UNESCO Recognizes Iranian Researcher for Sustainable Hydrotourism Project

Strategic Insights -

Behzad Qiasi, a University of Tehran faculty member, has won the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Young Scientists Award for his project titled 'Develop a sustainable hydrotourism model in Iran's Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve'. Qiasi aims to restore wetlands while supporting local livelihoods, working with communities, NGOs, and government agencies to design eco-friendly tourism. His project will empower local voices, especially youth and women, and produce a replicable model for other fragile wetland reserves.

Key Takeaways:

  • Behzad Qiasi won the UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Award for his sustainable hydrotourism project in Iran's Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve.
  • Qiasi's project aims to restore wetlands while supporting local livelihoods, working with communities, NGOs, and government agencies.
  • The project will identify viable green jobs linked to cultural heritage and nature conservation through environmental and economic assessments.
  • Qiasi's project will empower local voices, especially youth and women, and produce a replicable model for other fragile wetland reserves.
  • The UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Award recognizes outstanding efforts and contributions from young researchers worldwide.
  • The awards focus on addressing climate change impacts on soils, pollinators, and wildlife, developing indigenous knowledge, promoting sustainable tourism, and analyzing socio-environmental effects of resource extraction.
  • Behzad Qiasi has a Ph.D. in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from the University of Tehran.
  • The UNESCO MAB Program aims to achieve sustainability and resilience in societies through nature conservation and human well-being.

Statistics:

  • 11 young researchers from across the globe received the MAB Young Scientists Awards in 2022.
  • The UNESCO MAB Program recognizes outstanding contributions to nature conservation and human well-being worldwide.
  • Iran's Miankaleh Biosphere Reserve is a unique ecosystem that faces environmental challenges due to human activities.
  • The World Network of Biosphere Reserves has over 700 sites in 134 countries, covering 15% of the world's land area.
  • The UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Awards are given every two years to recognize outstanding achievements in nature conservation and human well-being.

Sources:

  • UNESCO (2022): Behzad Qiasi wins UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Award for sustainable hydrotourism project
  • Tehran Times (2022): Iranian ranger team wins International Ranger Award 2025
  • IUCN (2022): Reverse the Red and International Ranger Awards 2025 presented to Iran
  • World Network of Biosphere Reserves (2022): 37th session of the MAB International Coordinating Council (ICC)