Director and Representative of UNESCO Cluster Office in Tehran Esther Kuisch Laroche made the remarks while addressing a ceremony to register Hamoun biosphere reserve.
She noted that a total of 700 biosphere reserves from 120 countries have been registered by UNESCO so far.
She said Hamoun biosphere reserve which is located in north of the province is of particular significance given the fact that it stretches in both desert and semi-desert climate inside Iran and Afghanistan and enjoys many sources of drinking water and large rivers with huge discharges.
She also said that the identification of 30 kinds of mammals in the area has added to the ecological value of the area.
She said that since the lake is home to many kinds of birds and aquatic creatures which are of importance both for Iran and Afghanistan, the registration process of this biosphere reserve has already started.
She said talks are also underway with Afghanistan to get the lake registered as a biosphere reserve there as well.
As of today, Hamoun will continue living under the supervision of the UNESCO within the framework of the international regulations and cooperation, head of the province's environment office Saeed Mahmoudi told IRNA.
Hamoun Lake, being once a rich natural site, has become dried due to climate change and unkindness of greedy people beyond the borders, Mahmoudi said.
Dryness of Hamoun Lake has caused problems for the people here such as dust storm and drastic heat, he added.
UNESCO introduces Hamoun Lake in Iran like this, 'Located in the southeast of the country, the biosphere reserve includes terrestrial and wetland ecosystems with a total of seven habitat types, including desert and semi-desert areas, as well as Hamoun Lake, with its marshlands and watersheds. The three wetlands of the biosphere reserve are the most important in the region. The area is a hot spot for migratory birds (183 species) and home to 30 mammal species, and 55 plant species. The site is also valuable culturally due to the presence of important historical monuments and ancient temples such as Mount Kooh Khajeh and Shahr-e-Soukhteh.'
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