|
Wetland Ecological Management Plan
|
|
Objectives
|
|
The wetland ecological management plan deals with issues related to management
of the Anzali Wetland itself. The overall goals of the Wetland Ecological
Management Plan are: "to maintain the biological diversity and productivity
of the wetland", and "to permit the wise use of its resources
by people". Under these goals, the following objectives were proposed:
- Protection and conservation of wildlife
- Prevention of encroachment into the wetland
- Prevention of pollution and reduction of eutrophication and its manifestations
- Control of exotic (non-native) species
- Maintenance of natural resource production (fish, wildfowl, reeds, etc.)
- Promotion of wise use of the wetland, including the expansion of non-consumptive
uses such as tourism, recreation, and education
- Expansion of the knowledge base and the understanding of dynamics by research and monitoring
|
|
Environmental Zoning for Planning and Management
|
|
Figure below shows the proposed zoning plan and the facilities.
The following 3 zones were proposed:
-
Core Protected Zone: This is the area which requires the highest level of protection for the conservation of biodiversity, and which includes all the existing gazetted protected areas.
- Buffer Zone: This is the zone around the wetland, which is used to protect
the core protected zone from external influences.
- Wise Use (Transition) Zone: This is the area outside the buffer zone, which
aims at sustainable use by agriculture and pisciculture alone.
Because the current legal framework seems inadequate to control encroachment,
agricultural activities in the vicinity of the wetland, poaching, disturbance
and other activities, additional local regulations may be needed in order
to implement the proposed zoning. An idea of gazetting the entire core
protected zone and then to define areas within it where hunting and fishing
are allowed is under consideration. |
|
Conservation of Biodiversity
|
|
Increase in the Size and Number of Gazetted Areas
 In addition to the existing legally protected areas (Siakeshim Protected
Area, Sorkhankol Wildlife Refuge, and Selke Wildlife Refuge), DOE has proposed
the areas of Chokam, Hosein Bekandeh and Ghalam Godeh as new no-hunting
areas. The mouths of major rivers and an area north of Selke are given
the status of "protected area" as these areas are important spawning
grounds. The Cargan area at the western end of the lagoon is also worthy
of protection because of its bird and fish population.
Protection of Threatened Species
The protection of important and threatened species, especially those considered
as Endangered or Vulnerable, has high priority. For this, a set of specific
measures, such as prohibiting public access to sensitive areas and reinforcing
capacities to patrol and control illegal activities, are recommended. The
current national list of protected species is considered to be adequate,
though further monitoring and study is needed.
Protection of Habitats
A priority is placed on the protection of critical habitats, such as breeding areas and wintering areas for waterfowl, spawning and nursery areas for fish, areas with high plant diversity, and other ecologically important areas. In addition to the enforcement of zoning, (i) construction of additional three guard stations at Chokam, Cargan and the southeast of the wetland, (ii) control of motor boats, and (iii) interception of solid waste by placing floating booms, are considered.
Optimizing Biodiversity
In some areas of the wetland (e.g., a part of Siahkeshim), the ecological diversity is relatively low due to sedimentation and excessive growth of macrophytes. In such areas, a more diverse environment may be artificially created by creating deeper pools or small islands, partially cutting dense stands of Phragmites (reed) and Typha (bulrush), removing thick mats of Azolla, planting trees and extending areas of open water. These measures will
only be implemented after very careful study and the consideration of potential
impacts. |
|
Promotion of Wise Use
|
|
Development of Eco-tourism
 Anzali Wetland already has the most important asset for eco-tourism, namely
its attractive, relatively unspoiled nature. Furthermore, the area is well-known
in Iran as an important tourism destination. In order to promote eco-tourism,
the following measures are considered; (i) development of organized eco-tourism
programs; (ii) promotion of new activities, such as sport-fishing and sailing;
(iii) provision of essential infrastructure for tourists, such as a visitor
center, bird watching hides/towers, and board walks; (iv) organizations
to operate and manage eco-tourism; (v) promotion; (vi) and others.
Controlled Hunting and Fishing
The appropriate number of hunting and fishing licenses are decided annually by DOE Guilan, and this should be determined by studies of the resource base.
Beneficial Use of Azolla, Phragmites and Other Natural Resources
Azolla may be used as a fertilizer or a feedstuff for livestock and farmed fish. Phragmites may be used for constriction materials, thatching, paper-making and handicrafts. |
|
Monitoring, Research and Education
|
|
Environmental Monitoring
 The following five monitoring programs are considered as a part of the
Environmental Monitoring Plan; (i) wetland ecological census (every 5 years);
(ii) annual ecological monitoring program; (iii) eco-tourism monitoring
program; (iv) environmental monitoring by students; and (v) monitoring
of regular activities of wetland management.
Environmental Education
The wetland provides very good opportunities for teaching environmental science, biology, hydrology, etc., and separate plans for environmental education and public awareness development are considered in the Environmental Education Plan.
Environmental Research
Good information is a critical factor in the efficiency of wetland management and the effectiveness of environmental education. Some expected research requirements are as follows:
- Bioaccumulation of pesticides in the ecosystem
- Lifecycle of Phalacrocorax pygmaeus
- Eutrophication
- Damage to Nelumbium maciferum caused by disease and insects
|
|
Institutional and Organizational Arrangement
|
|
Institutional aspects of implementation of wetland management are addressed
in the Institutional Plan. |
|
|
