Iran and Japan have begun a new phase of cooperation for the protection of wetlands after 10 years of collaboration on sustainable agriculture and development of livelihoods adapted to water scarcity.
Japan has been a key partner of Iran and the UN Development Program since 2014 in supporting sustainable natural resource management and diversifying livelihoods of communities reliant on wetlands.
It is jointly implementing with Iran’s Department of Environment and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) a project to strengthen climate resilience in Lake Urmia and Shadegan, Parishan and Anzali wetlands.
The focus of the project is to promote innovative, water-efficient agricultural practices, develop an irrigation system that appropriately respond the climate change, and create sustainable industries such as eco-tourism.
Wetlands are often referred to as “the kidneys of the Earth” because they play a vital role in cleaning and purifying water. They are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs.
Like human kidneys that filter blood, wetlands filter pollutants, sediments, and excess nutrients from water flowing through them, improving water quality. They also help regulate water flow, store water during floods, and recharge groundwater.
In Iran, these ecosystems, which stretch from the northern coast of Mazandaran to the Persian Gulf in the south, are not only habitats for many native species, but also support large populations of migratory birds, regulate water, control dust, and contribute to the development of tourism and economic prosperity in the region.
Iran’s geography is distinct, teeming with diverse landscapes. The country is recognized for its numerous and diverse wetlands, where 141 ecosystems spanning over 3 million hectares have been identified with ecological value.
Of these, 27 wetlands of international importance have been listed in the International Ramsar Convention.
Despite their vital role, many of them, such as Anzali, Shadegan, Parishan, and Hamoon, face serious threats due to environmental degradation, mismanagement, and climate change.
Among these, the wetland complexes of Anzali, Shadegan, Shorgol, Dorgeh Sangi, Yadgarlo, Kamjan, Neyriz and Hamun are on the Montreux List of Threatened Wetlands in danger of extinction.
It is also predicted that four major wetlands of Bakhtegan, Choghakhor, Parishan, and Gavkhoni, will lose their water to a critical level by 2050 due to human activities.
Lake Urmia, the largest lake in West Asia and a vital habitat for numerous plant and animal species, has lost a significant portion of its surface area and volume over the past few decades.
It is drying up primarily due to a combination of factors, including prolonged drought, climate change, dam construction in its basin and excessive water withdrawal for agriculture and other uses.
According to the findings of the latest studies, 1.5 million hectares of Iran’s wetlands have become dust formation centers of varying intensities.
The challenges facing Iran’s wetlands are not unique but reflect a global crisis in which wetlands are under pressure from human activities and climate change.
Meanwhile, Iran is not sitting on its hands. In 2005, the country launched the Conservation of the Iranian Wetlands Project (CIWP) to safeguard its marshes through an ecosystem-based management approach.
Lake Urmia was selected as the initial pilot site for the project gradually expanding to Bakhtegan and Shadegan, and later to Anzali wetlands.
Over the past decade, more than 14,700 farmers in 269 villages have come under support, resulting in an average reduction of 30 percent in irrigation water use in the Lake Urmia basin and a 27.7 percent reduction in the Bakhtegan and Shadegan wetlands.
Interestingly enough, the project has helped increase crop production by 22.5 percent while slashing the use of chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides by more than 25 percent.
These efforts have significantly increased yields and improved the quality of agricultural products in the Lake Urmia basin as well as in the Bakhtegan and Shadegan wetlands.
Providing alternative livelihoods to wetland-dependent communities is the key to reducing pressure on these ecosystems and help preserve them, supporting biodiversity and sustainable development.
In the Lake Urmia basin, 11 digital hubs have been established as connection points where local producers can package, market and register their products on digital platforms.
The initiative provides practical guidance on how to use fit-for-purpose digital solutions to enhance social well-being and development through a macro-social approach.
Given the importance of wetlands and their vital role in maintaining ecological and economic balance, the imperative to protect them is even greater.
Wetland restoration requires a multifaceted approach, with an emphasis on restoring natural structures, watershed management, pollution control, community participation, international cooperation, and leveraging the experiences of other countries.
On top of international cooperation and sustainable management of ecosystems, it is necessary to strengthen laws and policies, develop infrastructure, and raise public education and awareness in order to provide a sustainable and healthy future for next generations.
