Iran’s diversity in climatic conditions and its rich aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity and

ecosystems are rooted in its unique geography. Pressure has been put on environmental

resources and biodiversity.

Water limitation normally leads to water allocation rivalry and natural ecosystems & initially

wetlands usually suffer when in competition with development. As a result of this situation a

number of Iranian wetlands across the 83 protected areas and 24 Ramsar sites are currently

under pressure. These combined impacts have led to considerable shrinkage of wetlands, and in

some parts of the country, major wetlands are entirely dried out, with serious impacts on

biodiversity and local communities’ livelihoods.