TEHRAN (CHN) – During the meeting of Mrs. Fatemeh Vaez Javadi, director of Iran’s Department of Environment, with Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, executive director of the United Nations Human Settlement Program, the tourism and ecotourism issues as well as the effects of ecotourism in the development of tourism in the countries were discussed in detail.

Mrs. Javadi suggested that the UN Human Settlement Program set an agenda for ecotourism in the United Nations Environmental Programs (UNEP) seminar which is going to be held in February 2006 in United Arab Emirates. In addition, director of Iran Environment Organization expressed the country’s willingness to sign a coordination contract between this organization and the countries that are ready to attract tourists, which according to Javadi “will result in creating a systematic ecotourism.”

Pointing to the fact that sustainable development is an important factor in the Human Settlement Program, director of Iran Environment Organization said, “Resolving settlement problems and providing human habitations will not result in a sustainable development without considering social-environmental and social-cultural issues. Providing human habitations is not enough and promoting standards of living, preserving the traditions of ethnic groups, and providing entertainment centers must also be taken seriously in this respect.”

Javadi also announced the readiness of Iran Environment Organization for close cooperation with the UN Human Settlement Program.

Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka welcomed this suggestion and expressed hope for cooperation of different organizations with the United Nations Human Settlement Program.