Iran has expanded its mangrove forest conservation efforts through new restoration projects, scientific research, and ecosystem monitoring. Environmental officials say these initiatives will strengthen biodiversity, protect coastal communities, and support national climate goals. The latest achievements were announced during activities marking the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26.
The Department of Environment has expanded restoration work across several southern provinces. Officials have also launched projects to estimate carbon storage, monitor mangrove ecosystems, and improve long-term management. These initiatives aim to protect valuable coastal habitats while supporting sustainable environmental development.
Shahram Fadakar, an official with the Department of Environment, said mangrove forests rank among the world’s most valuable blue carbon ecosystems. He explained that they store between 10 and 50 times more carbon than many terrestrial forests. Therefore, protecting these forests remains a national environmental priority.
The department also completed a study evaluating ecosystem services in the Khorkhoran and Qeshm mangrove habitats. The assessment covered nearly 198,000 hectares. Experts estimated the annual value of these ecosystem services at about 185 billion rials, equivalent to approximately $97,400.
Restoration projects continue across southern Iran. Conservation teams planted around 30,000 mangrove saplings in Khor Soltani, Bushehr Province, covering 20 hectares. They also planted 3,250 saplings along the Bahmanshir coast in Khuzestan Province. Furthermore, restoration activities extended across 2,400 hectares in Hormozgan Province and another 100 hectares in Sistan-Baluchestan Province.
Officials praised local communities and environmental organizations for supporting restoration and monitoring efforts. Looking ahead, the Department of Environment plans to introduce a national mangrove conservation strategy while expanding scientific cooperation with international partners. Experts believe continued investment and sustainable management will help protect Iran’s more than 27,000 hectares of Hara mangrove forests while strengthening coastal resilience against future environmental challenges.