Biodiversity

Biodiversity is one of the most valuable foundations of Iran’s natural heritage and plays a central role in the sustainability of forests, rangelands, deserts, watersheds and natural landscapes. Although Iran is considered a low forest cover country, its remarkable climatic and ecological diversity has made it a unique territory in terms of plant diversity and genetic resources, with approximately 8,500 native plant species identified.

Iran’s biodiversity is reflected in its five major forest vegetation zones: the Hyrcanian, Arasbaran, Zagros, Iran-o-Tourani, and Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman forest zones. These regions host diverse ecosystems, rare plant and animal species, endemic species, valuable genetic reserves and habitats of national and international importance. The Arasbaran forest zone, for example, is recognized for its high biodiversity and rare fauna and flora, and part of the region has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Hyrcanian forest landscape is one of Iran’s most important biodiversity areas. This ecological region contains a high percentage of endemic species and serves as an important reserve for threatened species. However, pressures such as forest clearing, land-use change, illegal harvesting, excessive livestock grazing, unregulated tourism and habitat loss have increased the need for integrated, multifunctional and participatory forest landscape management.

The Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization supports biodiversity conservation through forest and rangeland protection, restoration of degraded ecosystems, development of native species planting, conservation of genetic reserves, sustainable rangeland management, regulation of grazing, watershed management and community-based natural resources management. In rangelands, integrated multi-purpose management is pursued by considering ecosystem goods and services, soil and vegetation rehabilitation, forage and medicinal plant development, and the participation of local communities and resource users.

Iran is also a member of the Convention on Biological Diversity. In this framework, biodiversity conservation is linked to the protection of biological resources, sustainable use of biodiversity components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. Through scientific planning, legal protection, ecosystem restoration and participatory management, the Organization seeks to safeguard Iran’s biodiversity and genetic heritage for present and future generations.

Iranian Popular Flore

Iran is one of the remarkable countries in terms of plant diversity and genetic resources. Although it is classified among low forest cover countries, its climatic, geological and ecological diversity has created a wide range of natural habitats. According to the forest vegetation data provided in the Organization’s documents, Iran has more than 8,000 native plant species, making its flora one of the country’s most valuable natural assets.

The diversity of Iranian flora is reflected in five major forest vegetation zones: the Hyrcanian, Arasbaran, Zagros, Iran-o-Tourani, and Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman zones. Each of these regions has distinct ecological characteristics, plant communities and indicator species. Together, they form a diverse national vegetation system ranging from humid broadleaf forests in the north to arid and semi-arid forests, shrublands, mangroves and semi-savanna ecosystems in other parts of the country.

The Hyrcanian forests are among the richest forest ecosystems in the world in terms of flora. They contain more than 80 native woody species and include valuable species such as Oriental beech, Persian ironwood, chestnut-leaved oak, Caucasian alder, Hyrcanian boxwood, wild cherry and English yew. The Arasbaran forest zone is also one of Iran’s important genetic reserves, with around 1,072 plant species and 97 woody species identified in a relatively limited area.

The Zagros forests are another major component of Iran’s flora, hosting more than 180 tree and shrub species and playing a key role in water supply, soil conservation, climate regulation and biodiversity preservation. The Iran-o-Tourani region includes drought-resistant plant communities such as juniper, wild pistachio, almond, saxaul, tamarisk and calligonum, which contribute to soil stabilization and desertification control. In the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman zone, subtropical and mangrove vegetation, including grey mangrove and loop-root mangrove, forms important coastal ecosystems with high ecological value.

The Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization contributes to the protection and restoration of Iranian flora through forest and rangeland conservation, rehabilitation of degraded forests, planting of native species, production and supply of standard forest seedlings, protection of genetic reserves, establishment of seed collection areas and forest reserves, and restoration of degraded natural ecosystems. Through these measures, the Organization seeks to safeguard Iran’s plant heritage and ensure the sustainable conservation of its valuable flora for present and future generations.

Plant Reserve

Plant reserves are among the most valuable components of Iran’s natural heritage and genetic resources. They include forest reserves, plant genetic reserves, seed sources, natural stands of rare and endangered species, and rangeland habitats that support native, medicinal, industrial, forage and ecologically important plant species. These reserves play a key role in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, soil and water protection, and the long-term sustainability of natural landscapes.

Iran’s climatic and ecological diversity has created a rich variety of plant habitats across the country’s major vegetation zones, including the Hyrcanian, Arasbaran, Zagros, Iran-o-Tourani, and Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman zones. Some of these areas, such as Arasbaran, are recognized as important genetic reserves due to their high biodiversity, rare plant and animal species, and unique ecological conditions.

The Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization works to protect and manage plant reserves through the conservation of forest and rangeland ecosystems, enclosure and maintenance of forest reserves, protection of genetic resources, rehabilitation of degraded forests, restoration of natural habitats, and the quantitative and qualitative improvement of rare and endangered species. Valuable species such as Hyrcanian boxwood, cypress, white poplar, juniper, English yew, cedar and hazelnut are among the species highlighted in the Organization’s forest reserve activities.

Seed resources are also an essential part of plant reserve management. The Caspian Tree Seed Production and Improvement Center supports the conservation and restoration of forest genetic resources by collecting, processing, storing and supplying quality seeds of forest and rangeland species. By providing improved and standard forest seeds and supporting seedling production, the Center contributes to afforestation, rehabilitation of degraded natural areas and the prevention of extinction of rare and endangered forest tree species.

Rangelands also function as important plant genetic reserves. The Organization’s rangeland programs include identifying degraded rangelands and endangered plant species, prioritizing them for conservation and rehabilitation, managing grazing pressure, restoring vegetation cover and supporting sustainable livelihoods. Through scientific planning, habitat protection, seed and seedling supply, restoration activities and community participation, the Organization seeks to safeguard Iran’s plant reserves as a strategic natural asset for present and future generations.