Assessment of the Environmental Challenges and Management Strategies Presentation to Optimal Operation and Protection A Case Study: Parishan Wetland, Fars, Iran

Historical literature indicates that the older civilizations have been formed beside the rivers and wetlands and various values of the wetlands have always improved the quality of natural environments. Nowadays, most people, particularly those living around the wetlands, are to some extent aware of the values and functions of the wetlands, and the role they play in sustaining the indigenous communities. Parishan wetland is one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes with 43 km 2 area. The wetland is in Kazerun, Fars Province and is the largest freshwater wetland in the country. It receives only very a small amount of water from feeder rivers and the whole lake/wetland is a protected area, as it is considered a globally significant wetland ecosystem. Parishan wetland in Fars Province is among the valuable and important ecosystems of Iran, which provides not only rich biodiversity but also significant socioeconomic services to the local population. The wetland is part of the “Arjan Parishan” protected area and is registered as an internationally important wetland in Ramsar Convention. It is considered a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Currently, due to droughts, only 20% of the wetland has remained, hence the situation is very fragile. So, devising the management plan of Parishan wetland is necessary. The management plan is to balance individual and team efforts for the common objectives among which are conservation, sustainable utilization, restoration and development of Parishan wetlands. Therefore, in this study some strategies are presented to achieve these goals and finally, necessary projects to achieve these objectives are explained.

Wetland Ecosystem, Parishan Wetland, Management Plan