Tehran – Iran's top natural resources official has identified forest nurseries as the backbone of efforts to restore and protect the country's ancient Hyrcanian forests, calling for urgent upgrades to production capacity and technology.

 

Reza Aflatooni, head of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, said nurseries must supply healthy, standardized seedlings of native species to ensure reforestation succeeds and biodiversity is preserved.

 

During an inspection tour, he urged investments in modern facilities, technical know-how, and expanded output to meet growing national demands, including the "one billion trees" campaign.

 

The Hyrcanian forests, a UNESCO-listed natural treasure, demand coordinated action across all sectors to secure their future, Aflatooni added, warning that without sustained support, restoration goals will remain out of reach.