An official at the Department of Environment announced plans to create a network of environmental NGOs in 22 provinces. Mohammd Darvish told ISNA the initiative is meant “to give a unified identity to NGOs.” He said there will be a representative from each provincial NGO present at the Central Headquarters. He added that NGOs are needed to achieve more success at the grassroots level in the Sixth Five-Year Economic Development Plan (starting 2016). Lorestan is the 22nd province to hold elections for choosing NGO council members and representatives. The work of environmental NGOs may include acquiring and managing endangered land, performing field research, lobbying government institutions, and creating information campaigns to raise public awareness.
