Tehran – Iran has identified roughly 8,000 plant species and secured conservation measures for about half of them, according to the head of the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands.

 

Speaking about the institute’s scientific mission, Ali Alizadeh Aliabadi said all activities are organized around four core priorities: identification, conservation, restoration and development, and sustainable use of natural resources. “Our programs are precisely aligned with the Natural Resources Organization’s mandate,” he noted.

 

He said the National Botanical Garden of Iran currently maintains about 4,000 species across 22 sections. “These include 1,300 native plants, 2,700 non-native species, and 103 endemics. He added that Iran is estimated to have around 2,400 exclusive species, though determining how many are endangered requires specialized assessments.”

 

The official explained that while not all 8,000 species are under direct protection in the national or satellite gardens, coordinated conservation work aims to provide scientific coverage for all identified species. "However, climate change, human pressure, and incidents such as wildfires continue to place some plants at risk."

 

The institute oversees six satellite botanical gardens in Dezful, Khorramabad, Kashan, Yazd, and Nowshahr, each tailored to its regional climate, from tropical to desert and Hyrcanian ecosystems. “Each year, 250 to 300 new species are added through enrichment programs,” Alizadeh said.

 

The institute’s gene bank stores 50,000 samples representing 4,000 species, with a secure backup facility being established at the Homand Absard research station in Damavand to preserve genetic material in case of emergencies.

 

Alizadeh also highlighted the importance of seed resources for forest restoration. “In the Zagros region alone, 159 seed stands covering 16,000 hectares have been identified. The Natural Resources Organization harvests seeds from these areas for nurseries. We have also helped establish 15 seed orchards in northern and western Iran,” he said.