ICIMWB: A UNESCO-Endorsed Hub of Success and Innovation

ICIMWB: A UNESCO-Endorsed Hub of Success and Innovation

The International Center for Integrated Management of Watershed and Bio-Resources in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions (ICIMWB) is making significant strides in the field of water management and natural sciences. As a UNESCO category 2 center, ICIMWB plays a crucial role in promoting scientific and educational initiatives focused on effective watershed management. Hamid Nouri, the head of ICIMWB, recently highlighted the center’s achievements and future goals.

Since its official launch in the Iranian year 1401 (2022-2023), ICIMWB has conducted an impressive array of programs, including:

  • Over 56 educational courses, workshops, and seminars
  • Conducted 45 scientific meetings
  • Developed a strategic document on comprehensive watershed management across 12 provinces
  • Implemented health-related climate adaptation programs
  • Designed provincial empowerment plans

The center’s Board of Governors serves as the highest decision-making body, tasked with formulating strategies and overseeing activities. The inaugural meeting of this council took place last year, featuring representatives from 24 countries and international institutions. This gathering has significantly bolstered international collaboration, as noted by Nouri.

Nouri emphasized the center’s core objectives, stating, “Our main objective is to generate knowledge in the field of eco-hydrology, enhance the country’s scientific capacities, build international networks, and promote cooperation with universities and research centers to advance science- and research-based management of biological resources in arid and semi-arid regions.”

The journey of ICIMWB began in 2015 when the UNESCO General Conference approved its establishment. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Iran and UNESCO in 2020, paving the way for future collaborative efforts.

Significant Increase in Watershed Management Budget

In a related development, the national budget for watershed management in the current Iranian calendar year (March 2025-March 2026) has seen a dramatic increase, rising to fifteen times that of the previous year. Ali Teymouri, head of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, announced this in June.

Teymouri explained the benefits of implementing effective watershed and aquifer management projects, stating that they can lead to:

  • Increased rainfall penetration into the land
  • Stronger vegetation cover
  • Reduced soil erosion
  • Improved land dynamics

He also addressed the challenges posed by decreasing rainfall and rising global temperatures, which contribute to sand and dust storms. While the Ministry of Energy prioritizes governance in water resource management, Teymouri emphasized the importance of recognizing territorial sovereignty from the perspective of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization.

Teymouri stressed that natural resources, including vegetation, biodiversity, fauna, soil, and air, must be viewed as an interconnected system. He pointed out that if the rate of water evaporation is overlooked, making decisions based solely on the remaining water supply becomes ineffective. Out of the approximately 400 billion cubic meters of annual rainfall, around 280 billion cubic meters evaporate, leaving only 110 to 120 billion cubic meters of manageable water. This year, that number has dropped to a concerning 66 billion cubic meters, marking a 20 to 30 percent decline compared to the previous year.

If just 10 percent of the evaporated water could be managed effectively through watershed and aquifer management strategies, it would lead to numerous positive outcomes for the environment and local communities.

Flood Risk Management and Future Plans

Currently, approximately 6,500 villages and 450 cities in Iran face a high risk of flooding. One of the primary responsibilities of the Natural Resources Organization is to manage runoff in these vulnerable areas. Teymouri noted that about 25 to 28 million hectares of critical lands have been identified in the country, which are suitable for implementing watershed management projects. These areas are prioritized in the organization’s agenda.

According to the seventh national development plan (2023-2027), watershed management projects are set to cover an ambitious 20 million hectares over the next five years, averaging four million hectares each year. This comprehensive approach is essential for sustainable management of Iran’s water and natural resources.

The commitment of ICIMWB and the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization is vital for addressing the challenges posed by climate change and protecting the country’s precious water resources.

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