The post Iran, FAO Cooperate in Green Climate Fund to Bolster Climate Resilience appeared first on Iran News Daily.

The post FAO acknowledges New Agricultural Heritage sites in Iran appeared first on Iran News Daily.

The post FAO acknowledges New Agricultural Heritage sites in Iran appeared first on Iran News Daily.

Flood-spreading gardens and walnut cultivation in Iran

The traditional Gardens of Qazvin, northwest of Iran’s capital Tehran, are a flood-spreading system that dates back thousands of years. Situated in the foothills of the Alborz ranges, the creation of the gardens surrounding the city has protected its inhabitants from floods adapting to and taking advantage of the watershed to produce nuts and local delicacies.

By capturing, redirecting, and sharing floodwaters, local communities have been able to cultivate and grow fruits all around Qazvin. Today, the system provides food and employment opportunities for people but also cools the temperature of the city and serves to replenish groundwater tables.

The Traditional Walnut Agricultural System in Tuyserkan, Iran, is known not just for its walnut orchards but also for its delicacies as well as its landscapes and historical monuments.  Based on family farming, the cultivation of walnuts supports the livelihoods of a major part of the households in the area.

This cultivation is mainly developed in valleys and is irrigated using water canals designed at different levels and fed mainly by rivers and springs as well as Qanats.  Among the local practices is irrigating walnut trees in the cold and frost season, which farmers believe helps to eliminate pests and diseases.

So far, two Iranian sites of the Qanat-based Saffron Farming System in Gonabad and the Grape Production System in Jowzan Valley in the provinces of Razavi Khorasan and Hamadan have been granted GIAHS awards. It is noteworthy that in 2014, the Qanat Irrigated System of Kashan, Isfahan province was designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

Under the FAO’s GIAHS program, the selection criteria stipulate that sites must be of global importance, have value as a public good, support food and livelihood security, agro-biodiversity, sustainable knowledge systems and practices, social values and culture as well as outstanding landscapes. With the newest addition to the global agricultural heritage systems list, FAO’s worldwide agricultural heritage network now consists of 86 systems in 26 countries around the globe.

“Now over 20 years strong, GIAHS has proven to be a great model for showcasing longstanding practices to render agrifood systems more resilient to climate change,” said FAO Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo.

The post FAO acknowledges New Agricultural Heritage sites in Iran appeared first on Iran News Daily.

During the signing ceremony on Sunday, July the 23rd, Yuak Dhoj G C, the FAO Representative ad interim to Iran, and Mohammad Mehdi Boroumandi, Deputy Agriculture Minister for Horticulture inked an agreement to implement the Pistachio Technical Cooperation Project (TCP).

Pistachio, a cherished and economically crucial crop in Iran, has gained international recognition for its quality and taste.

With the objective of strengthening this vital sector, the TCP project on “improving Pistachio’s production and export through the establishment of integrated product management” aims to enhance production efficiency, ensure sustainable farming practices, promote quality control mechanisms, and foster increased export opportunities for Iranian pistachio producers using Integrated Crop Management, ICM, approach.

To be piloted in the provinces of Khorasan Razavi, Kerman, and Yazd, the project will also enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad in improving the Pistachio’s integrating supply chain management with emphasis on productivity, harvesting, processing, and contaminant’s safety regulations.

The supply chain process will be further enhanced involving an increasing trend in Pistachio production, consumption, and exportation in the long run.

During the signing ceremony, Mohammad Ali Nikbakht, Minister of Agricultural Jihad, said that “FAO, as a specialized and professional organization in agriculture, can play an important role in the exchange of information, knowledge, and experience between member countries.”

The Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. FAO’s work encompasses agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, providing essential support to member countries in developing sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.

The post FAO, Iran collaborate to enhance pistachio production, export appeared first on Iran News Daily.

The United Nations has designated 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, acknowledging their roles in protecting ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, and ensuring food security in the face of climate change.

Yubak Dhoj G C, FAO Representative ad interim to Iran, in a message drew attention to the critical global issues of food security and climate change, and the significant role that camels play in addressing these challenges.

“Climate change exacerbates the risks to food security, particularly for vulnerable countries and populations. It leads to the loss of rural livelihoods, degradation of ecosystems, and disruptions in food systems. Additionally, indigenous communities, who rely heavily on biodiversity for their sustenance, face heightened vulnerability as biodiversity continues to decline,” Dhoj G C stated.

In the livestock sector, which is crucial for global food production, we encounter diverse challenges, including climate change, emerging diseases, competition for natural resources, and evolving demand for animal-source foods, he also warned.

Amidst these challenges, for centuries, camels have sustained Bedouins, nomads, and pastoral communities, thriving in harsh climatic conditions where other livestock struggles. Their adaptability, docility, and sustainability make them an attractive prospect for domestication and a vital addition to the food chain, he further highlighted.

Emphasizing the role of camels, he said that we observe World Camel Day on the 22nd of June every year, and with each passing year, the interest and support for camel development continue to grow, underscoring their untapped potential.

“It is worth mentioning that FAO Iran, through its TCP project on preserving the Bactrian camel, is at the forefront of efforts to safeguard this exceptional species from the brink of extinction,” from the biodiversity conservation point of view, he further noted.

Today, our goal is to deepen policymakers’ understanding of the camel’s significance and advocate for its integration into research and development policies. Together, we can work towards a more secure and sustainable future for food production, Dhoj G C concluded.

FAO announced readiness to provide technical support to the development of short-, medium- and long-term strategies for increasing the population of Bactrian camels, which is planned to be prepared by the government, relevant authorities, and the Scientific Camel Association of Iran.

It is also concluded that the government to prioritize the newly established Bactrian camel cooperative Co. and endeavor to raise more (inter)national funds for the conservation of Bactrian camels.

Also paying attention to Ecotourism with a special focus on the introduction of Bactrian camels should be regarded by the provincial authorities, as well as long-term planning for operational studies on Bactrian camels by academic institutes of Ardabil Province.

The post FAO highlights camels’ roles in fight against climate change appeared first on Iran News Daily.

Every year on June 17 the United Nations marks the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, working toward raising public awareness and assisting international efforts to this end.

The theme of 2023 to commemorate this day focused on women’s role and right in sustainable land management. This theme strongly calls for safeguarding women’s land rights to ensure a sustainable future for all.

“Desertification and drought pose immense challenges that extend across every corner of our planet, endangering the livelihoods of millions, particularly those residing in dry and semi-dry regions such as Iran,” said the FAO representative in a message on this occasion.

Hereunder is the message that was read at the place of Forests, Range, and Watershed Management Organization by Ms. Nazi Tavakoli, the officer in charge, on behalf of the FAO representative ad interim to Iran.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, with vast arid and semi-arid areas, confronts and controls significant challenges of water scarcity, land degradation, desertification, drought, and dust storms. These environmental perils have a considerable impact on the agricultural sector.

On the other hand, land degradation and dust storms not only threaten human health but also damage agricultural productivity. It is obvious that the phenomenon of dust has severe economic effects and affects various sectors including agriculture, transportation, and energy.

As a top priority for FAO, our interregional technical cooperation project, “Catalyzing Investments and Actions to Enhance Resilience Against Sand and Dust Storms in Agriculture,” has conducted a thorough Sand and Dust Storms disaster risk assessment in Ahvaz.

This project has laid the foundation for the development of timely, effective, and appropriate preparedness and response measures within a comprehensive contingency plan.

It encompasses all aspects of SDS disaster risk management in agriculture, encompassing both cropland and rangeland.

The Global Environment Fund (GEF) has made significant contributions to the global endeavor to combat desertification and drought.

Their funding has supported numerous projects in Iran, yielding positive impacts on local communities.

For instance, the GEF has backed initiatives promoting sustainable land management practices, reducing water wastage, and enhancing carbon sequestration.

These endeavors have not only mitigated the impacts of droughts but have also strengthened ecosystem resilience and bolstered local economies.

One FAO exemplary project, co-financed by the Global Environment Fund (GEF), is the “Rehabilitation of Forest Landscapes and Degraded Land with Particular Attention to Saline Soils and Areas Prone to Wind Erosion Project (RFLDL).”

Its objective is to restore degraded ecosystems, mitigate land degradation, and improve local livelihoods.

This project has been implemented in the provinces of Kerman (Rigan) and South Khorasan (Sarayan), yielding valuable experiences and lessons that we hope can be applied in other regions in the future.

In conclusion, as we stride towards a more sustainable future, it is imperative that all stakeholders collaborate to address the challenges posed by desertification and drought.

A multidisciplinary approach is indispensable, one that encompasses ecological, social, and economic considerations. International organizations such as FAO, GEF, and UNCCD are committed to supporting countries like Iran in their efforts to combat desertification and drought and achieve sustainable land use.

By working together, we can safeguard our natural resources, protect our livelihoods, and secure a better future for generations to come.

FB/MG

Photo: Nazi Tavakoli, the officer in charge, reads the message of the FAO representative ad interim to Iran.

The post FAO delineates activities to combat desertification, drought in Iran appeared first on Iran News Daily.

During an event held on Monday 22 May 2023, FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu, granted certificates of recognition to 24 new GIAHS sites in 12 countries.

Designated GIAHS in 2018, the sites are located in Brazil (1), China (4), Ecuador (2), Iran (2), Italy (2), Japan (2), Korea (2), Mexico (1), Morocco (2), Spain (3), Thailand (1) and Tunisia (2).

The two Iranian sites are situated in the provinces of Khorasan Razavi and Hamadan. It is noteworthy that in 2014, the Qanat Irrigated System of Kashan, Isfahan province has been designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) are communities that base their livelihoods and food security on their close relationship with their surroundings. Through the GIAHS program, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022, FAO has designated over 70 sites in 24 countries.

To be selected, each GIAHS candidate area must meet five criteria established by an independent Scientific Advisory Group: food and livelihood security, agro-biodiversity, local and traditional knowledge systems cultures, value systems and social organizations, landscapes, and seascapes features.

If selected, GIAHS are expected to fulfill their role in revitalizing rural communities and promoting sustainable rural development, with effective implementation of their action plans.

The GIAHS network is proving to be an effective model for collaboration, with appropriate local governance systems while attracting international and national partners, projects, and actions to increase visibility and support farmers on the ground.

The post FAO awards GIAHS certificates to two Iranian sites appeared first on Iran News Daily.

The outbreak and uncontrolled spread of the RPW pose a significant threat to the country’s date palm trees industry and the livelihood of farmers who depend on it for income.

The FAO’s recent response to the governmental request to assess the situation and advise on solutions is a positive step towards curbing the spread of this destructive transboundary pest.

Dispatching two international experts to infested areas in Fars and Kerman Provinces has helped to assess the current situation and highlighted the need to bolster the current efforts to control the pest.

This can be achieved by enhancing monitoring and preventive efforts, improving the country’s Red Palm Weevil strategy to increase its effectiveness, and working closely to improve the use of the FAO-developed application “SusaHamra”.

The FAO’s experts have evaluated the current integrated pest management strategy and identified possible improvements in the system. They have also met with relevant stakeholders and private sector entities involved in date production to develop solutions that would reduce the impact on date production. A proposal for an action plan has been developed by FAO and will be shared with the Plant Protection Organization of Iran for implementation.

Early response and effective management of resources can help avoid potential outbreaks and minimize the impact of the Red Palm Weevil on the country’s date palm trees, relevant food industries, and the livelihood of relevant farmers.

It is crucial to continue efforts to address this issue and ensure the sustainability of Iran’s date production industry particularly since it is ranked as the third producer of dates in the world.

The post FAO takes steps to curb Red Palm Weevil in Iran appeared first on Iran News Daily.

The course was officially launched at a high-level event on Wednesday, March 29, with the participation of Dr. Abbas Ali Nobakht, Iranian Deputy Minister and Head of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization.

The e-Learning platform is entitled “The Transforming Dryland Forests and Agrosilvopastoral Systems: An approach to sustain and develop food production in drylands under change”.

Spearheaded by the Committee on Forestry Working Group on Dryland Forests and Agrosilvopastoral Systems (COFO WG), the course was developed through the joint efforts and expertise of the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization of the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad of the Islamic Republic of Iran and 15 other partners.

“A business-as-usual approach is no longer an option for a food-secure future, but there is a huge gap between awareness and capacity to implement sustainable dryland management interventions,” said FAO Forestry Officer Fidaa F. Haddad. “This e-learning course focuses on agrosilvopastoral systems as a solution, utilizing both dryland trees and livestock in a mutually beneficial system.”

“When correctly implemented, agrosilvopastoral systems can ensure the sustainability of food production and livelihoods in these regions, while alleviating poverty and reducing the risk of conflict and disasters,” continued Haddad.

Nobakht, in his opening remarks, introduced the joint project of “Rehabilitation of Forest Landscapes and Degraded Land” and presented a report of its achievements.

“It has been implemented in two provinces of Kerman and South Khorasan since 2011. In addition to focusing on the control of critical wind erosion hotspots through protection, restoration, and vegetation enhancement, through an innovative approach, it has also improved the economic and living conditions of the affected communities as one of the drivers of land degradation,” Nobakht explained.

He went on to note that a full package was implemented including promotional and vocational training, payment of facilities, creation of cooperative structures such as the formation of cooperatives, production, and marketing chains, and the villagers as the rural development committees and local communities benefited from the direct advantages of natural resource services and the project inputs and afforestation initiatives.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Nobakht announced that the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad has developed a plan to plant one billion saplings over a 4-year period with the aim of combating desertification and reforestation through a participatory approach, highlighting the importance of environmental protection, combating desertification and land degradation in the country’s regulations.

“Currently, public participation in natural resources activities is on our agenda as a strategic goal and has been extended to many natural resources management plans,” he emphasized.

He further expressed readiness to share successful experiences of sustainable land management with other countries.

During the event, Dr. Vahid Jafarian and Dr. Mohsen Abdolhoseini shared Iran’s achievements and lessons learned through the Rehabilitation of Forest Landscapes and Degraded Land with Particular Attention to Saline Soils and Areas Prone to Wind Erosion Project (RFLDL) jointly implemented by FAO and government of Iran funded by the Global Environment Facility.

Transforming the management of dryland forests

The e-learning course is now available free on the FAO e-learning Academy platform. It targets program and project managers, field practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in the sustainable development of drylands.

Through five online lessons, the course will build the competencies needed to transform the way practitioners manage dryland forests, with a focus on increasing sustainability whilst retaining the benefits of other interventions. The course takes around five hours to complete and after a final test, participants will be awarded a certificate.

The post FAO, Iran launch e-learning course on dryland management appeared first on Iran News Daily.