The fragile ecosystem of Iran’s Zagros forests is facing growing threats from pests, wildfires and soil erosion, prompting officials to call for coordinated efforts among government bodies, local communities and cultural organizations.
Speaking at a meeting on the Sustainable Management Plan for Zagros Forests, Dr. Naghi Shabanian, advisor to the head of the Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization, said long-term stability in the Zagros ecosystem depends on “cross-sectoral cooperation and the empowerment of local communities.”
He welcomed the involvement of the Plan and Budget Organization in the initiative, describing it as “a source of hope” for the restoration of the country’s western woodlands.
Shabanian emphasized that sustainable management requires both cultural institutions to promote public awareness and specialized agencies to implement technical and administrative measures.
Farrokh Masjedi, representative of the Plan and Budget Organization, echoed the urgency of action, noting that “natural resources form the foundation of life in Iran” and that recovery programs must proceed at a faster pace to curb further degradation.
Masjedi highlighted the international success of “social forestry” models, which rely on community engagement in conservation efforts, saying this approach could strengthen Iran’s own restoration strategies.
