TEHRAN – According to the most recent reports of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the World Bank, jungles account for over 80 per cent of the livelihood for local communities worldwide.

The destruction of jungles is not merely the destruction of an ecosystem, but the collapse of a local economic system. 

Lowered income, increased migration, and intensified pressure on natural resources are direct results of deforestation. 

Apart from financial values of the woods, the jungles help prevent soil erosion, supply fresh water, preserve biodiversity, and manage climate change. 

Sustainable development highlights responsible use of natural resources to meet the needs of current and future generations.

The natural resources and watershed management week is being marked from February 29 to March 4 with the theme “investment for sustainable development”.

The days of the week are named as follows.

Saturday, Natural resources, media, developing culture

Sunday, March 1, Natural resources, pastures, public participation, social responsibility 

Monday, March 2, Natural resources, preservation, law

Tuesday, March 3, Natural resources, water management 

Wednesday, March 4, Natural resources, education,  research, youth, elites

Thursday, March 5, Natural resources, religious trainings, reverence to family

Friday, March 6, Natural resources,  planting trees, plan to plant one billion saplings 

National Tree Planting Day is held annually on the fifteenth day of Esfand, the last month on the Iranian calendar, marking the last  day of national week on natural resources.

Natural resources are national and intergenerational assets. Forests, pastures, water resources, and soil are the main sources for sustainable production in different sectors, including agriculture, animal husbandry, industry, and tourism, IRIB quoted Tarahom Behzad, an official with the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, as saying in February.

Investing in sustainable management of natural resources is the only way to ensure sustainable production, balanced development, and to protect the rights of the future generation, the official noted.

Referring to climate challenges, he said that the week provides a great opportunity to identify the challenges and promote scientific approaches in natural resources management.

The official went on to highlight the role of public participation in the preservation of natural resources, saying that people, nongovernmental organizations, and the media’s involvement play a pivotal role in achieving the desired goals.