Dating back nearly 50 million years, the Hyrcanian Forests of Iran run some 850 km along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. The ancient forests are known for their floristic biodiversity and rich ecosystems due to the ideal climatic conditions in the area. Apart from their flora, the forests are home to nearly 60 mammal and 180 bird species, including the endangered Persian leopard.
The forests, which were on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage List since 2007, now become Iran’s second natural site and the 24th site inscribed in UNESCO’s world heritage list. Its biological diversity is of economic and social value. In fact, 44% of the vascular plants known in Iran are found in the Hyrcanian region, which only covers 7% of the country. Ali Asghar Mounesan, head of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, welcomed the measure calling it a supportive move towards saving Iran’s natural resources.
Picture Credit : Google