Iranian official highlights importance of public awareness
on biodiversity conservation

The head of Iran’s Agricultural Research Education and
Extension Organization said lack of public awareness of biodiversity
conservation is the leading cause of biodiversity loss, calling for efforts to
raise the public awareness regarding the importance of preserving the
environment.

“Increasing public awareness and
knowledge among people and executive officials regarding the importance of
biodiversity conservation and restoration is important. Public awareness
campaigns and media participation in biodiversity conservation efforts can
help,” Mojtaba Khayam Nekouei said in a recent national conference held in
Tehran on the occasion of World Biodiversity Day.

He stressed the potential risks to the country if
biodiversity is threatened, using the example of wheat rust epidemics and the
impact on sustainable food production.

Khayam Nekoei emphasized the importance of preserving and
evaluating these genetic resources and taking serious action to prevent the
destruction of biodiversity. He suggested making it a national discourse to
prioritize biodiversity conservation before embarking on large-scale
infrastructure projects.

The conference provided an excellent opportunity to expand
knowledge and awareness of biodiversity and better understanding how to protect
it. It also offered a platform for communication and exchange of ideas among
participants from around the world and various organizations involved in
biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

 Therefore, holding such
conferences can be a great opportunity for researchers in this field to learn
and gain a better understanding of biodiversity and the importance of its
conservation, according to the official website of AREEO.