The role of local communities in the prosperity of the bird industry
Iran’s climatic situation has caused a large number of birds from different parts of the world to spend the winter and summer in the country’s wetlands every year, this can boost the bird industry, so the Environment Organization is looking to strengthen local communities to develop this Industry in the country.
Iran has a diverse climate due to its large area, elevation and special geographical location, so it has many plant and animal species. Among them, birds have a large share in this biodiversity, so that Iran alone The size of the whole continent of Europe has birds, in fact, the diversity is so great that it has made Iran one of the special regions in this field and has caused the attention of bird watching enthusiasts.
Although Iran is located in a landlocked region of the world and a large part of its land is desert and semi-desert areas, but due to its diverse climate (it is possible to ski at one point and swim at another) and different altitudes. , Has a lot of habitat diversity, so many species, including birds are attracted to this beautiful and blessed nature, on the other hand, Iran is on the main migration route of thousands of birds, species that enter from the north, northwest and northeast They enter Iran and leave the south and southwest of Iran. Accordingly, out of 8,700 species of birds known in the world, 532 species were identified in Iran, of which 225 species live and breed in our country.
Birds are more diverse than other species of animals, so they have always been considered by humans. Therefore, the bird watching industry has flourished in different countries for several years, and Iran has a good potential in this field; Of course, there are countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Colombia and Brazil whose endemic bird numbers are not comparable to Iran, but our country due to its special geographical location and having diverse ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, plains and mountains has caused All seasons and have an attraction for birdwatchers.
Iran has many wetlands, so it has a lot of capacity to develop the bird watching industry. In addition, a large number of wetlands are on the migration route of migratory birds from north to south, which is a good capacity for the industry to flourish in the country. It shows that about 340 species of birds in Iran are migratory, of which about 100 species are migrating through our country, which is a good potential for launching a bird watching industry. This word entered the world of nature tourism in the twentieth century and today in European countries Britain and Germany in particular have a special place, but in Iran, with all this ability, it is not well known. It was in the 80’s that bird watching was introduced in Iran, and despite this, for a long time, but unfortunately, it has not flourished as it should.
This is while the bird watching industry does not need any specialization and it is possible to enjoy seeing the beautiful and colorful feathers of a red-bearded bee or red-breasted bee and hearing the beautiful song of nightingales in spring or constantly knocking woodpeckers on a tree with the least facilities. He went into ecstasy and moved away from the hustle and bustle of city life for a while, it is even the advice of psychologists and therapists of nature to reduce your daily stress by being in nature.
It is definitely spectacular to see the chicks that have just hatched and how much their mother cares for them. Their flight in different and cohesive groups reminds us of the boundless greatness and beauty of nature. The types of wetlands strengthen this sector, which can be prospered in the country with basic planning. Of course, fortunately, attention has been directed to this direction for some time, and it is one of the wetlands that is known as the first bird watching center in Iran. Kani Barazan wetland is located in West Azerbaijan, which operates with the characteristics of a bird watching center. Such a center is also planned in Choghakhor Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari wetland.
According to experts, Miankaleh Peninsula, Fereydunkenar Wetland, Miqan Wetland, bird watching site of Qara Gheshlagh Bonab Wetland of East Azerbaijan, Qeshm Island, Zaribar Wetland in Marivan, Kurdistan and Anzali Lagoon are some suitable areas for bird watching.
“Iran has many wetlands, so it has a lot of capacity to develop the bird watching industry, in addition to a large number of wetlands on the way to migrate north to Iran,” the national director of the Iranian Wetlands Protection Project told IRNA. It is located south of migratory birds, which is a good capacity for the industry to flourish in the country.
Mehri Asnaashari added: “Also, due to the long distances that migratory bird groups travel, they need to have resorts along the way to rejuvenate and feed. Even in longer rests, these birds may nest and reproduce.” Have.
He said: “When the birds are migrating, based on biological signs, they reach a place that, according to the routine of each year, is their resting place and their wintering site, so it is very important that the pond has enough water and good quality and safety.” Enough to keep these birds.
He continued: “In some pilot wetlands, based on the work base, which is an ecological approach, a comprehensive program has been defined, which is developed for wetlands with the cooperation of stakeholders, based on which and priority measures for some wetlands, in particular.” Birdwatching and topics related to comprehensive tourism, we conducted pilots, including in the wetlands of the northwest of the country and the satellite wetlands of Lake Urmia, we provided spaces for tourists and visiting the wetland in the seasons of bird migration, the development of which can cause Attract tourists.
In the northwestern wetlands of the country and the satellite wetlands of Lake Urmia, we provided spaces for tourists to visit the wetland during the seasons of bird migration, the development of which can attract tourists. Efforts were made to put the management and focus of this issue on the local community to benefit both the local community and the environment of the region, for example, if visitation centers or bird watching platforms are to be established in the lagoon so that tourists can communicate. To establish a better and stronger lagoon and have a better bird watching experience, this process should be managed by local communities interested in the subject.
“Maintaining the security of migratory bird habitats is also important to ensure that birds have a safe environment free from stress and human disturbances that can help the industry thrive,” he said. In order to reduce the illegal fishing and hunting that takes place in the areas, we have planned several training programs for the local communities around the wetlands, and we have held several sessions so far.
“One of the most important issues in this regard is the burning of reeds and the hunting of birds. Usually, birds try to nest and reproduce in denser reeds, which by burning the reeds, the nests of these birds or chickens that are still strong,” he said. They do not fly, they are destroyed in intentional and unintentional fires, so local communities can play an important and effective role in this issue. And if a fire is lit, as soon as they are informed, they should prevent its occurrence and development and inform the authorities, because they are there day and night, so they are the best people who can monitor the area, and this will be effective. They multiply on the preservation of wetlands.