Iran Eyes Wetland City Inscriptions

The Department of Environment has instructed local environment authorities to prioritize measures that help inscribe cities that are close to and dependent on wetlands, particularly wetlands of international importance.

The Wetlands City Accreditation Scheme, a resolution adopted at the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention in June 2015, aims to encourage cities in the vicinity of wetlands to highlight a positive relationship with these valuable ecosystems, for example through increased participation and public awareness of wetlands in municipal planning and decision-making.

“We had a meeting about this on July 29 and fast-tracked the translation of the resolution and its objectives, policies and requirements for registration,” Masoud Baqerzadeh Karimi, the deputy head of DOE’s Habitats Office, was quoted as saying in a report on the department’s website.

The official said successful urban management policies in cities close to wetlands is only possible, if the importance of lagoons is considered when making and executing plans.

“These ecosystems play key roles in reducing pollution and developing tourism,” he said.

Karimi said the scheme helps involve the public in environmental affairs, as registering and looking after wetland cities after inscription are “people-driven”.

“The DOE only serves as a facilitator and oversees the implementation of schemes,” he said.

As Iran’s representative to Ramsar Convention, DOE will submit dossiers of cities vying for a place on the Wetland City list.

There are 42 types of wetlands in the world, 41 of which are found in Iran, according to environment officials. At present, six Iranian wetlands are included in the Montreux Record.

The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International Importance where changes in ecological character have occurred, are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.

The endangered wetlands include Anzali Lagoon in Gilan Province, Hamoun-e-Puzak as well as Hamoun-e-Saberi and Hamoun-e-Helmand on Iran-Afghanistan border, Neyriz Lakes and Kamjan Marshes in Fars, Shadegan Marshes and mudflats of Khor-al-Amaya and Khor Musa in Khuzestan, Shurgol, Yadegarlu and Dorgeh Sangi Lakes in West Azarbaijan.

The Ramsar Convention, also referred to as the Convention on Wetlands, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and judicious use of wetlands and their resources.

It recognizes the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific and recreational value. It is named after the city of Ramsar in northern Iran, where the convention was signed in 1971.