Hey Check This Out - Iran's Environment

 Andreas Cantu 

Only a few decades ago, Iran had one of the most impressive green movements in the entire Middle East. With a massive national park program protecting rare species found almost nowhere else around the world, an excellent river system bringing potable water to people, and little to no air pollution; Iran was on top of the Middle Eastern green world. However, due to mass development around the country, their once green nation is beginning to fade away. This event has caused mass hysteria for Iranian environmentalism, with scientists and conservationists fleeing the country that they once loved. Certain Iranian activist groups have become more risk-averse than ever causing international partners to sever ties with them for good. However, the activist that choose to stay in Iran and continue to voice their opinion against the choices made by the government, have begun fearing for their life as Iran continues to jail, major activists. 

The Iranian environmentalist movement began in the 1960s with the sheer determination of one man; Eskandar Firouz. He started by creating one of the most extensive national parks programs in the entire world. Many activists attribute the early Iranian environment to him and only him. Firouz managed to use his relationship with the Sha to keep the military off protected lands and allow his parks to flourish. 

Unfortunately, the creation of the Department of the Environment (DoE) caused a ripple effect that would later cause the initial downfall of the Iranian environment. Many Iranians believed that the DoE allowed for the preservation of rich hunting land for the wealthy. The DoE managed to upset powerful merchants, stopping their collection of livestock. Many people lost their jobs and people were getting very upset. This eventually caused the start of a revolution, resulting in the fall of the monarchy and the rise of the Islamist Regime. 

After an 8-year war with Saddam Hussien and Iraq, the DoE was eventually shut down with the introduction of a new leader. Dams were built all throughout the river, thousands of miles worth of highways were laid down throughout the once protected land. 

Very few Iranian activists believe the conditions will get better anytime soon. From the water to the land itself, Iran is seeing a decrease in sustainability and quality throughout the entire country. Activists also fear the loss of the cheetah and other wildlife populations completley. However, with the introduction of NGOs across the country, there is hope for a better life in Iran for the people and wildlife alike.   

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