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ABOUT US

WHO WE ARE

 

We are a non-profit, non-government organisation.  We aim to identify and address the environmental issues covering the Iranian plateau and the three water basins surrounding this plateau, namely Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.   

 

We believe in and propagate the idea that we all can live in safe and healthy societies when we come together to responsibly manage our natural environment.  Environmental protection is a practice of protecting the natural environment on individual, organisation controlled or governmental levels, for the benefit of both the environment and humans.

Due to number of factors such the pressures of over consumption, population and technology, the biophysical environment is being degraded, sometimes permanently.​

The main aim of our NGO is to publicise and address the impact of economic policies of the local states on environment. 

Countries sharing the Persian Golf body of water are Iran, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq — contains an estimated 50 percent of the world's oil reserves and thus plays a strategic geopolitical role

Countries sharing the Gulf of Oman are Iran, Oman, United Arab Emirate. 

Countries sharing the Caspian Sea are: Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Azerbaijan.  

OUR MISSION 

In the process of assessing the performance of the countries in our region we aim to achieve the following objectives: 

1.      Effective use of charitable resources for the benefit of wild life and mainly marine life in the Target Area

 

2.      To pursue effective implementation of all United Nations as well as International conventions, protocols and agreements on protecting environment, sea and wetlands signed by states/countries within and bordering the Target Area.

3.      To urge countries bordering Target Area to allocate adequate and predictable funding for effective implementation of the signed conventions, protocols, agreements and their mission to conserve the natural ecosystem and reverse their loss and degradation.

 

4.      To address the country- and region-specific environment problem.  This requires to interact with local communities there to address the environmental issues they face.  

5.      To improve the habitat of marine and wild life in the target area which will advance economic, social and environmental wellbeing of local communities

 

6.      To monitor and promote conservation and wise use of resources in the wetlands, rivers and international water in the Target Area through regional and national actions and international cooperation with the aim of achieving sustainable development throughout the globe.

 

7.      To work in partnership with volunteers to deliver programmes promoting optimum use of water resources and preserving wildlife habitat in the Target Area. 

 

8.      Develop partnerships and collaborations with charitable foundations and not-for-profit organisations anywhere in the world whose aims include advancing economic, social and environmental wellbeing of people living in the Target Area.

 

9.      Promote studies and researches undertaken to tackle environmental problems in Target Area including, but not limited to, acid rain, air pollution, urban sprawl, waste disposal, water pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity climate change. 

 

10.  Offer leadership training, professional development, mentoring opportunities, career placement services and more by organising seminars, conferences and business meetings.

 

11.  Liaising between charities, voluntary organisations, government agencies and other groups on environmental issues including those affecting marine and wild life 

OUR ACTIVITIES

draw a map of earth (in spherical shape ) showing different koppen climate classification and identify persian gulf on the map

As it was explained in our home page, we aim to identify and address the environmental issues affecting the three water basins of Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. To achieve that, we should not forget the role of the countries bordering these water basins.

To have a more focused examination/assessment of the environmental challenges of the countries in our targeted region, we group them into three sub-categories/groups.   We have placed the countries bordering the Caspian Sea in one category/group and the countries bordering the Persian Gulf and Gulf Oman in two other groups/categories.  

Addressing environmental problems in our selected regions requires a systematic and multidisciplinary approach, as the area faces a range of environmental challenges including water quality issues, habitat degradation, and the impacts of climate change. Since we aim to involve our viewers/readers in our projects, here, we summarise a general guideline on how to approach and investigate these problems:

1- Scope and Objectives

-Specific objectives of our investigation are related to water quality, air pollution, marine life, habitat degradation in the region.  We hope to achieve/understand

2= Gather Data and Information:

To achieve the above objectives we collect data and information related to the environmental issues in our targeted region.  This include but not limited to government reports, scientific studies and historical data.  It is necessary for us to collaborate with local research institutions, environmental organisations or governmental agencies to access data and expertise.  They can provide valuable insights, data, and perspectives on the issue.

3-Field Studies and Surveys:

We do not solely rely on secondary data (official and non-official published reports) but also we conduct field studies and surveys to gather primary data. This could involve water and air quality measurements, biodiversity assessments, or climate data collection, interviews, and data analysis. Collaborate with local institutions and experts for data collection.

5-Geographic Information System (GIS):

Utilize GIS tools to map and analyse spatial data, which can help identify patterns and correlations related to the environmental problem. GIS can be especially useful for issues like land use changes or habitat mapping.  We aim at utilising appropriate analytical techniques to analyse the collected data. This may involve laboratory analysis, statistical modelling, or GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping.  Our experts conduct these.

6- Impact Assessment

Along with collecting data and analysing them, we also need to assess the socio-economic impacts of the problem. Understand how it affects ecosystems, human health, livelihoods, and the overall well-being of the region.

7-Policy and Regulatory Analysis:

To understand how the regional governments have addressed and dealt with the existing environmental problems and how successful they have been we examine their existing environmental policies, regulations and legal frameworks related to the issues.  This will enable us to assess their effectiveness and identify gaps or areas for improvement.

8. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies:

Based on our research findings, we will develop and recommend mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the environmental problems. These may include policy changes, conservation measures, or community-based initiatives.  We will engage with policymakers and relevant authorities in every single country in our region to ensure our recommendations are considered and implemented.

10. Communication and Outreach:

We will share our findings with relevant stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and the public. We believe effective communication is key to raising awareness and driving action.

11. Advocacy and Collaboration:

We also believe that collaboration with regional and international organizations, as well as neighbouring countries, is a necessary requirement to address transboundary environmental issues.

The starting point for our investigation is to know what environmental problems caused by government policy and what environmental problems caused by climate change.

 

There are many environmental problems that can be caused by government policy, including:

  • Air Pollution: Government policies that promote the use of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, can lead to air which cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.

  • Water pollution: Government policies that allow for the dumping of pollutants into waterways can lead to water pollution. This can contaminate drinking water, make it unsafe for swimming and fishing, and harm aquatic ecosystems.

  • Land pollution: Government policies that promote unsustainable development practices, such as deforestation and overgrazing, can lead to land pollution. This can degrade soil quality, reduce biodiversity, and increase the risk of flooding and erosion.

  • Overfishing. Government policies that allow for the overfishing of fish stocks can lead to fish depletion, which can have a number of negative impacts on marine ecosystems. 

  • Waste disposal: Government policies that do not adequately regulate waste disposal can lead to environmental problems. This can include the improper disposal of hazardous waste, which can pollute soil and water, and the creation of landfills, which can release methane, a greenhouse gas.Waste disposal. Government policies that do not adequately regulate waste disposal can lead to environmental problems, such as water pollution and air pollution.

It is important to note that government policies can also address and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Effective policies can include regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect natural habitats. Conversely, inadequate government policies can exacerbate both environmental problems caused by government actions and those resulting from climate change. Addressing these challenges often requires a combination of global cooperation, national policies, and individual actions.In following pages (Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Iran, IR) we address the environmental issues/problems stated above and some more.

Government Accountability 

 

Climate change is also a major cause of environmental problems in the region, including:

  • Food and Water Scarcity: Climate change can disrupt agricultural patterns, leading to food shortages and water scarcity in many regions.

  • Sea level rise: As the Earth's climate warms, the oceans are expanding and sea levels are rising. This can cause flooding in coastal areas, damage to infrastructure, and displacement of people.

  • Extreme weather events: Climate change is making extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and storms, more frequent and intense: These events can cause widespread damage and loss of life.

  • Wildfire: Climate change is making wildfires more frequent and intense. This is due to the fact that warmer temperatures and drier conditions create more favorable conditions for fires to start and spread.

  • Disease: Climate change can also lead to the spread of diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. This is because warmer temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can create more favorable conditions for the mosquitoes that carry these diseases.

  • Loss of biodiversity: Climate change is causing the loss of biodiversity, as many species are unable to adapt to the changing climate. This can have a number of negative impacts, such as the disruption of food chains and the loss of ecosystem services.

  • Water acidification: As bodies of water such as oceans, sea and lakes absorb more carbon dioxide, they become more acidic. This can harm marine life and make it difficult for them to build shells and skeletons.

  • Species Extinction: Changes in temperature and habitat disruption due to climate change can lead to the loss of biodiversity and the extinction of vulnerable species.

In the current page we look more closely at the issues related to climate change, such as climates zone, micro climate, Urban Heat centre  and in the following pages address the problems arising from the Climate Change in our region.  

​The first step is to know the climate zones that our countries are located in because, understanding the environmental challenges associated with different climate zones is essential for developing effective strategies to address climate change and protect the environment. By recognizing the unique characteristics and vulnerabilities of each region or country, we can work towards implementing solutions that are tailored to local needs and conditions.

​The following questions might come into mind: What are the climate zones and how can they affect the living condition/natural habitat, natural environment within a country or region?

 

Climate zones are regions of the Earth's surface that share similar climatic conditions such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, latitude, and other atmospheric factors.  Climate zones can track how conditions change in specific areas. They help us understand the ranges of plants and animals, including identifying species that may be under threat from habitat loss. Climate zones can even help farmers and gardeners understand which plants will grow best in their area. 

There are several different systems for defining climate zones, but one commonly used system is the Köppen climate classification system, which categorizes climate based on the annual and monthly averages of temperature and precipitation.  The Köppen system recognizes five main climate zones: Tropical climates, Dry climates, Temperate climates, Continental climates, Polar climates. 

The three water basins of Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Caspian Sea (the region/area under observation) expands between 26° and 41° (26 to 41 degrees) latitude north of Equator.  Such big differences in latitude place these countries on different climate zone/condition.

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KOPPEN

CLIMATE CLASSIFICATION

Climate zones are regions of the Earth's surface that share similar climatic conditions such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and other atmospheric factors. There are several different systems for defining climate zones, but one commonly used system is the Köppen climate classification system, which categorizes climate based on the annual and monthly averages of temperature and precipitation. 

 

The Köppen climate classification divides climates into five main climate groups, with each group being divided based on patterns of seasonal precipitation and temperature.  The five main groups are:

1-Tropical climates: These climates are typically found near the equator and are characterized by high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, with significant rainfall.

2-Dry climates: These climates are characterized by low rainfall and often have hot summers and cool winters. They are typically found in desert regions.

3-Temperate climates: These climates have distinct seasons, with moderate temperatures in the summer and winter, and rainfall distributed throughout the year.

4-Continental climates: These climates are characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with large temperature differences between seasons.

5-Polar climates: These climates are found in the high latitudes and are characterized by extremely low temperatures, with little precipitation and long periods of darkness in winter.

Other classification systems may have additional or different climate zones, but the Köppen system is widely used and recognized.

REGION'S
CLIMATE FEATURES

CASPIAN SEA

The northern Caspian lies in a moderately continental climate zone, while the middle (and most of the southern) Caspian lies in the warm continental belt. The southwest is touched by subtropical influences, and that remarkable variety is completed by the desert climate prevailing on the eastern shore. Atmospheric circulation is dominated in winter by the cold, clear air of the Asiatic anticyclone, while in summer spurs of the Azores high-pressure and the South Asian low-pressure centres are influential. Complicating factors are the cyclonic disturbances rippling in from the west and the tendency of the Caucasus Mountains to block them. As a result of those factors, northerlies and northwesterlies (nearly one-third of occurrences) and southeasterlies (more than one-third) dominate circulation patterns. Savage storms are associated with northerly and southeasterly winds.

Summer air temperatures are fairly evenly distributed—average July to August figures range between 75 and 79 °F (24 and 26 °C), with a maximum of 111 °F (44 °C) on the sunbaked eastern shore—but winter monthly average temperatures range from 14 °F (−10 °C) in the north to 50 °F (10 °C) in the south. Average annual precipitation, falling mainly in winter and spring, varies from 8 to 67 inches (200 to 1,700 mm) over the sea, with the least falling in the east and the most in the southwestern region. Evaporation from the sea surface is high, reaching 40 inches (1,015 mm) per year. Ice formation affects the northern Caspian, which usually freezes completely by January, and in exceptionally cold years ice that floats along the western shore comes as far south as the Abşeron Peninsula.

PERSIAN GULF

The Persian Gulf has a notoriously unpleasant climate. Temperatures are high, though winters may be quite cool at the northwestern extremities. The sparse rainfall occurs mainly as sharp downpours between November and April and is higher in the northeast. Humidity is high. The little cloud cover is more prevalent in winter than in summer. Thunderstorms and fog are rare, but dust storms and haze occur frequently in summer. The shamal, a wind that blows predominantly from a north-northwest direction during the summer, is seldom strong and rarely reaches gale force. Squalls and waterspouts are common in autumn, when winds sometimes reach speeds of 95 miles (150 km) per hour within as short a time as five minutes. Intense heating of the land adjacent to the coasts leads to gentle offshore winds in the mornings and strong onshore winds in the afternoons and evenings.

GULF OF OMAN

The Gulf of Oman is located in the Middle East and is characterized by a hot and arid desert climate, also known as a "BWh" climate in the Köppen climate classification system. The climate zone in the Gulf of Oman is characterized by high temperatures, low rainfall, and relatively high humidity levels. Here are some key features of the climate in this region:

High Temperatures: The Gulf of Oman generally experiences hot temperatures throughout the year. Summers are extremely hot, with average temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are relatively mild, with temperatures ranging between 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Low Rainfall: The Gulf of Oman region receives very little rainfall. Annual precipitation averages range from 100 to 250 millimeters (4 to 10 inches). Rainfall primarily occurs during the winter months, with occasional thunderstorms. The region is known for its arid and dry conditions.

High Humidity: The Gulf of Oman experiences relatively high humidity due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea. Humidity levels can be quite high, especially during the summer months, often reaching 80% or more. This can make the hot temperatures feel even more intense.

Monsoon Season: The Gulf of Oman is influenced by the Southwest Monsoon, which brings moist air from the Arabian Sea. This monsoon season typically occurs between June and September, during which there is a slight increase in rainfall and humidity.

Wind Patterns: The region is known for its prevailing winds, such as the Shamal and the Sharqi. The Shamal is a northwesterly wind that brings cooler air during the winter, while the Sharqi is a southeasterly wind that can bring hot and dry conditions.

Another specific point to note is geographical features of a sea include physical characteristics of the body of water and its surrounding area, such as:

  1. Size and depth: The size and depth of a sea can vary widely, with some seas being relatively small and shallow, while others are vast and very deep.

  2. Coastline: The coastline of a sea can be rocky or sandy, and may feature cliffs, beaches, bays, and other formations.

  3. Islands and archipelagos: Seas may be dotted with islands or groups of islands, which can add to their unique character and provide important habitats for wildlife.

  4. Currents: The movement of water in a sea can create currents, which can have important ecological and economic implications.

  5. Tides: Tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. The size and frequency of tides can vary depending on the sea's location and other factors.

  6. Marine life: Seas can support a wide variety of marine life, including fish, whales, dolphins, sharks, and other species.

  7. Geology: The geology of a sea and its surrounding area can also be a notable feature, with some seas being located in tectonically active areas and others being formed by glacial activity or other geological processes.

These are just some examples of the many geographical features that can be found in a sea.

Governments have a responsibility to protect the environment and to take action on climate change. By adopting policies that promote clean energy, reduce pollution, and protect biodiversity, governments can help to mitigate the environmental problems caused by climate change and government policy.

Government policies that do not take climate change into account can contribute to this global problem. This can include policies that promote the use of fossil fuels, subsidize deforestation, or fail to invest in renewable energy.

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It's important to note that government policies can either exacerbate or mitigate the impacts of climate change. Effective policies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable land use, and protect ecosystems. Conversely, inadequate or misguided policies can contribute to environmental problems and climate change impacts. Addressing both government policies and climate change is crucial for environmental sustainability.

As a resident in one of the countries in our focused area or, alternatively, as an individual or entity concerned with the environmental problems in our focused area, we invite you to send us your observation, opinion or comments.  You may do so by sending it to our email address, Twitter account or our Instagram.  Our contact details are shown at CONTACT US page.

The Köppen climate classification divides climates into five main climate groups, with each group being divided based on patterns of seasonal precipitation and temperature. The five main groups are A (tropical), B (arid), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar). Each group and subgroup is represented by a letter. All climates are assigned a main group (the first letter). All climates except for those in the E group are assigned a seasonal precipitation subgroup (the second letter). For example, Af indicates a tropical rainforest climate. The system assigns a temperature subgroup for all groups other than those in the A group, indicated by the third letter for climates in B, C, D, and the second letter for climates in E. For example, Cfb indicates an oceanic climate with warm summers as indicated by the ending b. Climates are classified based on specific criteria unique to each climate type.

We at Aryobarzan, the Marzban are committed to publishing and disseminating balanced and informed news and analysis about the state of environment in three bodies of water, Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and countries bordering these three water basins and the issues/events affecting the environment. ​

Overall, the geographical features of a sea can have a significant impact on the environment, marine life, and human activities within the sea.

what are geographical of a sea

Geographical features of a sea refer to the physical characteristics of the sea's environment. Here are some examples of geographical features that can be found in seas:

  1. Shorelines: The shoreline is the boundary between the land and the sea. The shape of the shoreline can vary greatly, ranging from rocky cliffs to sandy beaches.

  2. Tides: Tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun. The amplitude of the tides can vary depending on the geography of the sea.

  3. Waves: Waves are the movement of water on the surface of the sea, which can be caused by winds or the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun. Waves can be influenced by the shape and depth of the sea.

  4. Currents: Currents are the movement of water within the sea caused by a combination of factors, including wind, tides, and the rotation of the Earth. Currents can have a significant impact on navigation and marine life.

  5. Underwater features: The underwater geography of a sea can include features such as trenches, ridges, and seamounts. These features can impact the movement of water and marine life in the sea.

  6. Weather patterns: The geography of a sea can impact weather patterns, including the frequency and intensity of storms, hurricanes, and other weather events.

 

 

Indeed, water quality is rapidly deteriorating. Many countries in the region have difficulties in protecting their surface and groundwater resources, due to weak regulation and poor control on the discharges of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater, which is threatening the ecosystem and human health. In most countries of the region and particularly the arid ones, although problems around the resource’s availability are normally prominent, the issue of the quality of water is gaining recognition. It is already a major problem in the region (3). Furthermore, the greater fluctuation in resource availability associated with presumed climatic changes is causing concern, as many countries in the region experience increasingly severe flooding and droughts (4).

https://themediaexpress.com/2017/04/15/how-serious-is-water-crisis-in-iran/ 

 

 

are (clockwise, from the north): Iran, Oman (exclave of Musandam), United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar on a peninsula off the Saudi coast, Bahrain on an islandKuwait, and Iraq in the northwest. Various small islands lie within the Persian Gulf, some of which are subject to territorial disputes by the states of the region. ​

Addressing the environmental issues facing our region requires a combination of measures, including sustainable resource management, transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, implementing effective pollution control measures, conservation and restoration of ecosystems, and adopting sustainable practices in various sectors such as agriculture, industry, and transportation.

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