The natural resources and watershed management forces of Ramsar discovered and seized a shipment of smuggled wood from the Tusk species during their protective patrol. This shipment was identified in the forest areas of Chalkerud in this county and was transferred to a parking lot after a report was prepared for legal proceedings to take place.
Protective Measures and Dealing with Offenders
Shahram Ashkani, head of the natural resources and watershed management department of Ramsar, stated: "The continuation of protective patrols and legal action against offenders and wood smugglers is one of our priorities." He also urged citizens to report any suspicious activities in forest areas through the forest and pasture emergency number 1504 to the natural resources protection unit.
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The Importance of Hyrcanian Forests
The Hyrcanian forests, considered one of the most valuable natural heritages of Iran and the world, hold special significance due to their biodiversity and important role in maintaining ecological balance. These forests, as remnants of broadleaf forests from the Tertiary geological period, with millions of years of history, are spread across the provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan.
The Hyrcanian forests were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019. This registration intensifies the responsibility to protect this natural heritage. The destruction of these forests could have serious consequences for the ecosystem of the northern country. Therefore, combating wood smuggling is not only a legal action but also part of broader efforts to protect this natural heritage.
Preserving the Hyrcanian forests requires continuous monitoring by responsible agencies and serious participation from local communities. For this reason, actions such as discovering and seizing smuggled wood shipments must continue to keep these natural areas safe from potential harm.
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