|
A brief introduction to the
Ecotourism in Iran
Ecotourism is a new trend and
phenomenon and because of the natural attractions and scenery and
untouched areas of the country of Iran, is even more important
than the concept of tourism itself and even visiting the cultural
and historical sites; therefore, it has a strong ground of
development in this country.
The extensive land of Iran which
includes the vast part of the Iranian plateau, has provided
various climatic conditions as well as different ecosystems and
beautiful scenery which offer a unique opportunity for Ecotourists.
We hold as the aim of our sight-seeing plans, exploring these
beauties and the purposeful utilization of ecological and natural
attractions.
Considering the rich natural
properties of the country, we hereby draw your attention to the
following wonderful contrasts existing in Iran:
1- The range of
temperature in different parts of Iran in a single cycle of
climate change varies about 90°C i.e. 36°C below freezing in mountainous
areas of north and west and 54°C above zero in southern areas.
Even more interesting is the difference of temperature, at the
same time, in two areas close to each other, the significance of
which provides such conditions that enable one to go skiing on Zagros mountains, then in an hour, go to the southern areas, to
the beach of the Persian Gulf for swimming and water skiing.
2- The wide range of
rainfall also varies from approximately zero in Kavir-e-lout to about 2000 millimeters in Gilan province.
3- The high and low lands
and the appalling difference of height in Iran has provided vast
possibilities as well as remarkable variety of the growth and
development of different plant species. There is also another
indication of this wide-ranged variety, which is Mount Damavand of
the Elborz Mountains, risen to the sky at the height of 5671
meters above the sea level, and also the velvet green plain coast
of the Caspian Sea which lays at the foot of the same mountain
down to 26 meters below the sea level. Many mounts are more than
4000-meter-height. Besides there are wonderful
and permanent ice-valleys at the foot of Mount Alam Kuh, and the
thick forests with broad leaves and junipers and the beautiful
wetlands which invite their familiar guests, especially the migratory
birds; and the hot bare plains and vast deserts and moving sands
of the central and south-eastern regions of Iran have provided
a special conditions for well adopted species of plants and
animals.
According to our records, there
are about 10000 species of plants, 516 of wild birds (almost equal
to the number of birds and plants species of the whole
Europe), which undoubtedly draw the
attention of every specialist and animal lover. These species
including some precious and rare species like Siberian Crane,
Plesk's Ground
jay, Houbara Bustard, Falcons, Imperial Eagle, Dalmatian Pelican
and some other spp. mammals have the same importance and
attractions so that among the 160 species of mammals, regardless of Asiatic Lion,
which used to live in the central groves of Iran, and Caspian
Tiger which was extinct not long ago, are good indications of
Iran’s great biodiversity that one can see the Persian
Fallow deer which was thought to be extinct, Asian Cheetah which is
really in danger of extinction, Persian Wild Ass, Asiatic Black
Bear, and tree species of genus Gazella. Ofcourse all these animals need more protection to
survive. It is also worth noting that the Persian Gulf of Iran is the habitat
of the
biggest mammal of the world (Blue Whale) while in the thresterial
habitats of iran the smallest mammal named Pygmy White-toothed Shrew
is well living.
Among the numerous marine
animals of the Caspian Sea are Sturgeons or the Caviar
fishes, known as the living fossils. Caviars are also called “the black pearl” all over the world.
Sometimes the gathering and
presence of plant and animal species in one small area or nearby
areas and their inter-related habitats have created a precious and
unique ecosystem and beautiful natural scenery which according to
international standards have been classified into Biosphears'
Reserves, national parks,
wildlife refuges, protected areas and national monuments, are
under the control and supervision of the responsible sectors. Most
of the naturalists and ecotourists are quite familiar with these
breath-taking views and ecosystems. These people are seeking an
opportunity to get more familiar with Iran’s beautiful nature
and her unique and rare ecological values.
So let’s go after all these
wonders and unending beauties all together :- |
Video Clips
