The First National Report for the Convention on Biological Diversity

Islamic Republic of Iran

Prepared by National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Secretariat December 2000 Prepared and published by: NBSAP Secretariat No: 9, Gha’em Magham Ave., Tehran 15899, Islamic Republic of Iran Tel: (+98-21) 882 45 13, Fax: 883 12 97 URL: www.iran-doe.org December 2000

Leading Agency: Department of Environment Participating Agencies: Biodiversity sub-committee of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Department of Administration and Planning Environmentalists Association (NGO) Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Energy Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Interior Ministry of Jehad-e-Sazandegi (Construction and Rural Development) Ministry of Oil Ministry of Science, Technology and Research University of Tehran Funding: Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) International Consultant: World Conservation Union (IUCN) The text of this publication may be produced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or nonprofit uses, without special permission, provided acknowledgment of the source is made. The NBSAP Secretariat would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this report for its source. No use of this publication may be made for resale or other commercial purposes without prior written consent of the NBSAP Secretariat. The designations of geographical entities in this document, and the presentation of materials, do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the NBSAP concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Note : Upon completion of this report, the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) approved the following changes: 1) The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Jehad-e-Sazandegi are merged and the new Ministry of Jehad-e-Keshavarzi is formed. 2) The Ministry of Mining and the Ministry of Industry are merged and the new Ministry of Mining and Industry is formed.

Desktop composition and production management: Kamran Satvat-Manesh, Tehran, [email protected] Printed in the Islamic Republic of Iran In The Name of God

Foreword

I am pleased to see that the two years of work by Iranian experts has resulted in a comprehensive document. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an important international document reflecting a turning point in attitudes towards nature. The Convention emerged with the backing of extensive scientific research, comprehensive global concern and widespread willingness to conserve nature, and acknowledges the inherent values of nature and biological diversity. Conservation of biological resources and the environment has always been a way of life for Iranians, but the new concept of conservation of biological diversity is in line with the increasing degree of human influence on nature. From the philosophical aspect, most of the damage is caused by the increasing demands for consumer goods and energy that is exacerbated by population growth. This report and the effort that went into producing it clearly reflect our principles with regard to environmental conservation. The cooperation among different public and private sectors indicates that they all believe in their responsibilities towards the environment. This integrated approach shows Iran’s new strategy towards ecological sustainable development with “social mobilization” as a key element. The international co-operation with our partners in the environmental sectors can be best observed in the valuable technical assistance we have enjoyed from Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Environment Programme and World Conservation Union (IUCN). The Islamic Republic of Iran is willing to broaden its co-operation aiming at conservation of its environment and national heritage for future generations

Dr. Masoumeh EBTEKAR Vice President of the Republic and Head of the Department of Environment Foreword

v vi Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Acknowledgments

At the national level, this report was overseen by a Steering Committee. Many distinguished Iranians served on the Committee, representing a full range of environmental and development interests. Chairman of the Steering Committee: Mr. Anoushirvan NAJAFI, Deputy Head of the Department of Environment Members of the Steering Committee: Mr. Alireza AFRAZ, Ministry of Agriculture Mr. Abdorreza ALAEI (& Mrs. S. AFZALZADEH ), Ministry of Oil Ms. Tahere EFTEKHARI, Department of Environment Mr. Hamid FARAHANI-RAD, Department of Administration and Planning Mr. Hossein GANJI DOUST, Ministry of Science, Technology and Research Mr. Mehdi KAMYAB (& Mr. H. GHAFFARZADEH), UNDP/Tehran Mr. Nematolah KHORASANI, Environmentalists Association (NGO) Mr. Majid F. MAKHDOUM, University of Tehran Mr. Gholamreza MEMARI, Ministry of Energy Mr. Borhan RIAZI, Department of Environment Mr. Hamidreza SALEHI, Ministry of Interior Mr. Peiman SEADAT (& Mr. M. SALAMAT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Javad TAVAKOLIAN, Ministry of Jehad-e-Sazandegi Project Manager: Mr. Asghar MOHAMMADI FAZEL Consultants: Mr. Saeid AMANPOUR Mr. Hossein FADAEI Mr. Hossein GHARAVI Mr. Esmaeil KAHROM Mr. Michael SMART Drafting Group: Mr. Kamran MAZHARI (Head of Group)

Mr. Mohsen MOBARAKI Acknowledgments Mr. Ehsan MOHAMMADIFAZEL Mr. Vazrik NAZARI Mr. Mostafa PANAHI vii viii Mr. Behzad K. RAHGOSHAI Mr. Kamran SATVAT-MANESH Mr. Siamak YOUSEFI

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Contributors: Mr. Kourosh ALAMI; DG for Hamedan Province, DoE Mr. Afshin ALIZADEH; Lecturer, Natural Resources Faculty, Tehran University Mr. Changiz ASHRAGHI; Manager, Pardisan ECO-Park, DoE Mrs. Grazia F. BORRINI; CMG Member, World Conservation Union(IUCN) Mr. Tim BOYLE; UNDP/GEF Coordinator for Asia-Pacific Mr. Taghi EBTEKAR; Advisor to the President of the Islamic Republic Mr. Javad ETTEFAGH; Manager, Vista Ara Cultural Institute Mr. Kiomars FALLAHI; DG for International Affairs, Ministry of Corporations Mr. Peter JACKSON; CSG Chairman, World Conservation Union(IUCN) Mrs. Ziba JAM-ZAD; National Botanic Garden Mr. Masoud B. KARIMI; Expert on Inland Waters & Wetlands, DoE Mr. Nematollah KHANSARI; Head of Bio-safety Committee, CSD Mr. Mojtaba KHALESI; DG for International Cooperation’s, DAP Mr. Ian MANSERGH; Manager, Flora & Fauna Directorate, DNRE (Australia) Mr. Sadegh MARJANI; DG for Western Azerbaijan Province, DoE Mr. Naser MEHRDADI; DG for Mazandaran Province, DoE Mr. Saeid MOTESADI; DG for Air Pollution Bureau, DoE Mr. Daniel NAVID; Secretary General, UNITAR Mr. Francis PARAKATIL; Regional Coordinator, World Conservation Union(IUCN) Mr. Davoud RAHBAR; DG for EIA Bureau, DoE Mr. Behzad SAEID-POUR; DG for Hormozgan Province, DoE Mr. Mostafa SAKHAEI; DG for Cheharmahal-o-Bakhtiari Province, DoE Mr. Mostafa SARMADI; Advisor to the Minister of Commerce Mr. Majid SHAFIE-POUR; DG for Tehran Province, DoE Mr. Javad SHARIAT-BAQERI; DG for International Affairs, Judiciary Power Mr. Ayoub TORKIAN; Advisor to the Minister of Mining and Industry Mr. Peter WOODGATE; CSI/CEO, RMIT University (Australia) Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3 Islamic Vision of Biodiversity 5 Chapter One Current Status of Biodiversity Conservation and Ecological Sustainable Development in the Islamic Republic of Iran 7 Geographical and land characteristics 7 Flora and fauna 8 Aquatic and marine living resources 8 The Caspian 8 Southern waters 9 Aquaculture 9 Rivers 9 Coastal regions 10 Wetlands 10 Agriculture 11 Forests and rangelands 11 Forests 11 Rangelands 12 The national protected area system 12 National Parks (11 sites) 13 Wildlife Refuges (25 Sites) 13 Protected Areas (47 sites) 13 National Natural Monuments (6 sites) 14 Hunting Prohibited areas (97 sites) 14 Biosphere Reserves (9 sites) 14 Non-protected public land areas 14 Ex-situ conservation 14 Eco-Tourism and Recreation 16 Chapter Two Threatening Processes and Management 19 Laws, Planning and Management 19 Table of Contents Table Threatening Processes 20 Threats to biodiversity in the Caspian 20 Threats to biodiversity in southern waters 21 ix x Threats to biodiversity in rivers ...... 21 Threats to biodiversity in coastal areas ...... 21 Threats to biodiversity in forests ...... 22

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Threats to biodiversity in rangelands ...... 22 Threats to biodiversity in wetlands ...... 22 Biological diversity and people ...... 23 Access to genetic resources ...... 23 Introduction of alien species ...... 23 Pollution control and biodiversity ...... 24 Public Awareness ...... 24 Chapter Three International role of the Islamic Republic of Iran ...... 27 International Conventions and Agreements ...... 27 Regional and bilateral cooperation ...... 27 Chapter Four Policies and Future Implementation ...... 29 Second Socio-Economic Development Plan ...... 29 NBSAP and the Third Socio-Economic Development Plan ...... 29 Annex Tables ...... 31 Maps ...... 39 Farsi summary Preface

The present document is the first A series of workshops (Marine April A series of workshops National Report of the Islamic Republic 99, Paleontology May 99, Forest June (Marine April 99, of Iran to the Convention on Biological 99, Soil July 99, Deserts August 99, Paleontology May 99, Forest June 99, Soil Diversity. It was drawn up with support MAB Sites September 99, Arasbaran July 99, Deserts August from UNDP/GEF as an Enabling May 2000, Urmia (“Uromiyeh”) June 99, MAB Sites September Activity through the “National 2000, Strategies July 2000 and Biosafety 99, Arasbaran May 2000, Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan” August 2000) was held to incorporate Urmia (“Uromiyeh”) June 2000, Strategies (NBSAP) Project, under the supervision the viewpoints of national and local July 2000 and Biosafety of a Steering Committee, including stakeholders. The results of these August 2000) was held to representatives of the Department of workshops were used in preparation incorporate the the Environment, Department of of the National Biodiversity Strategy, viewpoints of national and local stakeholders. Administration and Planning, Ministry National Action Plans and some project of Science, Technology and Research, drafts. Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Oil, Ministry of Jehad-e-Sazandegi (Construction and Rural Development), Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Biodiversity Anoushirvan NAJAFI sub-committee of the National Committee for Sustainable Development Deputy Head of DoE for Natural Environment & Biodiversity (NCSD), University of Tehran, and Chairman of the NBSAP Steering Environmentalists Association (an Committee Iranian NGO) and UNDP. During an initiation workshop in Tehran, held in February 1999, the importance of the preparation of the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans was debated and discussed by national and international experts. During the workshop the guidelines set by the Steering. Committee, IUCN and the international consultant were used to select the Preface members of working groups from volunteers who wished to participate. 1 2 Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Executive Summary

Modern life has weakened the southern coasts of Iran. Field studies In the global context, connection between man and nature. in Iran confirm the presence of over the increasing rate of Human has actively exterminated many 500 species of birds and 160 species habitat destruction and loss of species prompted valuable species on earth and of mammals. The wetlands of Iran are a new global vision for unfortunately, the trend is continuing. globally significant; large populations of wildlife and habitat Modern technologies have made the migratory birds winter at these wetlands conservation. remotest areas on earth accessible to or use them on their way to and man, causing vast destruction of habitats from wintering areas in Africa or the and ecosystems at an ever-increasing Indian sub-continent. Because of its rate. Destruction of ecosystems and large size and varied ecosystems, the depletion of habitats will result in the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the continual extinction of living species on most important countries in the Middle Earth and lessen the capacity of the East and Western Asia for conservation environment to provide vital services of biological diversity. In the global (e.g. clean water). The history of human context, the increasing rate of habitat interaction with natural ecosystems destruction and loss of species prompted demonstrates numerous cases of a new global vision for wildlife and environmental mismanagement. Many habitat conservation. The Convention actions have, in spite of good intentions, on Biological Diversity changed ended in disastrous consequences. At a protection priorities from species to species level, Iran has already lost two ecosystems. This may be clear in of its most spectacular carnivores, the approach, but the implementation of a Persian Lion and the Caspian Tiger, regulatory regime faces many problems, as a result of uncontrolled hunting and mostly due to inadequate size of habitat destruction. There are other protected areas, technical and threatened species, which demonstrate administrative management the urgent need for conservation inadequacies, and discouraging rigidity measures. of protected area acts. However, the new The first section of the report describes approach to the protected areas and to Iran’s natural resources and some of conservation of biological diversity calls the major uses. Five major biomes are for inclusion of environmental concerns identified. Iranian habitats support some in all national or regional development policies. Iran’s biological diversity is the

8,200 species of plants, of which almost Summary Executive 2,500 are endemic. There are 12.4 basis for its sustainable development, million hectares of forest, and some and the country’s biological resources are described in terms of aquatic resources, 8,900 hectares of mangroves along the 3 4 coastal areas, agriculture, forests and • Shortage of the experts in rangelands, and wetlands. The protected environmental protection and area system is described; outside this management.

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the system biological diversity conservation The activities which pose an is very weak and Ecological Sustainable environmental threat to the biodiversity Development (ESD) policies have not of Iran include: overgrazing, poaching, been applied. Eco-tourism is poorly tree cutting, removal of shrubs and developed despite Iran’s spectacular bushes for fuel, conversion of land potential in this globally expanding area for agriculture, road construction, of economic development. mining, power transmission and military The root cause of environmental problems The second section describes the threats activities. Some of these, for example, is related to insufficient to biological diversity. The daming of rivers, may have amelioration capacities for environmental problems of Iran are as techniques available (e.g. fishways). conservation efforts. follows: Many of these practices have neither • Inadequate general knowledge on ecological justification nor economic the importance of ecological rationality. Improved land use and processes and biodiversity. management practices which are systematically implemented are urgently • Lack of accessible information required. The root cause of about the country’s environmental environmental problems is related to condition. insufficient capacities for conservation • Inappropriate exploitation of efforts. resources. The third section describes Iran’s • Production and consumption international, regional, and bilateral patterns incompatible with undertakings in the field of biodiversity environmental conservation. conservation, while the fourth describes future plans. Four strategies are proposed • Inappropriate location of some for conservation of biodiversity in future, economic activities. and are to be incorporated into the next • Lack of acknowledgement of the three National Socio-Economic Five- environmental considerations in Year Plans, from 2001 to 2015. The sectoral and regional macro policies first strategy aims at the promotion of and programs. public participation. The second strategy • Weakness in executing the relates to the formation of biodiversity environmental acts, regulations and information, monitoring and reporting monitoring programs. systems. The third strategy includes reorganization of institutional structures • Lack of accepted environmental for ecologically sustainable use. The standards. fourth strategy deals with systematic • Lack of clear definition of land use management and enhancement of and management. biodiversity resources. A series of Action Plans will be developed for the • Inappropriate population implementation of these strategies. concentration in several ecosystems. • Lack of clarity of policies. The Islamic Vision of Biodiversity

The story of the Flood and the Ark in existence of all creatures is emphasized The first the Holy Koran is important, as it shows in many religious writings. conservationists were that, from the very earliest times, all the Noah family; no The Islamic Republic of Iran, as a species were to become forms of animal life were considered to Muslim country, benefits from valuable extinct. All forms of be essential. The first conservationists Islamic teachings and a system of values animal were acknowledged to have a were the Noah family; no species were for conservation of nature and its to become extinct. All forms of animal value in the affairs of components. There are many verses (e.g. mankind. were acknowledged to have a value in Talagh/3, Taha/81, Saad/27, Hood/56 the affairs of mankind. & 61, Mo’menoon/71, Baghareh/205, The Holy Koran introduces nature as a An’am/38 & Sajdeh/7) in the Holy blessing of God, to be exploited wisely Koran that emphasize the importance of and to be preserved and protected. The nature and wise use of resources. necessity of being and the right to

Holy Koran (Talagh 3): “And give him sustenance from whence he thinks not, and whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him; surely Allah attains His purpose; Allah indeed has appointed a measure for everything.” Holy Koran (Taha 81): “Eat of the good things We have given you for sustenance, and be not inordinate with respect to them, lest My wrath should be due to you, and to whomsoever My wrath is due, he shall perish indeed.”

The religious leaders of the country, following Islamic guidelines, have also emphasized the great importance of environmental protection. Great Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini: “Islam controls nature for reality and it conducts every thing to unity and monotheism.” (Sahif-e noor, Volume 8, page 6) Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei: “Protecting the environment and natural resources should be regarded as a vital subject in the country.” (Iran News, March 6, 1999) President Seyed Mohammad Khatami: “Based on the Holy Koran’s sublime teachings, the earth is a cradle for mankind and should be a safe, peaceful and happy place. Lack of insight and in-depth knowledge is a critical issue in the contemporary era. Islam addresses human needs at all times and offers practical mechanisms with regard to coexistence of man and environment.” (Iran Daily, December 8, 1999) The Islamic Vision of Biodiversity The Islamic

5 6 Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Current Status of Biodiversity Conservation Chapter 1 and Ecological Sustainable Development in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Geographical and land 85% of the country. The annual Most of Iran is characteristics precipitation rate in such regions considered the center of The Islamic Republic of Iran comprises varies between 30 and 250 mm origin of many genetic resources of the world, 2 a land area of 1.64 million km . It lies in (map 4). including many the northern part of the temperate zone, • Mediterranean climate (mainly in commercially valuable between latitudes 25o03’ and 39o47’ plant species such as the western Zagros mountains, the Medicago sativa, or north and longitudes 44o14’ and 63o20’ high plateau of Azerbaijan, and the medicinal and aromatic east. The average altitude is over 1200 Alborz mountains), characterized species. m. Iran is bordered by Turkmenistan, by warm, dry summers and cool, the Caspian (over 900 km of coastline), damp winters, with annual rainfall Azerbaijan, and Armenia in the north, between 250 mm and 600 mm, Afghanistan and Pakistan in the east, the (map 4) and covering about 5% of Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman in the the land surface. south, and Iraq and Turkey in the west. • Humid and semi-humid regions The country features three main climatic (mainly in the Caspian, but also zones (map 3): in west Azerbaijan and the southwest Zagros), with an annual precipitation rate of 600 mm to Main climatic zones (percent of the Country) 2000 mm (map 4), also covering about 10% of the land surface. 5% 10% The six main watersheds are: Caspian (177,000 km2) in the north, Persian 85% Gulf and Sea of Oman (430,000 km2) in the south, Urmia (53,000 km2) in the northwest, Markazi (831,000 km2) in the central region, Hamoun (106,000 Arid & semi-arid 2 Mediterranean km ) in the east, and Sarakhs (44,000 Humid & semi-humid

The topographic variations have given rise to five biomes, namely: • Arid and semi-arid regions of the Irano-Touranian (ITP): Arid and semi-arid plains and deserts. interior and far south, which are Irano-Touranian (ITM): Arid and semi-arid mountains. Current Status of Biodiversity of Biodiversity Status Current Conservation ... and Ecological characterized by long, warm and Zagrosian (Z): Semi-arid Zagros mountains. dry periods, sometimes lasting over Hyrcanian (H): Semi-humid and humid Arasbaran and Hyrcanian mountains and Caspian plain. seven months, and covering nearly Khalijo-Ommanian (KO): Dry southern coastal plains with high humidity. 7 8 km2) in the northeast (map 5). The of Iran’s deciduous temperate forests total annual volume of precipitation have been deforested. Rangelands and in these main basins (28-year average, marginal farmlands are vulnerable to

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the 1969-1997) is estimated at 408 desertification, which is being billion m3. exacerbated by soil erosion, over-grazing and over-exploitation of marginal Flora and fauna farming areas. Coastal habitats and water Most of Iran is located in the Palaearctic resources are being degraded by oil, In the unprotected realm and is considered the center of areas biodiversity industrial and agricultural pollution and is diminishing origin of many genetic resources of overfishing. In addition, large tracts of rapidly; during the the world, including many of the wetlands (called “Hoor”) were devastated last 45 years 1.5 original strains of commercially valuable during the “eight-year imposed war”, million hectares plant species such as Medicago sativa, (44%) of Iran’s and require restoration. deciduous or medicinal and aromatic species. temperate forests The southwest has some Afro-tropical Aquatic and marine living have been features, while the southeast has some resources deforested. species from the Indo-Malayan sub- In Iran, the availability of water sources, tropical realm (map 6). such as rivers, springs and lakes, determines the scope, location, and the Iranian habitats support some 8,200 sustainability of all human activities. species of plants, almost 2,500 of which Iran, with two of the world’s most arid are endemic. Currently, there are 12.4 deserts, Dasht-e-Kavir and Dasht-e-Lut million hectares of woodland, and some covering nearly one third of the country, 8,900 hectares of mangroves along the is one of the most arid regions of the Persian Gulf coast. Field studies confirm world (map 6). the presence of over 500 species of birds, 160 species of mammals, and 164 Marine living resources play an species of reptiles (26 endemic species). important role in the food security of the country. Many of the aquatic resources The wetlands of Iran are globally are exclusive to the region, and therefore significant. Large populations of are of great importance in the context migratory birds winter at these wetlands of biological diversity. Seafood protein or use them on their way to and from comprises a large proportion of protein wintering areas in Africa or the Indian consumption in the world. In Iran, fish Sub-continent. The marshes of the south consumption has increased in the last Caspian lowlands in Iran’s northwest two decades, but it is still below the are particularly important for over 20 average global consumption, at about species of ducks and geese while the one third of the international rates. The mud flats of the Persian Gulf coast are of marine environment of Iran comprises critical importance for shore birds, gulls three distinct water bodies, namely, the and terns. A variety of marine mammals Caspian to the north, and the Persian inhabit the southern waters of Iran. Gulf and the Sea of Oman to the south. At present only protected areas afford reliable protection to Iran’s biodiversity. The Caspian In the unprotected areas biodiversity The Caspian, the largest lake in the is diminishing rapidly; during the last world, is located in the northern part of 45 years 1.5 million hectares (44%) Iran. The area of the Caspian is about 422,000 km2 with 6397 km coastline, Southern waters of which more than 900 km is on Two important water bodies are located the Iranian side (map 5). About 350 along the southern borders of Iran. The seasonal and permanent rivers flow into Persian Gulf has an area of 239,000 the Caspian from Iran, the four largest km2, which stretches 990 km from the being Sefidrood, Shalman, Shafarood, Arvandrood river to the Sea of Oman, and Tonekabon. The highest salinity with an average width of 240 km (map level, 12.7 parts per thousand (about 5). The maximum water depth reaches one third of ocean salinity) is reached 280 m with an average of 36 m. The during the summer. The average water Persian Gulf is one of the warmest areas temperature in the coastal regions in Asia. The highest and the lowest Lack of regulations throughout the year ranges from 15.9oC water temperatures recorded are 40oC regarding site selection and effluent o o to 17 C. Water temperature difference and 13.8 C. Although the salinity of characteristics is one between the coldest area (in the northern the Persian Gulf is alleviated through its of the concerns of parts of the Caspian) and the warmest connection to the open sea, it is still environmental officials. area (in the south) is 4oC during winter more saline than the open sea and ranges and 16oC during summer.There are over between 37 to 43 parts per thousand. 120 fish species in the southern Caspian, The Sea of Oman is surrounded by Iran which are commercially divided into in the north, the Indian Ocean in the sturgeons and bony fishes. The bony east, and Oman in the southeast. The fishes are further divided into kilka water temperature is lower than in the (small fish of the family Clupeidae) Persian Gulf, because of the water depth and other species. The main commercial and its connection to the open sea. species are as follows: The highest and lowest surface water • Sturgeons: Beluga Huso huso, temperatures recorded are 23oC and Russian sturgeon Acipenser 19.8oC respectively. guldenstadti, Iranian sturgeon A. There are 336 fish species (belonging persicus, and Sevruga A. stellatus. to 107 families) in the Persian Gulf. Iranian caviar, a famous and Different species of marine mammals exclusive product worldwide, is are observed in the southern waters of produced by these species. Iran, including blue whale Balaenoptera • Kilkas: Clupeonella delicatula, C. musculus, fin whale Balaenoptera physalus, engrauliformis, C. grimmi. sperm whale Physeter catodon, humpback • Other bony fishes: KutumRutilus whale Megaptera musculus, common frisii kutum, Mullets Mugil dolphin Delphinus delphis, black finless auratus and M. saliens, Carp porpoise Neomeris phocaenoides, and Cuprinus carpio, Bream Abramis dugong Dugong dugon. brama, Pike-perch Lucioperca Aquaculture lucioperca, Roach Rutilus rutilus In order to ensure national food security, and Salmon Salmo trutta caspius. and to compensate for the regulatory A mammal species, namely, the Caspian limitations in fish catch, the Iranian Seal inhabits this water body. Fisheries Organization (“Shilat”) has of Biodiversity Status Current Conservation ... and Ecological tried to increase the production of commercially valuable species and decrease reliance on wild stocks. 9 10 Concentrated efforts to develop and power plants, are constructed in aquaculture throughout the country these regions. Iran benefits from long were initiated in the 1980s. In 1992 shorelines in its northern and southern

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the fish production in inland water bodies borders. and fish farms was about 12% of total A large variety of plant and animal species fishery production. One of the recent is observed in the coastal ecosystems. activities of Shilat is propagation of Mangrove forests are unique coastal shrimp culture along the southern coasts, wetlands, important fish habitats and as well as hatcheries to produce shrimp nursery grounds. Marine turtles, many larvae. Lack of regulations regarding site on the endangered list, live in these selection and effluent characteristics is ecosystems. The following marine turtles one of the concerns of environmental have been observed in Iranian waters: officials. The effluents of fish farms, Green Turtle Chelonia mydas, carrying large loads of organic matters Leatherback Turtle Dermochelys coriacea, and in some cases chemicals, adversely Olive Ridley Turtle Lepidochelys olivacea, affect aquatic resources including bottom Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta, vegetation in riverbeds or coastal Hawksbill Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata, waters. and Black Turtle Chelonia agaziz. Rivers Wetlands Iran has more than 3,450 rivers Much of Iran falls into the dry or semi- (including seasonal rivers). Within the dry category. In such a climate the six main watersheds there are 37 major presence of wetlands, marshlands and river basins. The most important (with water bodies play an important role in the their average annual flow) are: Karoun well-being of the natural environment, River (Persian Gulf) 24,000 million wildlife and human beings. There are 3 m ; Dez (Persian Gulf) 2,784 million more than one hundred sizable wetlands 3 m ; Sefidrood (Caspian) 3,998 million in Iran, 20 of which have been listed 3 3 m ; Aras (Caspian) 5,700 million m ; in the Ramsar Convention’s “List of Zayandehrood (Markazi) 1,208 million Wetlands of International Importance”. m3; Hirmand (Hamoun) 5,800 million m3; the inflow to Lake Urmia (from all Wetlands occupy the transitional zone rivers) is 5,971 million m3. These figures between permanently wet and generally show clearly that the head of the Persian dry environments, sharing characteristics Gulf and the Caspian receive the highest of both aquatic and terrestrial flows, while the other four watersheds environments but not belonging receive relatively low inflow. Rivers are exclusively to either. Under the Ramsar natural habitats for aquatic species, small Convention (adopted at the Iranian city animals, birds and a specialized flora. of Ramsar on the Caspian coast in 1971), wetlands are defined as “areas of marsh, Coastal regions fen, peatland or water, whether natural The coastal zone is that space in or artificial, permanent or temporary, which terrestrial environments influence with water that is static or flowing, marine (or lacustrine) environments fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of and vice versa. Coastal regions have marine water the depth of which at low important economic values. Many tide does not exceed six meters”. The infrastructure facilities, such as harbors Convention also provides that they “may incorporate riparian and coastal zones weakening of traditional rangeland and adjacent to the wetlands, and islands livestock management systems and their or bodies of marine water deeper than capacity to supply expanded markets, the six meters at low tide lying within low added value in livestock production, the wetlands”. Therefore, wetlands are and the lack of balance between everywhere, and it is probably simplest rangelands and modernized methods of to think of the Convention as having animal breeding. For example, instead an interest in the management of all of making better economic use of 20 water ecosystems (whether permanent million tons of manure produced yearly, or temporary, natural or artificial) which chemical fertilizers are used. Despite are not deep marine waters. Iran has demonstrable detrimental environmental Despite demonstrable designated 20 sites, covering about 0.7% effects, consumption of chemical detrimental environmental effects, of the country for the Ramsar “List of fertilizer increased from 300 tons in consumption of chemical wetlands of international importance” the mid-1950s to 700,000 in 1978 and fertilizer increased from (Table 1). 2,400,000 tons in 1997. 300 tons in the mid- 1950s to 700,000 in 1978 Agriculture Forests and rangelands and 2,400,000 tons in 1997. Agriculture, utilizing biological resources Forests of various ecosystems, has an intimate Today forest areas cover some 12.4 relation with biological diversity. Thirty million hectares (about 7.5% of the area three million hectares of the land of the country). It has been estimated area are classified as arable, however that this figure was about 18 million ha. only 15.5 million hectares are under 40 years ago. Apart from the large-scale cultivation, 8.5 million hectares of loss of area, biomass and the health of which are classified as rainfed land. that which remains is being depleted. Annually irrigated crops occupy 5.7 The forests of Iran can be classified in million hectares.. There is the potential five zones as follows: to increase the amount of irrigated crops to nearly twice the present level, but this • Caspian broadleaf deciduous has not been achieved, due to a variety forests consist of a rather narrow of limitations and problems including green belt in the north of Iran shortage of water and serious threats of with a current area of about 1.9 soil degradation and soil salinity. million hectares, whilst it was some 3.4 million hectares 45 years ago. In spite of the climatic diversity and genetic variety of plants in Iran, most improved agricultural plants are grown Forests of Iran (percent of total forest from imported varieties, which are areas) susceptible to pests and diseases, resulting in excessive use of pesticides. It is 15% 15% 1% estimated that 1000 plant varieties 26% have been lost because of lack of 43% comprehensive management policies.

With over 120,000,000 livestock units of Biodiversity Status Current Conservation ... and Ecological Caspian Juniper (including sheep, cattle and goat) in the Arasbaran Semi-savana country, Iran is an importer of meat. Zagros The reasons include: population growth, 11 12 The yield of these forests has Rangelands been reduced from 300 tons/ha. to Rangelands comprise some 54.8 % of 100-110 tons/ha. during the last the total land area of the country,

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the four decades. covering more than 90 million hectares. • Arasbaran broadleaf deciduous They play the most important role in forests are in the northwest of soil protection. The condition of 16% of Iran. They support many endemic the rangelands is excellent, whereas 66% species and are very degraded. The are in favorable to medium condition forest area is estimated at 120,000 and 18% are in poor and degraded form. ha. (compared to original 500,000 They can be classified in three types: In Iran, areas protected by the Department of ha). • Summer rangelands: Production Environment cover 8.5 • Zagros broadleaf deciduous per hectare 580 kg of dry biomass. million hectares. forests consist mainly of oak forests Mainly in humid and semi-humid in the west of the country. This zones of the Caspian and high forest has an area of 5.5 million plateau of Azerbaijan. hectares and currently produces Area: 14 million hectares. 8 tons/hectare biomass compared • Winter rangelands: Production to 12 million hectares and 125 per hectare 184 kg of dry biomass. tons/ha. five decades ago. Mainly in the Mediterranean and • Irano-Touranian evergreen semi-arid zones in western Zagros juniper forests; almost all high- and Alborz Mountains. mountain environments of the Area: 60 million hectares. country outside the deciduous • Arid rangelands: Production per forest areas, were covered by the hectare 52.5 kg of dry biomass. Persian Juniper Juniperus polycarpus. Mainly around central arid zones. The area of these juniper forests Area: 16 million hectares. was estimated at around 3.4 million hectares 50 years ago with a biomass of 30 tons/ha. Currently Rangelands of Iran (million hectares) the most optimistic figures are 500,000 hectares, with a biomass 16 14 of 5 tons/ha. In addition, there are currently 2.5 million hectares of 60 other evergreen forest.

· Semi-savanna thorn forests, with Summer rangelands an area of about two million Winter rangelands hectares, cover narrow bands in Arid rangelands the west of the country and a wider belt in the south along The national protected area the Persian Gulf and the Sea of system Oman. The biomass of these forests The protected area and reserve system is currently estimated at 2 tons/ provides the core areas for biodiversity hectare. Unfortunately no data are conservation. This reserve system is available on the former area and not sufficient in itself for long-term biomass of these forests. conservation, and must be harmonized covering 0.8% of the national land with conservation efforts in other areas surface (Table 3). and land-uses. In Iran, areas protected From both ecological and economic by the Department of Environment perspectives, the most important cover 8.5 million hectares (about 5% of national parks are Golestan and Urmia. the land area, (Table 2, map 7). The Both enjoy a wider range of ecosystems Department of Environment’s goal is to than the other parks of Iran, and have increase this proportion to 10% of the potential for increased tourism. Golestan national land area. It is a priority to is located in the northeast of Iran make the reserve system Comprehensive, along the Caspian, and is characterized Adequate and Representative (CAR) by temperate to humid deciduous and in regard to Iran’s biodiversity assets. hardwood forests, while Urmia, one of Limited tourism and research occurs the largest deep saline lakes in the world, in these areas. Details of different is located in the province of Western categories of protected area managed Azerbaijan. by the Department of Environment are given below. Wildlife Refuges (25 Sites) In addition, other ministries also manage There are 25 wildlife refuges, which a number of protected areas; for example currently cover about 1.9 million the Forests and Rangelands Organization hectares (1.2% of the national land of the Ministry of Jehad-e-Sazandegi area). These habitats are protected for manages 131 reserves with a total area their native wildlife. Hunting, fishing of over 111,000 ha. Of these, 19 are and capturing of wildlife are prohibited. Natural Forest Parks, 91 are Forest These areas contain public-use areas in Reserves, and 21 are Natural Parks which limited farming and grazing are permitted (Table 4). National Parks (11 sites) These represent some of the most Protected Areas (47 sites) outstanding examples of the nation’s Protected areas support representative geological, ecological, historical, ecosystems with nationally significant archaeological and scenic features. wildlife, but do not justify the intensity of Management includes minimum active management of a fully-fledged national management necessary for ecological park. These are areas with single or conservation. National Parks and multiple use objectives, with a total National Natural Monuments serve dual area of 5.3 million hectares (3.2% functions of conservation and eco- of the national land area, Table 5). tourism, and are typically selected as They may cater for ecological, scientific, outstanding examples of biodiversity economical, educational, cultural and ecology, and geological scenic resources recreational interests. Human that are of national and global settlements are often present, and it importance. In recognition of their is proposed to establish integrated dual function, some park infrastructure management plans governing the present human settlement, grazing and

is constructed, but under strict of Biodiversity Status Current Conservation ... and Ecological conservation and architectural control. agriculture. The Supreme Council of The total area is 1.3 million hectares the Environment has adopted a bill (in 1999), according to which 10% of the 13 14 existing forests are added as protected combination thereof, which are areas under the management of the internationally recognized within the DoE. framework of Man and Biosphere

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Five rivers, namely Chalus (Caspian Program (UNESCO/MAB). Biosphere watershed), Karaj, Lar, Sardab and Reserves should preserve and generate Jajeroud (all in the Central watershed) natural and cultural values, through are also protected by DoE. management that is scientifically correct, culturally creative and operationally National Natural Monuments sustainable. All Biosphere Reserves enjoy (6 sites) protection under one of the national Wild species and their These are small areas, with unusual protected area categories listed above. habitats do not receive phenomena of scientific, geological, Iran has 9 MAB sites with a total area of as much attention as domesticated species, historical and/or natural history interest. 1.9 million hectares (Table 8). despite legislative Management includes maintaining Non-protected public land areas support. certain species or special features (Table Non-protected areas are under severe 6). pressure, ranging from minimum to Hunting Prohibited areas almost complete destruction of These areas are suggested by DoE important biodiversity assets. There are to provide a rest period and an demonstrable declines in the quality and opportunity for population restoration. quantity of habitats over vast areas caused The condition of the animal population by soil erosion, salinization, and lowering in this area is continuously monitored water tables. Soil erosion, declining to make adequate decisions and change, fertility and productivity of rangelands if needed, the preservation category of and arable lands, sedimentation in the region. A two km wide area along reservoir lakes, destructive floods the Iranian borders is included in this (quadrupled during the last forty years), hunting prohibited areas (Table 7). and destruction of natural habitats are the main components of the estimated Biosphere Reserves (9 sites) losses. Major changes in land use should Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial be undertaken in these environments. and coastal/marine ecosystems, or a These environments, because of their huge surface area, support substantial parts of the biomass of Iran’s The national Protected area system biodiversity. Ex-situ conservation 62.35 80 All the measures so far indicated reflect instances of in-situ (within habitat) 60 protection. However, scientific evidence 22.35 40 15.29 and traditional knowledge have demonstrated the value of genetic 0.02 20 % of protected areas resources of wild and domesticated 0.8 1.2 3.2 0 % of Iran species as sources of biological diversity, 0 National Wildlife Protected National and thus, techniques and specific parks refuges areas natural advanced methods have been developed monuments for protection of species and (endangered species in particular) and rehabilitation of ecosystems worldwide. non-commercial marine species. Iran has kept pace with such activities It is quite evident that wild species and developed comprehensive national and their habitats do not receive as plans, subject to periodic revision. The much attention as domesticated species, government has established education despite legislative support. Although, this and research centers and has undertaken may be unavoidable at present, forceful affirmative actions across the country functioning and continuous monitoring throughout the recent decadespast. These and assessment by the DoE will be actions were necessary because of the rich of critical importance for conservation of biological diversity and to proper The construction of a and diverse, but fragile ecosystems of new building covering Iran. Collecting and preserving of seeds, functioning of ecosystems. more than 45,000 m2 planting and maintenance of rare plant The major ex-situ conservation centers began on World species, developing advanced techniques Museums Day in 1999 of Iran are: with the theme of “the of seeding, testing adaptation capacities • The National Museum for pleasure of discovery”. of seeds, hybridization of plant and Natural History was founded in It is anticipated that animal species and microbial genetic such a modern museum 1973 and is now a part of the engineering are only a few of the will stimulate advanced Department of Environment. The studies by Iranian and recognized practical experiments directed mission of the Museum and its visiting foreign experts in Iran towards ex-situ conservation. affiliated branches in all provinces in all the varied These activities have been directed disciplines of natural is to become a major source of sciences and natural towards establishment of natural history public information and a center history. museums, seed and gene banks, botanical for scientific studies and research gardens, wildlife breeding centers and activities. The construction of a animal safe habitats, herbaria and new building covering more than microbial collection centers. These 45,000 m2 began on World centers have been established in Museums Day in 1999 with conjunction with in-situ practices to the theme of “the pleasure of support existing populations, regardless discovery”. It is anticipated that of their size. Ongoing research provides such a modern museum will the basic knowledge required on stimulate advanced studies by endangered, depleted and sensitive Iranian and visiting foreign experts species. in all the varied disciplines of Almost all such centers have been natural sciences and natural history. established by the governmental sector, • Pardisan Eco-Park embodies the and different organizations are charged ideals and the aims of the DoE with the well-being of various groups for conservation of biodiversity of organisms. For example, the Ministry as important world heritage. Its of Agriculture deals with affairs related themes have two dimensions. to crop and fruit plants and breeding Firstly, it is concerned with nature, of silkworms; the Ministry of Jehad-e- the history of Earth in its galactic Sazandegi is responsible for maintaining

context, and with a range and of Biodiversity Status Current Conservation ... and Ecological forests, rangelands, poultry and livestock, variety of wildlife, as well as fishery and honey bees; and the DoE physical and geological formations. looks after wild species of animals, birds The second dimension includes 15 16 the relationship between human • Wildlife Breeding Centers are and environment and to represent established by the DoE specifically the interaction between them. The for threatened animal species.

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the master plan includes re-creation Examples include the station in of major biomes of Iran on an Arasbaran for the local Red Deer unprecedented scale. This eco-park Cervus elaphus, and Dasht-e-Naz will play an important role in in Mazandaran for Mesopotamian public awareness on biodiversity Fallow Deer Dama dama assets of Iran. mesopotamica. • The National Botanic Garden is • Fish Propagation Centers produce Iran’s variety of run by the Ministry of Jehad- millions of fingerlings annually, different ecosystems has excellent tourist e-Sazandegi, and consists of a for release in the Caspian and potential. The climatic botanic garden illustrating the for sale to fish hatcheries. These variations combined various biomes of Iran and the centers contribute substantially to with natural ecosystems world, together with a herbarium research on fish breeding, and on and landscapes create unique natural scenery with more than 100,000 specimens. the feasibility of introducing new and range of biodiversity Smaller scale herbaria and botanic aquatic species to inland waters assets. The efforts of gardens have also been established and coastal environments. These the government are by provincial research centers and centers are run by Iranian Fisheries directed towards ways of promoting tourism universities. Organization. without sacrificing • The National Gene Bank is • Aquaria are relatively new in cultural and environmental values. affiliated with the Ministry of Iran. They are mostly established Agriculture and contains seeds of by municipalities as recreation plant species (exotic or endemic); centers for the urban population. there are also specialized seed banks A large Aquarium Center is being for rice, dates, citrus fruits, forage constructed by the private sector plants, and forest vegetation. on Kish Island as a tourist • Cell and Tissue Culture Centers attraction center, but will also are newly established centers and contain laboratories for research on are at the developmental stage. conservation of ornamental fishes. • The Microbial and Fungal Eco-Tourism and Recreation Collection Center was established Iran’s variety of different ecosystems by the Ministry of Science, has excellent tourist potential. The Technology and Research (formerly climatic variations combined with Ministry of Higher Education) natural ecosystems and landscapes create for research, education, industrial unique natural scenery and range of exploitation and bio-technological biodiversity assets. Outdoor recreation investigations. activities are popular and widespread among Iranians. In spite of the • Zoos are usually established by development of modern life and metropolitan municipalities, urbanization, many people prefer to seek though their function is more for fresh air and nature at the weekend. public recreation and education But outdoor recreation has not yet been than for less for research and included in management policies, and breeding. there is no comprehensive management plan on this subject. As a result, ways of promoting tourism without destruction of nature and natural scenery sacrificing cultural and environmental occurs in the suburbs of large cities, values. Properly organized eco-tourism because of a lack of public awareness. has the potential to promote a new There has been very limited public area of economic growth and assist the education for nature utilization and community in recognizing the value of people are not familiar with the values better protection and enhancement of of biodiversity. Illegal construction of Iran’s biodiversity. houses and villas in naturally sensitive areas has also exerted pressure on ecosystems. Despite continuous efforts to attract tourists over the last 60 years, successive governments have not been successful. Eco-tourism is one of the developing sectors in global economy. Tourists can enjoy Iran’s rich biological diversity, including the forests and the Caspian in the north, the deserts of the central regions, mangrove forests in the south, as well as the coral reefs and exotic fish in the Persian Gulf. The income earned by eco-tourism can be partially spent on preservation of ecosystems. The issue of tourism was mentioned in the first (1989-1994) and second (1995-2000) National Socio-Economic Development Plans. Generally, it can be concluded that tourism has not been successful in these plans. Some of the reasons for this failure are as follows: • The role of the private sector in this industry is not well defined. • Tourism is not looked upon as an industry among decision-making government bodies. • Lack of international advertisement. • Lack of well-trained human resources.

The efforts of the government (Iran of Biodiversity Status Current Conservation ... and Ecological Touring and Tourism Organization affiliated to the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance) are directed towards 17 18 Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Chapter 2 Threatening processes and Management

Laws, Planning and objectives of the nation. The President, Major projects require Management Seyed Mohammad Khatami has placed an Environmental Impact The Environmental Protection Act great importance for environmental Assessment (EIA) to evaluate the degree of (1974) is the major law for matters and for capacity building damage inflicted on the environmental conservation in Iran. schemes in this field. environment, and the According to this act, different categories ways to reduce, The Supreme Council of Environment eliminate or remedy of natural protected areas have been is a legislative body that enacts relevant these impacts. established in Iran and are administered regulations and the classification of by the DoE. Although these sites have protected areas. The Chairman is the been carefully selected to represent all President of the Republic. Other types of environments and habitats in members of the Council are the Ministers Iran, it is obvious that a low percentage of Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Industry, of Iranian territory (about 5%) has Interior, Jehad-e-Sazandegi, Health and been designated for conservation. This Medical Education, Science-Technology small percentage is not adequate for and Research, the Heads of the conservation of such a vast country and Department of Environment, must be made more comprehensive, Department of Administration and adequate and representative of the Planning (formerly Plan and Budget various ecosystems. It has also been Organization) and the Institute of suggested that only in the protected areas Standard and Industrial Research. do plants and animals enjoy acceptable Major projects require an Environmental degrees of protection. Legislation Impact Assessment (EIA) to evaluate governing the environment declares the degree of damage inflicted on the many species of wildlife as “protected” environment, and the ways to reduce, and these species are legally protected eliminate or remedy these impacts. The wherever they may occur, but this Government of the Islamic Republic of may not always accord with “de facto” Iran is in the process of formalizing protection. Of course, protection is the EIA. Biodiversity is one of the more effective within the protected areas major factors which has to be fully where environmental protection guards considered and studied in the process. are continuously present. Special attention must be paid to the The strengthening and enhancing the protection of natural ecosystems, such management of the Department of as forests and habitats of wildlife. and processes Threatening Management Environment as the highest authority The concept of “no net loss” of in the field of biodiversity conservation biodiversity assets will be implemented in has been instrument in promotion the development assessments and approvals. 19 20 Projects needing an EIA and the methods from the use and conservation of of assessment will be reviewed and biological resources. updated at intervals, to ensure that • Inadequacy and deficiencies in Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the progress is made in keeping up with knowledge bases regarding the technical know-how of international biological diversity and ecological environment bodies. features. As biodiversity conservation is critical to • Constraints and institutional ESD it is important that all sectors of the inadequacies (implementing community and economy contribute. It capabilities) and lack of adequate The Persian Lion is also important that major business policies and economic systems to Panthera leo persica and agencies adopt environmental determine the actual value of and the Caspian Tiger performance into their planning and natural resources and biological Panthera tigris virgata reporting. Internationally, concepts of were magnificent diversity components. mammals, which are no a “triple bottom line” are being longer with us. developed. This means that business One of the serious threats to most and government agencies have to Iranian ecosystems is drought because consider financial (economic), social and much of Iran lies in the dry or semi-dry environmental aspects of their activities regions. Activities which pose a direct and formal public reporting. environmental threat to the biodiversity of the country include: overgrazing, Threatening Processes poaching, tree-cutting, removal of shrubs Iran has been losing its biodiversity and bushes for fuel, land conversion to in an alarming rate. The Persian Lion agriculture, road construction, mining, Panthera leo persica and the Caspian Tiger power transmission, and military Panthera tigris virgata were magnificent activities. Many of these practices have mammals, which are no longer with neither ecological justification nor us. The Government of the Islamic economic rationality. For instance, Republic of Iran is determined to make overgrazing may produce a very short- sure that these losses do not continue in term increase in production but long- the future. term degradation and economic loss of the asset, i.e. decline in productivity In recent years, there has been a or absolute loss of potential due to growing awareness of the value of soil erosion and decline in forage biological diversity. This increased quality and quantity. Improved land use awareness followed a period of relaxation and management practices are urgently in the conservation of nature and required. Although the above activities sustainable use of the environment and have been minimized in protected areas, its components, which was mainly due throughout the rest (95%) of the to the following parameters: country, there is little control over these • High rate of population growth. threats. • Inflexibility in application of Threats to biodiversity in the conservation laws in protected Caspian areas. The Caspian is the largest lake in the • Inequity in the ownership, world and is connected to the distant management and flow of benefits Baltic through canals and the River Volga. This makes it very vulnerable Threats to biodiversity in rivers to the effects of industrial pollution. Rivers are under severe pressure because Oil exploration activities by the Caspian of population increase and human littoral countries have increased in the activities. Dam construction and past decade. There are also international inappropriate exploitation of riverbeds plans to transport oil and gas through throughout Iran has changed the pipelines under the Caspian. These biological characteristics of many rivers. activities will certainly have adverse Many man-made water reservoirs have effects on marine and coastal ecosystems closed the migration routes of fishes in Iran. coming from the sea. No fishways Oil exploration activities On the domestic side, development of were planned for these dams. In many highly populated areas, communities by the Caspian littoral coastal communities, release of sewage countries have increased into coastal waters, as well as polluted living along riverbanks destroy vegetation in the past decade. rivers threaten coastal ecosystems. and habitats, as well as causing water There are also international plans to Population growth and unemployment pollution. The biological diversity in many rivers, near urban communities transport oil and gas in the region also increase illegal fishing. through pipelines under Man-made barriers and obstacles close has been sharply reduced. the Caspian. These the migration routes of fishes, and activities will certainly Threats to biodiversity in coastal have adverse effects on no fishways are built along their areas marine and coastal migration routes; therefore, many Coastal pollution is one of the major ecosystems in Iran. spawning grounds are destroyed. Fish causes of habitat destruction and ladders are an important ameliorative biodiversity reduction. Estuaries and action and should be required for all coastal wetlands such as mangrove forests activities that prohibit fish movement. are very vulnerable to water pollution. This is a good example of the The population of marine turtles has contribution the water sector could decreased throughout the world. Among make to biodiversity conservation. the reasons for this decline are water Threats to biodiversity in pollution, destruction of habitats as well southern waters as theft of eggs. Habitat fragmentation Major fishing grounds are near oil is an increasing problem in the coastal production areas and transportation regions. Wildlife sites have become routes. Destruction of spawning grounds fragmented because of increased coastal and nurseries is one of the major threats development, effectively removing and to biological resources in the Persian Gulf fragmenting areas of scarce habitats. One and the Sea of Oman. Over-fishing and of the other impacts of fragmentation is illegal fishing by international fishing the formation of obstacles and barriers to vessels is one of the major sources of movement of animals between habitats, concern. Limited bottom trawling is still which, in turn, reduces the interaction used for shrimp catch, which seriously between populations. threatens seabed habitats. Iran benefits The major sources of coastal pollution from coral islands and, as in many include the ballast water of oil-tankers,

other regions in the world, use of these offshore oil exploration facilities, flow and processes Threatening Management habitats need great care. of wastewater and sewage, heavy metal pollution caused by import and export activities, and thermal pollution from 21 22 the return water in the cooling systems clearing is now under control but of large industrial facilities (such as overgrazing continues to be a persistent power plants). problem in all forest areas, due to over

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the licensing of grazers and enforcement Threats to biodiversity in forests limitations on illegal operations. Iran is relatively poor in terms of available forest area, and thus vulnerable to Threats to biodiversity in rapid destruction. One of the problems rangelands threatening Iranian forests is illegal Conversion of marginal rangelands into logging, over and above the logging agricultural lands has caused destruction The rangelands are permits issued by General Office of of pastures and has led to widespread being destroyed and Natural Resources. Rural people who soil erosion. On the other hand, the their productivity reside with their livestock in the forests livestock population is about three times reduced by up to 1.5% more than the carrying capacity of the per year. The major also threaten biodiversity assets. There threats include have been relocation efforts, but they rangelands. Among the major functions overgrazing, land have not been completed. Another of pastures in Iran are: sustainable conversion for source of forest destruction is the large production of agricultural products, agricultural activities, balancing role in the climate and water and lack of number of fires. In 1996 during a comprehensive national study, 439 fires were recorded, flow, production of forage, production management plans. affecting a total forest area of 5829 ha. of medicinal and industrial herbs, and conservation of soils and of wildlife Clearing of native vegetation in forest habitats. The rangelands are being ecosystems has caused both habitat destroyed and their productivity reduced destruction and fragmentation. by up to 1.5% per year. The major threats Implementation of major industrial include overgrazing, land conversion forest projects accompanied by for agricultural activities, and lack of traditional overexploitation by the rural comprehensive management plans. ESD communities have widely modified, and principles must be adopted and in many cases, destroyed the northern implemented in this environment. forests of the country. Removal of trees and vegetation cover is now estimated Threats to biodiversity in to contribute to a large proportion wetlands of soil erosion in Iran. Clearing land Various factors threaten wetland for agricultural use, forage production ecosystems and undermine their and grazing, firewood and charcoal productivity and functional role. These production has reduced forests by 30% factors include infilling for land over the last 40 years. reclamation, drought, dam construction, Pressure on forests primarily derives from up-stream development (erosion and overgrazing, conversion to cropland and sedimentation), aquaculture activities, fuel wood demand in remote areas. The pollution and nutrient input, water annual cut of fuel wood exceeds the diversion (irrigation), overgrazing, sustainable yield. Measures to improve overfishing, illegal hunting, as well as the efficiency of fuel wood use, to uncontrolled recreation and tourism substitute alternative fuels for fuel wood activities and infrastructure. and to improve harvesting operations in the commercial forests will be required to reverse this trend. Agricultural land Biological diversity and people km2) having the highest and Semnan The population growth rate in Iran the lowest (5 ind./km2) densities. has been very high during the past Villagers and nomads have valuable few decades. Previously, the population traditional knowledge for conservation doubled during a 60 year period of biodiversity. Mechanisms should be (1891-1951) but this doubling period found to collect and implement these is now reduced to 26 years. According cultural heritages. to the most recent official population census in 1996, the population is over Access to genetic resources 60,100,000, which indicates a reduction Genetic diversity is an important element of biodiversity, and that is why the in the average annual growth. It is reserve system must be comprehensive, estimated that, if the present decline in adequate and representative, to conserve the growth rate persists, the population in situ, not only ecosystems and species will be over 100 million by 2010. The but also populations and the genetic population of Iran is composed of about diversity that they contain. Iran needs to 12,400,000 households with an average expand its knowledge base of the genetic of 4.8 individuals in each. diversity within its biodiversity, establish Population in cities and villages is a framework and policies for access 61.3% and 38.3%, respectively, and to, and use of, genetic diversity based the remainder being nomads. Age on public and environmental good. It distribution demonstrates a young is appropriate that museums, herbaria population. The largest age group is the and other institutions clarify the genetic resources and variation available in 10-14 years old age group (9,080,676 nature and inform additions to the individuals). Literacy of people over 6 reserve system. years of age is 79.5%. About 85% of the population over 10 years of age have Activities regarding conservation of employment and the remaining 15% genetic diversity include data collection are unemployed. Across Iran the mean of genetic resources and preparation population density is 37 individuals per of the “Domestic Animal Diversity- Information System of Iran (FAO/ km2 with Tehran (372 individuals per DAD-IS)”. There are research centers on fish species (particularly sturgeons), Adult literacy rates for men and women, medicinal plants and field crops. There 1988–1997 (percent) are research stations on cattle, sheep and

90 goat, cow, camel, horse and poultry used

80 for research on genetic resources.

60 Introduction of alien species

50 Iran is a vast country sharing boundaries

40 with seven countries and two large Female literacy rate 30 water bodies; hence the process of Male literacy rate 20 exchange of species across the man-made and processes Threatening Management 10 boundaries occurs regularly. The natural 0 88 90 92 94 96 introduction of species is inevitable and does occur naturally throughout the 23 24 world, as the species with the greater instruments to assist movement away powers of adaptation survive, expand from polluting activities is a priority. and dominate new territories. Rapid industrialization and urbanization

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the False practices have aided this process and exert great pressures on the environment, in the past have introduced some species which make the implementation of of plants and animals, in many cases pollution control acts an important with disastrous results. One example is obligation. The Department of the introduction of Azolla Azolla pinnata Environment is responsible for from the Southeast Asia into the Anzali implementation of pollution control wetland. Although this aquatic plant was acts. The Air Pollution Control Act Environmental research meant to be quarantined in a small pool, gives the DoE the task of compiling centers and monitoring standards for each district and of setting stations in provinces of it escaped and found its way into the the country are natural environment where it flourished. standards for emission of pollutants from responsible for Now this species (which is quite useful various sources (including specifications controlling and in southeast Asia) has become a pest, for each source) with the assistance monitoring the state of of related organizations. The DoE is the environment and competing with the other native species pollution levels in air, for vital resources such as light and also in charge of implementation of soil and water. nutrients. Similarly, introduction of air pollution control and of specifying Grass Carp Hypopharyngodon idella to permissible fuels and conditions of the Hamoun Wetland, one of the their consumption. Recently, the DoE most natural and unpolluted aquatic adopted some new regulations pertaining ecosystems, yielded disastrous results, to the location of new factories. destroying the natural integrity of this According to these regulations, the ecosystem. establishment of polluting industries in city suburbs is prohibited. The more As in many other parts of the world, polluting factories must be established the introduction of exotic species into at a specified distance (with buffer zone) the wild has resulted in disastrous from metropolitan areas, and measures consequences in Iran. Responsible designed to reduce air pollution will be organizations, such as the Department implemented. of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, are anxious to control any Environmental research centers and such actions and the Government of the monitoring stations in 28 provinces Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to of the country are responsible for control any such trans-boundary transits. controlling and monitoring the state of Customs and quarantine must be based the environment and pollution levels in on the “Precautionary Principle” and air, soil and water. potential for exotic organisms to cause Public Awareness environmental damage. Public awareness leads the community to Pollution control and increase its appreciation of biodiversity biodiversity assets and in the medium to long term, Observation of environmental to support the allocation of resources regulations and pollution control for biodiversity conservation. Obviously, guidelines will certainly have positive improving public knowledge has a direct effects on conservation of biodiversity. relation to the quality and quantity New technologies and economic of information about biodiversity. This information is the result of research • Unclear policies, regulations and and most critically should be presented monitoring programs. to the public. There needs to be • A shortage of resources available an increase in expertise in addressing to the DoE, lack of co-ordination strategic questions and better analysis of and promotion of community the information, leading to management participation. orientated outcomes. Equally, there is a need for the development of databases • Weakness in coordination between to make the information accessible to a responsible executive organizations. broader audience (including all land and In 1998 the Department of Environment water managers) and results of studies formed a “Participation Bureau’ to should be “translated” and presented for assist environmental non-governmental public use. organizations (NGOs). The bureau The issue of public awareness faces the provides legal counseling and logistical following parameters: support for NGOs. According to the bureau’s data bank more than 150 • The low level of general knowledge environmental NGOs were formed of the environment, ecological during 1998-2001. The establishment processes and biodiversity. of this Bureau is in the direction of new • Lack of accessible information government policies to promote public about the country’s environmental participation in environmental affairs. condition. The number of environmental NGOs • Inappropriate exploitation of has had a very positive trend. resources. • Production and consumption patterns incompatible with environmental conservation. • Inappropriate location of some economic activities. • Lack of acknowledgement of the environmental considerations in sectoral and regional macro policies and programs. • Weakness in executing the environmental acts. • Lack of accepted environmental standards. • Lack of clear definition of land use and management,

• Population concentration in several and processes Threatening Management ecosystems.

25 26 Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Chapter 3 International Role of the Islamic Republic of Iran

International Conventions and • Montreal Protocol on Ozone-layer Iran has the most Agreements Depletion Substances significant biodiversity Iran has accepted international legal assets in the Middle • Bio-Safety Protocol East. This, along with responsibilities, which in part reflect its the large size of the moral, ethical and scientific obligations Iran became a state member of IUCN country, means it has to protect its biodiversity assets. In the —the World Conservation Union— in the best opportunities context of these obligations it should 1973, but suspended its membership for long term conservation plans. be remembered that Iran has the most and moves are in hand to reinstate significant biodiversity assets in the membership. Middle East. This, along with the large Regional and bilateral size of the country, means it has the best cooperation opportunities for long term conservation The Regional Convention for plans. Co-operation to Protect and Improve The Islamic Republic of Iran is a member Coastal Zones and the Marine of the following environmental related Environment (ROPME, 24 April 1978) conventions: was approved by the Iranian Parliament • Convention on Biological Diversity (Majles). Therefore, the proceedings (CBD) of the Convention are a domestic as well as an external obligation for the • Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar) government and related organizations, • Convention on Control of Trans- for the purpose of protecting the marine boundary Movement of Hazardous environment in the Persian Gulf and the Waste Sea of Oman. • Convention to Combat Following a scientific and technical Desertification co-operation agreement signed between the governments of Iran and the former • Convention on International Trade Soviet Union (1971), conclusive bilateral in Endangered Species of Wild meetings were held to discuss problems Fauna and Flora (CITES) and find solutions to the environmental • United Nations Framework problems of the Caspian. Since the Convention on Climate Change collapse of the Soviet Union, the Caspian (UNFCCC) littoral republics and Iran have held International Role of the Role International of Iran Republic Islamic • World Heritage Convention ongoing discussions on the protection (WHC) of the Caspian environment and agreed 27 28 on the Caspian Environmental Program (CEP). Currently Iran has bilateral

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the environmental cooperation with the governments or research institutions of many countries. Chapter 4 Policies and Future Implementation

Second National • Domestic energy consumption There have been great Socio-Economic Development must aim to minimize adverse efforts to ensure the Plan environmental effects (e.g. implementation of NBSAP in the Third Biodiversity conservation is integral to pollution, move from oil to gas, National Socio-Economic sustainable development. The Second or preferably to renewable sources Development Plan. National Socio-Economic Development such as solar energy). Plan (1995-2000) asserted that all economic and social activities must The National Biodiversity be performed within the constraints Action Plan and the Third of environmental and biodiversity National Socio-Economic conservation and management. The Development Plan following issues had to be addressed: The third National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2001-2005) includes • All major development projects two major paragraphs (Paragraphs 104 (productive and infrastructure) and 105) and several subparagraphs on must have EIA; i.e. be evaluated environmental issues. These paragraphs on the basis of their potential address issues such as sustainable environmental effects and include exploitation of natural resources, ameliorative actions in both the environmental liability and redress, planning and implementation support of green industries, as well as stages. EIA. • Major industrial and mining Two environmental studies were carried activities must be conducted out prior to the NBSAP, namely, the consistently with ecologically “National Strategy on Environment sustainable development principles and Sustainable Development” and the and within the framework of “National Resolution Plan”. environmental standards and Unfortunately, some parts were not regulations. implemented, because the mechanisms • Exploitation of the country’s for their integration into the national natural resources must be on the development plans were not completely basis of long-term sustainability understood. These valuable experiences which balances the need for will be used in implementation of economic value, environmental NBSAP. There have been great efforts to Policies and Future Implementation and Future Policies protection and inter-generation ensure the implementation of NBSAP equity; and in the Third National Socio-Economic Development Plan. 29 30 Four strategies have been proposed for • The fourth strategy deals with conservation of biodiversity. the systematic management of • The first strategy aims at the biodiversity resources (A full

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the promotion of public participation. description of the strategies and Involvement of private sector and action plans will be included in the non-governmental organizations to “National Biodiversity Strategy and improve conservation activities and Action Plans” report). put biodiversity into the For the above-mentioned strategies, mainstream of the community. about 80 action plans are under • The second strategy relates to consideration and 35 are already being the formation of biodiversity implemented. One of the fundamental information, monitoring and activities is to prioritize these plans. In reporting systems. These systems order to coordinate the activities between would be used as environmental different organizations, establishment of management tools and will be a committee is proposed. accessible to all sectors. • The third strategy includes reorganization of institutional structures for sustainable use. Annex 1 Tables Tables

31 32 Table 1. Ramsar Sites in Iran International Wetland Area (ha) % of Ramsar Sites Province Management Status * in Iran 1 2 3 4 5 Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Urmia Lake 463600 0.28 West & East Azarbaijan ü ü Bakhtegan-Nairiz Lakes & Kamjan Marshes 108000 0.07 Fars ü Shadegan Marshes & Tidal-Mud-Flats of Khor Musa 190000 0.12 Khozestan ü Hamoun-e-Saberi 50000 0.03 Sistan & Balochestan ü Parishan Lake & Dasht-e-Arjan 6600 0.00 Fars ü ü Miankaleh Peninsula, Gorgan Bay & Lapoozaghmarz 40000 0.02 Mazandaran ü South End of Hamoun-e-puzak 10000 0.01 Sistan & Balochestan ü Amirkelayeh Lake 1230 0.00 Gilan ü Khuran Straits 100000 0.06 Hormozgan ü ü Deltas of Rud-e-Gaz & Rud-e-Hara 15000 0.01 Hormozgan Anzali 15000 0.01 Gilan ü ü Kobi lake 1200 0.00 West Azarbaijan Shorgol, Yadegarlu, Dorgeh Sangi Lakes 2500 0.00 West Azarbaijan Bandar Kiashahr Lagoon & Mouth of Sefid Rud 500 0.00 Gilan Hoor-e-Baho 34400 0.02 Sistan & Balochestan ü Ghouri-Gol Lake 120 0.00 West Azarbaijan ü Alagol, Ulmagol & Ajigol Lakes 1400 0.00 Golestan Deltas of Rud-e-Shur, Rud-e-Shirin & Rud-e-Minab 20000 0.01 Hormozgan Gavkhouni Lake & Marshes of the Lower Zaiandeh Rud 43000 0.03 Fars Shidvar 870 0.00 Hormozgan ü Total 1104290 0.67

* 1-National park, 2-Biosphere reserve, 3-Protected area, 4-Wildlife refuge, 5-Hunting prohibited area Table 2. Type and area of protected areas in Iran Type Area (million ha) % of Iran % of Protected Areas National Park 1.300 0.79 15.29 Wildlife Refuge 1.900 1.16 22.35 Protected Area 5.300 3.23 62.35 National Nature Monument 0.002 0.00 0.02 Total 8.502 5.18 100.00

Table 3. National Parks in Iran National Park Area (ha) % of Iran Biome Province Golestan 91,895 0.06 H 1 / IT 2 Golestan Urmia Lake 463,600 0.28 ITP 3 West & East Azarbaijan Tandureh 30,780 0.02 ITM 4 Khorasan Bamou 48,075 0.03 ITM Fars Khojir 11,570 0.01 ITM Tehran Sorkhe-Hessar 9,380 0.01 ITM Tehran Tang-e-Sayad 5,400 0.00 Z 5 Chahar Mahal & Bakhtiary Kolah Ghazi 46,860 0.03 ITM Esfehan Bakhtegan 160,000 0.10 ITP Fars Kavir 420,000 0.25 ITP Tehran & Isfahan Khabr 110,000 0.07 IT Kerman Total 1,397,560 0.86

Table 4. Wildlife Refuges in Iran Wildlife Refuges Area (ha) % of Iran Biome Province Angoran 28600 0.02 ITM Zanjan Bakhtegan 167830 0.10 ITM / ITP Fars Shadegan 296000 0.18 KO 6 Khozestan Mooteh 200000 0.12 ITM / ITP Esfehan & Markazi Kolahghazi 5865 0.00 IT Esfehan Miankaleh 68800 0.04 H Mazandaran Touran 565000 0.34 ITP Semnan Amirkelayeh 1230 0.00 H Gilan Rochoon 63750 0.04 IT Kerman Khoshyeylagh 135000 0.08 ITP / ITM Semnan Biston 31250 0.02 Z Kermanshah Dez 5340 0.00 KO Khozestan Karkheh 3600 0.00 KO Khozestan Ghamishloo 85750 0.05 IT Esfehan Kiamaki 84400 0.05 ITM East Azarbaijan Miandasht 52000 0.03 IT Khorasan Mehroyeh 7468 0.00 IT Kerman Dodangeh 6700 0.00 H Mazandaran Lavandvil 949 0.00 H Gilan Semeskandeh 937 0.00 H Mazandaran Selkeh 360 0.00 H Gilan Kharko 312 0.00 KO Boshehr Shidvar 160 0.00 KO Hormozgan Tables Fereidonkenar 148 0.00 H Mazandaran Dasht-e-naz 55 0.00 H Mazandaran Total 1,811,504 1.07 33 34 Table 5. Protected Areas in Iran Protected Areas Area (ha) % of Iran Biome Province

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Angoran 96130 0.06 IT Zanjan Arasbaran 72460 0.04 H East Azarbaijan Kavir 250000 0.15 ITP Tehran Hamoun 193500 0.12 KO Sistan & Balochestan Arjan 52800 0.03 IT Fars Tandoureh 23000 0.01 ITM Khorasan Touran 1325250 0.80 ITP Semnan Tang-e-sayad 17690 0.01 IT Chahar Mahal & Bakhtiary Hara 85686 0.05 KO Hormozgan Geno 27500 0.02 KO Hormozgan Bisotun 50850 0.03 Z Kermanshah Dez 10623 0.01 KO Khozestan Karkheh 9427 0.01 KO Khozestan Alborz-e-markazi 399000 0.24 H / IT Tehran & Mazandaran Bahram-e-gour 385000 0.23 ITP Fars Gando 382430 0.23 KO Sistan & Balochestan Hormoud 201625 0.12 KO Fars & Hormozgan Kalmand 175000 0.11 ITP Yazd Oshtorankuh 98250 0.06 Z Lorestan Marakan 92715 0.06 ITM West Azarbaijan Dena 86500 0.05 Z Kohkiloyeh & Boyer ahmad Haftad gholeh 82000 0.05 ITM Markazi Bijar 72600 0.04 Z Kordestan Sefidkuh 69500 0.04 Z Lorestan Sabzkuh 60780 0.04 Z Chahar Mahal & Bakhtiary Parvar 68475 0.04 IT Semnan Jajrud 51650 0.03 ITM Tehran Mond 46700 0.03 KO Boshehr Heleh 42900 0.03 KO Boshehr Ghorkhod 34000 0.02 IT Khorasan Lisar 33050 0.02 H Gilan & Ardebil Lar 31000 0.02 ITM Tehran & Mazandaran Jahan nama 30600 0.02 H Mazandaran Sarigol 28000 0.02 IT Khorasan Varjin 28000 0.02 ITM Tehran Nayband 19500 0.01 KO Boshehr Serany 17800 0.01 IT Khorasan Salouk 16000 0.01 IT Khorasan Lashkardar 16000 0.01 Z Hamadan Siah keshim 4500 0.00 H Gilan Faror 3620 0.00 KO Hormozgan Manesht & Ghelarang 27750 0.02 KO Ilam Bashgol 26125 0.02 IT Zanjan Sorkh abad 116500 0.07 IT Zanjan Bidoyeh 94275 0.06 IT Kerman Kuh-e-Bafgh 144375 0.09 IT Yazd Mianjangal-e-Fasa 58125 0.04 IT Fars Total 5,259,261 3.20 Table 6. National Natural Monuments in Iran National Nature Monuments Area (ha) % of NNM Areas Province Laleh-e-Vajgoon 170 9.44 Chahar Mahal & Bakhtiary Sarv-e-Harzevil 0.6 0.03 Gilan Dehloran 1400 77.78 Ilam Khoshk-e-Daran 227 12.61 Mazandaran Sosan-e-sefid 0.6 0.03 Gilan Sahoulan cave 2 0.11 W. Azerbaijan Total 1,800 100.00

Table 7. Hunting Prohibited Areas in Iran Restricted areas Area (ha) % of Iran Province Jazireh Eslami 34700 0.02 E. Azerbaijan Goorigol 160 0.00 E. Azerbaijan Garah geshlag 48000 0.03 E. Azerbaijan yakanat 58800 0.04 E. Azerbaijan Sahand 130000 0.08 E. Azerbaijan Zoorabad 38000 0.02 W. Azerbaijan Dareh shahidan 41000 0.02 W. Azerbaijan Agh gool 900 0.00 W. Azerbaijan Gardeh git va meymand 255 0.00 W. Azerbaijan Bayan 35000 0.02 W. Azerbaijan Ag dagh 65000 0.04 Ardabil Gandiman 40000 0.02 Ardabil karkas 91764 0.06 Esfahan Henna 18750 0.01 Esfahan Kolak 76000 0.05 Ilam Bina bijar va chegar 50000 0.03 Ilam Mand 75000 0.05 Boshehr Gavdeh 200000 0.12 Tehran Lar 30000 0.02 Tehran Shayda 108000 0.07 Chahar mahal-o-Bakhtyari Chagar khor 2500 0.00 Charmahal-o-bakhtyari N. and W. of Salook 20000 0.01 Khorasan Heydari 39300 0.02 Khorasan Bagh Keshmir 18440 0.01 Khorasan Dor badam 15000 0.01 Khorasan Boz may 28000 0.02 Khorasan Parvand 16900 0.01 Khorasan Hengham 100000 0.06 khorasan Naybandan 116700 0.07 khorasan Shir Ahmad 24000 0.01 khorasan Halali 120000 0.07 khorasan Hezar Masjed 12000 0.01 khorasan Raeesi 50000 0.03 Khorasan Daroneh 60000 0.04 Khorasan Deymeh 15500 0.01 khozestan Karani 30000 0.02 khozestan

Khorasanlo 70000 0.04 Zanjan Tables Tapal 30000 0.02 Semnan Khanar 44000 0.03 Semnan Sefid koh-e- arsak 66600 0.04 Semnan 35 36 Table 7. Hunting Prohibited Areas in Iran (continued) Restricted areas Area (ha) % of Iran Province

Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Nosrat abad 130000 0.08 Sistan-o-Balochestan bozman 30000 0.02 Sistan-o- Balochestan Sefid abeh 30200 0.02 Sistan-o-Balochestan Koh-e-mol boland-e-mook 12000 0.01 Fars Dareh bagh 14000 0.01 Fars basiran 90000 0.06 Fars Kohestan 90000 0.06 Fars Hava va tangheh-e-khor 80000 0.05 Fars Dallan 30000 0.02 Fars Padena 40000 0.02 Fars Toot-e-siah 20000 0.01 Fars Chaheh naft 90000 0.06 Fars Ghorm 50000 0.03 Fars Kharman kooh 20000 0.01 Fars maharloo 25000 0.02 Fars Alamoot 111118 0.07 Gazvin Danesfhan 33000 0.02 Gazvin Tarom-e-sofla 47000 0.03 Gazvin Palang dareh 30000 0.02 Qom Siah koh-e-sirjan 45000 0.03 Kerman Anjirak va Raber 23281 0.01 Kerman Koh-e-nodar hengh 250000 0.15 Kerman Qood gool 50000 0.03 Kerman Shahr-e-babak 100000 0.06 Kerman hashilan 450 0.00 Kermanshah Bozin 13000 0.01 Kermanshah Zeleh zard 50111 0.03 Kermanshah Badr-o-parishan 45000 0.03 Kordestan Zarineh obato 24000 0.01 Kordestan Zarivar 2000 0.00 Kordestan Padenayeh samirom 40000 0.02 Kohgiloyeh va Boyerahmad Khamin 50000 0.03 Kohgiloyeh va Boyerahmad Gamishan 20000 0.01 Golestan Chelcheli 33100 0.02 Golestan Bojagh Kianshahr 800 0.00 Gilan Talab estil 138 0.00 Gilan Ashkorat olia 40000 0.02 Gilan Deylaman darfak 34400 0.02 Gilan Nave asalem 5000 0.00 Gilan Sarkhangool 150 0.00 Gilan Estakhr Ajdaha balooch 250 0.00 Gilan Talabhaye Poldokhtar 5550 0.00 Lorestan Lafoor 10000 0.01 Mazandaran Hezar jarib 12000 0.01 Mazandaran Do hezaro se hezar 60000 0.04 Mazandaran Siah bisheh 9000 0.01 Mazandaran Razan 400 0.00 Markazi Golzar-o-Neyzar 5500 0.00 Hormozgan Asad abad 90000 0.05 Hamadan Khangarmaz 10000 0.01 Hamadan Nashr 6500 0.00 Hamadan Table 7. Hunting Prohibited Areas in Iran (continued) Restricted areas Area (ha) % of Iran Province Malosan 10000 0.01 Hamadan Dareh anjir 150000 0.09 Yazd Ariz-o-Bajgan 560000 0.34 Yazd Boroieh 100000 0.06 Yazd Border line 1034000 0.63 Iran Borders Total 5882217 3.58

Table 8. MAB Sites in Iran Type of MAB Sites Area (ha) % of Iran Biome Province Urmieh Lake 463600 0.28 ITP West & East Azarbaijan Arasbaran 72460 0.04 H East Azarbaijan Kavir 420000 0.25 ITP Tehran Golestan 91895 0.06 IT / H Golestan Dasht-e-Arjan 52800 0.03 IT Fars Miankaleh 68800 0.04 H Mzandaran Touran 565000 0.34 ITP Semnan Geno 27500 0.02 KO Hormozgan Hara 85686 0.05 KO Hormozgan Total 1,847,741 1.12

(Endnotes) 1 H= Semi-humid and humid Arasbaran and Hyrcanian mountains and Caspian plain. 2 IT= Irano-Touranian. 3 ITP= Irano-Touranian: Arid and semi-arid plains and desert. 4 ITM= Irano-Touranian: Arid and semi-arid mountains. 5 Z= Semi-arid Zagros mountains. Tables

37 38 Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Annex 2 Maps Maps

39 40 map 1: Islamic Republic of Iran Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Ar me Azerbaijan nia Turkmenistan Caspian sea Ardebil East Azerbaijan Golestan

Gilan

West Zanjan Mazandaran Azerbaijan Ghazvin Semnan Kurdestan Tehran Khorasan Hamedan Afghanistan Qom

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Kermanshah Markazi Esfahan Lorestan

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Hormozgan

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Sistan-o-Baluchestan Bushehr Shiraz

Hormozgan

Persian Gulf Saudi Arabia Sea of Oman

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Ar me Azerbaijan nia Turkmenistan Caspian sea Ardebil East Azerbaijan Golestan

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Kermanshah Markazi Esfahan Lorestan

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Sistan-o-Baluchestan Bushehr Shiraz

Hormozgan

Persian Gulf Saudi Arabia Sea of Oman

Less than 100 (ml) 100 - 200 200 - 300 300 - 400 400 - 500 500 - 600 600 - 800 800 - 1000

1000 - 1200 Maps 1200 - 1400 1400 - 1600 1600 - 2000 43 44 map 5: Watershed basins Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Ar me Azerbaijan nia Turkmenistan Caspian sea Ardebil East Azerbaijan Golestan

Gilan

West Zanjan Mazandaran Azerbaijan Ghazvin Semnan Kurdestan Tehran Khorasan Hamedan Afghanistan Qom

Kermanshah Markazi Esfahan Lorestan

Ilam Koh ki Boy lo Iraq er oy Yazd A eh hm -o- ad Khuzestan Cha ha Ba r-M kh ah tia al Pakistan ri -o- Kerman

Sistan-o-Baluchestan Bushehr Shiraz

Hormozgan

Persian Gulf Saudi Arabia Sea of Oman

Caspian sea basin Urmia lake basin Persian gulf basin Inner plateau basin Deserts Watershed regions map 7: Protected areas

Ar me Azerbaijan nia Turkmenistan Caspian sea Ardebil East Azerbaijan Golestan

Gilan

West Zanjan Mazandaran Azerbaijan Ghazvin Semnan Kurdestan Tehran Khorasan Hamedan Afghanistan Qom

Kermanshah Markazi Esfahan Lorestan

Ilam Koh ki Boy lo Iraq er oy Yazd A eh hm -o- ad Khuzestan Cha ha Ba r-M kh ah tia al Pakistan ri -o- Kerman

Sistan-o-Baluchestan Bushehr Shiraz

Hormozgan

Persian Gulf Saudi Arabia Sea of Oman

National park National Natural monuments Wild life refuges Protected area Biosphere reserve Maps

45 46 map 8: Annual mean temperature Convention on Biological Diversity The First National Report for the Ar me Azerbaijan nia Turkmenistan Caspian sea Ardebil East Azerbaijan Golestan

Gilan

West Zanjan Mazandaran Azerbaijan Ghazvin Semnan Kurdestan Tehran Khorasan Hamedan Afghanistan Qom

Kermanshah Markazi Esfahan Lorestan

Ilam Koh ki Boy lo Iraq er oy Yazd A eh hm -o- ad Khuzestan Cha ha Ba r-M kh ah tia al Pakistan ri -o- Kerman

Sistan-o-Baluchestan Bushehr Shiraz

Hormozgan

Persian Gulf Saudi Arabia Sea of Oman

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