The corals of Hendurabi Island in the Persian Gulf will soon be transferred from near the wharf to a new location to make space for tourism projects on the island.
The transfer will be carried out under the supervision of experts from the Department of Environment and funded by Kish Free Zone Organization.
The plan to turn Hendurabi Island into a tourist resort was suspended by the DOE due to environmental issues, including damage to the corals.
The scheme is undertaken by the KFZO in collaboration with the private sector.
Parvin Farshchi, marine environment deputy at the DOE, blamed KFZO for the suspension of the plan, accusing it of failing to follow protocol to ensure minimal damage to the environment prior to the implementation of tourism projects.
“Due to this negligence, construction of structures, which don’t uphold environmental standards, had already begun when we suspended the project,” she was quoted as saying by Mana News Agency.
In less than two weeks, DOE officials will travel to the island to inspect the progress of the project closely and confirm its compliance with environmental regulations.
In addition to corals, sections of the area where new infrastructure will be developed overlap the island’s Marine National Park, which is a protected area.
“We will hold discussions with KFZO to determine the precincts of the wildlife sanctuary along the island’s coastal waters and make sure tourists will not trespass,” said Farshchi.
She stressed that any tourism facility violating the guidelines of green tourism will be stopped immediately.
The DOE team will discuss all the issues that have caused or will cause damage to the island’s ecosystem so as to come up with a solution to protect the environment while ensuring the development of the island’s tourism.
“If tourism schemes abide by environmental rules, they will not threaten nature and may even help protect it more than before,” said Farshchi.
The DOE has a positive stance toward developing tourism facilities in the country’s marine regions and supports private investors as long as their plans conform to environmental rules.
Pointing to Iran’s unique opportunities in this regard, the official said private investors’ interest and the government’s attention have enhanced the prospects of the country’s marine tourism.
