Raising the Department of Environment’s budget is not enough to address environmental challenges, such as dust storms and water scarcity, according to DOE’s deputy for parliament affairs, Mohammad Mojabi.
Over the past two years, the department’s budget was raised from 950 billion rials ($29 million) to 1,800 billion rials ($55 million), IRNA reported.
“Environmental problems persist due to lack of public cooperation,” he said.
Mojabi said environment protection is a public responsibility and emphasized that it requires a huge effort from NGOs, academicians and the general public to protect the environment and preserve natural resources.
“Environmental management policies need an overhaul,” he said.
Mojabi noted that the sixth five-year economic development plan (2016-21) is a great opportunity for government officials to get NGOs involved in environmental affairs.
