Official designation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recently placed the Qamishloo-Dalankouh sanctuary into a protected global network. This milestone announcement coincided with recent World Environment Day celebrations following a comprehensive international committee review process. Approval from the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme finalized this major environmental registration. Consequently, this decision expands the global network of ecological havens to seven hundred ninety-seven total sites. Exactly fourteen new locations across fourteen different countries joined the prominent international registry during the current annual cycle.
Securing this specific designation marks a major triumph for the natural heritage preservation efforts within Iran. A newly recognized territory officially brings the total number of recognized Iranian biosphere reserves to fourteen. Vice President Shina Ansari praised the designation as a significant national accomplishment for environmental protection. Meanwhile, Isfahan Governor Mehdi Jamalinejad emphasized the great potential for future community-based economic development. Both officials believe this status will heavily accelerate regional sustainability goals over the coming decade.
Spanning approximately eight hundred seventy-five thousand hectares, the expansive reserve stretches across seven different provincial counties. This massive territory connects diverse mountainous ecosystems with vast steppe landscapes in northwestern Isfahan province. Therefore, the integrated framework links several preexisting wildlife sanctuaries and restricted hunting zones together seamlessly. Local environmental director Daryoush Golalizadeh explained that the reserve utilizes a strict three-zone management model. This specialized structure establishes distinct core areas, buffer boundaries, and flexible transition zones for management.
Establishing critical wildlife corridors under the new status will greatly improve long-term animal habitat connectivity. Coordinated land management will also boost scientific monitoring capabilities for domestic and international researchers. Local authorities intend to expand sustainable eco-tourism routes and support regional ecolodges quite rapidly. This strategy aims to safeguard the delicate environment while simultaneously generating new green jobs. Additionally, international branding initiatives will soon promote traditional handicrafts, medicinal plants, and organic honey products.