WANA (Jul 30) – Iman Ebrahimi, CEO and founder of the “Avaye Boom” Bird Conservation Association, has been awarded the prestigious title of “Young Wetlands Champion of the World” by the Ramsar International Convention.

 

The award was presented to Ebrahimi on Tuesday during the 15th Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention, held from July 23 to 31, 2025, and hosted by Zimbabwe.

 

Ebrahimi was recognized for over a decade of dedicated and innovative work in the field of wetland bird conservation and for strengthening the connection between local communities and wetland ecosystems. His achievements include managing conservation projects in the Gavkhouni, Sheydour, and Arjan wetlands, projects that emphasized education, public participation, and raising community awareness.

 

One of his most notable initiatives was the designation of a waterfowl species as a flagship species in Arjan Wetland for the first time—an innovative step that successfully mobilized community involvement in protecting the wetland. He also launched collaborative platforms such as the Gavkhouni Wetland Biodiversity website, further connecting local communities with nature.

An Iranian Wins the “Young Wetlands Champion of the World” Award

Among his other key contributions is the monitoring and documentation of wintering and breeding bird populations in more than 30 wetlands across Hormozgan Province, in collaboration with volunteers.

 

Thisaward is one of the most prestigious global honors in wetland conservation, given to individuals with outstanding achievements. Having an Iranian receive this recognition reflects the significant role of Iran’s environmental community on the world stage.

 

On the sidelines of the conference, the Islamic Republic of Iran was unanimously elected Vice-Chair of the Meeting of the Contracting Parties. In addition, the cities of Babol, Kiashahr, and Gandoman were officially granted membership certificates for the Ramsar List of Wetland Cities, which had previously included Bandar Khamir and Varzaneh.

 

The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, has now reached 173 member states with the accession of Saudi Arabia during this session. Established to ensure the conservation and wise use of wetlands, the convention today stands as one of the world’s most important frameworks for biodiversity protection and sustainable development.