TEHRAN – In a bid to preserve the pristine ecosystem of the Miankaleh peninsula while fostering sustainable tourism, a pioneering initiative is in the pipeline.

Visiting Miankaleh wetland on Wednesday, Mazandaran’s governor-general emphasized the importance of attracting national investments and addressing environmental issues as a priority in developing and implementing an ecotourism plan on the Miankaleh peninsula.

Yousef Noori stressed that this plan must be prepared based on environmental and tourism standards, adding that the special nature tourism and ecotourism plan for the Miankaleh peninsula should rely on the presence of park rangers, who play a pivotal role in preserving the region’s environment.

“The biome is one of a kind,” Noori brought to light the global significance of the peninsula’s ecosystem. “Which is a reason to ramp up every effort with an eye toward exploiting the region’s capacities in ecotourism plan.”

The late President Ebrahim Raisi, during his first provincial visit to Miankaleh wetland on March 11, 2022, issued directives for the revival of this habitat. He emphasized the need for serious attention to wildlife conservation and bird habitats in the region, stating that all necessary measures for the revival and preservation of the Miankaleh area must be taken, and opportunities for ecotourism in the region should be provided by the public within the framework of environmental regulations.

On May 17, in his last visit to Mazandaran province, the president advocated serious attention to the region’s ecotourism capacities, emphasizing there should be serious pursuit and follow-up of the implementation of the revival plan for Miankaleh and attracting investments to boost tourism.

Situated in eastern Mazandaran with an area of 68,800 hectares, the long and narrow peninsula is home to over 320 species of migratory and native birds and 180 species of plants.

Miankaleh was designated a Ramsar site in 1975. Major habitats include wetlands, inter-tidal mud with sandy shores, shallow marine waters, forests, peatlands, and agricultural areas.

It is home to many unique Caspian birds and reptile species native to this region. It's also a very important internationally recognized refuge for migratory birds.

Boasting a wide array of natural capacities, the Miankaleh peninsula is believed to be an ecotourism diamond in the rough, which could be a possible well-trodden destination, absorbing both domestic and inbound enthusiasts.

XF/AM