Japan has pledged JPY690mn ($4.6mn) to revive Lake Urmia and improve wetland management across Iran, officials announced at a signing ceremony with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Tasnim reported on December 1.

Lake Urmia, nestled between Iran's East and West Azerbaijan provinces, is a testament to the Middle East's vanishing natural wonders. Once the region's largest lake and still Earth's sixth-largest saltwater body, this endorheic basin spans an impressive 6,000 square kilometres, stretching 140 kilometres long and 70 kilometres wide, with depths reaching 20 meters in its deepest points—dimensions that underscore its historical significance in Iran's geographic and ecological landscape.

The new initiative, which runs until the end of 2028, will focus on implementing low-water farming practices, improving irrigation systems, and promoting sustainable industries, including eco-tourism.

The project aims to reverse ecological damage and ensure the survival of critical habitats, such as Shadegan, Parishan, and Anzali wetlands, alongside Lake Urmia.

Gulbahor Nematova, a UNDP representative in Tehran, stated that since 2014, Japan has partnered with the Iranian government and UNDP to promote sustainable management of wetland resources and diversify the livelihoods of communities reliant on these ecosystems.

She added that it aims to build on past successes by developing experimental models for sustainable agriculture and climate-adaptive livelihoods, benefiting local communities and preserving wetland biodiversity.

Tamaki Tsukada, Japan’s ambassador to Iran, stressed the global importance of wetlands, calling their preservation a shared responsibility for the planet.

Tsukada recalled a visit to Lake Urmia, where he observed the lake's dramatic decline and reaffirmed Japan's commitment to helping restore its ecosystem.

For his part, Iran’s Department of Environment official, Ahmadreza Lahijanzadeh, noted that Japan’s prior $10mn support enabled impactful restoration measures and set the stage for expanding efforts.