Tehran – Iran is playing a leading role in developing the West Asia Interregional Sand and Dust Storm (SDS) Control Initiative, a regional framework designed to strengthen cooperation in addressing one of the region's most significant transboundary environmental challenges, according to the country's Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization.

 

Speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms (July 12), Hassan Vahid, Deputy Head of the organization for Watershed Management, Rangelands and Desert Affairs, said the initiative is being finalized through collaboration among West Asian countries and international organizations.

 

He said Iran has participated actively in four rounds of technical negotiations held in 2025 and 2026 alongside Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Syria, Kuwait, and Lebanon.

 

“The initiative will establish the region's first coordinated framework for managing sand and dust storm hotspots and implementing joint mitigation programs with support from UNCCD, ESCAP, ESCWA, FAO, UNDP, the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).”

 

He noted that nearly 20% of Iran's land area is affected by desertification and wind erosion, highlighting the country's decades of experience in combating land degradation.

 

Vahid also pointed to several successful international cooperation projects, including joint initiatives with China on sand dune stabilization and with Iraq to control cross-border dust sources.

 

According to the official, Iran's active participation in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reflects the country's growing role in regional environmental diplomacy and its commitment to strengthening collective action against sand and dust storms across West Asia.