Hyrcanian Forests
Country
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Inscribed in
2019
Criterion
(ix)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "significant concern" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Hyrcanian forests form a unique forested massif that stretches 850 km along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. The history of these broad-leaved forests dates back 25 to 50 million years, when they covered most of this Northern Temperate region. These ancient forest areas retreated during the Quaternary glaciations and then expanded again as the climate became milder. Their floristic biodiversity is remarkable: 44% of the vascular plants known in Iran are found in the Hyrcanian region, which only covers 7% of the country. To date, 180 species of birds typical of broad-leaved temperate forests and 58 mammal species have been recorded, including the iconic Persian Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana). © UNESCO
Summary
2020 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
01 Dec 2020
Significant concern
Current state and trend of VALUES
High Concern
Trend
Stable
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Finalised on
01 Dec 2020
Description of values
Exceptional series of ancient broad-leaved forest
Criterion
(ix)
Hyrcanian Forests is a serial site with 15 components stretching 850 km along the southern shore of the Caspian Sea and the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountain. It is a remarkable series of sites conserving crucial ecosystems of the Hyrcanian Region and contains exceptional broad-leaved forests with a history dating back 25 - 50 million years ago, when such forests covered most parts of the Northern Temperate region. These huge ancient forest areas retreated during Quaternary glaciations and later, during milder climate periods, expanded again from these refugia. The World Heritage site covers most environmental features and ecological values of the Hyrcanian Region and represents the most important and key environmental processes illustrating the genesis of those forests, including succession, evolution, and speciation (IUCN, 2019; World Heritage Committee, 2019).
The 15 components of the site complement each other with different species composition, depending on variations in climate, geology, soil type and elevation. All components are functionally linked through the shared evolutionary history and most have ecological connectivity through an almost continuous forest belt in the Hyrcanian forest region. The exception is the coastal swamp forest Khoshk-e-Daran (component number 12), which has been isolated due to human settlements and agriculture, but it is the only represent of a very rare type of remnant ecosystem (IUCN, 2019).
The 15 components of the site complement each other with different species composition, depending on variations in climate, geology, soil type and elevation. All components are functionally linked through the shared evolutionary history and most have ecological connectivity through an almost continuous forest belt in the Hyrcanian forest region. The exception is the coastal swamp forest Khoshk-e-Daran (component number 12), which has been isolated due to human settlements and agriculture, but it is the only represent of a very rare type of remnant ecosystem (IUCN, 2019).
Ecosystem with endemic, relict and endangered species
Criterion
(ix)
The Hyrcanian region is a typical Arcto-Tertiary relict area with over 3,200 vascular plants documented. Due to its isolation, the property hosts many relicts, endangered, and endemic plant species, contributing to the ecological significance of the property, and the Hyrcanian Region in general. Approximately 280 taxa are endemic and sub-endemic for the Hyrcanian Region including species such as Parrotia persica, Zelkova carpinifolia and Pterocarya fraxinifolia and about 500 plant species are Iranian endemics (IUCN, 2019; World Heritage Committee, 2019).
The endemic Parrotia persica, as dominant tree of forests in the lower belts, is the only species of the monotypic genus Parrotia. That underlies the exceptional plant-geographical position of the Hyrcanian forests within the deciduous broad-leaved forests of the Northern Hemisphere. The “sub-endemic” species like Zelkova carpinifolia, Pterocarya fraxinifolia and others are also very specific forest trees of the Hyrcanian-Colchic distribution type, which demonstrate the relations between the Hyrcanian and the Colchic relic forests (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
The ecosystems of the site support populations of many forest birds and mammals of the Hyrcanian Region, which are significant on national, regional and global scales. To date, 180 species of birds typical of broadleaved temperate forests have been recorded in the Hyrcanian Region including Steppe Eagle, European Turtle Dove, Eastern Imperial Eagle, European Roller, Semicollared Flycatcher and Caspian Tit. Some 58 mammal species have been recorded across the region, including the Persian Leopard and the threatened wild goat. This Persian Leopard population is considered as the source population of this species and the larger Hyrcanian forested region is the only area worldwide where a population of that species can be seen as viable according to the IUCN criteria (IUCN, 2019; World Heritage Committee, 2019).
The endemic Parrotia persica, as dominant tree of forests in the lower belts, is the only species of the monotypic genus Parrotia. That underlies the exceptional plant-geographical position of the Hyrcanian forests within the deciduous broad-leaved forests of the Northern Hemisphere. The “sub-endemic” species like Zelkova carpinifolia, Pterocarya fraxinifolia and others are also very specific forest trees of the Hyrcanian-Colchic distribution type, which demonstrate the relations between the Hyrcanian and the Colchic relic forests (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
The ecosystems of the site support populations of many forest birds and mammals of the Hyrcanian Region, which are significant on national, regional and global scales. To date, 180 species of birds typical of broadleaved temperate forests have been recorded in the Hyrcanian Region including Steppe Eagle, European Turtle Dove, Eastern Imperial Eagle, European Roller, Semicollared Flycatcher and Caspian Tit. Some 58 mammal species have been recorded across the region, including the Persian Leopard and the threatened wild goat. This Persian Leopard population is considered as the source population of this species and the larger Hyrcanian forested region is the only area worldwide where a population of that species can be seen as viable according to the IUCN criteria (IUCN, 2019; World Heritage Committee, 2019).
Regional and local biodiversity
As a biodiversity hot-spot there are many locally as well as regionally important and threatened species (plants, birds, animals, invertebrates) in the site (IUCN, 2019). Brown bear, grey wolf, Caspian red deer, roe deer and wild boar are all part of the fauna in the region (Soofi et. al, 2018). Furthermore, the Hyrcanian Region lies along an important migratory route for birds (Zarandian et al., 2015).
Additionally, the biodiversity of the Hyrcanian forests provide invaluable ecosystem services for the Iranian society, such as wild fruits and plants, timber, fresh water, protection from floods, drought and landslides and serves as a genetic resource for future products (Tohidifar et al., 2016).
Additionally, the biodiversity of the Hyrcanian forests provide invaluable ecosystem services for the Iranian society, such as wild fruits and plants, timber, fresh water, protection from floods, drought and landslides and serves as a genetic resource for future products (Tohidifar et al., 2016).
Assessment information
The World Heritage site represents smaller areas of an exceptional forest ecosystem and is suffering from an increasing pressure from human activities in the whole region. The network of roads, settlements and agricultural lands as well as past large-scale forestry in the region, clearly have weakened the ecological connectivity of the Hyrcanian forest. The overgrazing inside and outside the site is well documented and have many negative effects on the ecosystem, such as: changed species composition, reduced tree canopy density and increased soil erosion. The illegal use of the forest roads inside the property increase the likelihood of illegal logging, wood collection, grazing and poaching, which all have a potential negative impact on the Outstanding Universal Value.
Forestry/ Wood production, Livestock Farming / Grazing
(Unsustainable grazing, overgrazing, illegal logging and deadwood collection.)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
The Hyrcanian Forest World Heritage Site’s 15 components are remnants of a very diverse and huge forest ecosystem, which have been diminished, fragmented, and widely degraded over time in the region and are currently under high and growing pressure. The property is especially threatened by unsustainable grazing within some of the components and overgrazing in buffer zones. Illegal logging, deadwood collection and poaching have also been reported. (IUCN, 2019).
The threat from human use in the property is a general threat in the whole Hyrcanian region and the deterioration of forest generation due to overgrazing, logging and grazing is widespread (Soofi et al., 2018). The forests in the Hyrcanian region have been reduced from 3.6 million hectares to 1.8 millon hectares since the 1950 (Akhani et al., 2010).
However, over the past 20 years the forest area has been relatively stable. Clear-cuts have been banned by law for many years, and a few years ago a moratorium on logging in all Hyrcanian forest was decided by the government (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The maps of Global Forest Watch and Global Forest Change document a total decrease of forest cover in the three Hyrcanian Provinces Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan from 2001-2019 of 3,423 ha, which is 0.27% of the total forest area of 1.29 Million ha (Global Forest Watch and Global Forest Change).
The threat from human use in the property is a general threat in the whole Hyrcanian region and the deterioration of forest generation due to overgrazing, logging and grazing is widespread (Soofi et al., 2018). The forests in the Hyrcanian region have been reduced from 3.6 million hectares to 1.8 millon hectares since the 1950 (Akhani et al., 2010).
However, over the past 20 years the forest area has been relatively stable. Clear-cuts have been banned by law for many years, and a few years ago a moratorium on logging in all Hyrcanian forest was decided by the government (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The maps of Global Forest Watch and Global Forest Change document a total decrease of forest cover in the three Hyrcanian Provinces Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan from 2001-2019 of 3,423 ha, which is 0.27% of the total forest area of 1.29 Million ha (Global Forest Watch and Global Forest Change).
Habitat Shifting/ Alteration, Droughts, Desertification, Temperature extremes
(Rising temperature and precipitation changes)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Climate change may lead to changes in species distribution in the Hyrcanian region, which can result in the extinction of populations and species, changes in phenology, changes in distribution, migration, and decrease species resilience to changes in local conditions (Koralewski et al., 2015). Global warming can lead to outbreaks of diseases in temperate forests such as the Box disease on Buxus hyrcana (State Party of Iran, 2018).
The mean annual temperature has already increased and the annual precipitation has decreased in the property, which have resulted in habitat changes such as vegetation moving up on the mountain slopes (State Party of Iran, 2018). The boundaries of the property are extending beyond the tree line and encompassing the abrupt transition towards the dry-lands of the Irano-Turanian biogeographical region (State Party of Iran, 2018). These ecotones could potentially enhance the property's future resilience (e.g. changes of the tree line) to climate change (State Party of Iran, 2018). On the other hand, mountainous ecosystems have small surface areas available for such upward movement and since the Hyrcanian forests are a narrow strip, climate change could trigger a large habitat loss (Alavi et al., 2019).
The mean annual temperature has already increased and the annual precipitation has decreased in the property, which have resulted in habitat changes such as vegetation moving up on the mountain slopes (State Party of Iran, 2018). The boundaries of the property are extending beyond the tree line and encompassing the abrupt transition towards the dry-lands of the Irano-Turanian biogeographical region (State Party of Iran, 2018). These ecotones could potentially enhance the property's future resilience (e.g. changes of the tree line) to climate change (State Party of Iran, 2018). On the other hand, mountainous ecosystems have small surface areas available for such upward movement and since the Hyrcanian forests are a narrow strip, climate change could trigger a large habitat loss (Alavi et al., 2019).
Roads/ Railroads
(Fragmentation and degradation of habitats, unnatural changes in species populations)
Inside site
, Widespread(15-50%)
Outside site
Most of the 15 components are remote and far from settlements and traffic roads and the accessibility is difficult. However, the Golestan National Park is divided by a highway that weakens the ecological connectivity of the property and the traffic is a threat to especially larger mammals (World Heritage Committee, 2019; IUCN, 2019). For example, during 2000 to 2015 road mortality was responsible for more than 26 percent of the total Persian leopards’ unnatural mortality in Iran and about 78 percent (n = 29) of the road kills had happened in Golestan National Park (Naderi et al., 2018). The State Party is committed to close the highway in the future (World Heritage Committee, 2019; IUCN, 2019).
Many of the components have asphalted or gravel forest roads in their core and/or buffer zones. Although most traffic is forbidden or strictly regulated, some roads are inappropriately used due to weak implementation of the regulations. All roads need to be closed physically at the entrance of each component, and vehicle traffic on those roads should be strictly limited to the site’s management and research activities, as well as in case of emergency. (IUCN, 2019).
Extensive road development have increased the forest's accessibility for grazing, logging, poaching, deadwood and wild plant collection in the whole Hyrcanian region (Soofi et al., 2018). Science implicate that roads in Hyrcanian beech forests changes soil properties and vegetation up to 30 meter from the roads edge (Deljouei et al., 2018), consequently roads are a potential threat to the natural ecosystem an its species composition.
Many of the components have asphalted or gravel forest roads in their core and/or buffer zones. Although most traffic is forbidden or strictly regulated, some roads are inappropriately used due to weak implementation of the regulations. All roads need to be closed physically at the entrance of each component, and vehicle traffic on those roads should be strictly limited to the site’s management and research activities, as well as in case of emergency. (IUCN, 2019).
Extensive road development have increased the forest's accessibility for grazing, logging, poaching, deadwood and wild plant collection in the whole Hyrcanian region (Soofi et al., 2018). Science implicate that roads in Hyrcanian beech forests changes soil properties and vegetation up to 30 meter from the roads edge (Deljouei et al., 2018), consequently roads are a potential threat to the natural ecosystem an its species composition.
Housing/ Urban Areas, Commercial/ Industrial Areas, Tourism/ Recreation Areas
(Land encroachment of natural forests)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
About 7 million people live in the densely populated Hyrcanian region and its favorable climate, timber resources and fertile soils has led to a very fast and still on-going urbanization (Akhani et al., 2010). Annually about 10,000 ha of natural resources are exploited in the region (Jahanifar et al., 2019). This continuous land encroachment leads to habitat loss of natural forests (Zarandian et al., 2015), disturbance of wildlife and weakens the ecological connectivity of the WH property.
Other Activities
(Fire)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Fires in the forested areas are increasing in frequency and the majority of them are human-induced. Fires are also getting more severe due to longer periods of drought. Forest fires can contribute to species and habitat loss and erosion. (State Party of Iran, 2018).
Although the Hyrcanian region is a popular destination, the main tourism pressure is currently located outside the World Heritage site. The problems with littering both inside and outside the property need to be dealt with and other tourism related negative impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value can be mitigated with appropriate management planning and measures. A large part of the Hyrcanian forest is steep terrain with limited accessibility, which gives "natural" protection from most visitors. An increased negative impact from tourism can be avoided by allowing only sustainable eco-tourism inside the property.
Tourism/ visitors/ recreation
(Unsustainable tourism)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
The Hyrcanian region is well known for a pleasant climate and beautiful landscape, which have led to an annual influx of millions of domestic tourists from more arid parts of Iran (Tohidifar et al., 2016). The tourism have so far led to problems mostly with littering (Akhani et al., 2010), which can be witnessed in the whole region along roads, popular hiking paths and around car parking areas. Other closely associated problems with tourism activities are disturbance of wildlife, habitat loss due to tourism facility developments and collection of endemic and/or threatened plants (Tohidifar et al., 2016). Tourism inside the WH property is still quite undeveloped, but local people have started to develop tourism activities inside the property (Zarandian et al., 2015). Uncontrolled tourism will probably have a negative impact on the Outstanding Universal Value.
The World Heritage site represents the last remnant of an exceptional forest ecosystem and is suffering from an increasing pressure from human activities in the whole region. The vast network of roads, settlements and agricultural lands as well as large scale forestry in the region, clearly have weakened the ecological connectivity of the Hyrcanian forest. The State Party has committed to close the highway in Golestan National Park and enhance the enforcement of all current regulations. Logging, grazing and hunting are already strictly forbidden by law in all components of the World Heritage site, which if implemented will give the ecosystem a chance to recover from previous negative impacts from human use (IUCN, 2019). If current threats are mitigated and the whole region is managed in a more sustainable manner, the Hyrcanian forest's resilience to inevitable human-induced climate change will probably improve.
Management system
Three governmental agencies share the responsibility for conservation and management of the nominated site; the Forests, Range, Watershed and Management Organization (FRWO); Iranian Department of Environment (DoE); and the Iran Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHHTO). The management of the whole property will be supervised by a National Steering Committee. All components have some kind of management plans, but a master plan for whole property is lacking. The current data of natural values is not sufficient for management needs and must be updated for each component. There is an established management system for the whole property, but the stakeholder involvement needs be further strengthened. (IUCN, 2019; State Party of Iran, 2018)
Effectiveness of management system
The management system is adequate to maintain the site's OUV, but the level of effectiveness varies between the components. For example, the components in Golestan are well management and have a systematic approach with a comprehensive management plan system. The management of the buffer zones is not on a satisfactory level and needs extra attention in order to safeguard the OUV. (IUCN, 2019; State Party of Iran, 2018)
The forest authority has four directorates in the region with qualified staff. Forest management in the Hyrcanian region is very careful and the academic education in forestry is influenced by the Swiss nature based school of forest management. (IUCN Consultation, 2020)
The forest authority has four directorates in the region with qualified staff. Forest management in the Hyrcanian region is very careful and the academic education in forestry is influenced by the Swiss nature based school of forest management. (IUCN Consultation, 2020)
Boundaries
Overall, the boundaries take into account natural features, ecosystem functionality and should be sufficient to protect the OUV. The boundaries are quite often not marked in the terrain and the rationale why the WH site boundaries sometimes do not follow the boundaries of other protected areas is not always clear. The site have buffer zones, but some of the components would benefit from larger buffer zones, such as Khoshk-e-Daran - an isolated swamp forest surrounded by agricultural lands. (IUCN, 2019; State Party of Iran, 2018)
Integration into regional and national planning systems
The three management authorities responsible for the site are also responsible for the land-use and planning in the whole Hyrcanian region. Therefore, the World Heritage site can be considered well-integrated into the national and regional planning systems. Furthermore, the State Party and the management authorities are committed to develop the whole region in a more sustainable manner in the future. (State Party of Iran, 2018)
Relationships with local people
During the nomination process, awareness raising activities have been undertaken by the State Party both locally and nationally, but very little formal consultation has so far been undertaken with local communities and stakeholders (State Party of Iran, 2018). Public participation is not yet common in governmental projects in Iran, but the Department of Environment in Iran is encouraging the spread of public participation methodologies and Participatory Rural Appraisals are becoming more accepted as a methodology for rural development (Nippon Koei Co LTD, 2005).
Legal framework
The site has a multi-level protection with a range of legislation and regulations to protect its OUV. Public access and use of the area is legally regulated; logging, grazing, hunting and most other uses that may potentially impact the property are strictly forbidden (State Party of Iran, 2018; Soofi et al., 2018). Nevertheless, the multi-level protection and different legal designations give an unclear picture of the actual protection level of parts of the property.
The whole property is state-owned, but considerable parts are and/or have been illegally used by locals for firewood and pasture lands. The State Party has already taken many actions to reduce the anthropogenic pressure on the property: providing gas to the villages near forests, implemented a generous insurance system for damages from predators, installing guarded gates at forest roads and allocating villages in overgrazed areas. (State Party of Iran, 2018; IUCN, 2019)
The whole property is state-owned, but considerable parts are and/or have been illegally used by locals for firewood and pasture lands. The State Party has already taken many actions to reduce the anthropogenic pressure on the property: providing gas to the villages near forests, implemented a generous insurance system for damages from predators, installing guarded gates at forest roads and allocating villages in overgrazed areas. (State Party of Iran, 2018; IUCN, 2019)
Law enforcement
The law enforcement is not at an acceptable level and without concrete actions the property's ecosystems and weakened ecological connectivity will not be able to recover from decades of overgrazing, illegal logging and poaching (State Party of Iran, 2018; IUCN, 2019).
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
The property was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2019 and the decision included a few recommendations to the State Party: 1) align the boundaries of the existing protected areas to those of the World Heritage property in the near future; 2) adopt fully the Master Management Plan for the property as a whole by 2022; 3) foster collaborative and participatory approaches to managing the property; 4) work collaboratively with local people to sustainably regulate grazing activities and minimize discernible seasonal/permanent settlements within all component parts; 5) develop a comprehensive plan on sustainable tourism for the property as a whole; 6) rationalize the forest road access system within all components to strictly limit vehicular access to site management activities, research and emergency responses; and 7) prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the proposed upgrading of the existing road in the Golestan National Park with a view to replacing the existing highway (World Heritage Committee, 2019).
The current state of the implementation of these recommendations is not known.
The current state of the implementation of these recommendations is not known.
Sustainable use
There are many indications of a long history of unsustainable use of natural resources such as overgrazing, logging, farming, infrastructure and settlements both inside and outside the property (Mittermeier et al., 2005; Jahanifar et al., 2019; Soofi et al., 2018; State Party of Iran, 2018; IUCN, 2019). This unsustainable use is still ongoing, but the State Party has shown commitment to stop this negative trend and implement sustainable development in the whole region. Already in place is a management plan for sustainable development of rural areas which is targeting all villages in the Hyrcanian region (IUCN, 2019; State Party of Iran, 2018).
Sustainable finance
The State Party has been strongly committed to allocate adequate funding for the management and protection of the property (State Party of Iran, 2018; IUCN, 2019). Nonetheless, the situation is not promising considering the current economy of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a result of the national and international political situation.
Staff capacity, training, and development
The staffing capacity is satisfactory and the whole property reports a total of 237 full-time personnel with adequate education and diverse expertise. There is a need for further hands-on management training for the local management staff and a mentoring program for the benefit of junior staff members. (State Party of Iran, 2018)
Education and interpretation programs
The State Party has planned for starting up both education and awareness programmes for local schools and stakeholders (State Party of Iran, 2018). The current situation for these activities is not known. The property has two visitor centers that would benefit from modernization. There are some regional NGO´s already active in nature conservation, but the cooperation between them and the site´s management authorities needs to be strengthened.
Tourism and visitation management
At a national level, the awareness of the OUV and its implications for tourism is at satisfactory level, since the national authority for tourism is a key-partner in the management system for the property (State Party of Iran, 2018). The situation on regional and local level is not adequate, since the site lacks a plan for sustainable tourism, the infrastructure for tourists has low standard and the information about the OUV is not well conveyed to local tourism companies and visitors.
Monitoring
The monitoring program needs to be better connected to the property and its value ; indicators should relate directly to the attributes of OUV and respond to the environmental characteristics of the site under criteria ix. For example, it is not stated how many of the permanent monitoring plots are inside the property and buffer zones and the indicators used do not yet refer to the site´s OUV. (State Party of Iran, 2018)
Research
There are several universities and research institutes in Iran with a tradition of conducting research in the Hyrcanian region, especially regarding forest ecosystems. The State Party has committed to financially support research relevant for the protection of the OUV. In order to manage and protect the property efficiently, the knowledge gap regarding species distribution and restoration of deteriorated ecosystems should be addressed. (State Party of Iran, 2018; IUCN, 2019)
The management system is well organized and has potential to preform well, provided that it is adequately funded and that available resources are directed towards protecting the site. The forest authority is well positioned in the region with four directorates and has qualified staff. The legal framework is also sufficient, but if the lack of law enforcement is not addressed immediately the state of the forest ecosystem and therefore the Outstanding Universal Value of the site will further decline. Although tourism management is satisfactory at the national level, at regional and local levels sustainable tourism, infrastructure and awareness of the site and its implications for tourism needs to be strengthened. The monitoring program needs to be better connected to the site’s values and the research gap regarding species distribution and restoration of deteriorated ecosystems addressed in order to manage and protect the property efficiently.
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Some Concern
The three management authorities for the World Heritage site are also responsible for the land-use and planning in the whole Hyrcanian region, which is a good framework for efficient management. The current low level of law enforcement and stakeholder and community engagement, as well as lack of awareness of the Outstanding Universal Value in the region, negatively affect the possibilities to address threats towards the property. The delineation of boundaries could be made clearer and some of the components would also benefit from larger buffer zones.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
High Concern
Trend
Stable
Considering the magnitude of the threats, deficiencies in law enforcement and a growing pressure on the site derived from the ongoing fast urbanization of the whole Hyrcanian region; there is a high concern that the Outstanding Universal Value will further deteriorate. The current state of the site is fragile and needs to be strengthened with sustainable management measures. In order to let the forest ecosystem recover from previous negative impacts, there is a need of immediate actions to cease illegal activities inside the property and to manage the buffer zones in a sustainable way.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
High Concern
Trend
Stable
The land-use history in the region has led to a significant reduction of the Hyrcanian forest. Considering the previous loss of habitat and the threats facing the World Heritage, it is evident that the current state and future trend of most biodiversity values is of high concern. The negative trend can only be stopped by implementing all the commitments by the State Party and the recommendation from the World Heritage Committee to protect the site. A failure to safeguard the site's biodiversity values will have a negative impact on crucial ecosystem services for the whole region.
Additional information
Collection of wild plants and mushrooms,
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks,
Livestock grazing areas
The Hyrcanian forest is considered to be a national treasure because of the diverse values it provides to Iranian and local society. The forests provide pasture for livestock, is a source for wild fruit and plants and fishing.
History and tradition,
Wilderness and iconic features,
Cultural identity and sense of belonging
The Hyrcanian forests are of very high value for the cultural identity and play an important part in local traditions. They provide excellent opportunity to experience wilderness and for recreational activities in a beautiful landscape.
Direct employment,
Tourism-related income
Tourism is already ongoing and the trend is increasing. Local people are needed for the management and protection of the property.
Soil stabilisation,
Flood prevention,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
The Hyrcanian forests provide valuable ecosystem services, such as protection from floods and droughts, soil erosion and landslides.
The Hyrcanian forests provide valuable ecosystem services, such as food, water, recreation and protection from floods and droughts, soil erosion and landslides. All of these benefits are dependent on the rich biodiversity of the forests.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FRWO, UNEP, GEF, CHFP | Terminal Evaluation of the Caspian Hyrcanian Forest Project (CHFP). Building a Multiple-use Forest Management Framework to Conserve Biodiversity in the Caspian Hyrcanian Forest Landscape. |
Tegler, B. & Mirghasemi, A. (2019): Terminal Evaluation of the Caspian Hyrcanian Forest Project (CHFP). Building a Multiple-use Forest Management Framework to Conserve Biodiversity in the Caspian Hyrcanian Forest Landscape. FRWO, UNEP, GEF, CHFP.
|
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Akhani, H., Djamali M., Ghorbanalizadeh, A. and Ramezani, E. (2010). Plant biodiversity of Hyrcanian relict forests, in Iran: an overview of the flora, vegetation, paleoecology and conservation. Pakistan Journal of Botany., special issue (s.i. ali festschrift), 42: 231-258, 2010.
|
| 2 |
Alavi, S. J., Ahmadi, K.,Tabari, S. M. H. M. & Nouri Z. (2019). The response of English yew (Taxus baccata L.) to climate change in the Caspian Hyrcanian Mixed Forest ecoregion. Regional Environmental Change, 19:1495–1506.
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| 3 |
Deljouei, A., Sadeghi, S.M.M., Abdi, E. et al. (2018). The impact of road disturbance on vegetation and soil properties in a beech stand, Hyrcanian forest. Eur J Forest Res 137, 759–770 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-018-1138-8
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| 4 |
Global Forest Change: https://earthenginepartners.appspot.com/science-2013-global…
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| 5 |
Global Forest Watch: https://onetreeplanted.org/pages/global-forest-watch?ads_cm…
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| 6 |
IUCN (2019). World Heritage Nomination – IUCN Technical Evaluation, Hyrcanian Forests (Iran). In: IUCN World Heritage Evaluations 2019, IUCN Evaluations of nominations of natural and mixed properties to the World Heritage List. WHC/19/43.COM/INF.8B2. [online] Gland, Switzerland: IUCN, pp.18-27. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/176155 [Accessed November 2020].
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| 7 |
IUCN Consultation (2020). IUCN Confidential Consultation – Hyrcanian Forests, Iran
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| 8 |
Jahanifar, K., Amirnejad, H., Azadi, H., Adenle, A., & Scheffran, J. (2019). Economic analysis of land use changes in forests and rangelands: Developing conservation strategies. Land Use Policy, 88, Land Use Policy, November 2019, Vol.88.
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Naderi, M., Farashi, A., & Erdi, M. (2018). Persian leopard's (Panthera pardus saxicolor) unnatural mortality factors analysis in Iran. PloS One, 13(4), E0195387
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Nippon Koei Co LTD. (2005). The Study on Integrated Management for Ecosystem Conservation of the Anzali Wetland. pp. 159.
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Soofi, M., Ghoddousi, A., Zeppenfeld, T., Shokri, S., Soufi, M., Jafari, A., . . . Waltert, M. (2018). Livestock grazing in protected areas and its effects on large mammals in the Hyrcanian forest, Iran. Biological Conservation, 217(C), 377-382.
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| 12 |
State Party of Iran (2018). Nomination of Hyrcanian Forests as a World Heritage Site. [online]. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1584/documents/ [Accessed November 2020].
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| 13 |
Tegler, B. & Mirghasemi, A. (2019): Terminal Evaluation of the Caspian Hyrcanian Forest Project (CHFP). Building a Multiple-use Forest Management Framework to Conserve Biodiversity in the Caspian Hyrcanian Forest Landscape. FRWO, UNEP, GEF, CHFP.
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| 14 |
Tohidifar, M., Moser, M., Zehzad, B, and Ghadirian, T. (2016). Biodiversity of the Hyrcanian Forests: A synthesis report. UNDP/GEF/FRWO Caspian Hyrcanian Forest Project. Iran. 41 pp.
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