Bio-diversity

In addition to recent years drought, inappropriate utilization of water resources and chemical pesticides has seriously endangered biodiversity in Uromiyeh Lake, listed in Ramsar Convention internationally important wetlands. Uromiyeh Lake which is known as a biosphere due to its rich biodiversity now is severely threatened to drought. Rich ecosystem, economic, social, cultural, tourism importance of Uromiyeh Lake place the region in focus of GEF operation program no 13 (Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity Important to Agriculture). Since most of wetland neighboring Uromiyeh Lake is surrounded by farmland, unsustainability challenges associated with agricultural activities. These challenges include: inappropriate utilization of water resources, high chemical pesticides residue and agricultural wastes, artificial manipulation of natural resources for exploitation and lack of balance in agro-ecosystems. With a focus on agricultural activities, this project aims to optimize the activities through: -Attracting participation of local communities to practice optimized techniques such as IPM (Integrated Pest Management) in their farms -Improving water resource utilization in the pilot sites as the WUE increases for 20% -Reduction of the types and amount of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in the farms -Introducing participatory waste management to local communities living in vicinity of Uromiyeh Lake wetlands -Empowering local farmers through FFS/TOT (Farmers Field School/Training Of Trainers) to replicate the project activities in other areas -Facilitating local authorities support of the project activities through meetings and participatory workshops -Developing local development fund to support marketing of the products and sustainability of the project -Developing a participatory model for integration of wetland conservation activities and farming activities

Iran