Tehran – The head of Iran's Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization has announced plans to expand forest parks across the country, saying the initiative will both enhance protective coverage of natural areas and provide better recreational and tourism services for the public.

 

Highlighting the organization’s core policies, Reza Aflatooni said, "One of our major priorities is to strengthen and expand forest parks nationwide – both in terms of quality and quantity."

 

He explained that developing forest parks serves a dual purpose: increasing the protective coefficient of these lands while creating opportunities for suitable leisure and ecotourism services.

 

Aflatooni also emphasized the importance of coastal zones, noting: "Our coasts are valuable national assets. Tree-planting projects in these areas not only prevent erosion and stabilize shifting sands but also significantly improve the landscape and environmental quality of the region."

 

He added, "Developing vegetation along the coastal strip using native, climate-adapted species is a key priority for the organization, pursued with the aim of creating a coastal green belt and raising the protective coefficient of these lands."