FAO outlines initiatives to tackle desertification and
drought in Iran

Nazi Tavakoli, the officer in charge, reads the statement on
behalf of the FAO representative ad interim to Iran.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO) in Iran, has elaborated on efforts aimed at addressing desertification
and drought within the country in an event on 20 June organized by the Ministry
of Agriculture Jahad.

Every year on June 17 the United Nations marks the World Day
to Combat Desertification and Drought, working toward raising public awareness
and assisting international efforts to this end.

The theme of 2023 to commemorate this day focused on women’s
role and right in sustainable land management. This theme strongly calls for
safeguarding women's land rights to ensure a sustainable future for all.

“Desertification and drought pose immense challenges that
extend across every corner of our planet, endangering the livelihoods of
millions, particularly those residing in dry and semi-dry regions such as
Iran,” said the FAO representative ad interim Yubak Dhoj G C in a message on
this occasion.

Hereunder is the message that was read at the place of
Forests, Range, and Watershed Management Organization by Ms. Nazi Tavakoli, the
officer in charge, on behalf of the FAO representative ad interim to Iran.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, with vast arid and semi-arid
areas, confronts and controls significant challenges of water scarcity, land
degradation, desertification, drought, and dust storms. These environmental
perils have considerable impact on the agricultural sector.

On the other hand, land degradation and dust storms not only
threaten human health, but also damage agricultural productivity. It is obvious
that the phenomenon of dust has severe economic effects and affects various
sectors including agriculture, transportation and energy.

As a top priority for FAO, our interregional technical
cooperation project, "Catalyzing Investments and Actions to Enhance
Resilience Against Sand and Dust Storms in Agriculture," has conducted a
thorough Sand and Dust Storms disaster risk assessment in Ahvaz. This project
has laid the foundation for the development of timely, effective, and
appropriate preparedness and response measures within a comprehensive
contingency plan. It encompasses all aspects of SDS disaster risk management in
agriculture, encompassing both cropland and rangeland.

The Global Environment Fund (GEF) has made significant
contributions to the global endeavor to combat desertification and drought.
Their funding has supported numerous projects in Iran, yielding positive
impacts on local communities. For instance, the GEF has backed initiatives
promoting sustainable land management practices, reducing water wastage, and
enhancing carbon sequestration. These endeavors have not only mitigated the
impacts of droughts but have also strengthened ecosystem resilience and
bolstered local economies.

One FAO exemplary project, co-financed by the Global
Environment Fund (GEF), is the "Rehabilitation of Forest Landscapes and
Degraded Land with Particular Attention to Saline Soils and Areas Prone to Wind
Erosion Project (RFLDL)." Its objective is to restore degraded ecosystems,
mitigate land degradation, and improve local livelihoods. This project has been
implemented in the provinces of Kerman (Rigan) and South Khorasan (Sarayan),
yielding valuable experiences and lessons that we hope can be applied in other
regions in the future.

In conclusion, as we stride
towards a more sustainable future, it is imperative that all stakeholders
collaborate to address the challenges posed by desertification and drought. A
multidisciplinary approach is indispensable, one that encompasses ecological,
social, and economic considerations. International organizations such as FAO,
GEF, and UNCCD are committed to supporting countries like Iran in their efforts
to combat desertification and drought and achieve sustainable land use. By
working together, we can safeguard our natural resources, protect our
livelihoods, and secure a better future for generations to come.