TEHRAN – Being rich in biodiversity and home to many valuable species, Gandoman wetland in the southwest of the country is projected to be designated by the Department of Environment as a Wetland of International Importance.

Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari, is one of the most important provinces of Iran having many wetlands, including Gandoman, according to the Department of Environment.

Gandoman wetland, stretching to 1,070 hectares, is located in Borujen county. It is one of Iran's top five birdwatching sites and the country's most important permanent habitat for migratory birds.

Due to the high value of this wetland and Gandoman city, which is located in the vicinity of the wetland, the inclusion of Gandoman in the list of Wetlands of International Importance and the accreditation of the city in the list of wetland cities are being followed up.

Wetland Cities Accreditation Scheme

The Wetland City Accreditation Scheme is an important opportunity for cities and local governments to integrate wetland conservation and sustainable management with sustainable development and delivery of vital services.

 Amid rising pressure to tackle the climate, pollution, and biodiversity crises together, urban wetlands offer valuable nature-based solutions for healthier, prosperous, and sustainable societies.

In June 2022, the cities of “Bandar Khamir” near the Khorkhoran International Wetland in Hormozgan Province and the city of “Varzaneh” near the Gavkhuni International Wetland in Isfahan Province were awarded Wetland City Accreditation.

Bandar Khamir is the 19th wetland in Iran designated as a Wetland of International Importance on the Ramsar list, which as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, recognizes the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value.

The Convention was adopted in the Iranian northern city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.

Importance of wetlands

Wetlands are ecosystems saturated with water, either seasonally or permanently. They store water and ensure its quality, providing resilience against drought. They play a central role in sustainable development by supplying all our fresh water.

Wetlands play a major role in protecting the land against floods and the impacts of storms. They provide food and diverse habitats that support genetic, species, and ecosystem biodiversity. Wetlands play a key role in the life cycles of many species and in annual migration patterns.

Unfortunately, wetlands are being degraded and lost due to pollution, overexploitation, climate change, and human population growth. In recognition of these challenges, the RAMSAR Convention, an international treaty, was adopted in 1971.

Ramsar Wetlands are sites inscribed on the List of Wetlands of International Importance (the "Ramsar List") under the Convention on Wetlands.

The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

In Iran, 141 wetlands with ecological value with an area of over 3 million hectares have been identified, of which 25 wetlands are designated as wetlands of international importance (registered in the Ramsar Convention) covering more than 1.4 million hectares and four sites are biosphere reserves.

Some 43 percent of the country’s wetlands have the potential to become a source of sand and dust storms (SDSs), Sediqeh Modarres, an official with the DOE, stated.

MT/MG