Iran imposing stricter rules on GM foods   

TEHRAN — Iran’s Food and Drug Administration is forcing harsher rules on labelling genetically modified (GM) food products, ISNA news agency reported on Saturday.

Agreement signed to support manufacturing electric vehicles

TEHRAN – Governor general office of Isfahan province, the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Defense Ministry's Marine Industries Organization signed an agreement to support technological development of manufacturing electric vehicles in Isfahan on Wednesday, IRNA reported.

Water flow to Lake Urmia drops by 400mcm yr/yr: environment chief

TEHRAN — Water flow to Lake Urmia, northwestern Iran, has decreased by 400 million cubic meters year on year, chief of the Department of Environment (DOE) has said.

‘Without restoration plan, Lake Urmia would have been fully drained by now’

TEHRAN – If there had not been any plan to restore Lake Urmia, it would have been completely drained by now, Department of Environment chief Isa Kalantari said on Wednesday.

Environmentalists question protected areas downgrading, downsizing

TEHRAN — A group of environmental activists affiliated with an NGO has made a statement questioning the directive from the Supreme Council of Environment on revision of national protected areas.

Water shortage “serious”, says environment chief

TEHRAN – The country is facing a serious water shortage, said Isa Kalantari, the chief of the Department of Environment.

By Maryam Qarehgozlou

Deteriorating environment is waiting for the right decisions

TEHRAN — Did you know if you’re 41 or younger you’ve never experienced a normal climate, not even once? This was shared on Years of Living Dangerously, an American documentary television series focusing on global warming, Instagram page on March 6.

Caring for trees more important than planting them: Kalantari

TEHRAN – The chief of the Department of Environment Isa Kalantari criticized the lack of efforts for taking care of trees after they are being planted, adding, “Caring for trees is important, not their [mere] planting.”

Tehran, Baku seek increased environmental co-op

TEHRAN – Iran and Azerbaijan discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation on environmental issues concerning both sides.

Green development not a “choice” but an “obligation”: industry minister

TEHRAN – The world is increasingly approaching toward low-carbon economy and the move toward green development is not a “choice” but an “obligation,” said Industry, Mining and Trade Minister Mohammad Shariatmadari.

It takes 3 years to eliminate internal SDS hotspots: DOE chief

TEHRAN – Eliminating internal hotspots for sand and dust storms (SDSs) in southwestern provinces of Iran requires a 3-year period, ILNA quoted the chief of the Department of Environment Isa Kalantari as saying on Friday.

Environment being sacrificed for auto industry: Kalantari

TEHRAN — “Using job creation and domestic production as excuses no one can stop home grown, substandard car manufacturing in Iran and we are giving up citizens’ health and the environment for that,” Iran’s environment chief said.

DOE against any withdrawal from fossil waters

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment opposes any withdrawal from renewable or non-renewable fossil water resources until further notice, Mehr quoted DOE chief Isa Kalantari as saying on Monday.

Iran’s environmental body takes unprecedented step in fight against plastic pollution

TEHRAN — In a bid for public engagement Iran’s Department of Environment (DOE) has banned bottled water at the DOE offices and all other organizations affiliated with it nationwide.

Govt. should stand firm against acquisitive industry: environment chief

TEHRAN – “Health, environmental safety and the rights of future generations cannot be neglected and the government should take a determined stand against the industry’s passion for acquisitiveness,” chief of the Department of Environment, Isa Kalantari, said on Saturday.

Wind, rain come to Tehraners' rescue, but air pollution is in the offing

TEHRAN — After a week of suffering from suffocating air pollution people in the metropolis of Tehran can finally breathe clean air on the first day of winter. 

Environment chief says ‘tough decisions” needed to tackle air pollution

TEHRAN – Isa Kalantari, chief of the Department of Environment, said on Wednesday that “tough decisions” should be taken to counter air pollution in the country, especially in big cities.

Iran, Netherlands seek increased environmental co-op 

TEHRAN – Iran’s Department of Environment chief Isa Kalantari held a meeting in Tehran on Monday with Dutch ambassador Susanna Terstal, discussing ways to boost environmental cooperation. 

DOE proposes $375,000 budget for cheetah conservation

TEHRAN — Iran’s Department of Environment (DOE) has presented a 15-billion-rial (nearly $375,000) budget proposal to Budget and Planning Organization for Asiatic cheetah conservation plans.

We should keep environment safe for next generations: Kalantari

‘Iran lagging behind the world in protecting the environment’

TEHRAN — In regard to factors determining environmental standards Iran is among countries that is lagging behind the world in safeguarding the environment, the chief of the Department of Environment said on Saturday.

Environment chief: ‘Tough’, ‘painful’ decisions needed as Iran faces water shortage

TEHRAN - Isa Kalantari, the new chief of the Environment Protection Organization, says Iran must take “tough” and “painful” decisions to save the country from the shrinking water resources.

Tehran Municipality, Department of Environment ink MOU on environmental studies

TEHRAN — Tehran Municipality and the Department of Environment signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct environmental studies at Pardisan park which is a habitat for animals and plant species.

Iran, UN underline need for increased environmental co-op

TEHRAN — The UN resident coordinator and UNDP representative in Iran met with the chief of Iran’s Department of Environment, emphasizing the importance of greater environmental cooperation between Iran and the United Nations.

Kaveh Madani appointed Iran’s deputy environment chief

TEHRAN — Renowned Iranian scientist and environmental activist Kaveh Madani was appointed on Sunday as the deputy for international affairs, innovation and socio-cultural engagement of the Department of Environment.

MP warns to seek answers from environment chief on GMOs, biodiversity

TEHRAN — A parliamentarian has threatened to seek answers from the new environment chief regarding his recent controversial comments on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and biodiversity.

By Maryam Qarehgozlou

Budget deficit could delay Lake Urmia’s revival: environment chief

TEHRAN — Lake Urmia is already saved from total dryness, however, budget deficit might postpone the lake’s full restoration, the chief of the Department of Environment said on Monday.