Tehran, June 30, 2008 - In the heart of the Central Zagros Mountains, a region internationally recognized as one of the globally important spots for biological diversity, four villages in four provinces from 21-24 May organized their celebrations of the International Day for Biodiversity, attracting several hundred visitors from surrounding villages and the provincial capitals. The local nomads and villagers contributed to the colorful events with local food, herbal products, handicrafts and photo exhibitions. Officials from the provincial Department of Environment offices and some other government officials attended the village commemorations in a joint effort to highlight the biodiversity values and concerns in the region.

The commemoration events were coordinated by the Provincial Offices of the Department of Environment (DoE) in close collaboration with the Conservation of Biodiversity in Central Zagros Conservation Landscape project, a UNDP supported project that is co-financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to be implemented in the Central Zagros Mountains of Western Iran.

Introducing the aims of the joint UNDP and the Department of Environment project in Khafr Village in Esfahan Province, Dr. Mohammad Farhat, the National Project Manager, says: “The project has created an opportunity to develop the cultural, social and economic situation in the local communities and to contribute to restoration and conservation of biodiversity in the significant ecosystem of Central Zagros.” Dr. Farhat continues: “Local participation initiatives, such as these joint commemorations of the International Day for Biodiversity in the four provinces, are crucial for successful project achievements.”

Talking to the local community in Heidarabad Village in Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province, Saeid Ferdowsi, Programme Manager in UNDP Iran’s Energy and Environment Unit, emphasizes: “A healthy environment lays the ground for sustainable human development and this will not happen in isolation. It is crucial that the local communities are involved in planning, decision making and implementation in all development decisions and conservation activities, and within this framework to provide for the equal opportunities for men and women in all levels of society.”

Soraya Kosari is 9 years old and has been looking forward to the painting competition in Morgun Village for a long time. She has walked several hours from her village Jiderzar, a village inaccessible by road and situated high up in the Zagros Mountains, to participate in the competition. Shining with joy after winning the first price in the afternoon, she modestly says: "The subject of my painting is Clean Nature. I think that this competition has made my friends and the other children think more about the environment and be more responsible.”

Maryam Sadeghi from Dehbaraftab Village in Kohgiluyeh & Boyerahmad Province has for a long time been closely working with the project. She is very excited about the commemoration activities in her village and says: "This is the first event that has been held in our village where everyone has contributed. This impressive participation has both contributed to making the event very good and has considerably raised awareness on biological diversity in the area.”  Sadeghi continues: “Now that we in the local community are taking part in joint conservation efforts we are becoming more and more aware that the rich biological diversity in the surroundings of our village is in decline, and we are more determined to conserve this natural heritage."

The Conservation of Biodiversity in the Central Zagros Landscape Conservation Zone project is implemented in an area exceeding 2,500,000 hectares in Central Zagros, and aims to mainstream biodiversity conservation and sustainable use into the sectors of agriculture, forestry, rangelands, water and tourism. The project also demonstrates biodiversity mainstreaming at the local level in eight pilot villages in the four provinces of Esfahan, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari, Kohgiluyeh & Boyerahmad and Fars, and establishes mechanisms to facilitate the dissemination and replication of the successful village approaches.