Environmental Organization Official: 18 Million Zagros Trees Have Died

The Director General of the Public Participation Office of Iran's Environmental Protection Organization warned about the deterioration of Zagros nature, stating that this mountainous region has lost 18 million trees in recent years. Mohammad Darvish's remarks, reported on Thursday, December 19, by the ILNA news agency, also indicate a severe decline in animal species across Iran, particularly in the Zagros region. Mr. Darvish stated, "If the condition of Zagros is poor, the condition of Karun, Karkheh, Zayandeh Rud, Gamasiab, Simineh Rud, Zarrineh Rud, and 45% of the country's freshwater will also be poor." According to him, "There is no more strategic and critical place than Zagros for the sustainable life of Iranians," but currently, "30% of Zagros is at risk of complete desiccation." Drought is one of the major issues threatening the land of Iran, leading to the destruction of some important lakes and wetlands, including Lake Bakhtagan and Hamoun in recent years. The nature of Zagros has also faced widespread wildfires and pests such as the "coal pest," which has led to the destruction of a large portion of its trees. According to Mohammad Darvish, Iran has lost its animal reserves over the past half-century, with Lorestan province and the Zagros mountainous region being the biggest victims. Statistics provided by this environmental official indicate that "over the past half-century, the total number of goats, sheep, rams, deer, and gazelles in Iran has decreased from 1.3 million to less than 110,000," meaning Iran has lost 90% of its animal reserves. Previously, the head of Iran's Environmental Protection Organization emphasized that hunting, even with legal weapons, should be banned due to the endangered status of many animal species in the country. In this context, "85%" of Iran's water resources have been utilized.