TEHRAN – Behzad Kiasi, a faculty member at the University of Tehran, received the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Young Scientist Award for his project entitled “Development of a sustainable waterway tourism model in Miankale Biosphere Reserve, Iran”.
Qiasi holds a Ph.D. in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. His projects aim to restore wetlands while supporting local livelihoods. He will work with communities, NGOs, and government agencies to design environmentally friendly tourism that reduces pressure on water resources. Identify viable green jobs related to cultural heritage and nature conservation through environmental and economic assessments. His project will empower local voices, especially youth and women, and create a replicable model for other vulnerable wetland reserves.
This year, 11 young researchers from around the world, including Morocco, China, Congo, the United States, Brazil, Ghana, and Algeria, received the MAB Young Scientist Award for their outstanding efforts and contributions.
These projects focused on addressing the impacts of climate change on soils, pollinators, and wildlife, developing indigenous knowledge, promoting sustainable tourism, and analyzing the socio-environmental impacts of resource extraction. They will contribute to achieving the goals of the MAB program while providing replicable solutions to build more resilient and sustainable societies.
The award announcement was made during the 37th meeting of the MAB International Coordination Council (ICC) in Hangzhou, China, following the 5th Global Summit of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves held from September 22 to 26.
Every 10 years, the Global Network of Biosphere Reserves meets to identify priorities, strengthen collaboration and define a global plan of action for the future.
Iran wins two awards at IUCN World Conservation Congress
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) awarded the country two awards at the World Conservation Congress: the Reverse the Red Award and the 2025 International Ranger Award.
The conference was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE from October 11th to 15th.
Reverse the Red is a global movement calling for strategic cooperation and action to ensure the survival of wild species and ecosystems and reverse negative trends in biodiversity loss.
Iranian Ambassador to Abu Dhabi, Reza Ameri, received the award on behalf of the country.
The IUCN WCPA has awarded 13 rangers and ranger teams with the 2025 International Ranger Awards in recognition of their incredible dedication to conservation.
The International Ranger Awards aim to celebrate the courage, resilience and perseverance of rangers around the world. We provide winners with funding to showcase their achievements, raise public awareness of the importance of such professionals, and support the lands they protect.
Iran is the first country in West Asia to receive this award. The Saivar National Park and Southern Parvar Reserve ranger team (9 members) in Semnan province was commended for decisively overcoming social and ecological challenges to advance conservation.
As reported by doe.ir, Azin Saidi received the award on behalf of Rangers.
MT/MG