Iran Press/ Iran news: The Japanese government has announced a grant aid of ¥690 million (approximately $4.6 million) to enhance wetland management and bolster climate resilience in Iran's wetlands, particularly focusing on Lake Urmia and three other critical wetland areas.
This initiative was formalized during a signing ceremony held on Sunday at the Japanese embassy in Tehran, where the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed an exchange of notes to implement the project titled "Project for Developing Conservation Systems of Wetlands in Lake Urmia and Other Wetlands including their Surrounding Communities."
The project will target several key sites, including Lake Urmia in East and West Azerbaijan provinces, Shadegan wetland in Khuzestan province, Parishan wetland in Fars province, and Anzali wetlands in Gilan province. It aims to develop irrigation systems that are responsive to climate change, install effective water management systems, and promote sustainable industries such as ecotourism to support environmental protection and economic development in surrounding communities.
During the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Tehran Tsukada Tamaki emphasized the importance of conserving Iran's 26 valuable wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention, which are vital habitats for diverse species and migratory birds. He noted that Japan has been a steadfast supporter of Lake Urmia conservation efforts over the past decade but highlighted the need for improved management of water extraction and sustainable practices.
Gulbahor Nematova, Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP Iran, remarked on Japan's significant contributions to enhancing agricultural productivity and livelihoods in local communities over the past ten years. She expressed optimism about continuing to promote innovative, water-efficient agricultural practices in the coming years.
The project is set to run from 2024 to 2028 and will be implemented in collaboration with Iran's Department of Environment and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
207
Read more:
Revival of Urmia Lake Pursued with Japan: Minister of Agriculture
Discover Serene Beauty of Dalamper Lake in Iran's West Azerbaijan
