iucn

Eryngium pyramidale Boiss. & Hausskn (Apiaceae) is one of the rarest sub-endemic species in the flora of Iran. This rare species grows at an altitude of 1600-2000 meters a.s.l. Based on IUCN criteria and categorized and derived data from GeoCAT (EOO= 13.291 km2; AOO= 0.030 km2), this species is assigned as Critically Endangered (CR). Among the solutions to conserve this valuable sub-endemic species are the comprehensive protection of oak forests in the west of the country by all relevant organizations, preventing unauthorized constructions in the villages of Avroman, as well as ex-situ conservation by protecting its seeds in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran and its cultivation in botanical gardens.

Nepeta asterotricha Rech. f. is a perennial species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This species is a local endemic of Yazd province. It is distributed in the S and SW of the province in humid valleys in the N and E of mountainous areas with a slope of 15 to 20%. Based on IUCN guidelines, three criteria were used to evaluate the status of this species: the extent of occurrence (EOO), area of occupancy (AOO), and size of populations. According to field survey and plot sampling, N. asterotricha occupies an area of 0.06 Km2, and the extent of occurrence was 250.2 Km2. Thus, according to the results of this study, N. asterotricha is recognized as "Critically Endangered." Field observations showed that lack of management and inappropriate exploitation, such as non-observance of the grazing season and habitat degradation, are the main threats to this rare species. Given the importance of conserving endemic and critically endangered species, it seems necessary to define their natural habitat as protected habitats by the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization, as well as storing seeds in the Natural Resources Gene Bank and research on species recovery in its original habitat or its cultivation in National Botanical Garden of Iran.

Cousinia kermanshahensis Attar, Ghahr, & Assadi is a biennial herbaceous species belonging to the Asteraceae family. This species is endemic to Kermanshah province, west of Iran. Based on IUCN guidelines, three criteria were used to evaluate the status of this species: Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), and size of populations. Based on field studies and plot sampling, C. kermanshahensis occupies 0.03 km2. The extent of occurrence was estimated to be 1.929 km2 using GeoCAT software. According to our results, C. kermanshahensis is a critically endangered (CR) species. Although the spiny leaves and capitules protect the plant from grazing, the limited populations around the village can pose a serious threat to it. By preserving its seeds in the Natural Resources Seed Bank and cultivating them in Iran's National Botanical Garden, ex-situ conservation is recommended. Furthermore, Natural Resources and the Watershed Management Organization should protect this endemic species' habitats.

Scorzonera nivalis Boiss. & Hausskn (Asteraceae) is one of the narrowest endemic species in Iran's flora, restricted to the Schahu and Avroman Mountains. IUCN criteria and GeoCAT data (EOO= 339.736 km2; AOO= 4.41 km2) classify this species as Critically Endangered (CR). This species was not collected after it was introduced 156 years ago by Boissier and Haussknecht until 2013 when it was collected for the second time from Schahu Mountain. Later studies conducted in Kurdistan Province added other populations from the Avroaman Mountains to the samples of this valuable species. The most efficient way to protect this species is to help its propagation through seeding and sowing in other similar habitats in the Schahu and Avroman Mountains. Introducing Schahu Mountain as a protected area by the Department of Environment of Iran, preventing livestock from entering the top of the mountain, collecting seeds, and storing them in the Natural Resources Gene Bank of Iran are other effective ways to protect this valuable reserve.

Scorzonera alborzensis is one of the exclusive and rare species collected and reported from only one place in the country (Mazandaran province: between Baladeh and Nour, Siahsang mountains, 3023 m). The genus Scorzonera L. belongs to the Asteraceae family and has 19 endemic species in Iran. Based on the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Area of Occupancy (AOO), Extent of Occurrence (EOO), habitat quality, population size, and natural reproduction of the species were evaluated. According to the field studies, the area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) were estimated at an area of 0.01 km2 (only one locality), and the number of adult individuals is between 15 and 20, with a very low regeneration rate. Therefore, according to our studies, Scorzonera alborzensis is defined as a Critically Endangered (CR) species. Road construction and grazing in this species' habitat are among the life-threatening factors. As a result, the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization needs to protect this species' habitat. Further, ex-situ conservation must be achieved by preserving seeds in the Natural Resources Seed Bank, growing seeds, and cultivating seedlings in Iran's National Botanical Garden

Ranunculus dalechanensis Iranshahr & Rech. f. is a rhizomatous perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae family. This alpine species is a local endemic in Kermanshah Province, west of Iran. The habitat of this species is located in the South of Sonqor city with a limited distribution near the pick of Dalakhani Mountain. Based on IUCN guidelines, three criteria were used to evaluate the status of this species: Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), and population size. Based on field studies and plot sampling, R. dalechanensis occupies an area of 0.0006 Km2 (600 m2). According to our results, R. dalechanensis is defined as a critically endangered (CR) species. The high traffic of climbers and livestock of neighboring villages in the habitat of this species may expose this natural environment and beautiful landscape to destruction. It should be noted that even though this species is poisonous, animal grazing cannot be considered a threat, but it will cause physical damage and uprooting of the plants. The ex-situ conservation is recommended, by preserving its seeds in the Natural Resources Seed Bank and cultivating the species in the National Botanical Garden of Iran and the Zagros Botanical Garden. Ex-situ conservation by Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization is urgently needed.

Tanacetum sonbolii is an Iranian endemic species of Asteraceae that grows in west Azarbaijan, Tekab, Baderloo Village at altitudes 2380-2500 m. The conservation status of this species was evaluated and defined based on IUCN threat categories. It was evaluated based on the following categories: area of occupancy, the extent of occurrence, the number of habitats, and the number of mature individuals in populations. According to field studies and established plots, Tanacetum sonbolii occupies an area of 1 Km2 and an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 0.169 km2, with 150 scattered individuals in the area. Based on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), it is a critically endangered species. Factors such as lack of proper development plans, road construction, and high traffic in the area due to tourist attractions resulted in the low quality of habitat and a decrease in population size. Therefore, special attention and conservation of the species habitat by the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization are urgently needed. Seed preservation and regeneration in the Natural Resources Seed Bank of Iran are necessary for species conservation and future recreation of its natural habitat.

The genus Leucojum L. belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. It includes 2 species and each with 2 subspecies. Leucojum aestivum L. subsp. aestivum is a Euro-Siberian element that grows in some swamp forests in the north of Iran. In this paper, the conservation status of this taxon was determined based on the IUCN guidelines, using three criteria, including the area of occupancy, the extent of occurrence, and population size. The area of occupancy (AOO) of L. aestivum subsp. aestivum according to field studies, was measured to be 0.13 km2, and the extent of occurrence in the habitat (EOO) using GeoCAT software was determined to be 1078 km2. According to the results of this study L. aestivum subsp. aestivum is defined as a critically endangered (CR) taxon in Iran. In recent years, due to land-use changes in the plains of Gilan Province, including drying wetlands and turning them into rice fields, poplar cultivation, building, and road construction, the habitats of this plant have been destroyed and now there are small disjunct populations of it. Therefore, determining the protected habitat for this taxon is one of the conservation priorities that should be considered by the Natural Resources and Watershed Organization of Iran.

" Environmental Rule of Law" is an emerging concept which has been raised as a legal instrument by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) for the first time and it has been able to work in order to extent the environmental protection and to address the environmental challenges. This concept is generally derived from the notion of the Rule of law that derives from domestic law to international law. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) at the First World Congress on Environmental Law has developed a Declaration to better understand the concept of 13 principles that can play a significant role in the goals of sustainable development; some of the principles referred to others.  In fact, the emphasis is on the fundamental principles of environmental law, and new principles have been introduced, which can be considered through the pursuit of sustainable development goals. Also, for the implementation of this concept, administrative and educational solutions are addressed in this Declaration. This paper examines the "Environmental Rule of law" and its role in sustainable development goals by emphasizing on the International Union for Conservation of Nature on the World Declaration on the Environmental. In addition, the aim of this article is to provide some solutions to the legal and executive challenges in this matter.

In this research, information has been collected by observing a library according to documents, texts, articles, etc. And in terms of the type of data, it is considered a qualitative method.

The concept of the rule of law especially environmental issues at the level of international law, as a unifying solution to provide the progress of sustainable development.

The principles considered for the mentioned concept of environmental rule of law; it is important to lead to the reduction of adverse effects, reduce conflicts over resources and facilitate the goals of the third generation of human rights as a legal solution to achieve the goals of sustainable development and justice.

Nepeta dschuparensis (Lamiaceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant endemic to the Kerman province, growing in rocky, stony slopes. This species was collected in 11 habitats, but its density is higher in the heights of Jopar Mountain (type locality) than in other areas. The species conservation status was assessed using the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Based on field observations and measurements, its area of occupancy was estimated at 2.5 km2. Therefore, according to the criteria of the area of occupancy, the reduction of population size, reduction of quantity and quality of habitats, and intermittent populations are in the category of Critically Endangered (CR). Also, the range of presence of this species (Extent of Occurrence / EOO) according to the calculations of GeoCAT software is 18815.295 Km2, which is in a vulnerable status. In the type habitat of this species, grazing is one of the threatening factors. In other areas, besides livestock grazing, proximity to agricultural land and agricultural land-use change are serious causes of destruction. Droughts in recent years are also likely to pose a threat to the species in the coming years. To prevent the extinction of this species, in-situ protection by the Forests, Range, and Watershed Management Organization and ex-situ protection in Botanical Gardens and the Gene Bank of Natural Resources of Iran should be included in the conservation work plan.

Scrophularia ispahanica Attar & Nowrouzi (Scrophulariaceae) is an endemic species, growing in a limited area of Isfahan Province, Fereidunshahr, in a small population, consisting of scattered individuals. This species has a specific ecological niche. To determine the conservation status of this species according to the guidelines of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), three criteria of Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), and the number of mature individuals as well as habitat quality, population size, and the number of individuals were examined. Based on field evidence and calculations, because of having one population with 300 square meters of occupancy and 3-4 individuals, the conservation status of this species is classified as "Critically Endangered (CR)". It is suggested that the habitat of this species be declared as a protected habitat by the Forests, Range, and Watershed Management Organization. Furthermore, ex-situ conservation must be considered.

Diaphanoptera stenocalycina Rech. f. & Schiman-Czeika is a cushion form species of the Caryophyllaceae family. This species is endemic and known from Mirzabailu plain (in the eastern part of Golestan National Park) and its neighboring area in the west of North Khorasan Province. In the present study, the conservation status of the species was assessed based on the IUCN criteria and categories, including the area of occupancy (AOO), the extent of occurrence (EOO), and the size of populations. Based on these data, the values of AOO and EOO are about 1.5 and 164.078 square kilometers, respectively. Accordingly, the conservation status of the species is classified as critically endangered (CR). The small population, low regeneration rate, and low precipitation are the main factors threatening the species. It is recommended that the conservation programs should consider both wildlife and plant species. Considering the rarity of the species, conserving the seeds in the National Natural Resources Seed Bank and cultivating them in botanical gardens is suggested.

The Scorzonera L. (Asteraceae) has 18 endemic species in Iran. S. persica Boiss. & Buhse is one of the endemic species and has only been collected and reported from three localities in the country. Based on the IUCN guidelines, different categories and criteria were used to evaluate the status of the species as follows: Area of Occupancy (AOO), Extent of Occurrence (EOO), quality of habitat, size of the population, and regeneration. According to the field studies, S. persica occupies an area of 0.6 km2. In the analysis of GeoCAT software, the extent of occurrence was 2720 Km2. Based on our results, the conservation status of S. persica is defined as Critically Endangered (CR). Construction operations and grazing in the habitat of this species are among the life-threatening factors of this species, so it seems necessary to protect this species by protecting its habitat.

Astragalus montis-parrowii Maassoumi & Nemati is a dwarf cushion species belonging to Sect. Aegacantha of Papilionaceae family. This alpine species is a local endemic species in Kermanshah province, west of Iran. The habitat of this species is located in the NE of Kermanshah city, with limited distribution at the pick of Parrow Mountain. Based on IUCN guidelines, three criteria were used to evaluate the status of this species: Extent of Occurrence (EOO), Area of Occupancy (AOO), and size of populations. Based on field studies and plot sampling, Astragalus montis-parrowii occupies 0.0025 Km2 (2500 m2). According to our results, Astragalus montis-parrowii is defined as a critically endangered (CR) species. Although the difficulty of accessing the habitat of this species is considered an important factor in its conservation, at the same time, it is the main limiting factor for the expansion of its populations. Considering the topographic status of the habitat, this species seems to tolerate adverse conditions. Therefore, research on conservation and prevention of extinction of this species is of particular importance. Furthermore, the habitat of this rare and endangered species needs to be protected by Forests, Rangelands, and Watershed Organisation. The ex-situ conservation is also recommended by preserving its seeds in Natural Resources Seed Bank and cultivation in the National Botanical Garden of Iran.

The conservation status of two endemic species of the genus Nepeta including N. rivularis and N. assurgens of Lamiaceae family was evaluated and defined based on IUCN threat categories and criteria. Both species are herbaceous perennials and endemic to Kerman province and have more or less similar habitats. Nepeta rivularis is more hydrophilic and is present in waterside habitats, but in most habitats, N. assurgens is present in a short distance from the river. However, Nepeta rivularis has a more limited distribution. Both species are defined as “Critically Endangered” (CR), based on the area of occupancy (AOO), gradual population size reduction, low quality of habitat, interrupted populations and populations sizes. The presence of nomads and livestock grazing, as well as the widening of the river due to destructive floods and the settlement of nomads in the vicinity of the habitat are among the destructive factors of these species. Determining protected habitats by Forests, Rangelands and Watershed Management Organization, ex-situ conservation in Botanical Gardens, and plant natural resources gene bank are suggested to be considered for the conservation of this species.

Astragalus dianat-nejadii is an endemic species in Iran and it is distributed in Arasbaran region in East Azarbaijan province. The conservation status of this species was studied based on the criteria of the international union for conservation of nature (IUCN). The Extent of Occurrence (EOO) of the species was calculated using geocat software. Also, to determine the number of mature individuals, several plots were located in the habitat and their number was estimated. This species was subjected to critically endangered due to three criteria of EOO, AOO and number of mature individuals. Although this species is not grazed by livestock due to its woodiness and thorns, but its habitat is affected by human impact such as road construction and etc. Therefore, it needs to be protected as a unique genetic reserve. In order to protect the habitat and prevent the extinction of this species, it is highly recommended to collect seeds and store them in the Natural Resources Gene Bank, propagate and plant them in botanical gardens, sowing in the main habitat and to fence a part of the habitat.