Project Implementation Strategy:

This Project has been implemented by Desert Affairs Bureau (DAB) of Forests, Range and Watershed Management organization (FRWO), UNDP and Directorate of Natural Resources in South Khorasan province (DNRSK). The Project approach specifies that there is no unique methodology for natural resources management and on the contrary, a variety of viewpoints compatible with scientific evidences and indigenous knowledge can meet the need for development and natural resources conservation.

HG watershed as the demonstration site of the Project is located in Sarbisheh, South Khorasan province.  The main reasons of this selection are:

-          Background of implementation of Ahangaran Project in the area

-          Control of prevalent 120 Day Winds hitting the area

-          Background of local community for collaboration and participation

-          Rehabilitation of desertified range lands of the area degraded by Afghan refugees

-          Mitigation of negative impacts of drought

   The Project is to achieve progress, extend participatory approach of natural resources management in rural areas, organize Rural Development Groups (VDGs), increase variety of jobs and as a result, decrease pressure on natural resources. The outcome of the Project could be replicated as a model in identical areas of Iran or even in other countries. The Project achieved great outcomes in the first phase in terms of setting up and developing a model of participatory carbon sequestration for rural community and natural resources management. Mechanism of social mobilization including
micro-finance funds, VDGs and participatory rehabilitation of range lands are considered some of the outcomes. The Project, in the second phase (2010-2014), is to achieve sustainability, empower VDGs and resolve obstacles of marketing of local community products and stabilize the participatory approach of rural development.