Open Data Iran: Sudden Surge in Deforestation in Iran Over Two Years

The research platform 'Open Data Iran' has reported the destruction of over 45,000 hectares of forests in Iran between the years 1399 and 1400 (2020-2021). This comes despite previous reports indicating that 12,000 square meters of forests are destroyed annually. According to statistical data from the Natural Resources Organization, the deforestation in the years 1399 and 1400 accounts for seventy percent of the destruction over the past five years. An analysis of deforestation from 1396 to 1400 shows that the level of destruction experienced a sudden surge in 1399. The provinces of Fars, Kurdistan, Lorestan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, and Golestan have the highest levels of deforestation in the country. The highest levels of forest destruction in 1400 were also attributed to the provinces of Kurdistan, Qom, Fars, West Azerbaijan, Golestan, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad. The main cause of deforestation in the years 1399 and 1400 has been identified as widespread wildfires, particularly in the Zagros forests. The report highlights that Fars, known as the greenest province in Iran with over two million hectares of forested land, has the largest share in recent forest destruction. In recent months, news sources have reported on road construction and deforestation in the Alborz forest, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, aimed at agricultural exploitation. The complete version of the conversation with Mozafar Shirvani discusses the comparison of forest conditions in Iran and the West. Parts of the Alborz forest have been converted into pastures, putting the forest at risk of further destruction. Iran is projected to become a 'complete desert' in the next 164 years. Pests have invaded the Zagros region, resulting in the loss of 74,000 hectares of forest. The dark times for Zagros forests continue with the invasion of white butterflies.