Iranian Scientist Honored with UNESCO’s Prestigious Man and the Biosphere Award

In a remarkable achievement for environmental science and sustainability, Behzad Qiasi, a faculty member at the University of Tehran, has been honored with the prestigious UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Young Scientists Award. His groundbreaking project, titled ‘Develop a sustainable hydrotourism model in Iran’s Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve,’ showcases innovative approaches to restore wetlands while supporting local communities and their livelihoods.

Dr. Qiasi holds a Ph.D. in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, and his initiative aims to create eco-friendly tourism solutions that alleviate pressure on vital water resources. To achieve this goal, he plans to collaborate with various stakeholders, including local communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and government agencies. The project will conduct thorough environmental and economic assessments to uncover viable green job opportunities linked to cultural heritage and nature conservation.

This initiative emphasizes empowering local voices, particularly among youth and women, paving the way for a replicable model that can be applied to other fragile wetland reserves around the globe.

This year, a total of 11 young researchers from diverse countries, including Morocco, China, Congo, the United States, Brazil, Ghana, and Algeria, have also received the MAB Young Scientists Awards. These recipients were recognized for their exceptional contributions in various fields, including:

• Addressing the impacts of climate change on soils, pollinators, and wildlife.
• Developing indigenous knowledge systems.
• Promoting sustainable tourism practices.
• Analyzing the socio-environmental effects of resource extraction.

All these projects align with the goals of the MAB Program and offer replicable solutions aimed at fostering resilient and sustainable societies worldwide.

The announcement of these awards occurred during the 37th session of the MAB International Coordinating Council (ICC), which was held in Hangzhou, China, following the fifth global summit of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves from September 22 to 26.

Every decade, the World Network of Biosphere Reserves convenes to set priorities, enhance collaborative efforts, and outline a Global Action Plan for future sustainability initiatives.

Iran’s Recognition at the IUCN World Conservation Congress

In addition to Qiasi’s achievement, Iran also made headlines at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress. The congress took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from October 11 to 15, where Iran received two significant awards:

• Reverse the Red – A global movement aimed at reversing biodiversity loss through strategic cooperation and action.
• International Ranger Awards 2025 – Recognizing the dedication of rangers committed to nature conservation.

The Iranian Ambassador to Abu Dhabi, Reza Ameri, accepted the awards on behalf of the nation, highlighting Iran’s commitment to environmental preservation.

The IUCN WCPA honored 13 rangers and ranger teams with the 2025 International Ranger Awards, acknowledging their remarkable dedication to conserving nature. These awards are designed to celebrate the courage, resilience, and unwavering determination of rangers around the globe. They also aim to raise public awareness about the crucial role these professionals play and provide financial assistance to support the protected areas they serve.

Iran stands out as the first country in West Asia to receive this prestigious award. The Saidvaa National Park and the southern Parvar Protected Area Ranger Team (comprising nine members) from Semnan Province were recognized for their relentless efforts to overcome ecological and social challenges to advance conservation efforts in their regions.

Azin Saeedi, representing the ranger team, received the award, showcasing the impact of local efforts in conservation and the importance of community involvement in protecting biodiversity.

These recent accolades not only highlight the dedication of Iranian scientists and conservationists but also underscore the global commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues through collaborative and innovative solutions.

As we move forward, the work of researchers like Dr. Behzad Qiasi and the recognition of conservation efforts in Iran serve as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustainable practices can be achieved through community engagement and scientific innovation.