A brief report on research and implementation progress by institute in Alamoot 1996-2008
IRANSHAHR Iran’s Cultural and Natural Heritage Devotees Organization (ICNHDO)
“In the Name of Mercy” A brief report on research and implementation progress by institute in Alamoot, Owan Lake, and surrounding villages in thirteen years between 1996-2008 1374-1387 (Iranian Calendar) May 2008 Ordibehesht 1386
Table of Contents
A. Introduction – Project area B. Progress report: 1. Research and Preliminary Local Clean up of the Environment 2. Cultural & Natural Heritage Research Plan for Alamoot (continuing efforts) 3. Sonservation and Sustainable Use of Owan Lake and Owan Village Through Empowerment of Community - (continuing efforts) 4. PAR report for Owan Lake and four surrounding villages. 5. Facilitation for establishing Alamoot banan (Alamoot patrol ) NGO with local community membership . 6. Sustainable Mutual Aid Founded on Cooperation, Unity, and Blessings in Iranian Culture (A survey for local community empowerment by local cultural knowledge of Owan T Varbon T Zovardasht and Zorabab ). 7. Initial workshop for exchanging Iranshahr professional experience with ocal community in Owan village 8. Report on EBS . 9. Report on ECA 10. Report on EIA 11. Report on ECCA 12. Identification, Documentation, and Prioritization of Attractions for ecotourism or Pilgrimages 13. Execution of Exploratory/Demonstration Eco-tourism and Pilgrimage Tours (daily up to seven day tours) 14. Double University Theses on Local Architecture and Environmental Planning Based on Natural and Cultural Heritage of Area 15. Waste management of Owan lake and four surrounding villages. 16. Collection and Preparation of Technical Data to Register All Alamoot area as a “ Biosphere Reserve ”)MaB). 17. Design and Establishment of a World Wide Web for Owan and other Alamoot villages in ICT . 18. Continued Discussions & Efforts
Introduction
Roudbar and Alamoot are located in the northeast of Ghazvin Province and enjoy varied weather patterns, which have created extraordinary fertile soils. Currently, Roudbar and Alamoot are divided into two neighboring communities, while both areas were considered as one in the past: Roudbar-Alamoot. Historically, the area was called Roudbar-Shahroud. Today, the area has been divided into two sections, Roudbar-Sharhrastan and Roudbar-Alamoot.
The area is bounded by:
The “two thousand” and “three thousand” farmlands of Tonkaban in Mazandaran Province and Ashkvar in Ghilan Province, to the north.
City of Talaghan and northerly mountains of City of Ghazvin, to the south.
Mountains of Shir-Bashm of Tonkabon in Mazandaran Province, to the east.
Deilaman and Amarlou in Ghilan Province, to the west.
The area exists on the slopes of Central Alborz Mountains and includes fringes of great valley of Shahroud with longitude degrees of 49.55 to 50.44 along with latitude degrees of 36.22 to 35.37. In accordance with census data of 2002 from Ghazvin Province, the area encompasses 2036.59 square kilometers with 261 villages (52 of said villages are uninhabited currently).
The Owan Lake and surrounding four villages- is called OLSV for short - are in the Alamoot Valley in Roudbar-Sharhrastan and Roudbar-Alamoot and geographically situated in the Province of Ghazvin.
Owan Lake and Surrounding Villages
A year round lake with an area that equals 8.9 hectares (including a green belt) with an elevation of 1825 meters above Persian Gulf waters, located at 50 degrees, 26’, and 36” longitude and 36 degrees, 29’, and 3” latitude, it is 85 kilometers from the City of Ghazvin.
The Owan Lake is one of the top ten important lakes in Iran with potable water. The lake is encircled by four villages: Owan, Varbon, Zovardasht, and Zorabad. The lake has no feeder rivers and natural springs underneath the water body supply the precious liquid. The lake ecosystem is very rich, varied, and sensitive; it includes many types of flora and fauna that either thrive in the lake water or depend on it.
1. Research and Preliminary Local Clean up of the Environment
About fifteen years ago, a small group interested in Iran's cultural and natural heritage, was formed to do activities about this subject area. This group calls itself “Iranshahr; Iran's cultural and natural heritage devotees” in 2004 and works with the local activists to study Owan Lake and surrounding areas; the group has established the local Alamoot Chapter.
Problem
In recent years, socio-economic crisis in the Alamoot area has caused local imbalance and the historic proper management of natural environment is lost. Added to the mix is also downpour of tourists that has caused pollution; the lake ecosystem is facing distinction. In this light, Iranshahr, in consultation with interested individuals, has devoted years to clean up tourist waste while continuing research in this field.
2. Cultural & Natural Heritage Research Plan for Alamoot (continuing efforts)
In seeking proper implementation methods, the Alamoot cultural and natural heritage research plan has been founded. Iranshahr has had meetings and correspondence with oversight governmental organizations and their officers at various levels, from Province to the locals, to seek remedies for existing problems. In the midst of discussions, the governor general's office in Ghazvin presented its plan titled, "Plan for Orderly Tourism at Owan Lake and surrounding four villages " and contracted with "Consulting Engineers of Aran co." to work on it. Aran invited Iranshahr to partner on the plan and Iranshahr began its cooperation in earnest with a multitude of documents and important proposals to expedite the process in a positive manner. The joint work took two years to finish and it has resulted in an approved plan, which is in the beginning stages of implementation.
3. Conservation and Sustainable Use of Owan Lake and Owan Village Through Empowerment of Community- CSOLO (continuing efforts) In keeping with the above goals, Iranshahr expanded its activities and formulated a plan that the United Nations through its "Global Environment Facilities/Small Grants program” approved it. The plan is called CSOLO for short. CSOLO Summary In view of geographical and environmental position of Owan Lake and in keeping with its historical and social context, OLSV is considered an important part of Alamoot area. The area, while beset with problems and issues, affords a sightseeing attraction that can in turn help solve its unique problems. History of Pre-Existing Conditions Prior to CSOLO a. Existence of pollution and destruction of the lake and its sensitive ecosystem as a result of disorganized tourist activities. b. Existence of socioeconomic problems and lack of ownership by the local population. c. Lack of support services for tourists. Since almost all of the land surrounding the lake belongs to local farmers and given proximity of the village to the lake, after careful review, Iranshahr and Aran identified the "residents" and "tourists" as stakeholders. The Plan identified three main issues: 1. Lack of participation by Owan residents to support tourism. 2. Lack of organization to package, market, and sell local products (in particular to tourists). 3. Lack of research information connected to the cultural andNatural Heritage of Owan Lake. The Basic Plan The plan stands on one basic premise: Slow down of environmental destruction by empowering local population and promoting area tourism. The Goal The plan goal stands for "Organizing lasting and empowered local groups to safeguard against environmental and social degradation of Owan Lake." In reaching these goals and guarantying their success, a "fund" is established through the financial support of local population, Provincial government, SGP, and NGO. To utilize the funds, seminars and technical workshops were conducted for the groups to create revenue-generating means. The following assumptions have been the basis for workshops: a. Product marketing, tourist guides, lodging services, clean up of pollution around the lake. b. Packaging and sale of local products. c. Identification and use of historical participating models, identification and collection of oral history and wisdom in use of herbs, creation of brochures for herbs, production of sightseeing brochures, and completion of an environmental/cultural documentary film about Owan Lake. In pursuing these goals, our efforts at Iranshahr have focused on participating with stakeholders to insure full involvement and inclusiveness in every respect possible. 4. Planning grant for extracting baseline for project Conservation and sustainable usage of the owan lake and surrounding villages (IRA-G52-2004-PG008(IRA98G52)) (Participatory Action Research ) In identifying problems, and in working from bottom up, the following were accomplished: 1. Tow surveys on economic and social conditions in all four villages. 2. Personal interviews in all four villages to identify problems that the farmers face. 3. The PRA technique was also used to further gather information from men and women alike. Establishment of "Alamoot Protectors" NGO with Membership from Local Groups (continuing efforts) With relentless efforts by Alamoot office and Iranshahr, establishment of a local “protectors” NGO has made tremendous advancement. This has been made possible with the encouragement and support of Alamoot office of Environment and Provincial government. In a meeting with Iranshahr members and Deputy Director of Environment for "Moalam Kalieh" and twenty local residents interested in establishing an NGO in Alamoot - even those who had walked from far away villages - attendees expressed their wants and wishes freely on the lake shore.
5. Long Standing Mutual Aid (LSMA) Founded on Cooperation, Unity, and Blessings in Iranian Culture To identify LSMA, a forum was created for everyone's input and benefit. The experience has shown that variety of mutual aid, cooperation, unity, and blessings have existed in Iran for long and flourished in the Iranian consciousness. It is with this understanding that it is possible to build for the future, organize and help support efforts, and depend on the local population to nourish these lofty goals and watch them grow.
6. Initial workshop for Exchanging Iranshahr Professional Experience with Local Population in Owan Village To exchange professional experience with local population, an initial workshop was held in Owan Village. The meetings were conducted in two half-day sessions with segregated men and women with amazing high attendance, great enthusiasm, and presence of village official in the village school. The meetings were filmed as the professionals made use of laptops and projectors to cover plans, activities, and implementation concepts. At the end of presentations, meaningful discussions ensued to hear from the attendees, and there was also a question and answer period.
7. Report on Environmental Research at OLSV The report focuses on four subjects of Physical-chemical, biological, socioeconomic, and cultural in an area that equals 752 hectares, confined to two kilometers around the lake and villages of Owan, Varbon, Zovardasht, and Zarabad, with maps of 1:8500 scale. In looking at existing physical-chemical make up, certain parameters like temperature fluctuations, precipitation, humidity, wind conditions, hours of sunlight, and frost periods are chronicled and recorded. Next, other issues are studied: geologic features of the area, seismic activity, fault locations, topography, elevations above sea level, types and classifications for soils, air quality, air pollutant sources, sound pollution, surface and underground water sources, water quality and potential pollutant sources, water flow issues, and finally solid waste issues. In examining biological issues for the area, we started with documenting vegetation growth patterns, water surface vegetation, and botanical classifications. Then, wildlife were studied with respect to their classifications of marine-biology, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Sensitive habitats for animals were also identified and documented. In studying economic, social, and cultural conditions, the following areas were covered in four villages: Population trends, employment, ownership of property, property and structure values, orchard values, handicraft capacity, ecotourism attractions, services at the village level, religious beliefs and traditions, and finally civic participation.
8. Report on Environmental Capability Assessment (ECA) for OLSV and ecotourism Attraction Capacity The purpose of this report was to investigate how the area can maximize its resources to improve ecotourism capacity at and around Owan Lake. To that end, topographic relieves, elevations, and area maps were obtained and layered. Then, soil classifications, flora and fauna, as well as natural environment were superimposed to determine potential tourist attractions. As a result, it is concluded that the area has the following tourist attraction capacity: 29.1% excellent, 54.9% good, and 16% unsuitable. In terms of potential ecologic interplay with tourism, the area has the following capacity: 20.6% capable and 79.4% incapable.
9. Report on Environmental Impact assessment (EIA) of the “Government tourism plan for OLSV” . This documented report has investigated the potential positive and negative impacts of tourism at OLSV. In assessing the impacts, layered maps, Arc view software, and OLSV have been utilized. Two options were considered to assess the impacts of EIA manner : to implement the plan or not. An in depth investigation of the OLSV and its resulting EIA showed that a sustained effort in application of the plan components will have an overall positive impact in the area and it should go into effect. The implementation concept has been favored over the opposite. In the process, we also noted some necessary refinements of the plan and decided to delay its application until the enhancements have taken place.
10. Report on Environmental Carrying Capacity Assessment on Tolerable ecotourism (less than significant) This report identifies the maximum number of ecotourists that can visit at one time without posing too much hardship or a detrimental impact on the environment. This seven-month effort by our group is in its final stages and the results will be made available to the interested individuals.
11. Identification, Documentation, and Prioritization of Attractions for ecotourism or Pilgrimages To achieve another CSOLO goal, the twelve-year continuing effort to facilitate eco-tourism and pilgrimage entered a new era with renewed vitality. In reviewing international standards, it may be safe to state that eco-tourism does not exist in Iran. This sad state of affairs is demonstrated by accumulation of waste throughout the country in once upon a time pristine areas. To address this problem, our plan calls for identifying and establishing proper trails that can be photographed, filmed, and charted so that through the use of GPS they can be accessed properly. In addition, use of trail guides, providing basic instructions to tourists, and ensuring adequate use capacity will further help protect the environment.
12. Execution of Exploratory/Demonstration Eco-tourism and Pilgrimage Tours (daily up to seven day tours) In order to attain the above goals, Iranshahr has conducted from one to seven day tours in and adjacent to Alamoot to explore the territory further. The tours have included hiking and mountain climbing to examine birds watching , native Wildlife in their natural habitat, herbs, uncharted vistas, historic sites, religious pilgrimages, and staying with local shepherds on open slopes and meadows.
13. Double University Theses on Local Architecture and Environmental Planning Based on Natural and Cultural Heritage of Area In order to connect CSOLO local efforts with institutes of higher learning, Iranshahr has instigated completion of two university theses. Both theses have concentrated on OLSV cultural and environmental merits in an effort to look deeper at the local heritage. One thesis was submitted to Shahid Bahashty University (previous name Melli university) on architecture and eco-village planning with emphasis on Alamoot Village and its ecotourism efforts, while the second one was at Tehran University with emphasis on environmental planning and expanding ecotourism.
14. Management of ecotourism Waste at OLSV With a suggestion from Iranshahr to SGP, in order to pay greater attention to uncontrolled waste at OLSV and other parts of the country, a cooperative agreement was executed between the United Nations and Ministry of Interior of Iran( Vezarat e Keshvar ). In a meeting at the UN, representatives from four distinct areas in Iran, Village Aid Department, Iranian SGP Coordinator at UN, and others discussed waste management issues. At the meeting, a timetable was set to visit the four areas and the attendees agreed to work together and address this problem. Owan Village, one of the four areas selected, hosted a meeting on the same subject with the UN representatives and local officials. After discussion on the subject, a survey was conducted at the four villages to seek ideas and input to effectively deal with trash. At the request of Iranshahr, a subsequent meeting was held at the Ministry of Interior with the same principle players to further discuss the trash issue and arrive at a comprehensive solution. Iranshahr was commissioned to further study the issues and report its findings. Iranshahr also provided some suggestions on how to deal with wild boar attacks, which have become a huge problem. After the visit of OLSV and waste issues by the officials, Owan Village mayor (Dehyar )with Iranshahr as well as a group of experts began exploring waste management options. After several site visits, interviews with some residents, and survey-taking to gather information, we collected refuse from 10 households in a 24 hour period, segregated the refuse, and recorded the types of waste to see how best anybody can deal with different types of trash. The results of the analysis and potential solutions will be submitted to the United Nations and Ministry of Interior.
15. Collection and Preparation of Technical Data to Register OLSV & Alamoot as a “Man and Biosphere” Habitat For the Conservation of the important and sensitive areas of Alamoot, Iranshahr has begun the process of collection and preparation of technical data for submission to UNESCO to nominate the area for the “Man and Biosphere” (MaB) program. MaB is designed to create an international dialogue to resolve manmade problems in relation to the environment. MAB covers all geographical areas from tropics to mountainous regions with the goal of protecting them. With respect to the uniqueness of this area, declaring the area “free from hunting” is an important step in managing and safeguarding the MaB designation. MAB designation includes three main protection zones: The proper administration of MaB affords the opportunity to manage each zone without impacts from one area on the others and ensure that competing interests are not detrimental to other zones. Presently, documentation and technical data are being collected to nominate and register Alamoot as MaB through UNESCO.
16. Design and Establishment of a World Wide Web for Alamoot and OLSV for starting of ICT in Alamoot & Alamoot software is the first participatory web site template in the world Iranshahr has spent three years and completed the web page for Alamoot with the following address: www.alamoot.org and it is available to view. The web page has many unique design features and boasts with interesting information that includes: Educational, research, marketing, and commercial opportunities. It is prepared as a software named Alamoot now.This software gives possibility to user to participate for all workgroup activities and it has been produced by Iranian members of Iranshahr web workgroup and SGP (UNDP- GEF – SGP ) fund .Iranshahr (www.icnhd.org) & Alamoot (www.alamoot.org) web sites have been published by this software. and established for the first time in the world. Pleas check them carefully and if you want to use them as your web site template ; send your request to manager by contact us.
17. Continued Discussions & Efforts We continue discussions with local stakeholders, governmental agencies, and International groups to achieve greater synergy, public participation, privatization, management, and mutual aid to sustainable development and support the local endeavors.
Presented by:
M.A Ali Hyati Iranshahr coordinator Alamoot Office manager
