Iran Press/Iran news: The Hyrcanian Forests (sometimes written as Hirkani Forests) of northern Iran are between 25 and 50 million years old, and a biological treasure spread over three Iranian provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan. The forests are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.
The Hyrcanian forest of northern Iran covers an area of 2 million hectares and stretches for 850 kilometers along the Caspian Sea coastline. Its origin lies in the third geological period.
Speaking at a celebration ceremony to mark the UNESCO registration of Hyrcanian Forests, Governor-General Husseinzadegan said there are a number of flaws and shortcomings to the environmental regulations as they currently stand and these regulations need to be made more stringent, tightened up, to protect these priceless forests.
Husseinzadegan added: "The lifestyles of the peoples who live in or near these forests are perfectly in tune with nature, and do not harm the forest. We can also register the lifestyle of the local people of Hyrcanian forests in UNESCO as part of intangible world heritage. The registration of Hyrcanian Forests as a 'world heritage site' has done much to publicize this little-known natural treasure of immense value, in Iran itself, as well as in the wider world. The world is now aware of this priceless treasure."
Turning to potential hazards and harms which threaten the forest, Governor-General Ahmad Husseinzadegan stressed: "We need to tackle the problem of illegal loggers who cut down trees. We must also seriously consider the economic problems of the local people who live near this forest, many of whom are finding it difficult to make ends meet."205/211
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