Earth Watchers Center believes
the
International wetland of Lake
Parishan in the Arjan and Parishan Biosphere reserve is a serious critical
situation
What is the role of
environmental international organizations as such Ramsar Convention and
UNSECO to protect the world natural heritages ?
s
Earth Watchers Center- May 2009
The Ramsar Convention,
adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, Iran, has designated 22 very
important wetlands to the List of Wetlands of International Importance
(the “Ramsar List”)
Lake Parishan and Dashte-Arjan are among them
Lake Parishan and
Dashte-Arjan were
designated a national park and biosphere reserve in 1974. They are two
extremely significant sites for breeding and wintering waterfowl for a
wide variety of species, including some threatened waterfowl species.
Since 1975, both of these sites have also been on the International
Wetland list. In recognition of their ecological importance in
1982 this area, which was in the far past the “Iranian Lion” habitat,
became designated as an officially Protected Area
The physiography of the
region is of great interest:
Oligo-miocene ('Asmari')
limestones form spectacular escarpments, generally aligned as parallel
ridges enclose broad valleys that contain open Quercus brantii woodlands.
The lower slopes are partially covered with steppic forest that includes
Amygdalus, Crataegus and Celtis. So far more than 407 plant species have
been identified in this region
The main flora species are:e
Quercus Brantii Lindl.Var.
Persica,
Amygdalus Scoparia
(endemic),
Amygdalus Lycioides
(endemic),
Amygdalus Glauca
Browicz( endemic),
Myrtus communis, Pistacia
Atlantica,
Ziziphus Lotus
( endemic),
Acer Monspessulanum, Crataegus,
Tamarix stricta
, Fraxinus, Juniper,
Batachium Sphaerospermum, Plantage Maritime, Carex.
:Some
of the fauna species are also listed below
Dalmatian Pelican, White
Pelican, Marbled Duck, White-headed duck, Great Egret, Glossy Ibis,
Ferruginous Duck, Flamingo, Striated Heron, Purple Heron, White-tailed
Lapwing, Pied Kingfisher, Squacco Heron,tailed Godwit, Ciconiidae,
Podicipedidae, Saker Falcon, Imperial Eagle, Greater spotted eagle, Purple
Gallinule, Wild sheep, Wild goat, goitred gazelle, indian gray mongoose,
Brown bear ,Wolf, Wild boar, leopard Steppe ribbon snake, Saw-scaled viper,
persian horned viper
In winter, the lakes hold
over 20,000 migratory waterfowl. Both wetlands support a very diverse flora
and fauna, and thus maintain the genetic and ecological diversity of the
region. It is also essential to point out that the Lake Parishan water
resources are partially supplied by seasonal flash floods, base flows, and
the major part of the water recharge is provided by the wetland’s bed and
surrounding springs
Despite all of these
mentioned significant values in the area, over the last year, the acorn
forest in Dasht-e-barm has been destroyed. It has been divided in two parts
due to new road construction. In a single year 30 hectares of Lake
Parishan’s reed’s area, an ecosystem upon which many plants and birds rely
for sustenance, has been burned and its vital springs are destroyed. The
Earth Watchers Centre website warned that the road would be a gateway for
more demolition in the area. Unfortunately, this prediction has become a
sad reality and the wildlife habitat is being systematically destroyed. In
January 2009, the northern part of the International wetland Lake Parishan
was seriously damaged in favour of construction for a few individuals and as
a result there is a new road construction project which directly threatens
the long-term viability of all living creatures in the area
Following the recent road construction, opposition at local and
national levels has formed to try to stop this obvious irresponsibility.
A local lobby group has circulated a petition and collected more than
500 signatures and meanwhile the local Bureau of Justice ruled to stop
the destruction; however, so far, the restoration plan has not operated
in the damaged area
Clearly the current threat
on the wetland’s health exists and it is reported that the Iran ministry of
road and transportation and a member of parliament are trying to push
through and finish the road construction despite the destructive
consequences. As a result, since March 2009, over 100 hectares of the
important vegetation at the wetland’s border was burned and soon after in
April 2009, the Ministry of Petroleum has started its projects. They are the
two very polluted and toxic petrochemical industries! Little consideration
even has not been given to the people’s drinking and agricultural water
rights in the Ab-Kenaro village located one kilometre from the Lake parishan
as well as Navadan village located in the bank of the only region’s vital
river (Shapour River). These industries are established based on deceptive
promises such as “development” and “occupation creation” as it was announced
that the petrochemical industries will hire 1900 employees. But, while the
area has already serious limitation in its water resources, they have
undoubtedly, negative impact on the region’s ecosystem, resulting soil and
water pollution, and ground water reduction. These will threaten the health
of the over 10,000 people in the region, who can no longer gain a secure
livelihood in their homelands and consequently, they will no choice but
leave their homes and jobs and become the environmental refugees
Interestingly, in the
meantime, a 7 year project to protect the Lake Parishan and Dashte-Arjan,
was started in 2007 and 12 million US dollars was allocated, mainly from
Islamic Republic of Iran’s Government in collaboration with the Grand
Environmental Fund (GEF). Evidently, the project goals will not be met and
the public money will be wasted!d
This is our question; what
are the international organizations’ responsibilities in relation to the
protection of these wetlands? What role should, or can, the Ramsar
Convention, UNESCO, and CBD play in their protection goals? Is it not
essential that international organizations, who are involved in a variety of
conservation projects involving millions of dollars, follow through with
monitoring projects’ outcomes and make more responsible and beneficial
decisions?s
The Lake Parishan and Arjan and Parishan
reserve are worthy of being protected, supported and preserved. Has the
Ramsar Convention, which is comprised of governments from large number of
countries, only the duty to designate precious wetlands around the globe or
put them in “Red List”? We must protect and restore wetlands of global
significance no matter which national boundaries enclose them
The Earth Watchers Center is
asking for the global support to protect the Arjan and Parishan reserve,
especially, the Lake Parishan wetland for present and future generations. It
is seriously under immediate threat and direct violations of past
agreements
*****
Situation
Arjan &
Parishan " Biosphere Reserve in IRAN map "
A
Satellite map
Arjan & Parishan Biosphere Reserve
A
Satellite map
Arjan & Parishan Biosphere Reserve
Source:
Atlas of protected area of IRAN-first edition 2006
:
Leagend
___
Protected
area boundary
Sanctuary boundary
The
Approximate New Road Itinerary map in Arjan &
Parishan Biosphere Reserve by Earth watchers
Center
: Longitude & Latitude
North: 51o
51'(E) & 29 o 44'(N
South: 51o
54'(E) & 29 o 26'(N
East: 52 o
06'(E) & 29 o 30'(N
West:
51o 43'(E) & 29 o 31'(N
m800-2900
Altitude range
Area: 59279
ha
