Tehran — Iran is among the world's leading countries in combating desertification, thanks to decades of scientific research and large-scale land restoration efforts, Deputy Agriculture Minister and Head of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization Reza Aflatooni said on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

 

Aflatooni noted that Iran began implementing desertification-control programs in 1966 and was the third country to join the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

 

He highlighted major achievements, including the establishment of 1.4 million hectares of planted forests, stabilization of 286,000 hectares of desert land, construction of 13,000 kilometers of windbreaks, and the development of management plans covering 10.5 million hectares of desert areas.

 

The official also pointed to the nationwide One Billion Trees Initiative, describing it as a key measure to expand vegetation cover, reduce soil erosion, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

 

Calling desertification the world's third-largest environmental challenge after climate change and freshwater scarcity, Aflatooni warned that drought could affect up to 75% of the global population by 2050.

 

In Iran, approximately 32 million hectares are classified as desert land, while 22 provinces face desertification and wind erosion. He stressed the importance of regional cooperation, noting that dust storm hotspots in eight neighboring countries cover more than 270 million hectares.

 

Aflatooni emphasized that restoring degraded rangelands and strengthening community participation are essential to curbing desertification and protecting natural resources for future generations.