Management programs for Hamoun Wetlands in Sistan-Baluchestan Province and Choghakhor and Helleh wetlands in Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari Province are expected to be ready by next month, increasing the number of Iranian wetlands included in the country’s comprehensive Wetland Management Program to eight.
Currently, Urmia, Shadegan, Parishan Qoorigol and Qara Qeshlaq wetlands are covered by comprehensive programs, IRNA reports.
Director of Iranian Wetlands Conservation Project Mohsen Soleimani said once the final details of the three programs are ironed out, they need to be approved by each province’s planning council before they can be implemented.
“We’re also working on management programs for freshwater and saltwater wetlands as well as the Hara Wetland in Hormozgan Province,” said Soleimani, adding that his team aims to complete the plans in three months.
“Having a comprehensive program of management for wetlands in which locals and those whose life are directly affected by these valuable bodies of water play the main role is vital.”
The official called for closer attention of officials to the matter.
Soleimani said in addition to reviving wetlands and restoring their ecological diversity, management programs can help boost the quality of life of those who depend on wetlands to make a living.
There are about 250 wetlands across the country, 24 of which are internationally recognized and registered under the Ramsar Convention.
Household and industrial wastewater and sewage plus excessive water withdrawal are among the threats facing these ecologically-rich areas.
Shourgol, Yadegarlou, Anzali, Shadegan, Khour Mousa, Neyriz, Parishan, Urmia, Komijan and Hamoun are but a few wetlands in danger of ecological changes and, therefore, have been added to 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.
