Iranian Village Shines as a Model for Sustainable Tourism at BRICS Summit

The historical stepped village of Palangan, located in Iran’s Kordestan province, has emerged as a prime example of sustainable tourism that effectively preserves local culture and heritage. This was highlighted during a recent BRICS meeting held in Brazil, where tourism officials gathered to discuss the impact of sustainable practices in tourism development.

During the session, Seyyed Mostafa Fatemi, the Director General of Domestic Tourism Development at Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, presented key insights about Palangan. His address was part of a larger conversation involving member countries such as China, Brazil, South Africa, India, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Indonesia.

Fatemi’s presentation included a video showcase that captured the unique architecture and rich cultural fabric of Palangan. This visual material emphasized the village’s success in promoting domestic tourism through active community participation while maintaining its historical and environmental integrity.

Here are some key points highlighted during the presentation:

• Community Involvement: Local residents actively participate in tourism initiatives, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared within the community.
• Cultural Preservation: Palangan’s tourism strategies prioritize the conservation of its historical sites and local traditions.
• Environmental Sustainability: The village implements eco-friendly practices that align with global sustainable development goals.

Fatemi underscored the significance of tourism-focused villages like Palangan in promoting sustainable development. He described Palangan as a leading example of Iran’s commitment to balancing tourism growth with environmental conservation and the enrichment of indigenous cultural identities. He stated, “In recent years, the Ministry has prioritized villages with significant cultural and natural potential, adopting a balanced and sustainable approach to tourism development.”

Furthermore, Palangan has been recognized as one of Iran’s eight candidates for the prestigious 2025 Best Tourism Villages global competition. This nomination reinforces its position as a model for sustainable rural tourism, showcasing how traditional lifestyles can coexist harmoniously with modern tourism practices.

The BRICS forum serves as a platform for cooperation among emerging economies, comprising ten member countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, the Russian Federation, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The inclusion of Palangan in discussions at such an international platform highlights Iran’s dedication to sustainable tourism practices and cultural preservation.

In conclusion, Palangan stands as a testament to the potential of sustainable tourism to foster community engagement and cultural preservation. As more countries recognize the importance of protecting heritage sites and promoting local cultures, the village’s approach to tourism may serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives worldwide. By prioritizing sustainability, communities can ensure that their cultural identities remain strong while benefiting economically from tourism.