Iran and Germany are planning to sign an agreement to boost cooperation between the two countries in the field of forests and forestry.

Deputy head of Iran's Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization (FRWO), Behzad Angouraj, told IRNA on Tuesday that the agreement will be soon signed as a follow-up to a conference held between the two countries on the opportunities and challenges related to sustainable management of Iran's Caspian forests.

He added that the conference was held on May 14-15, attended by the FRWO; Germany’s Michael Succow Foundation; the Institute for Forests, Range and Watershed Management Research, which is affiliated to University of Tehran’s Faculty of Natural Resources; as well as the Department of Environment.

Angouraj noted that the participants focused on opportunities and challenges that face Iran with regard to the sustainable management of the country’s Caspian forests, and also discussed natural habitats and protection of biodiversity in that region.

Emphasizing the need to promote international cooperation on forests, the official said introduction of existing capacities, optimal use of opportunities and discussion of challenges were major topics raised in the conference.

He noted that since two years ago, Iran has been implementing a project in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for multipurpose exploitation of Hyrcanian mixed forests and empowerment of local communities living in that region.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="650"] The map shows location of Hyrcanian mixed forests in northern Iran.[/caption]

Angouraj said German specialists have also indicated their keen interest to take part in this project.

Hyrcanian mixed forests are located in northern Iran with a total area of 1.9 million hectares and contain 90 tall tree species as well as 211 species of short trees and 1,558 species of shrubs.

By Press TV