RASHT, Gilan Province Director General of Gilan's Department of the Environment, Shaban-Ali Nezami, announced Monday that the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) will cooperate with Iran in the improvement of the ecosystem of the internationally recognized Anzali lagoon in this Caspian province.
He told IRNA that some $5 million have been allocated for the implementation of a plan set for next year.
Nezami said that the draft of a comprehensive program has been prepared by the Gilan Department of the Environment which identifies sources of pollution and their effects on the lagoon's ecosystem.
Species threatened by extinction, the socioeconomic condition of people living in the outskirts of the lagoon and the acquisition by local inhabitants of certain portions of the lagoon are among topics discussed in the draft.
The official further disclosed that a plan for the protection and revival of strategic lagoons and restoration of wildlife habitats is to be implemented with the help of international advisors and specialists.
He said that because of its unique characteristics the Anzali lagoon is valued highly by international experts.
The lagoons occupies an area of 202km and is home to over 70 species of migrant birds and 50 species of fishes.
(IRNA)