Combating Desertification Requires Global Action; Iran Emphasizes Expansion of Regional Cooperation

Dr. Aflatooni extended his condolences on the mourning days of the month of Muharram and commemorated the martyrs, particularly those who lost their lives in the attack carried out by the American-Zionist enemies against the Natural Resources Organization on 28 March. He also marked Agriculture Jihad Week and the anniversary of the establishment of the Construction Jihad by order of the late Imam Khomeini, emphasizing the commitment to continue the path of the martyrs in protecting and restoring natural resources and promoting the country’s greenery.

Dr. Aflatooni stated: “Desertification and Drought Day is not merely an occasion on the calendar; rather, it is a call for urgent global action. The time has come for intelligent, participatory, and preventive management of this crisis, and it is no longer possible to limit our efforts to temporary responses to its consequences.”

Referring to the expansion of desertification worldwide, he described the phenomenon as one of the most significant environmental threats of the present era and emphasized: “In a world facing challenges such as severe droughts, sand and dust storms, and increasing pressure on water resources, no country can resolve these issues alone. Synergy and the exchange of experience among countries are therefore unavoidable necessities.”

Dr. Aflatooni then referred to the situation of desertification in Iran and said: “Approximately 32 million hectares of the country’s territory, equivalent to 20 percent of Iran’s land area, are classified as desert regions, and 22 provinces are affected by desertification and wind erosion.”

The Head of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization noted: “The Islamic Republic of Iran was among the first countries to become a member of the Convention to Combat Desertification. Since the 1960s, Iran has implemented programmes to combat desertification, stabilize shifting sands, and restore degraded lands. Today, it is also regarded as one of the leading countries in this field at both regional and global levels.”

Dr. Reza Aflatooni emphasized the role of restoration programmes, vegetation development, the management of sand and dust storm hotspots, and the implementation of participatory projects. He added: “As the national focal point of the Convention to Combat Desertification, Iran is prepared to share its experience with other countries.”

In conclusion, referring to the 2026 theme, “Rangelands: Recognize, Respect and Restore,” he emphasized the expansion of constructive international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and successful experiences in the field of land management.

Iran’s Pioneering Role in Combating Desertification; Emphasis on Expanding Environmental Diplomacy

The Director General for International Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking at the Desertification and Drought Day ceremony, outlined Iran’s historical achievements and field activities and emphasized the need to strengthen regional cooperation in order to control the phenomenon of sand and dust storms.

Seyed Mohammad Sadatinejad emphasized the need to complete the chain of measures aimed at addressing environmental damage and said: “Effective control of sand and dust storms, particularly in areas affected by external hotspots, requires the expansion of regional cooperation and the implementation of joint programmes to control and stabilize sand and dust storm hotspots in neighbouring countries.”

He added: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has played a role at several levels in combating desertification and sand and dust storms. These efforts include submitting relevant resolutions to the United Nations, designating an international day for combating sand and dust storms, pursuing the establishment of an international decade to combat sand and dust storms, conducting bilateral and regional negotiations with neighbouring countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, actively participating in meetings of environmental conventions, and seeking to attract international financial resources and support.”

In conclusion, Sadatinejad noted: “Despite challenges such as unjust sanctions and the insufficient cooperation of certain neighbouring countries, Iran continues to pursue its land restoration programmes with determination by relying on indigenous knowledge and active engagement in international conventions.”

Development of a “Green Airport”; the Aviation Industry’s Approach to Combating Desertification

The Managing Director of Imam Khomeini International Airport City, speaking at the Desertification and Drought Day ceremony, described the development of the “green airport” concept as a key approach to reducing environmental impacts and preventing desertification in areas surrounding airports. He emphasized that these measures are directly linked to Sustainable Development Goal 15 of the United Nations, concerning the protection of terrestrial ecosystems.

Kashef Azar listed practical measures within the framework of a green airport as including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the use of renewable energy, waste and rainwater management, and the establishment of greenbelts through the planting of native drought-resistant species to control soil erosion and sand and dust storms.

The Managing Director of Imam Khomeini International Airport City also referred to successful international experiences, including Singapore Changi Airport in developing green spaces and recycling, Denver International Airport in utilizing a solar power plant, Oslo Airport in using clean energy, Cochin International Airport in India as the first carbon-neutral airport, and the establishment of greenbelts at airports in arid regions such as Dubai and Seoul.

Other programmes held as part of the Desertification and Drought Day ceremony included honouring the country’s desertification-control activists, signing a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the Imam Khomeini International Airport City greenbelt development project, visiting the project, and planting desert seedlings in memory of the martyrs of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization of Iran during the Third Imposed War.