Ilam Province Places 143,000 Hectares Under Environmental Protection

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Ilam Provincial Environmental Protection Directorate in western Iran announced that 143,000 hectares of natural area have been placed under protection status, comprising four main environmental zones and two national natural monuments. Director Ali Reza Mohammadi said protecting the region requires more than institutional efforts alone, emphasizing that success depends on the continuous participation of local residents, media, and executive bodies. Environmental protection officers working in wildlife and rainforest areas continue operating under challenging security and climate conditions. Mohammadi noted that beliefs about animals possessing medicinal properties in their meat or blood lack scientific basis and pose a threat to biodiversity. He called on local and independent media to take a leading role in correcting such misconceptions and announced that strict legal action would be taken against illegal hunters. The director also urged citizens to exercise caution during summer months, asking them to promptly report any fire outbreaks in forests and pastures.