Tehran - Iran’s Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization has launched a major initiative aimed at overhauling the country’s approach to water and soil conservation, according to the deputy head of the organization.

 

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 planning sessions for watershed, rangeland, and desertification projects, Hassan Vahid announced that the initiative will be funded through 15 trillion rials from national development funds and an additional 40 trillion rials from poverty alleviation programs.

 

“The focus for this year is on expanding biological and biomechanical watershed operations based on approved scientific studies for each region,” Vahid said. “Our goal is to enhance the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of these projects.”

 

The plan includes a comprehensive watershed management strategy and a strong emphasis on empowering local communities, backed by a substantial budget allocation exceeding 55 trillion rials (approximately $110 million), he said.

 

Vahid emphasized that empowering local communities is a core priority of the plan. “We are placing serious emphasis on identifying the needs and capacities of communities in each watershed region,” he said. “Our aim is to actively involve them in the planning and implementation of protective and conservation measures.”