President demands enhanced protection of natural resources
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian demanded a shift toward preventive environmental management, urging continuous monitoring, stronger enforcement and public participation to stop the destruction of natural resources “before it is too late”.
Speaking at a ceremony honoring outstanding environmental rangers on Thursday, which marked the National Environmental Ranger Day, Pezeshkian said the government was responsible for protecting the country’s natural resources and should not wait until damage had occurred to take action.
He said environmental protection must begin with education and public awareness, IRNA reported.
“Natural resources could not easily be restored once destroyed,” he warned. He linked environmental damage to a range of problems, including floods, drought, water shortages, storms and earthquakes.
Pezeshkian criticized development policies that ignore environmental limits, particularly around Tehran.
“The capital and surrounding cities continue to expand despite limited water resources. Part of Tehran’s water supply comes from other regions, while local wells are drying up,” he said.
The president added that sustainable development required a balance between available resources and consumption. Using more than nature could provide would make life harder for future generations.
He also criticized projects that damage mountains, forests and other natural areas but are presented as management achievements.
He called for closer cooperation among officials and experts and questioned how the country would plan for the future as its mineral reserves were depleted.
Pezeshkian urged authorities to use modern technology, including the internet, satellites and drones, to monitor natural areas.
“Officials should intervene as damage occurs rather than issue demolition orders years later,” he said.
He also called for better public education, revised regulations and stronger deterrents against environmental violations.
Pezeshkian praised rangers for protecting wildlife, forests, mountains, waterfalls and biodiversity, and called for greater support for their work.
“Environmental protection was not solely the responsibility of government agencies or professional rangers, but also a public and ethical duty,” he added.
He also said the government must be accountable for economic hardship, unemployment and people’s livelihoods.
Despite the country’s natural resources, he said, more should be done to improve living conditions. He called for national cooperation to address these challenges.
The ceremony ended with awards and plaques presented to the families of rangers killed in the line of duty and to the country’s outstanding rangers.