MonitoringMonitoring PlanPlan SupportSupport forfor EnvironmentalEnvironmental MonitoringMonitoring SupportSupport ofof EnvironmentalEnvironmental MonitoringMonitoring •• Water Water Depth,Depth, WaterWater Level,Level, /Interim/Interim EvaluationEvaluation (Continuation/New) (Continuation/New) Development Capacity of Result the of Evaluation SedimentSediment Development Capacity of Result the of Evaluation • Water Quality, Birds, Fishes

Formulation of Capacity Development Implementation Plan Implementation Development Capacity of Formulation • Water Quality, Birds, Fishes Formulation of Capacity Development Implementation Plan Implementation Development of Capacity Formulation •• Vegetation, Vegetation, Residents,Residents, etc.etc. Pilot Activity Plan and Environmental

【 】 【27-2】 【38-2】 Report 1-2 (Advisory SubmittingSubmitting and and Presentation Presentation SubmissionSubmission andand SubmissionSubmission andand of Ic/R SecondSecond ThirdThird Presentation of It/R FifthFifth Presentation of Df/R SeventhSeventh of Ic/R A/ C A/C Presentation of It/R A/ C Presentation of Df/R A/ C (First Advisory Committee A/C A/ C (Fourth Advisory A/C (Sixth Advisory A/C Committee (First Advisory Committee MeetingMeeting MeetingMeeting (Fourth Advisory MeetingMeeting (Sixth Advisory MeetingMeeting Meeting) (A/C)(A/C) Meeting) Meeting) CommitteeCommittee Meeting)Meeting) CommitteeCommittee Meeting)Meeting)

【25】 【40】 【3-1】 【4-1】 【3-2】 【3-3】 【4-2】【3-4】 【4-3】 【3-5】 【4-4】 【3-6】 【4-5】 Workshop FirstFirst SecondSecond FirstFirst SecondSecond ThirdThird NewsNews FourthFourth NewsNews Wetland FifthFifth NewsNews SixthSixth NewsNews Wetland Wetland 【 】 Wetland (WS)/ W/S NewsNews W/SW/S W/S LetterLetter W/S LetterLetter Environ-Environ- W/S LetterLetter W/S 3-7 LetterLetter Environ-Environ- LetterLetter (No.2)(No.2) (No.3)(No.3) mentalmental (No.4)(No.4) Seventh (No.5)(No.5) MentalMental Seminar & Conserv Seventh Conser- (No.1)(No.1) Conserv W/S Conser- ationation W/S VationVation New Letter SeminarSeminar SeminarSeminar

Central 【1-3】 Committee Comment FirstFirst SecondSecond ThirdThird FourthFourth FifthFifth Comment Technical Examination of Ic/R by the Prepara-Prepara- Examination of Ic/R by the St/CSt/C St/CSt/C St/CSt/C St/CSt/C St/CSt/C Committee GovernmentGovernment of of Iran, Iran, tiontion for for of Iran ・・M/MM/M ・・M/MM/M ・・M/MM/M ・・M/MM/M ・・M/MM/M Df/R Local CommentComment Preparation Preparation Df/R Importance and Validityof Integrated Management M/P Progress and Outcome of of Outcome and Progress Pilot Activity and Environmental Monitoring Pilot Activity Plan and Environmental Monitoring Plan Relation between Anzali and Wetland Community Economy Evaluation of Achievement ofDevelopment Capacity Study on WetlandStudy Degradation Conservation andConservation Management of Wetlands Ramsar of the Registered Convention Government Government Committee 1-3 Figure 1.4.1 Overall Work Flow of the Study 11 - - 33 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 PRESENT CONDITIONS OF THE STUDY AREA

2.1 Socio-Economy 2.1.1 National Socio-Economy (1) National Economy The GDP of Iran in 20011 was 741,068 billion Rials (USD 86 billion at the current currency value in 2003. The average annual growth rate of GDP was 23.1% between 1997 and 2001 (SCI, 20022). Iran has the second largest oil and gas reserves in the world, and the national economy heavily depends on oil-related sectors. As much as 16.1% of the GDP was from the oil-related sectors in 2001. The GDP shares of major sectors 3 are mining (15.5%), manufacturing (15.1%), wholesale and retail (14.5%), real estate (11.6%) and agriculture (10.9%). However, the highest percentage of employment is seen in the agricultural sector at around 23%. To protect the livelihood of the farmers, the Government subsidizes various kinds of agricultural products to stabilize their domestic prices by providing guaranteed purchasing prices.

(2) National Budget The total governmental budget in 2003 was about 968,000 billion Rials (USD 112 billion), comprising public budget, governmental corporation budget, bank budget, and budget of governmental affiliated enterprises. Among the budget items, the government public budget to be used by executive bodies for the annual programs including development projects is 436,022 billion Rials (USD 50 billion)4. Approximately 50% of government revenues and 70 - 75% of exports are derived from the oil sector (IMF, 2002).

1 Under the Iranian calendar, the year starts on 21 March of the Christian year and ends on 20 March in the next year. In addition, to convert the Iranian year into Christian year, 621 is added to the former; ex. Iranian year 1383 equals Christian year 2004. 2 Iran Statistical Yearbook 1381, Statistical Center of Iran (SCI), Autumn 2003 3 The categories of the major economic sector are based on the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC), and the oil-related sectors are included in a number of different sectors in the ISIC system. 4 The amount of the governmental budget includes budgets used by both central and provincial governments. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 1 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2

Table 2.1.1 Summary of the National Government Budget (Unit: billion Rials) Items 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Government public budget 109,699.5 127,816.2 164,266.9 273,228.3 436,022.8 Government corporation budget*1 162.959.3 213,579.8 265,247.9 391,187.9 495,256.5 Banks budget*2 16,992.0 21,033.9 28,317.2 37,586.1 51,350.2 Budget of government-affiliated 3,062.5 5,474.5 6,861.3 7,140.8 7,730.4 enterprises*3 Duplications 16,498.2 7,254.2 8,715.0 15,840.8 22,098.8 Total 276,215.2 360,668.1 455,978.2 693,302.2 968,261.1 Note: The figures in the table are the primary approved budget. *1- Comprising institutes, government corporations and insurance companies included in the Budget Law for mentioned years. *2- Including Central Bank and ten other banks. Also including Post-Bank Co. as 1999. *3- Including Defense Industries Organization, Port and Shipping Organization and other institutions included in the Budget Law for the mentioned years. Source: Iran Statistical Yearbook 1381, Statistical Center of Iran (SCI), Autumn 2003

Table 2.1.2 Breakdown of Government Budget in 2000 (Unit: billion Rials) Items 2000 (%) 1. Revenues 104,640.8 100 (1) Oil and gas 59,448.5 56.8 (2) Taxes 32,842.1 31.4 (3) Government monopolies and ownerships 439.9 0.4 (4) Sale of goods and services 6,615.3 6.3 (5) Miscellaneous 5,294.7 5.1 2. Expenditures 108,316.2 100 (1) Current expenditures 85,865.4 79.3 (2) Development expenditures 22,450.8 20.7 Note: Special revenues and expenditures are excluded in the above figure. Minor discrepancies in total are due to rounding the figures. Source: Government budget law (referred and summarized from the Annual Review 2000, Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran)

(3) Population According to the 1996 Census, the total population of Iran was about 60.1 million in 1996. The estimated total population in 2003 is about 66.4 million (SCI, 2002). According to the population structure by age group, there is a remarkable feature that the age group under 30 years old represents about 68% of the total population. (4) Five-year Development Plan The national economy of Iran is planned based on a five-year development plan, and activities and required budgets in each fiscal year are considered based on the five-year development plan. The third five-year development plan for 2000 – 2004 is under implementation. Overhaul of state enterprises, reduction of government subsidies, control of inflation, and job creation were among the priorities of the third five-year plan. Each province develops its

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 2 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2 provincial five-year development plan based on the national plan. From the first to third five- year development plans, each province has prepared a provincial five-year development plan based on the national five-year development plan. The top-down planning approach has caused difficulties for the provinces in trying to realize target figures in many of the economic aspects. Considering the past lessons, preparation of the fourth provincial five-year development plans are being led by each province, according to the MPO.

2.1.2 Regional Socio-Economy (1) Administrative Division There are in total 16 Shahrestans (townships) in Guilan province. The study area consists of 6 Shahrestans, 13 (counties), 10 Shahrs (cities), and 32 Dehestans (rural agglomerations), as shown in Table 2.1.3. There are 6 Bakshes in the Rasht Shahrestan, but only 3 Bakhshes are included in the study area. In other Shahrestans, all Bakhshes are located in the study area.

Table 2.1.3 Administrative Divisions in the Study Area

Ostan Shahrestan Shahr / Dehestan Township District City or Town/ Rural district Province (or Sub-province) (or County) (or Rural agglomeration) Khomam, Chopark Khaneh, Chokam Rasht (Provincial capital), Peerbazar, Humeh, Rasht Markazi (central) Pasikhan, Lakan Sanger Sanger, Sanger, Saravan, Eslam Abad Bandar Anzali, Lichar Kihassanrood, Chahar Anzali Markazi (central) Farizeh Tolam Tolam, Hendokhaleh, Tolam Guilan Somehsara Markazi (central) Somehsara, Ziabar, Tahergoorab, Kasma Mirzakoochak Jangali Markien, Gorab zarmikh Markazi (central) Shaft, Molasara, Jirdeh Shaft Ahmadsargorab Chobar, Ahmadsargorab Markazi (central) Fuman, Rood Peesh, Looleman, Gasht, Gurab Pas Fuman Sardar Jangal Masuleh, Alian, Sardar Jangal Shanderman Sheikh Neshin, Shaderman Markazi (central) Masal, Humeh, Masal Source: JICA Study Team

(2) Population The total population of Guilan province and study area are estimated at around 2.5 million and 1.1 million in 2004 respectively based on the 1996/97 Census. Estimated population of the study area by Shahrestan (township) for 2004 (Table 2.1.4) shows that the population is dense in the urban area, especially in Rasht. 56% of the population in the watershed is concentrated in Rasht, followed by Somehsara (12%) and Anzali (11%). 46% of the total

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 3 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2 provincial population lives in the study area. According to the MPO, the population increase in the urban cities is not only due to increase of population density, but also due to the merging of suburb municipalities into the urban cities. As mentioned in the third five-year development plan of Guilan Province, slowing of the population growth is greater than in other parts of the country due to successful results of the population program in the province5.

Table 2.1.4 Estimated Population of Study Area by Township in 2004

Total Population % of Total % of Total Township Total Study Area Province Anzali 132,297 11.4% 5.3% Rasht 647,452 56.0% 25.8% Shaft 75,512 6.5% 3.0% Somehsara 138,665 12.0% 5.5% Fuman 110,579 9.6% 4.4% Masal 52,111 4.5% 2.1% Total of Study Area 1,156,616 100.0% 46.1% Province Total 2,508,605 - 100.0% Source: Estimated by JICA Study Team based on MPO’s estimation

(3) Regional Economy The GRDP of Guilan province in 2000 was 16,361.8 billion Rials (SCI, 1381)6. The GRDP of Guilan province is ranked at 10 out of the 28 provinces in Iran. The vehicle and personal/household goods category is ranked first in terms of the value added in 2000, and agriculture/hunting/forestry and manufacturing follow as main sectors. The current economic development activities in Guilan province are based on the third five-year development plan of Guilan province for 2000–2004. Although strengthening of agricultural-related industry was emphasized in the first and second provincial five-year development plans, introduction and expansion of non-agricultural sectors such as new manufacturing and tourism industries were also prioritized in the third five-year plan. In terms of shift from an oil dependent national economy to a non-oil industrial economy in the future, Guilan province is an important province with rich natural resources and favorable climate along with other northern provinces.

5 According to MPO Guilan, the population program commenced in 1996, 10-years earlier than in other provinces in Iran. In addition, the net immigrant rate between inflow and outflow of the population at provincial level is very low. 6 According to MPO Guilan, only the data of GRDP in 2000 is available at the provincial level and no estimation for the past and subsequent years, including future estimation, is available. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 4 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2

(4) Agriculture Guilan province is a major agricultural area for rice, silk, and tea, and the province is also one of the major domestic summer tourist destinations, especially along the coast of the Caspian Sea, including the Anzali Wetland area. Rice production is the main agricultural activity in the province. In the third five-year development plan of Guilan province, the following priorities for the agricultural sector are considered for the plan period. - Increase of productivity per unit area for agricultural produce such as rice, wheat, vegetables, oats, peanuts, tobacco, forage, and summer crops. - Increase of biological control against pests, herbal diseases and weeds. Quantitative targets of the agricultural plan for the third five-year development plan are shown in the following table.

Table 2.1.5 Agricultural Targets during the Third Development Plan in Guilan Province

Target Item 2000 2004 Target 1. Fighting pests and herbal diseases 352,800 ha 388,080 ha 2. Increase in efficiency of agricultural automation 0.68 hp/ha 1.03 hp/ha 3. Increase of production of rice seed 700 ton 950 ton 4. Increase of agricultural produce by using breeding and other 982,000 ton 1,180,000 ton methods 5. Increase of wet-wheat produce 5,136 ton 7,000 ton 6. Increase in production of rain-fed farming 8,344 ton 12,000 ton Source: Third Socio-Economic and Cultural Development Plan of the Guilan Province 2000–2004

(5) Industry There are six industrial parks in the study area contributing to urban employment opportunities outside the agricultural sector. The number of factories for food and beverages is the largest in the province due to the abundance of water resources compared to other areas in Iran. Fur garment factories are the second largest industry.

The third five-year development plan of Guilan province7 presented the following targets for the establishment of industrial parks. However, the strategies for specific industrial sectors to be promoted in Guilan province are not mentioned in the plan.

Table 2.1.6 Planned Industrial Parks during the Third Development Plan in Guilan Province (Unit: ha) Type of Industrial Park Land Area 1. Development of urban industrial park to be started 203 2. Development of urban industrial park to be completed 527 3. Development of rural industrial park to be started and completed 390 Total 1,120 Source: Third Socio-Economic and Cultural Development Plan of the Guilan Province 2000–2004

7 Third Socio-Economic and Cultural Development Plan of the Guilan Province 2000 – 2004 Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 5 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2

The expected investment amount for establishment of industrial parks during the third five- year development plan is shown below. In the table, there is no information on the investment from some sectors such as private companies.

Table 2.1.7 Investment Plan for Establishment of Industrial Parks (Unit: million Rials) Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Total 1. National and provincial budget 25,813 4,254 4,150 6,640 7,470 48,327 2. Public and non-governmental 0 0 16,748 19,269 21,826 57,843 organization 3. Others 0 3,096 0 0 0 3,096 Total 25,813 7,350 20,898 25,909 29,296 109,266 Source: Third Socio-Economic and Cultural Development Plan of the Guilan Province 2000–2004

(6) Tourism Guilan Province, especially the Bandar Anzali area along the Caspian coast, is one of the most popular domestic destinations for summer holidays in Iran. Around 184,000 domestic tourists came into Guilan province in 2002, mostly from nearby provinces, whilst around 3,100 foreign tourists visited the area. The main tourist attractions are located in Bandar Anzali, Rasht, Masuleh, and Fuman. Tourist accommodations in the study area are concentrated in Rasht and Anzali. Tourism targets according to the third five-year development plan for Guilan province are shown below. - Increase of annual tourists from 124,000 people to 280,000 people - Increase of capacity of tourist accommodation from 3,000 beds to 4,600 beds The total cost for the above is estimated at around 40 billion Rials from government and 12 billion Rials from the private sector and NGOs. (7) Major Development Plan 1) Long Term Development Plan for Guilan Province 1996 – 2021 A long-term development plan for Guilan province was published in 1997. The period of the long-term plan is 25 years from 1996 to 2021. The target period of the long-term plan is close to the target year of the Master Plan. The plan outlines the future direction of provincial development for various aspects such as the social, industrial, educational, and cultural sectors. In the plan, it is forecast that the percentage of the workforce in the agricultural sector will gradually decrease in the rural area, while that of the service sector will increase. In the urban area, the proportion of the workforce in the industrial sector will increase, while that in the service sector will decrease, though the latter will still represent more than 50% of the total population.

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2) Third Five-Year Plan of Guilan Province 2000 - 2004 The Third Socio-Economic and Cultural Development Plan of Guilan Province 2000 – 2004 (The third five-year plan) was prepared with a review of past implementation of the previous five-year plan. This is essentially a compilation of sectoral development plans developed by provincial offices of various ministries.

3) Urban Development Plan for Rasht City An Integrated and Detailed Design for Rasht City was published by the Housing and Urban Development Organization of Guilan in 2000. The target period of the 10- year plan is from 2000 to 2010. In the plan, land use zones are designated based on the past and present details of various aspects of Rasht City. This plan is now expected to be revised in the near future. 4) Urban Development Plan for Bandar Anzali City A detailed urban development plan for Bandar Anzali City was prepared by the Housing and Urban Development Organization of Guilan in 2001, based on a master plan prepared in 1989. In the detailed plan, land area by type of land use is designated for several zones of Bandar Anzali City. However, this plan seems to have become outdated already. The southern boundary for the detailed plan is based on a ring road, which was planned to be newly constructed as shown in the following figure. The development plan for the ring road has been postponed since DOE raised an objection based on the potential serious environmental impact on the Anzali Wetland. This has not been solved so far, but according to the Housing and Urban Development Organization of Guilan, it is planned that the urban development master plan will be revised next year. Based on the detailed plan, a set of regulations for building construction standards and other kinds of development control in the plan area was published in 2001.

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Source: Urban Development Plan of Anzali City, 2001. Figure 2.1.1 Overlay of Environmental Zones and Anzali Development Plan

5) Urban Development Plan for Somehsara City A master plan for Somehsara City was prepared in 1989. The target year of the plan was 1998. In the plan, construction rules by type of urban land use to be regulated are proposed. According to the plan, around 1 km2 of land is needed for expansion, mainly for residential use. (8) Household Income The average annual net incomes of households in urban and rural areas in Guilan province were 28,641 and 19,316 thousand Rials/year/family, respectively, in 2002. Compared to the national average in 2002 at 33,105 and 19,003 thousand Rials/year/family in urban and rural areas respectively, the average annual net income in the urban area is lower while that in the rural area is slightly higher in Guilan Province since agriculture is dominant in the rural area.

Table 2.1.8 Average Annual Household Income in Guilan Province (Unit: thousand Rials/year) Year Urban Inc. Rate Rural Inc. Rate Average 1999/00 14,221 20.1% 11,376 21.1% 12,799 20.5% 2000/01 18,752 31.9% 12,047 5.9% 15,400 20.3% 2001/02 20,625 10.0% 16,007 32.9% 18,316 18.9% 2002/03 28,641 38.9% 19,316 20.7% 23,979 30.9% 2003/04* 35,857 25.2% 23,203 20.1% 29,530 23.2% 2004/05*1 44,892 25.2% 27,873 20.1% 36,383 23.2% Note: The figures in the parenthesis are national average data. *1 - Estimated by JICA Study Team Source: Guilan Statistical Yearbook 2003/04, Iran Statistical Yearbook 2002/03, Statistical Center of Iran

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The proportions of the population below the poverty line as an absolute poverty index in urban and rural areas of Guilan province in 2001 are 10.4% and 13.7%, respectively, as shown below.

Table 2.1.9 Poverty Line of Urban and Rural Residents in Guilan Province

Number of People % of the Poverty Line of a Family Year below Poverty Population (Rials/household/month) Line Urban Area*1 2000 123,003 10.6 1,219,914 2001 123,490 10.4 1,122,243 Rural Area*2 2000 134,186 11.2 969,439 2001 165,270 13.7 972,921 Note: *1- Poverty line of a family with 4.5 members *2- Poverty line of a family with 5 members Source: Evaluation and Analysis of the Distribution of Income, Poverty and Economic Conditions of Families in Guilan Province (1995 – 2001), MPO Guilan, 2003

(9) Provincial Budget in Guilan Province A summary of provincial revenue and expenditure of Guilan province is shown below. The total revenue/expenditure in 2002 was about 2,007 billion Rials (USD 232 million). The expenditure used for development projects in 2001 was about 508 billion Rials (USD 59 million).

Table 2.1.10 Summary of the Guilan Provincial Budget (Unit: million Rials) Item 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1. Revenue*1 758,121 853,109 1,081,499 1,437,840 2,006,661 (1) Provincial public revenue*2 199,890 283,850 380,358 436,530 479,056 (2) National public revenue*3 558,231 569,259 701,141 1,001,310 1,527,605 2. Expenditure*1 758,121 853,109 1,081,499 1,437,840 2,006,661 (1) Current expenditure*4 616,137 695,870 897,776 1,118,579 1,498,614 (2) Development expenditure*5 141,984 157,239 183,723 319,261 508,047 Note: *1- The figures in the table are the actual and realized figures. *2- The provincial revenue consists of taxes, government monopoly and ownership, merchandise sale and services, insurance premiums and other revenue. *3- The national public revenue is a budget allocated from the central governmental budget to province. *4- The current expenditure is used to maintain the level of the government’s socio-economic activities. *5- The development expenditure is used for development projects. Source: Guilan Statistical Yearbook 2003

The breakdown of the expenditures from provincial budgets in 2002 is shown below. These figures show budget allocation only from provincial budget since data on national budgets allocated to the organizations are not available. The total development expenditures used for projects activities related to this master plan were about 199 billion Rials (USD 23 million).

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In addition to this, substantial budget is allocated from the central government directly to various local organizations for national projects.

Table 2.1.11 Expenditures from Provincial Budget by Executive Organization Related to M/P in 2002 (Unit: million Rials) Organization Current Expenditure*1 Development Expenditure*2 Total 1. MOJA 59,984 32,995 92,979 2. DOE 7,653 2,270 9,923 3. NRGO 17,117 16,505 33,622 4. GWWC - 20,071 20,071 5. RWWC 3,475 93,368 96,843 6. Tourism Organization - 882 882 7. Municipalities - 32,873 32,873 Sub-total 88,229 198,964 287,193 8. Other organizations 1,410,384 309,083 1,719,467 Total 1,498,613 508,047 2,006,660 Note: *1 - The current expenditure is used to maintain the level of government’s socio-economic activities. *2 - The development expenditure is used for development projects. Source: Guilan Statistical Yearbook 2003

2.2 Natural Conditions 2.2.1 Climate The climate in the northern region of Iran (comprising Guilan, Mazanadaran and Golestan provinces and where the Anzali Wetland lies) is referred to as the Caspian or Hyrcanian climate. Its influence on this thin coastal strip of land along the Caspian Sea, coupled with the close proximity of the Mountain Range to the south, results in a climate that is unique from the arid climate that is typical in the rest of Iran. Wind in this region comes from two main directions. The predominant wind is from the north-west as a result of continental air movements, namely the Atlantic and Mediterranean fronts, while the Alborz Mountain Range causes a local southerly wind which starts in the mountains and moves northwards down the mountains and towards the plains and coast. Rainfall is abundant in this region, varying greatly between 400-2,000 mm per year. The rainfall is the greatest in the west and gradually decreases towards the east. Evaporation increases from west to east with a regional average of 800 mm. The temperature is mild, ranging between -0.8qC - 37.3qC with an average of 17qC. Relative humidity varies depending on the location and season, having ranges between 24% - 100% and a regional average of 66%. The climate in the Anzali Wetland watershed is characterized by two distinct types. The lowland area to the north between El. -25m to 500m is characterized by warm temperatures, high moisture and abundant rainfall during the summer with a mild climate during the winter. The climate between El. 500m to 3,000m is noticeably different from the lowland, characterized by cooler temperatures, drier conditions and less rainfall.

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2.2.2 Topography The Anzali Wetland watershed is located in the northern part of the country and along the coast of the Caspian Sea approximately between N36 { 55’ and 37 { 32’ and E 48{45’ to 49{42’. The watershed has a maximum elevation of about El. 3,105 m at the mountains, while the Caspian Sea coast has an elevation of about El. - 25 m. The watershed of the Anzali Wetland is bordered by the fan of the Sefidroud River to the east, the Alborz Mountain chain to the south and west, and the Caspian Sea to the north. The Anzali Wetland watershed is geomorphologically divided into 2 types of landforms, a lower plain flat land in the north and a mountainous area in the south. The lower plain flat land, namely the Anzali Plain, is approximately 60 km wide and 20 to 40 km long, and the mountainous area is approximately 70 km wide and 25 km long. The plain, generally below El. 100 m, consists mainly of the Anzali Wetland and wide paddy area. The natural gradient is less than 1 % in the plain inclined toward the Anzali Wetland, and the gradient of the mountainous area increases to more than 25 % from the limit of the plain up to EL. 2,500 to 3,000 m. The relation between the topography and land uses in the Anzali Wetland watershed is shown in Figure 2.2.1.

Figure 2.2.1 Typical Profile of the Anzali Watershed

2.2.3 Hydrology (1) Precipitation and Meteorology Coastal precipitation is highest in the watershed (Anzali Station: 1,828 mm/year, 21 years) and decreases southward (Rasht Station: 1,271 mm/year, 30 years, Ghalehroudkhan Station: 1,619 mm/year, 27 years). Precipitation is most abundant between October and January, while it is the least abundant between April and July as shown by the monthly precipitation records for selected stations in Table 2.2.1 below. This seasonal change is less apparent towards the mountains. The average annual rainfall for the watershed was 1,200 mm8.

8 Calculated in this Study based on rainfall data by MOE. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 11 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2

Table 2.2.1 Monthly Precipitation (Unit: mm) Station Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Anzali 182.8 133.1 111.2 50.7 50.9 43.0 46.0 130.2 197.1 338.8 299.7 244.6 1,828.1 Rasht 131.4 121.7 76.6 59.0 46.3 44.6 53.4 119.5 195.1 177.2 150.2 110.8 1,271.5 Ghalehro 105.9 117.5 95.5 106.1 105.4 108.8 119.5 238.7 220.0 170.5 143.7 101.5 1,618.9 udkhan Source: data by MOE

(2) Rivers in the Watershed and Discharge Characteristics The Anzali Wetland watershed has a catchment area of 3,610 km2. There are 10 major river systems entering the wetlands. The sub-catchment areas range between 100 and 700 km2. These rivers have perennial flow with origins in the Alborz Mountains to the south. Starting from the eastern-most side of the wetland, the Khomamroud River flows westward and enters the wetland from the east. The Pirbazar and Pasikhan Rivers flow northward and merge just before entering the wetland. The Pishroudbar (also called Shakhraz), Masulehroudkhan, Palangvar, Khalkai, Morghak and Bahambar Rivers flow northeast and enter the wetland area. The Chafroud River alone enters the Anzali lagoon from the west. All rivers eventually drain into the Caspian Sea via the Anzali wetland. The location of the rivers is shown in Figure 2.2.2. The water year for rivers of the Anzali watershed starts roughly in September (exact month is based on the Iranian calendar) until August of the following year. Examination of monthly discharge data (Table 2.2.2) reveals that there are two periods of high flow for the rivers in the Anzali Wetland watershed. The first occurs in October/November due primarily to runoff during the rainy season. The second occurs in February/March due to snowmelt from the mountain areas. The annual mean discharge into the wetlands is estimated to be 76.14 m3/s, or 2,400 MCM. This value is similar to that estimated in MOJA, 1989, which was reported to be 75 m3/s. Annual average discharge by river at MOE discharge stations is given in Table 2.2.3 below.

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 12 E 49o 00' E 49o 30' N CASPIAN SEA Rezvan Shahr

N 37o 30' Chafroud River Anzali Bahmbar River Khomamroud River Morghak River

ai River er Khomam k z Shanderman River Khal Gorkash River udkhan er o iv Pirba River Masal R Zamzameh Palangvar River Masulehr To Khoshkebijar Manbarruod River ver River r e v Somehsara Teniyan Ri i at R Rasht nb Ma Marjaghal

er

v

r er Khoni River v

Ri

ive

Pishroudbar River Shahmoallem River Shahmoallem Jirdeh River R

d

Fuman han Ri roud

Siavaroud River k ah ou i i

n s S a h River arr Poshtemale kh h d er Pa Sangar u

Go

ro

e Shaft l r

a

h ve i ver

G Gazruodbar Riv R od Ri ru

ahmazgi Masuleh Si

Gashteroudkhan River r

r Rive r e v ba River o at t Ri la Ch A r Nazaral

Hyda Siyah Mazgi

N 37o 00'

Legend Watershed Boundary Anzali Wetland Anzali Lagoon River

City / Town Scale Provincial Capital 5 0 5 10 15 km Road

The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland Figure 2.2.2 in the Islamic Republic of Iran Rivers in the Anzali Watershed JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY

2 - 13 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2

Table 2.2.2 Monthly Discharge into the Anzali Wetland

Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec (m3/s) 63.0 68.3 81.5 67.7 49.7 33.0 31.4 33.8 73.8 106.8 95.4 65.7 76.1 * Note: There are minor rivers that are no longer monitored; inclusion of historical discharge data results in an overall average of 76.1m3/s Source: data by MOE

Table 2.2.3 Average Annual Discharge of Rivers in the Anzali Wetland Watershed

Average Annual No. River Station Number of Years Discharge (m3/s) 1 Chafroud Roudbarsara 27 2.13 2 Bahmbar Aghamahaleh 16 1.91 3 Morghak Kotemjan-M 16 3.55 4 Khalkai Kotemjan -K 16 4.62 5 Palangvar Kalsar 15 7.09 6 Masulehroudkhan Chomesghal 16 5.84 7 Shakhazar Laksar 15 10.45 8 Pasikhan Nokhaleh 15 22.98 9 Siahroud Behdan 12 9.45 10 Khomamroud none 5.5 3.89 Total - 76.1 Source: data by MOE

During the rainy season, some of the rivers overtop their banks in the lower reaches just prior to entering the Anzali wetland. Based on flood damage records collected by MOJA Guilan (records from 1996 to 2003), low-lying areas (generally between El. -20 to -25m) surrounding the Pasikhan, Pishroudbar, Masulehroudkhan and Khalkaii rivers underwent flooding which caused damage to agricultural land, transmission lines and to a lesser extent buildings. When the dates in which the floods occurred were crosschecked with MOE discharge records, they indicated that the periods of high water level generally lasted for 2 to 4 days. Due to the fact that these events occur annually, the floods are not due to extreme storm events but due to the combination of insufficient flood conveyance capacity of the rivers and the lack of flood plain management. Irrigation water shortages or drought in the watershed were not reported to be a problem by MOJA Guilan. This is because any irrigation water shortages as a result of natural runoff are supplemented by trans-basin inflow from two diversions on the Sefidroud river. The first is via the Tarik , which lies approximately 35 km downstream of the Sefidroud dam. Water is diverted by the dam through the Fuman tunnel (L=15km, capacity 8m3/s) where it feeds the Fuman irrigation system9, a gravity-fed system which covers most of the irrigated areas in the watershed through a series of gates, siphons and open channels. The second diversion is via

9 The uptake is 150 – 300 million m3/year depending on the hydrological condition of the year. The water is supplied during the rice cultivation season of May – August. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 14 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2 the Sangar dam, which lies a further 20km downstream of the . This diversion dam supplies irrigation and commercial water to the area surrounding Rasht. (3) Historical Caspian Water Level The water level of the Caspian Sea is measured at Anzali Port and the average annual water level between 1930 and 2000 is shown in Figure 2.2.3.

-25.00

-25.50

-26.00

-26.50 m Water Level (m) -27.00 Water LevelWater ( -27.50

-28.00

-28.50

-29.00 1929 1939 1949 1959 1969 1979 1989 1999 Year

Figure 2.2.3 Average Annual Water Level of Caspian Sea

The maximum water level during this period was -25.27m in 1929 and the minimum was - 28.44m in 1977. Since 1977, the water level had begun to rise, reaching a recent maximum of -26.10m in 1994. However, the water level has receded since then. The maximum and minimum levels from the records by decade are summarized in Table 2.2.4 below.

Table 2.2.4 Maximum and Minimum Caspian Water Levels (Unit: El. m) Years 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s Maximum -25.39 -26.82 -26.57 -27.49 -27.79 -26.99 -26.10 Minimum -26.85 -27.22 -27.73 -27.89 -28.44 -27.92 -26.93 Average over 10yrs -25.91 -27.05 -27.40 -27.81 -28.08 -27.43 -27.40 (-1.14) (-0.35) (-0.41) (-0.27) (+0.65) (+0.03) Source: data provided by MOJA, based on Anzali Port Authority data

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(4) Caspian Water Level and Relation to Wetland Water Level Presently, the Anzali wetland water level is not measured. Historical records of water level measurement were also not available. Observations on the relationship between the Caspian Water Level to the wetland water level were made using data from (i) visual site observations, (ii) study of past aerial photos, and (iii) limited water level measurements taken during the Study. Visual observations indicated that the wetland water level appears to be influenced by the level of the Caspian Sea and not by the rivers discharging into the wetland. During normal conditions, the surface water level from the Caspian Sea to the wetland is continuous without any break in water profile. During times of heavy flood, the narrow channel to the Anzali port at the Gazian Bridge acts as a surface water control point, resulting in an increase in water level of the wetland. Comparison of two aerial photos taken in 1982 and 1994 also support this relationship. The difference in mean Caspian Sea water level at Anzali port was +1.48m (-27.58m in 1982 to - 26.10m in 1994) while the aerial photos showed an increased open surface water area of the wetland during the same period. It is noted that this may not be true for the entire wetland. Some localized areas, such as the Siakeshim protected area, were influenced by other factors such as reed growth and depressed topography that limited the open surface water area. The limited water level measurements in the wetland during the Study also supported this relationship. The water levels at four locations in the wetland, namely at the Pirbazar/Pasikhan river confluence, Hoseinbekandeh, Siakeshim outlet and Abkenar, were compared to the Anzali port water levels for the same period. The daily water levels for the 40 days measured are shown in Figure 2.2.4. As shown, there is a relatively good relationship between the wetland water level fluctuation and the Caspian Sea water level fluctuation. Exception is made during rainfall events as indicated by the sudden rise in water level at the Pirbazar/Pasikhan confluence, due to localized flooding.

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-25.20

-25.40

-25.60

-25.80 TB1

) -26.00 TB2 ( m TB3 WL -26.20 TB4 Port -26.40

-26.60

-26.80

-27.00

/8 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 6 8 0 /1 /3 /5 /7 /9 1 3 5 /1 /1 /1 /1 /1 /2 /2 /2 /2 /2 /3 9 9 /1 /1 /1 3/8 /8 /8 /8 /8 8 /8 /8 /8 /8 /8 /8 3/9 3/ /9 3/9 3/ /9 /9 /9 0 3 3 3 3 3/ 3 3 3 3 3 0 03 0 0 3 3 3 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 003 00 00 0 00 0 0 0 00 00 00 20 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Date

Source: JICA Study Team Figure 2.2.4 Measured Water Level in the Anzali Wetland

2.2.4 Geology and Soil The geology of the Anzali Wetland watershed is classified into two geological zones, the Quaternary zone and the Pre-Tertiary zone. The plain area in the northern part of the watershed is widely covered by the Quaternary zone consisting of Plistocene to recent sediments, whereas the mountainous area in the southern part is underlain by a Pre-Tertiary zone consisting of Lower Paleozoic to Neogene Formations and some intrusive rocks. The oldest bedrock in the watershed is the Pre-Paleozoic formation. It is exposed mainly along the upstream of the Shiamazgiroud River, the Gashutroudkhan River, the east bank of the Masulehroudkhan River and the Morghak River. Above the Pre-Paleozoic formation is a Paleozoic Formation. The Lower Paleozoic formation is of limited occurrence in the watershed. The Upper Paleozoic formation is widely developed along the upstream of the Khalkaii River, the Shahmoalem River and the Teniyan River. Triassic-Jurassic, lower and upper Cretaceous formations are scattered on the eastern and western parts of the mountainous area, upstream of Masulehroudhan River and the south part of the Rasht. Along the foot of mountainous area, recent deluvial and fluvial deposits have developed in the form of a narrow bank from east to northwest. In the plain area of the watershed, the underlying zone is older in the southern part than in the northern part and is subdivided into 1) the lower alluvial, flood-plain and deltaic deposits distributed only along some rivers, especially in the eastern part of the watershed; 2)

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 17 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2 pleistocene marine deposits distributed widely in the plain; 3) beach deposits overlying pleistocene marine deposits in the form of a narrow zone; and 4) upper alluvium and flood plain deposits distributed along the rivers, recent deposits distributed along the Caspian Sea, and most recent deposits of the Sefidroud River’s fan, distributed south-east of Rasht. The soil types in the area are classified into two types, namely mountainous soils and plain soils. The mountainous soils are composed of lithic leptosols, dystric cambisols, humic cambisols, mollic leptosols, calcaric regosols, gleyic cambisols and calcaric cambisols while eutric cambisols, eutric gleysols and gleyic luvisols are distributed widely in the plain area. These soils, especially eutric cambisols and gleyic luvisols, are usually acidic soils with a deep and heavy structure. Around the wetland, mollic gleysols and calcaric regosols are dominant. Both soils have developed from gleyic coastal sand, but the former has a significant hydromorphic feature with fertile topsoil.

2.2.5 Vegetation

Approximately 42% of the study area is covered by a forest known as the Hyrcanian Forest, which constitutes a narrow band along the Caspian Sea. Depending on the elevation, the forests in the study area can be divided into three types of forest: lower elevation forests, intermediate forests and higher elevation forests. The main tree species of the lower elevation forests in the Querco-Buxetum association are Alnus subcordata, Quercus castaneifolia, Gleditsia caspica, Carpinus betulus, Tilia begonifolia, Buxus sempervirens, Diospyrus lotus and Parotia persica. In this association, two important species Quercus castaneifolia and Buxus sempervirens are intensively cut. Thus, the other species are dominant. Anthropogenic impact and cattle grazing are the main problems in the regeneration process of this association. The main tree species of the intermediate forests (El. 700-1,000 m) in the Querco-Carpinetum and Parrotio-Carpinetum associations are Carpinus betulus, Quercus castaneifolia, Zelkowa carpinifolia, Acer insign, Alnus subcordata, Diospyrus lotus and Fraxinus coriarifolia. Higher elevation forests (El. 1,000-2,300 m) consist of Fagetum hyrcanum with two associations of Rusco-Fagetum on calcareous soil and Arctostaphylo-Fagetum on silt soil with acidic pH. In both associations Beech (Fagus orientalis ) is the dominant tree species. Other important tree species are Carpinus betulus, Alnus glutinosa, Fraxinus coriarifolia, Acer insign, and on southern slopes Quercus mucranthera, Carpinus betulus as well as Ulmus glabra are present. Above the forests (El. more than 2,300 m) the area is covered by grasslands (rangelands) and bare lands. The vegetation in the rangelands consists of several species such as Labiatae spp.,

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Compositae spp. and Gramineae spp. However, the density is low because of grazing pressure.

2.2.6 Land Use The Landsat Images of 1987, 1991 and 2002 were analyzed in the Study. The latest land use conditions of the watershed in 2002 are shown in Figure 2.2.5 and Table 2.2.5 below.

Figure 2.2.5 Land Use Map of Anzali Wetland Watershed (Satellite Image 2002 Landsat 7)

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Table 2.2.5 Land Use Based on LANDSAT Images

Category 1987 1991 2002 km2 % km2 % km2 % Lagoon/Pond 57.5 1.6 57.7 1.6 45.5 1.3 Wetland 72.0 2.0 61.0 1.7 118.0 3.3 Orchard 460.2 12.8 467.7 13.0 311.2 8.6 Paddy/Farmland 1,073.6 29.8 1,062.6 29.5 962.5 26.7 Forest 1,331.6 36.9 1,401.3 38.9 1,513.5 42.0 Rangeland 73.6 2.0 211.2 5.9 107.7 3.0 Bare land 356.8 9.9 145.1 3.9 255.9 7.1 Urban area 181.4 5.0 200.2 5.6 292.4 8.0 Total 3,606.8 100.0 3,606.8 100.0 3,606.8 100.0

Among the land use categories, forest has the largest share at 42 %, followed by paddy field/farmland (26.7%) and orchard (8.6%) in that order. Changes in land uses in the study area are identified through the above analysis. Detailed results of the assessment are given in the Supporting Report Part 4 “Watershed Management”, and some of findings are highlighted as follows. 1) Paddy/farmland has reduced by about 100 km2 from 1991 to 2002. It is probably attributed to the increase of tree plantations (Poplar plantation) in the plain area. 2) Consequently, it is assumed that the expansion of forests from 1,401 km2 to 1,513 km2 between 1991 and 2002 were mainly owing to the conversion of farmland to tree plantation. 3) The areas of rangeland (mountain grasses) and bare land have fluctuated year by year. This is mainly because: - the bare land in 1987 might include opened forests since a clear cutting method was a main practice in 1980’s; and - the weather conditions in the respective years might affect the growth of grasses in the rangeland. 4) The sum of rangeland and bare land has not changed since 1991 (356 km2 in 1991 and 363 km2 in 2002), though the areas of rangeland and bare land have fluctuated in the same period. It is, therefore, speculated that the total of rangeland and bare land would be approximately 360 km2. Since the data presented in Table 2.2.5 must be influenced by the climatic situation of the respective shooting times, the Study Team mainly used those data to grasp the land use changes in the entire study area for the last 15 years and identify the relationship between the land use change and wetland environment. The areas of rangelands and forests in the upper watershed were determined based on the NRGO’s statistics data.

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2.3 Ecological Conditions of the Anzali Wetland A wetland generally consists of complex ecological interactions of (i) biological, (ii) physical and (iii) chemical components such as plants, animals, soils and water. These produce and maintain vital functions including wildlife habitats, nutrient cycle, water storage, flood mitigation, groundwater recharge and discharge, erosion control and water purification. The Anzali Wetland is composed of diverse ecosystems including freshwater , extensive reed-beds, shallow impoundments and seasonally flooded meadows. Ecological components of the wetland interact in a complex manner, which provide important habitats for many fishes and wintering waterfowls (Scott, D.A. ed, 1995). Ecological conditions of the Anzali Wetland are described in this chapter with literature review and the field survey that was conducted between 2003 and 2004 with the assistance of the JICA Study Team.

2.3.1 Biological Components (1) Flora 1) Plant Community The vegetative community of the Anzali Wetland is largely classified into the (i) Phragmites community, (ii) submerged plants community and (iii) Azolla community (Figure 2.3.1). The Phragmites community is largely distributed in the shallow area of the eastern wetland, and covers about a quarter of the wetlands excluding the lagoon. The submerged plants community covers almost the entire area of the lagoon. The Azolla community covers about a quarter of the Anzali Wetland except for the lagoon. 2) Species Composition Dominant plant species in the wetland appear to be Ceratophyllum demersum, Typha latifolia and Phragmites australis according to the net weight measurement. It was recorded that there were 31 species of macrophyte in the wetland (Yecom consultant, 1989). A field survey was conducted on the macrophyte by the Caspian Sea Bony Fishes Research Center from August 2003 to October 2003 (Table 2.3.1). A total of 24 species was identified, but no threatened species was found in reference to the Red Data Book of Iran compiled by the Research Institute of Forest and Rangelands and the Red List of IUCN.

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Source: Guilan University (1999)

Figure 2.3.1 Vegetation Map of the Anzali Wetland

Table 2.3.1 Number of Identified Plant Species Recorded in the Field Survey (Unit: no.) Life Form Western Siakeshim Eastern Emergent plants 5 3 6 Floating plants 5 3 5 Submerged plants 6 4 5 Others 3 0 1 Total 19 10 17 Source: Result of Field Survey made by Caspian Sea Bony Fishes Research Center (2004).

(2) Avifauna 1) Bird Population The total of 140 migratory bird species are known in Iran, which includes 63 breeding species, 62 wintering species, 13 transit species and 7 rare species (Yecom consultant, 1989). The record also indicates that 77 species of migratory birds (53% of all birds) fly to the Anzali Wetland. The wetland supports a large breeding colony of Chlidonias hybridus, small colonies of six species of Ardeidae, and a large resident population of Porphyrio porphyrio. It also supports wintering concentrations of ducks, geese, swans and coots. A bird population census has been carried out in the wetland since 1970, which shows large fluctuations in the number of migratory species (Figure 2.3.2). Human

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pressure due to uncontrolled hunting may be the most serious factor affecting the population, but the reason for the increase in the migratory bird population during 2002 and 2003 is likely related to the Siberian weather which was relatively cold so that many birds have flown to Iran for survival. The reason for the decrease in 2004 is presumably because the Siberian weather was rather mild compared with the weather in 2002 and 2003.

900

800

700

600

500

400 Number (thousand) Number 300

200

100

0 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1999 2001 2003

Years

Note: There is no data in 1978, 1981, between 1988 and 1997 Source: Yeakom Consultant (1989), DOE(2004)

Figure 2.3.2 Number of Migratory Birds during the Last 30 Years

In addition to the above census, a bird survey was conducted in the seven representative bird habitats of the wetland from August 2003 to March 2004 by the DOE Guilan (Figure 2.3.3). The result is shown in Table 2.3.2 with the record of 89 species of migratory birds and 146,000 individual birds. Wintering waterfowl of 27 species and 110,000 individuals were identified. The population of Anas crecca (Common Teal) was 40% of all the birds recorded, which showed the highest population of migratory birds followed by Fulica atra (Common Coot) of 30% and Anas querquedula (Garganey) of 18%. These three species account for 88% of all the wintering waterfowl.

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Figure 2.3.3 Field Survey Areas

Table 2.3.2 Number of Identified Bird Species and Individuals Recorded in the Field Survey (Unit: no.) Indicator 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 species/individuals 62/9,056 42/15,406 50/9,324 70/18,888 42/32,525 38/8,748 63/49,607 Note: 1: Eastern, 2: Hosseinbekandeh, 3: Central, 4: Selkeh, 5: Sorkhankol, 6: Western, 7: Siakeshim Source: Result of Field Survey made by DOE Guilan (2004).

2) Feeding Behavior of Birds in Relation to the Ecological Feature of the Wetland Birds have different feeding methods that are adapted to specific habitat types. Distribution of birds with the classification of feeding methods is likely to indicate a level of diversity in the ecological feature of the wetland. Birds with different feeding methods are classified in Table 2.3.3, and the bird population of each group is shown in Table 2.3.4.

Table 2.3.3 Feeding Methods of Waterfowl

Feeding methods Feature Main species Surface feeding 1 Sieving tiny food particles in surface Anas clypeata, Anas crecca, -dabbling and sieving- water Anas platyrhynchos Surface feeding 2 Upending to reach aquatic plants and Anas penelope, Cygnus cygnus -head underwater- other food items Diving underwater Diving to eat fish, small aquatic animals Aythya ferina, Anthya marina, and plants Fulica atra Feeding on land Feeding plants on land Geese

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Table 2.3.4 Number of Identified Waterfowl Species and Individuals Recorded in the Field Survey

Feeding methods 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Surface feeding 1 5/55,288 5/25,558 4/16,142 6/17,615 5/31,981 4/9,351 5/76,997 -dabbling and sieving- Surface feeding 2 4/1,369 2/644 2/1,137 5/1,792 5/2,019 4/336 5/2,382 -head underwater- Diving underwater 7/24,379 9/29,510 4/11,172 12/13,320 8/19,013 7/8,823 8/24,605

Feeding on land 1/125 1/125 0/0 2/268 1/14 1/7 1/35

Total 17/81,161 18/55,837 10/28,451 25/32,995 19/53,027 16/18,517 19/104,019 Note: 1: Eastern, 2: Hosseinbekandeh, 3: Central, 4: Selkeh, 5: Sorkhankol, 6: Western, 7: Siakeshim Number of species and individuals (in January) are shown as “species/individuals” Source: Result of Field Survey made by Caspian Sea Bony Fishes Research Center (2004).

The birds classified into “Surface feeding 1” mainly feed on plants that grow near the water surface. The Anzali Wetland is surrounded by the paddy fields, which are often used by these birds as feeding sites. The largest number of birds in this group was recorded in Selkeh so that this area with its surrounding paddy fields may indicate an appropriate combination of resting and feeding sites for this group of birds. A high percentage of “Surface feeding 2” species was recorded in Sorkhankol. This area holds a larger area of surface water compared with that of Selkeh so that the area is likely more suitable to the birds in this group with respect to the availability of aquatic foods. The birds grouped in “Diving underwater” are abundant in Selkeh, Sorkhankol and Hosseinbekandeh while the birds in “Surface feeding 1” are distributed all over the wetland except for the western part. It suggests that these areas are deep enough to provide a suitable volume of submerged plants and small fishes. The birds in the group of “Feeding on land” are mainly geese that are distributed in Selkeh, Hosseinbekandeh and in the eastern part of the wetland. These areas are surrounded with paddy fields so that these areas may also be a suitable combination of feeding and resting sites for geese.

3) Threatened Species Threatened10 species of birds found in the field survey were listed in the following table. There was a significant decrease in the population of Anthya nyroca (Ferruginous Pochard) in the last two decades. Many species of raptors are

10 Many common species are categorized as “protected” in the Red Data Book in Iran, and only the “endangered” species in the Red Data Book were selected as threatened species. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 25 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2

threatened, of which there is only one known breeding pair of Haliaeetus albicilla (White Tailed Eagle) around the Anzali Wetland (DOE pers. com.).

Table 2.3.5 List of Threatened Bird Species Recorded in the Field Survey

Location No. Scientific Name A B 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 Phalacrocorax pygmaeus EN LR żżżżżżż 2 Aythya nyroca EN LR żżżż ż 3 Falco naumanni EN VU żżż 4 Falco pelegrinoside EN - ż ż 5 Falco peregrinus EN - żż 6 Aquila clanga - VU żżżżżżż 7 Haliaeetus albicilla EN LR ż ż 8 Pelecanus crispus EN LR ż Total Number of Species 7 6 4 3 5 7 3 2 5 Note 1: 1: Eastern, 2: Hosseinbekandeh, 3: Central, 4: Selkeh, 5: Sorkhankol, 6: Western, 7: Siakeshim Note 2: A: Red Data Book of Iran (1999) DOE EN: Endangered B: 2003 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2003) IUCN VU: Vulnerable, NT: Near Threatened, LR: Lower Risk Source: Result of Field Survey made by DOE (2004).

Anthya nyroca Haliaeetus albicilla Figure 2.3.4 Pictures of Anthya nyroca and Halaeetus albicilla

(3) Ichthyofauna

1) Fish Population The annual fish catch was between 5,400 and 5,700 tons until the 1940s. The fish harvest declined to about 75 tons (1980s) due to a decrease in the water level of the Caspian Sea since the 1950s (Nezami, S. 1993). It is currently known that there are 49 fish species in the Anzali Wetland, of which 39 species are native and 8 species are non-native (Abbasi et al., 1999).

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A fish survey was conducted from September 2003 to January 2004 by Caspian Sea Bony Fishes Research Center in association with the JICA Study Team. A total of 34 species and 12,488 individuals including both native and exotic species of fish were identified in the survey (Table 2.3.6).

Table 2.3.6 Number of Identified Fish Species and Individuals Recorded in the Field Survey

Taxon / Survey Area Western Siakeshim Central Eastern Clupeidae 1/1 0/0 0/0 4/6 Cyprinidae 14/539 14/4,680 11/493 17/4,672 Gobiidae 0/0 1/3 1/3 3/10 Others 4/52 4/419 5/201 4/611 Total 19/592 19/5,142 17/697 28/6,057 Note: Number of species and individuals are shown as “species/individuals” Source: Result of Field Survey made by Caspian Sea Bony Fishes Research Center (2004).

Endemic species to - Black Sea area, Alburnus filippii (Kura bleak), Barbus capito (Bulatmai barbell) and Rutilus rutilus caspicus (Roach), were found in the survey. Exotic species identified in the survey included Carassius auratus gibelio (Prussian carp), Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass carp) and Gambusia holbrooki (Eastern mosquito fish). The survey indicates that fish abundance is higher in Siakeshim and the eastern part of the wetland compared with the western and the central parts. The high density of Phragmites in the shallow parts of Siakeshim and the eastern part of the wetland make primary habitats for smaller fish. In contrast, the western and the central parts have a large amount of open area and deep-water areas (2 to 3 m depth). These different features of the wetland may be affecting the distribution of different species and size of fish. 2) Threatened Species A total of 16 threatened species11 was found in the survey, which is listed in Table 2.3.7. Many of these species were found in the eastern part of the wetland, but only one individual Clupeonella cultriventris (Black sea sprat), Abramis brama orientalis (Carp bream), Rutilus rutilus caspicus, Perca fluviatillis (European perch) and Neogobius melanostomus (Round goby) were found in the survey.

11 Many common species are categorized as Least Concerned and Data Deficient in the Red Data Book in Iran, and those species were excluded from the threatened species. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 27 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2

Abramis brama orientalis Perca flubiatilis Figure 2.3.5 Pictures of Abramis brama orientalis and Perca flubiatilis

Table 2.3.7 List of Threatened Fish Species Recorded in the Field Survey

No. Scientific Name 1 2 Location 1 Clupeonella cultriventris - DD Eastern 2 Abramis brama orientalis VU -Eastern 3 Barbus capito CD - Central, Siakeshim 4 Carassius auratus gibelio NT - All parts 5 Chalcalbunus chalcoides - DD All parts 6 Cyprinus carpio - DD All parts 7 Leucaspius delineatus CD - All parts 8 Rutilus frisii kutum - DD Eastern, Siakeshim 9 Rutilus rutilus caspicus NT- Eastern 10 Scardinius erythrophthalmus CD - All parts 11 Vimba vimba persa NT- Eastern, Western 12 Esox lucius CD - All parts 13 Perca fluviatillis VU -Central 14 Neogobius kessleri - DD Eastern 15 Neogobius melanostomus - DD Eastern 16 Proterorhinus marmoratus VU -Eastern, Central, Siakeshim Total Number of Species 10 6 - Source: Results of Field Survey made by Caspian Sea Bony Fishes Research Center (2004). 1: Red Data List of Fish in Iran, (2002) VU: Vulnerable, CD: Conservation, NT: Near Threatened 2: 2003 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2003) IUCN DD: Data Deficient

(4) Other Fauna

1) Mammals It has been reported that 31 species of mammals in 14 families inhabit the Anzali watershed (Guilan regional watershed company, 1999). There is a population of Lutra lutra (Eurasian Otter) in the wetland (DOE pers. com.). Lutra lutra is listed as “Vulnerable12” in the IUCN Red List, but the present ecological status of the species is largely unknown.

12 Species in this category are not critically endangered / endangered but are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 28 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2

2) Reptiles Four species of snakes (Natrix natrix, Oligodon taeniolatus, Coluber juglaris and C. najadum) as well as five species of lizard occur in the Anzali Wetland (Soctt, D.A. (ed), 1995). 3) Amphibians Frogs from four families represented by 13 species are distributed around the wetland, of which two species (Batrachuperus persicus, Rana macrocnemis or Rana pseudodalmatina) are protected (Riazi, 1996; Baloch M. and Hajgholi K. 2000).

2.3.2 Physical Components (1) Land Use Around the Wetland General land use patterns around the Anzali Wetland are shown in Figure 2.3.1. The wetland is surrounded by agricultural areas that are primarily paddy fields. There are also tree plantations with Populus spp. and alders. There are small areas of pasture lands (less than 10 ha) around the wetland, but one of the pasture lands at the east side of the wetland is large (about 100 ha). Large industrial areas do not exist around the Wetland, and Bandar Anzali City is located between the shoreline of the Caspian Sea and the Anzali Wetland.

(2) Main Features of Wildlife Habitats Key elements of the major wildlife habitats in the Anzali wetland include reed beds, aquatic beds, lagoon, rivers and others. It is possible to define eight habitat distinct areas, the eastern part, Hosseinbekandeh, central, Selkeh, Sorkhankol, western part, Siakeshim and rivers. These habitats and the features of the major habitats are summarized in the following table (see Figure 2.3.3 for the locations of the habitats).

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Table 2.3.8 Main Features of the Major Habitats in the Anzali Wetland (1/2)

Name Main Features Eastern part Status: Not in the legally protected areas Structure: This area is shallow and mainly covered by Phragmites, but small open water spaces are dispersed throughout. Condition: Since the area is far from human activities, artificial disturbance is small. Water quality is hyper-eutrophic. Function: Many organisms are able to inhabit relatively free from the direct artificial disturbance. Issue: Many threatened species require a low level of COD. Furthermore if Phragmites continues to spread, the habitat for waterfowl will be lost. Hosseinbekandeh Status: Proposed No-hunting area Structure: This area is deeper than the eastern part and the density of Phragmites is lower. Condition: It is one of the main hunting areas. It is possible to gain access by speedboat. Water quality is hyper-eutrophic. Function: The number of species is not very high, but the number of waterfowl is at the same level as Siahkeshim. The density of birds is high and it is important as a wintering area. Issue: Illegal hunting

Central Status: Not in the legally protected areas Structure: There are open water areas. It is deeper than the eastern part. Condition: This area is located between Pirbazar River and Anzali Port. Many boats pass through this part and polluted water also flows into the central part. Function: The biodiversity is relatively low. However, some local fish such as Abramis brama spawn in this area. Issue: Spawning ground should be protected from boat use and water pollution.

Selkeh Status: Wildlife Refuge Structure: This area has a balanced condition. The density of Phragmites is suitable, and there is large amount of open water. Condition: This area is well protected by DOE. Function: Biodiversity is high. There are plenty of bird species and density is also high. Many of the threatened species inhabit the area. Issue: The problem which was observed by the Study Team is overgrowth of Azolla.

Sorkhankol Status: Wildlife Refuge Structure: There are large open areas. Water is deep (about 2 m). Condition: This area was a fishing area, and fishermen enter the area in spite of attempts at control. Function: The number of waterfowl species is large. This area is also important as the spawning ground for some fish such as Abramis brama and Rutilus frisii kutum. Issues: Illegal hunting and fishing.

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Table 2.3.8 Main Features of the Major Habitats in the Anzali Wetland (2/2)

Name Main Features Western Status: Not in the legally protected areas Structure: This area is a lagoon and the western end is marsh in which the density of Phragmites is suitable. The lagoon is a large open water area. Condition: Fishing and hunting are active. Many boats enter the area. Regarding the western end, artificial disturbance is low. Water quality is relatively high. Function: There are many adult fish inhabiting the lagoon. The marsh in the western end has high potential for waterfowl.

Siahkeshim Status: Protected area Structure: Phragmites overgrow the entire area. Water depth is low. Condition: Water quality is relatively high. Function: This area includes many species of birds. Compared to Selkeh, the density is low. However this area is still very important because Haliaeetus albicilla inhabits the area, and some fish move to the river through Siahkeshim for spawning. Issue: This area is in danger of encroachment.

Rivers Status: Not in the legally protected areas Structure: Downstream of Rivers such as Kolesar, Massuleh and Siahdarbishan Condition: Fishing is active. Small dams for agriculture have been constructed. Water quality is getting worse. Function: Rivers are important habitats as the spawning ground of some species such as Rutilus frisii kutum and Vimba vimba persa. Issue: There is little water in those rivers for irrigation in summer.

(3) Sedimentation It is known that the Anzali Wetland was much deeper in the past and recently became shallower. However the annual amount of sediment is not large. It was estimated that approximately 400,000 tons/year of sediment is produced in the upland where 110,000 tons/year (30%) of sediment deposit in the wetland but the rest (70%) or 290,000 tons/year of sediment flows out to the Caspian Sea. The sedimentation rate was found higher in the Anzali port, major junctions of channels and in the Siakeshim area. In the parts where water flow is slow and vegetation overgrows, rapid succession to dry land is progressing. (4) Fluctuation in the Water Level of the Caspian Sea In the 1960s, two channels were constructed in the north eastern section of the wetland, and roughly 5,000 ha were reclaimed for agriculture. In the 1970s to 1980s when the level of the Caspian Sea was low, the emergent part of the Anzali Wetland, including the western part of

Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 31 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2 the Siakeshim, was converted to agricultural land, and DOE had to re-delineate the boundary of the Siakeshim Wildlife Refuge, and downgrade it to a protected area. As the water level started to increase in the late 1980s to 1990s, some of the illegal agricultural lands were flooded and abandoned. Fluctuation of the Caspian Sea affects the wetland ecosystem as well as the land use pattern around the wetland. If the Caspian Sea water level rises, fish habitat will expand, though fish habitat will be reduce along with the Caspian Sea water level lowering. Plant composition will also be affected. Emergent plants will increase while submerged and floating plants will decrease with the Caspian sea water level down. It also changes water quality including salinity of the wetland, which affects distribution of fish (Holþil and Oláh, 199213). The impact of Caspian Sea water level to birds is not clear.

2.3.3 Chemical Components (1) Water Quality A water quality survey was conducted in the wetland three times between September and December in 2003. The results of the surveys are shown in Table 2.3.9. High values of COD, T-N and T-P were recorded throughout the wetland where most of the wetland except for Siakeshim were classified as highly polluted water (COD >30 mg/L) based on the US EPA criteria for COD. As for the T-P concentrations, the wetland is also classified as eutrophic according to the three international eutrophication criteria (Vollenweider㧦0.03 - 0.1mg/LޔUS EPA: >0.02mg/LޔOECD: 0.035 - 0.1mg/L).

Table 2.3.9 Water Quality of the Anzali Wetland (Unit: mg/L) Area Eastern Central Estuary Siakeshim Lagoon Average COD 35 39 43 27 44 39 DO 7.8 7.1 7.3 7.6 8.3 7.7 T-P 0.32 0.20 0.30 0.17 0.09 0.21 T-N 2.0 2.2 2.7 2.0 2.5 2.4 Chl. A 3 9 28 16 31 21 Source: Result of Water Quality Survey made by DOE (2004).

Eutrophication causes significant impacts on the wetland ecosystem. The high levels of incoming nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, seem to be causing excessive growth of macrophytes, such as Phragmites, Azolla, various submerged plants such as Ceratophyllum demersum and phytoplankton in the wetland, particularly in the eastern part. Dead plants

13 J. Holþil and J. Oláh, Fish, Fisheries and Water Quality in Anzali Lagoon and Its Watershed, FAO, UNDP/IRA/88/001, 1992. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 32 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2 rapidly accumulate in the bottom sediment making the wetland shallower. Once the water depth becomes shallower than about 0.5 m, macrophytes, such as Phragmites flourish. Deposition of detritus is part of the natural processes, but it consumes dissolved oxygen in water and accelerates succession of the wetland to a dry land. (2) Source of Pollution Inflow of polluted wastewater from domestic, industrial and non-point sources is the main cause of water pollution (also see Section 2.6). The direct consequence of the inflow of the polluted water is organic materials. This problem is remarkable in the Pirbazar River downstream of Rasht and in a channel near the Anzali Port since untreated domestic wastewater flows into these waterways. In these water bodies, the level of COD is as high as 100 mg/L, which is similar to the level of raw sewage, and the DO level is low due to decomposition of organic materials in the water. In such waters, fish species that are tolerant to pollution such as carp become dominant. Solid waste is another pollutant, and a large amount of garbage reaches the Anzali Wetland. The amount of the solid waste dumped to the rivers is roughly estimated to be 66 tons/day 14 . Such garbage may contain hazardous chemicals and is also detrimental to the landscape of the Anzali Wetland. The toxic substances contained in waste can directly cause negative impacts on the flora and fauna of the Wetland.

2.3.4 Ecological Issues and Concerns Biological, physical and chemical components of the Anzali Wetland are linked and interact with each other in a complex manner. Ecological condition of the wetland is maintained based on the delicate balance of those components. The Anzali Wetland represents unique and significant ecological as well as economical values. However, there are some factors threatening the future sustainability of this nationally significant wetland. These values and threatening factors are discussed in this section as a basis of the needs of the wetland conservation. (1) Wetland Values 1) Ecological Values In addition to the wetland functions, there is a significant ecological feature that is unique to the Anzali Wetland. The Wetland is located in the middle of two flyways, the Africa-Eurasian flyways and Asia-Pacific flyways, crossing each other (Figure

14 Because the solid waste that reaches the wetland is thrown illegally and indiscriminately, it is difficult to estimate the solid waste load to the wetland, and this estimate should be taken as a first cut estimate. Nippon Koei Co., Ltd The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland 2 - 33 Final Report, Volume II Main Report Chapter 2

2.3.6). Other wetlands in the southern coast of the Caspian Sea located in the flyway represent a similar ecological importance, but the Anzali Wetland receives a higher number of migratory birds flying to the Middle East (Table 2.3.10). This remarkable feature of the Wetland indicates nationally as well as internationally significant ecological value.

Table 2.3.10 Importance of Ramsar Sites along the Southern Caspian Sea

Name Location Area Importance Provides habitats to several threatened species. Guilan province, Supports over 1% of the regional Middle East Anzali close to the Anzali 19,200 ha wintering populations of several species of wildfowl. Wetland city Important spawning and nursery grounds for several fish. Provides important habitat for Phlacrocorax pygmaeus. Guilan province, Kiashahr Over 1% of the regional wintering population of three 15km northwest of 500 ha Lagoon species. Important breeding and nursery ground for Rasht various fish. Provides important habitat for Phlacrocorax pygmaeus. Amrkelayeh Guilan province, 1,230 ha Over 1% of the regional Middle East populations of Lake 60km east of Rasht three species. Mazanderan Provides wintering habitat to some species of Fereydoon province, 13km threatened birds. Especially support the entire western 5,427 ha Kenar southeast of population of Grus leucogeranus. Over 1% of the Babolsar. regional populations of some species Mazandaran Provides wintering habitat to four species of threatened Miankaleh province, 2km west birds. Supports over 1% of the regional Middle East 100,000 ha Peninsula of the Torkeman breeding population of wildfowl. Important spawning city and nursery ground for various fish. Border with Supports vulnerable bird species. Supports over 1% of Gomishan Turkmenistan,4km 17,700 ha the populations of the wildfowl observed within the Lagoon north of the small site. town of Gomishan Source: Ramsar Information Sheet

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Anzali Wetland

Figure 2.3.6 Location of the Anzali Wetland in Flyways

2) Economic Values Major economic values of the Anzali Wetland are associated with fishing, hunting and other recreational related activities. A significant number of the local people are involved particularly in fishing and hunting, which is important to the local economy. The annual fish catch is about 400 tons and potential market value is about 10 billion Rials per year (Table 2.3.11). Approximately 100,000 birds/season are harvested, and the potential market value is approximately 3 billion Rials per year (Table 2.3.12)

Table 2.3.11 Market Value of the Fish of the Wetland

Catch Weight Price Total Value Items (ton) (Rials/kg) (1,000 Rials) Prussian carp 192 25,000 4,800,000 Pike 73 40,000 2,920,000 Common carp 38 10,000 380,000 Catfish 25 30,000 750,000 Total 328 - 8,850,000 Source: Caspian Sea Bony Fishes Research Center, 2004. Anzali Fish Market (2004).

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Table 2.3.12 Market Value of the Waterfowl of the Wetland

Price Total Value Game Type Harvested (Rials/bird) (1,000 Rials) Waterfowl 100,000 30,000 3,000,000 Source: DOE (2004)

In summer, the Wetland provides recreational activities for many visitors, including motor-boating and kayaking. The number of visitor to the Wetland is estimated at about 40,000 per year. Most of the visitors use boats, and on average five visitors use one boat which costs 250,000 – 500,000 Rials, visitors pay about 3 billion Rials per year in total. Tourism may be expanded to include sailing and wind-surfing. The Wetland also has a high potential for ecotourism activities that are in a form of environmentally sustainable use of natural resources. 3) Other Values The ecological values of the Anzali Wetland can provide unique opportunities for scientific research and education. Similar to the esthetic values of the Wetland, these values are also difficult to quantify in monetary term.

(2) Threatening Factors 1) International Recognition of the Wetland The Anzali Wetland was listed in the Montreux Record of Ramsar Convention in 1993, which suggests that the ecological conditions of the Wetland are deteriorated. The process of this degradation is rather complicated, but the most serious factors affecting the ecological conditions of the Wetland are human induced impacts. Key activities causing negative impact to the Wetland need to be clearly identified and appropriate counter measures should be implemented. The Montreux Record claims that the implementation of conservation actions in the Wetland is an imminent requirement. 2) Human Impacts Human activities causing negative impacts to the Wetland are largely composed of activities in (i) the Wetland, (ii) Surrounding coastal and flat areas, (iii) forest and rangelands in the upland. Most of the activities with negative impacts change water quality and quantity of the Wetland, disturb natural habitats and harvest/kill excessive number of wildlife. Major human activities that need to be managed in a sustainable manner for the conservation of the Wetland are summarized as follows.

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