Restoration procedure in Ala Gol, Alma Gol and Aji Gol wetlands

Ala-Gol, Alma-Gol and Aji-Gol wetlands are situated about 60 km southwest of Gorgan city in the province of Golestan, Iran, These complex wetlands area is 3027 hectares and are one of the most valuable and important habitats in Iran from hydrological, biological and ecological point of view. And were reorded in the list of Wetlands of international importance in 1975. These wetlands included in Montreux Record in 1993 due to occurred changes in ecological characters as a result of developments, pollution or other human interference during the last two decades. Therefore it is essential to provide them with a comprehensive management plan for restoration and rehabilitation. According to the the management planning guideline of Ramsar convention, some studies and surveys conducted on occurred changes in ecological characters including drastic reduction of waterfowl birds and waders following over-hunting, decreasing in wetland water levels following unsustainable water operation, developing proper management strategies to mitigate these pressures, analyzed and implemented in 4 context. These context included in interaction among relevant organizations, determining some restriction rules to water over uses, controlling the land use changes around the wetland, organizing the recreational activities, education of local people, enhancing public culture and conducting works for improving the conservation status of wetlands. Finally Ramsar convention secretariats experts confirmed wetland restoration after 16 years performing management plan and these wetlands removed from the Montreux Record as the first experience for Montreux Iranian wetlands.