Mehdi Younesi-Rostami, the Governor of Mazandaran, at the National Environmental Guard Day conference, referred to the suspension of Miankaleh petrochemical activities and highlighted the necessity of protecting this international wetland, stating: "Miankaleh is a natural asset of the country, and its protection takes precedence over any short-term benefit."
Economic Development with Environmental Considerations
He further added: "The subject of this plan has been pursued through legal and judicial channels. We are seeking to develop economic activities, but this development must be based on a green economy, modern technologies, clean industries, and sustainable employment." The Governor of Mazandaran emphasized the importance of saving and restoring the Miankaleh wetland and stated: "This wetland is one of the most valuable natural assets of the country, and its drying up could have widespread consequences, including increased dust, threats to public health, and harm to the region's biodiversity."
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Water Resource and Wastewater Management
Younesi-Rostami pointed to the necessity of scientific planning and securing financial resources for the restoration of Miankaleh, adding: "The provincial management is pursuing the organization of wastewater and water resource management with a special focus on the protection and restoration of this wetland." He stated that economic prosperity and nature conservation are not separate concepts, saying: "If we have a healthy environment, tourists will be attracted, the province's economy will thrive, and sustainable job opportunities will be created."
The Governor of Mazandaran emphasized the importance of the environment in sustainable development, stating: "The issue of the environment is not merely an administrative and organizational matter; it has a direct connection with the lives of today's people, the future of our children, and the rights of future generations." He noted that the environment is our red line, stating: "Mazandaran, as the paradise of Iran, is endowed with forests, sea, wetlands, rivers, and valuable biodiversity, and protecting these assets is a collective responsibility."
Younesi-Rostami concluded by referring to clean energy projects, announcing: "We aim to implement these projects to reduce pollution and enhance public health while also utilizing existing land for clean energy production." He also mentioned the implementation of wastewater projects in 12 counties of the province with a budget of about 8 trillion rials, emphasizing that these projects are being continuously pursued.
The Governor of Mazandaran also reported on special efforts to manage leachate from waste, stating: "In this regard, we are seeking to utilize the expertise of specialists and collaborate with the Department of Environment to employ the best scientific and operational methods." Younesi-Rostami, appreciating the efforts of the provincial environmental protection team and especially the environmental guards, asserted: "Environmental guards are at the forefront of nature protection and deserve the best support."
He emphasized that he considers himself a servant of the people and a small soldier of the environment, noting: "Our goal is to hand over a healthier, more prosperous Mazandaran with a sustainable environment to future generations." He stated: "Real development occurs when, alongside job creation and economic prosperity, we also preserve our forests, wetlands, rivers, sea, and biodiversity."
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