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Iran Partners with UNESCO and Japan for Groundbreaking Climate Resilience Initiative
On April 14, 2025 (Farvardin 25, 1404), the signing ceremony of the Note Agreement of cooperation for the project on Natural Disaster Risk Management and Climate Resilience Enhancement in Iran took place. H.E. Madam Shina Ansari, Vice President and Head of the Department of Environment (DOE)and Mr. Ieng Srong, Head of the UNESCO Office in Tehran, were in attendance. Representatives of the Japanese Embassy in Tehran, the Deputy Head for Natural Environment and Biodiversity Division of DOE also participated, along with the representative of Iran National Commission for UNESCO and other participants.
The project, titled "Enhancing Natural Disaster Risk Management to Strengthen Climate Resilience in Iran鈥 has several key goals:
Map areas at risk of flooding,
Set up early warning systems,
Monitor drought risks for agriculture
Empower local communities, focusing on women and youth, in disaster management.
The UNESCO Tehran Office will lead the project in collaboration with the Natural Environment and Biodiversity Division of Department of Environment. It will include national partners such as UNESCO Category 2 Centres and UNESCO Chairs, with financial and technical support from the Government of Japan.
The ceremony began with remarks from Mr. Arman Khorsand, Chief of the International Affairs and Conventions Centre at DOE. He welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort in strengthening Iran鈥檚 resilience to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change.
H.E. Madam Ansari highlighted the growing impacts of climate change in Iran especially floods and droughts. She outlined the project鈥檚 focus on adaptation, aligning it with Iran's Seventh National Development Plan. Dr. Ansari stressed the importance of learning from Japan鈥檚 expertise, especially in early warning systems. She also emphasized the need for inclusive participation, particularly from women and youth, to ensure the project鈥檚 success.
Mr. Ieng Srong welcomed the launch of the project, a collaboration between UNESCO and the Department of Environment. He thanked Japan for its generous support and praised Iran鈥檚 commitment to climate resilience and disaster preparedness. He pointed out DOE鈥檚 vital role in managing biosphere reserves and World Heritage sites, emphasizing the urgent need for science-based approaches as climate threats increase.
Mr. Hideaki Adachi, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Iran, mentioned the long history of environmental cooperation between Japan and Iran. This includes projects on Lake Urmia. He also welcomed this new milestone and emphasized the project's goals. These include making risk maps and an early warning system to protect around 1 million people and creating a drought monitoring system to support 100,000 farmers and their families. Mr. Adachi stressed the importance of sharing Japan鈥檚 disaster management expertise to build resilience and strengthen environmental ties between countries.
Mr. Zohrabi, Deputy Head of the Department of Environment, labeled the project a key advancement in strengthening Iran鈥檚 ability to handle environmental challenges. The Project will also build scientific and technical skills and serve as a model for climate action in the region. He welcomed all relevant authorities and experts to support the project. The event ended with Mr. Ieng Srong from UNESCO and Mr. Arman Khorsand from DOE signing the Project Note Agreement.
