Iran’s DOE teams up with organizations to preserve rare turtle
Iranian officials have joined forces to protect the endangered Euphrates softshell turtle, the only Trionychidae species in Iran. The Department of Environment and the Petroleum Engineering and Development Company (PEDEC) have signed an MoU for the preservation of this rare turtle.
The Euphrates softshell turtle, also known as the Mesopotamian softshell turtle, is found in the Euphrates-Tigris river basin across countries like Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran’s Khuzestan Province. Its survival is threatened primarily by habitat loss from dam construction, along with pollution and fishing.
Nourollah Moradi, from Iran’s Department of Environment, stressed that efforts in education and public participation should be substantive, not merely symbolic, IRNA reported.
He emphasized the need for a working group of environmental experts in Khuzestan province to create a specific action plan for conservation efforts.
Moradi also highlighted the significance of raising awareness and providing educational materials to local communities, especially youth, for the protection of such species.
He stated that the participation should align with the region’s climate and that environmental discussions should involve provincial experts to yield favorable outcomes.
Abouzar Sharifi, CEO of PEDEC, mentioned the company’s commitment to environmental responsibilities, such as reducing pollutants in their oil field projects.
Sharifi highlighted the importance of preserving the Euphrates softshell turtle as a pivotal part of their social and environmental obligations.
Sharifi announced future plans to revive the Hoor Al-Azim wetland, emphasizing the necessary studies for its restoration. Meanwhile, during the session, Barbod Safaei, a researcher and herpetologist, deemed research projects for protecting valuable species like the Euphrates softshell turtle crucial.
He noted the identified threats in the Hoor Al-Azim region and the need for immediate attention to mitigate habitat destruction and attacks by stray dogs.
Safaei mentioned multiple meetings held to empower and inform local communities, expressing hope for increased budget allocations toward conservation efforts in the near future.