You may have heard of terms such as national park, wildlife sanctuary, national natural monument, and the four environmental zones of Iran. What do you think are the differences between these areas? If you are also curious to learn more about Regions and Biosphere Reserve of Iran, stay tuned with us on the Hey Persia blog.
Iran’s Four Environmental Zones
Iran has 11 of the world’s 13 diverse climates. This results in a great diversity of flora and fauna, and as a result, the country’s natural resources are rich. However, unfortunately, Iran’s environmental sustainability indicators are not suitable these days, and it ranks 132nd among 146 countries in terms of environment!
National Park of Regions and Biosphere Reserve of Iran
A national park is one of the Regions and Biosphere Reserve of Iran that includes a range of natural resources such as pastures, forests, groves, plains, rivers, mountains, etc. These areas have several different ecosystems and are habitats for animals and plants with pristine, special, and natural landscapes. National parks are under the supervision of each country’s environmental organization, and various educational, research, and tourism activities carried out in them. In these areas, carrying out various exploitation activities is not possible and is illegal.
If these activities are carried out, the relevant person or organization will be with legally. Iran has 31 national parks spread across 17 provinces. The first national park in Iran is “Bamo National Park” and the largest is “Urmia National Park”. 5 national parks in Iran, namely “Golestan National Park”, “Kavir National Park”, “Turan”, “Dena” and “Lake Urmia”, are part of the global network of biosphere reserves.
Natural Monument in Regions and Biosphere Reserve of Iran
A national natural monument is actually a special phenomenon or rare plant and animal with high scientific, historical or natural value that protected in a limited area. In areas where a national monument exists, grazing livestock, cutting down trees, planting shrubs, encroachment and destruction, etc. are all illegal and prohibited. Iran has about 38 national natural monuments, some of the most famous of which are:
- “The Plain of Upside-Down Tulips”
- “White Lily”
- “Mountain Science” Nature
- White Lily
- The white lily or the Chalcheragh lily is the only flower on the list of national monuments of Iran.
Wildlife sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary is another of the four environmental areas that have selected with the aim of protecting important and endangered species. These areas are smaller than protected areas and the aim of their protection is to maintain one or more specific animal species through responsible interventions. Wildlife sanctuaries are suitable Regions and Biosphere Reserve of Iran for carrying out various educational and research activities related to wild animals.
In these areas, consumer exploitation and tourism activities are not a problem and are possible in a controlled manner. Wildlife sanctuaries have no limits on the ecosystem and include various forest, pasture, plain, lake, sea and mountain environments. In these areas, hunting, fishing or any action that threatens the habitat of animals is illegal. Iran has 42 wildlife sanctuaries, one of the famous sanctuaries is “Dasht Naz”.
Conservation Area/ Protected areas in Regions and Biosphere Reserve of Iran
The protected area is larger than the other three sections and includes all living and non-living elements of animals, plants, insects, arthropods, etc., even mineral resources, landforms, water resources, etc. in most conservation plans. The regulations in these areas are similar to wildlife sanctuaries, and various tourism and exploitation activities carried out in accordance with a comprehensive management plan. Iran has 150 protected areas, and cutting down trees and hunting animals in these areas is also prohibited.
What is a biosphere reserve?
In addition to the Regions and Biosphere Reserve of Iran, you may have also heard the name “biosphere reserve” in natural resource articles. Biosphere reserves are actually international natural-biological protected areas that have been given this name in order to prevent improper changes and unsustainable exploitation. If necessary, exploitation also carried out in these areas. In the 1960s, environmental experts proposed the idea of biosphere reserves in order to further protect natural resources.
Various protections can be carried out on a global level. The difference between this global idea and the four zones is their different planning and management methods. Of course, they sometimes overlap. These areas are under the protection of UNESCO’s International Coordinating Council for the Man and the Biosphere Program. In Iran, we have about 13 areas with the title of Biosphere Reserve.
Regions and Biosphere Reserve of Iran
In this article, we tried to familiarize you with the concept of the Regions and Biosphere Reserve of Iran. If you have more information about this, you can write it in the comments and suggestions section and provide it to us. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. The Hey Persia tourism magazine was launched with the aim of introducing Iranians who are enthusiastic and interested in this land and water to a greater understanding. If you also want to know more about our vast country, you can register on the Hey Persia website and learn about the most important events and tourist places in our country.
