TEHRAN – Given that traditional methods can no longer meet the needs of a fragile environment, the integration of smart technologies for environmental conservation seems inevitable, an official with the Department of Environment has said.

Environmental challenges have turned into crises. The rate of environmental damage, the population growth, the surge in natural hazards such as climate change, drought, sand and dust storms, and floods have made the use of smart and innovative technologies a necessity to save the planet, IRNA reported.

The protected areas under the DOE's supervision now account for 12 per cent (19.8 million hectares) of the country’s land area. To preserve these areas, the DOE has developed smart, specialized protection plans, IRNA quoted Hamid Zohrabi as saying.

Referring to frequent wildfires in the country's forests, the official said the plans include holding specialized training courses on extinguishing wildfires in cooperation with local communities.  

To make environmental protection smarter, the DOE has signed a memorandum of understanding with a knowledge-based company. Accordingly, the DOE will be equipped with a system that provides early warnings before a fire outbreak, the official added.

Since most protected areas are impassable and inaccessible, the DOE aims to install cameras and sensors to detect heat and fire sources early, Zohrabi noted.

The official went on to say that the pilot plan to utilize modern technologies in environmental conservation dates back to the Iranian year 1397 (2018) in Golestan National Park. However, the plan was not implemented due to some problems.

Presently, the DOE focuses on knowledge-based and participatory biodiversity conservation approaches. Besides innovative technologies, local communities play a critical role in protecting the environment, the official stressed.

DOE launches smart monitoring center

In December 2025, the DOE launched a smart monitoring center to provide real-time data on various environmental parameters, thereby improving management efficiency and reducing disaster risks.

The center collects online data from environmental sensors, processes, and analyzes the results. Such modern centers replace traditional, slow field monitoring with smart sensors and artificial intelligence to identify ecological changes instantly, and manage natural resources more efficiently, IRIB reported.

Physical monitoring involves collecting data using traditional tools and methods, such as manual sampling of water or air, field visits to soil and plant species, or measuring ambient temperature with basic devices. This type of monitoring typically requires human presence on-site, and data is collected at specific time intervals. In sustainable development, physical tracking is of great importance as it directly shows the actual state of the environment. It is also essential for validating other data. However, it is inefficient, costly, and likely to contain human errors.

However, smart monitoring utilizes modern technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and big data analysis. It enables the continuous collection and analysis of data, providing accurate and quick insights into changes in the ecosystem. Smart management of the environment contributes to effective monitoring and the preservation of natural resources. It helps manage and curb the spread of contamination. And since decisions are made based on real-time data, they are much more efficient.