Iran’s Groundbreaking Achievements at COP15: A Spotlight on Environmental Progress

During the recent 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Iranian delegation achieved significant milestones that bolster the nation’s global standing in environmental conservation, especially concerning wetland protection. This pivotal meeting took place from July 23 to 31 in Victoria Falls City, Zimbabwe, under the theme “Protecting Wetlands for our Common Future.”

The conference adopted a new strategic plan for 2025-2034, marking the fifth action plan for the Convention. Notably, Iran’s representation on the Ramsar Convention Standing Committee for the South and West Asia region stands out as a key accomplishment. This role is expected to enhance Iran’s influence in regional environmental decision-making.

• Committee Composition: The committee comprises representatives from 18 countries worldwide, including the host of the upcoming Convention meeting and various international organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Wetlands International.
• Decision-Making Role: Iran will have a crucial role in intersessional decision-making, which includes monitoring the Ramsar Secretariat’s performance, managing financial resources, and preparing draft resolutions for future meetings.

Additionally, Iran was elected as the Vice-Chair for COP15 by the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention. Furthermore, the nation will co-chair the Strategic Plan Working Group for 2025-2034, thus significantly influencing the future trajectory of the Ramsar Convention.

The Strategic Plan Working Group is tasked with drafting the new Strategic Plan, which will delineate the key objectives, targets, and actions for the Ramsar Convention over the coming decade. In recognition of the successful initiatives led by the Ramsar Regional Center for West and Central Asia, located in Iran, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat has extended the center’s mandate for an additional three years, demonstrating continued support.

On the inaugural day of COP15, three Iranian cities—Babol in the northern Mazandaran province, Kiashahr in the northern Gilan province, and Gandoman in the southwestern Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari province—were awarded wetland city accreditation certificates. This recognition underscores Iran’s commitment to sustainable wetland management.

Moreover, Iran has joined the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC), which plays a pivotal role in assessing and recommending cities for accreditation as Wetland Cities. In a remarkable achievement, Iman Ebrahimi, the founder and CEO of the AvayeBoom Bird Conservation Association, recognized as Iran’s first bird conservation NGO, received the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award for Young Wetland Champions. This accolade was announced during the 64th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention held in Gland, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24.

• Award Purpose: The Award for Young Wetland Champions was established to honor exemplary contributions from individuals or groups aged 18 to 30 in the conservation, wise use, and restoration of wetlands.

On the sidelines of the event, the Iranian delegation, led by Ahmad-Reza Lahijanzadeh, the deputy for Marine and Wetlands at the Department of Environment, engaged in discussions with Musonda Mumba, the Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention. They emphasized the importance of wetland preservation, especially for significant sites like Hamoun, a transboundary wetland along the Iran-Afghanistan border, and Hour al-Azim, a vital wetland bordering Iran and Iraq that has recently suffered from fires and conflict.

Additional meetings were held with delegations from Zimbabwe, Oman, and China. During a discussion with Evelyn Ndlovu, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife and COP15 President, the two parties explored opportunities for collaborative efforts in wildlife conservation, particularly regarding water management and the preservation of the Asiatic cheetah.

Lahijanzadeh welcomed Ndlovu’s proposals on behalf of the Department of Environment, and both officials agreed to prioritize the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize their cooperation.

In separate discussions with Omani and Chinese delegations, topics such as oil pollution, ship ballast water discharge, mangrove forest restoration, wetland monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and green investments were addressed. Agreements to sign an MOU to enhance collaboration on these critical issues were also reached.

Established in 1971 and signed in the city of Ramsar, Iran, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands serves as a crucial framework for international cooperation in wetland conservation and officially came into force in 1975. Over the years, numerous countries have joined as Contracting Parties, with Saudi Arabia being the latest member at 173.