TEHRAN -- Poldokhtar county in Lorestan province is one of the emerging centers of nature-based tourism in Iran and has a bright and sustainable future.

During a visit to the most important natural, historical and environmental centers of Poldokhtar county, including Khazineh Valley, Vali-e Asr Nature Park, and the wetlands on Thursday, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Reza Salehi-Amiri emphasized the Government’s policy of achieving balanced territorial development, ILNA reported.

He announced the start of a decision-making process and targeted investment for the sustainable exploitation of the natural and water capacities of the region.

The minster described Lorestan province as one of the prominent origins of the history, civilization, and nature of the country. 

Explaining the major policies of the Government, he noted: “Balanced development and attention to the less-visited areas are among the fundamental axes of national policymaking. Lorestan, and especially Poldokhtar county, with its unique natural and cultural potentials, have a decisive role in the future tourism map of the country.”

Salehi-Amiri also conveyed the President’s greetings to the people of Lorestan and Poldokhtar, adding: “President emphasized special attention to the demands of the people of this region. Today, along with the hardworking governor of the province and the experienced representative of the people, field visits began with the aim of evaluating the infrastructure and capacities of tourism and handicrafts.”

He stated that with the management at the provincial level, a bright future can be drawn for Poldokhtar; a future in which tourism will become a driver of employment, improved livelihoods, and economic prosperity of the region.

In another part of his speech, he considered the Poldokhtar wetlands to be one of the strategic advantages of the country's nature-based tourism and said that wetlands are considered one of the most important sustainable investment grounds. Fortunately, with the approval of the expert regulations, the possibility of creating simple tourism structures on the edges of the wetlands has been provided, in full compliance with environmental requirements, he pointed out.

He added: “Based on this approach, the multi-purpose exploitation of water resources, including drinking water supply, agriculture and tourism development, will be implemented in the country as a globally accepted model and will pave the way for the formation of new economic opportunities.”

Emphasizing the privileged location of Poldokhtar wetlands, Salehi-Amiri stated: “The multiplicity of wetlands next to each other, convenient access and proximity to the main communication networks have turned this region into a capacity beyond a city or even a province; a capacity that can also meet the tourism demand of neighboring provinces.”

He continued: “With targeted investment based on expert plans, it will be possible to create tourism spaces, attract and accommodate the tourists. In this regard, the preparation of a comprehensive consulting plan is on the agenda, and after it is finalized, investor will be attracted and the project will be started.”

Referring to the pristine nature and unique attraction of Poldokhtar wetlands, he noted: “What was observed in this area today is one of the most prominent manifestations of Iranian nature. These capacities must be managed in such a way that, while protecting the environment, they become the driving force for sustainable development and improving the quality of life of local people, and today's decisions will be followed in form of ratifications of the trip."

KD