Iranian researcher receives UNESCO 2025 Young Scientist Award for biosphere restoration project

Iranian environmental researcher and conservation advocate Behzad Ghayasi has been awarded the prestigious UNESCO 2025 Young Scientist Award under the organization's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme for his innovative work on the restoration of the Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve.

According to Iran's Department of Environment, the international award was presented during a ceremony honoring pioneering research in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. 

The award is granted annually by UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme to outstanding young researchers whose work contributes to the protection of natural ecosystems and the promotion of sustainable development.

Ghayasi received the award for his project, “Wetland Restoration through Water-Based Tourism: A Strategy for Sustainable Livelihoods in the Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve.” 

The initiative promotes responsible tourism as a tool for supporting local communities while simultaneously protecting and restoring valuable wetland ecosystems.

The project was recognized by the UNESCO jury for its practical and innovative approach to balancing environmental conservation with economic opportunities for local residents, offering a sustainable model that can be replicated in other biosphere reserves.

According to UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve is located in the south-eastern region of the Caspian Sea.

Major habitats include wetlands, intertidal mud with sandy shores, and shallow marine waters. Forests, peatlands, and agricultural areas are also present.

Miankaleh was designated a Ramsar site in 1975. Local people earn their income from agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry. Other livelihoods include handicrafts, carpet weaving, traditional poultry farming, and tourism.

Management challenges include overgrazing, illegal hunting and fishing, and deforestation, as well as the unplanned spread of villages.

Iran’s Qamishloo-Dalankouh added to UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Network

UNESCO has officially added Iran’s Qamishloo-Dalankouh Biosphere Reserve in Isfahan province to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, bringing the total number of Iranian biosphere reserves recognized by the UN cultural agency to 14.

The award ceremony was attended by Abdolhossein Fartousi, Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO in Iran, and Hamid Zohrabi, Deputy Head of Natural Environment and Biodiversity at Iran's Department of Environment and Chair of the National Committee of the Man and the Biosphere Programme. 

Both officials praised Ghayasi's scientific achievements and field-based efforts in advancing conservation and sustainable development goals.

UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme is a global initiative dedicated to strengthening the relationship between people and nature, conserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable development across biosphere reserves worldwide. 

The Young Scientist Award is among the programme's most respected honors, recognizing emerging researchers whose work contributes to addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainable futures.

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