Bio-diversity

Project location:Fereydan shahr, Esfahan (Lat/Long:32.652885-51.670418) To conserve the endangered indigenous species of plants, the preferred strategy of the project is the encouragement of community participation to rectify the ongoing plant gathering practices and implement proper management skills to protect these resources. The significant activities of the project include awareness raising, designing a local management plan in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources, identification of the important habitats of four endangered indigenous species, domestication of these species through germplasm collection, plantation and evaluation of different agronomic and economic aspects in three different locations. To share the lessons learned three workshops will be held in Tehran and Isfahan. Educational booklets, slides and videos will also be prepared to document and share the lessons learned. The Earth s biological diversity is declining at a very fast rate which is likely to increase over the next few years. This loss of diversity is occurring in most regions of the world, although it is most pronounced in particular areas of developing countries. In this regard, Zagros central region of Iran with its great biological diversity, especially those of plant species, is of considerable importance. Topographic factors have created a very diverse microclimate and edaphic conditions in the area. In recent years, population pressure, lack of proper managements, overgrazing and extensive reaping of plants have brought on a sever damage to the vegetation of the region. In addition, land conversion has intensified the problem, putting many of these valuable plant species on the verge of distinction. On the other hand, due to poverty and population pressure, lack of proper managements, overgrazing and extensive reaping of plants have brought on a sever damage to the vegetation of the region. In addition, land conversion has intensified the problem, putting many of these valuable plant species on the verge of distinction. On the other hand, due to poverty and population pressure, it is not possible to control the reaping of vegetation through law enforcements by Natural Resources Department. Therefore, the only alternative strategy for conservation of these plant species is to encourage people s participation to correct the ongoing gathering patterns and implement proper management skills to protect these resources as a reliable source of income. Four endangered indigenous plant species, Astragalus cyclophylon, Vicia villosa, Rheum ribes and Kellusia odoratissima were chosen for the first phase of the project. rom the experience of the very low growth rate of Rheum ribes, this species will not be considered in this project. The important steps of this project are: 1. To establish a local cooperation in conjunction with Natural Resources Department for proper management of plant genetic resources in the area and create a sustainable source of income for participating groups. 2. To identify the most important habitats of three endangered indigenous species, Astragalus cyclophylon, Vicia villosa and Kellusia odoratissima 3. To domesticate these species by germplasm collection, plantation and evaluations of various agronomic and economic aspects in three different locations. 4. To increase public awareness and local knowledge about plant genetic resources and their importance in their present and future economy and livelihood

Iran