Persian Cheetahs in the World Cup

After Sepp Blatter visited Iran last year, I proposed that  the  Iranian team use the design of our Persian Cheetah on their jerseys . Blatter brought the idea up in the FIFA council and  the Iranian national team beame the first allowed to use a symbol of biodiversity on its shirt. The Persian Cheetah was designed by an NGO and nature loving artists in Tehran.

In addition, a ball was painted with the design of 31 other countries' endangerd species , named the Bio Ball.

I formally delivered the ball to the Captain last week , before  their departure to Sao Paulo, Brazil. Our team was named "Persian Cheetah" after these events and the issue recieved much publicity. 

Iran is taking part in the World Cup with a message of Peace and Protection of our global environment. We hope that all teams will join us in this campaign and spread the message.

Revisiting the Legacy of Imam Khomeini

I twitted on my Twitter this morning:Imam Khomeini's efforts to establish new model of governance/religious democracy were countered by reactionaries who see no role for people. This phrase marks the major challenges we face today in following the legacy of the Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. From the very early days of the national awakening and uprising against the tyranny of the Shah, Imam Khomeini was approached by radical elemants to take up arms and to invite the people to engage in armed struggle against the monarchial  regime. Imam refrained and emphasized instead on the cultural nature of the revolution and invited people to resist through peaceful protests and strikes. This non violent approach was they key to the massive nationwide support for Imam. 

As opposed to a monarchial dictatorship based on subservience to the west , Imam called for a democratic state based on religious values. Reactionary elements pressed for an Islamic State, while Imam called for national consultations and for an Islamic Republic. These elements went so far as to ask Imam to establish the new state based on demonstrations staged for the Revolution, while Imam stressed on a nationwide referendum which was held in 1979.

In every stage reactionary elemants moved to weaken the democratic pillars of the Revolution , while Imam stood firmly to enact elections and bring people to the polls .He was determined to educate a nation deeply harmed by decades of tyranny and imperialist dominance. If it were not for the fierce and violent attacks of monarchists and radicals and if it were not for the continued active opposition of the west against the Revolution , and fear of  a repetition of history(the Coup of 1953), many observers believe Imam would have taken a less forceful stance against his opponents. Yet what happened later in many parts of the world, and during the Arabian spring or awakening, in countries like Egypt, proved that Imam's vigilance for those early years of the revolution was justified.

Even during the difficult years of war imposed by Saddam Hussein against Iran, Imam never allowed any cancellation of elections or polls .

Along side this democratic approach, Imam also strongly advocated transparency, accountability and an ethical demeanour for Muslim politicians and those wielding power. "The egoistic and selfish drives are the greater enemy" his stressed in most addresses that he made.  The paradigm that Imam envisaged a bold role for women in social and political affairs. Women were never considered as second hand citizens by Imam, but a new pardigm for  women's advancement was enacted in Iran. 

During the 3.5 decades that have elapsed Iran has faced many challenges both external and internal, the Islamic Republic has met expectations in some areas and at some times, at others however there are still  serious issues which need to be addressed. We need to reassess and revisit our actions to ensure that we are still on the right path.

Today an active reactionary campaign is underway to distort and smear the thoughts and ideas of Imam, they are those who have followed their personal or party  agenda these years and have no regard for God or for the nation.

Biodiversity Day

International Biodiversity Day was commemorated yesterday at the DOE Convention Center, in Tehran.We had invited major film producers and artists to appreciate their efforts to enhance public awareness on environmental 
 I spoke about the intrinsic value of the biological diversity that the earth harbors and how this diversity is diminishing. I also noted how important the services this diversity provides and as an example I mentioned the role of bees in pollination of over 60% of our agricultural products. Bee population and species worldwide have been seriously endangered by pesticides use and their products contaminated by toxic chemicals.

We need to educate people on the importance of the protection of our biodiversity for the well being of our people.We our proud that many celebrities have joined us in this campaign to save our natural flora and fauna.

Twelfth Congress of immunology

The Iranian Association for Immunology and Allergy is one of the many scientific associations active in Iran. They had elected me last year as the President of their twelfth Congress.The Congress was held last week at the Milad tower in Tehran. In addition to over 1800 articles submitted to the Congress,

we had over 2000 participants, 40 workshop sessions, dozens of panels and an exhibition for  knowledge based corporations in this field.We also had over 30 international guests, all distinguished Professors of Immunology, including Rolf Zinkernagel, the Medicine Nobel prize laureate of 1996. 

I spoke at the opening ceremony stressing upon the fact that we believe that knowledge has no  boundaries and that it belongs to all humanity, then we should all strive to remove barriers and restrictions set for certain nations. Also, I noted that this great Congress shows how Iranian scientists contribute to this global wealth.This congress is being held when Tehran is experiencing better air quality due to in part, improvement in the quality of petroleum  I said and proposed that an interdisciplinary field of environmental immunology be followed more seriously. I was also honored to invite our Nobel laureate guest to the podium for his speech. Zinkernagel who had discovered the mechanism by which T cells confront viral infections, was now questioning some of the basic dogmas of immunlogy including memory.

The Congress convened all its sessions with high attendence and during the closing ceremony the head of the International Union of Immunological Associations Seppo Morino, noted in his speech that he had attended many Congresses but that he believed this was one of the best in terms of organization, scientific content and attendance.  Our Iranian colleagues had done a great job! 

Prospects for Moderation

Now that eight months have elapsed from the instalment of the government of Dr. Rouhani, it has become more clear how moderation is translated into policy at national and external levels. Serious measures have been taken to improve economic conditions,curb inflation and fluctuating exchange rates, enable a gradual revision of current subsides policy,  and support for employment generation schemes .On social and political dimensions more lawfulness,respect for citizen's rights and freedoms, a resolution of the political stalemate after the 2009 disputed elections ,inclusion of diverse political tendencies in social processes and more support for NGOs,free press, arts and cinema.Dr. Rouhani has faced tremendous pressures and  numerous hurdles in this path. In addition, the government has clearly dealt with environmental issues and the recent improvement in fuel quality and air pollution is an important step in that direction. Resolution of the nuclear issue and improvement of relations with the world have also been pursued in the context of moderation policies. These developments have faced fierce confrontation by radical elements and supporters of the previous government.

The fact that many countries have welcomed this change in policy has  angered radical groups and caused them to react. The firm resolution of the government to pursue the policies of moderation is now evident.

In the Department of Environment we have embarked on a major strategy of "environmental diplomacy" during these months and we have recieved positive feedback in some areas. I met with a group of French Senators last week. We talked about environmental challenges but also ways to improve relations. Since I spoke a few minutes in French, Senator Marini told me they were pleased to meet a Francophone in the Cabinet of Dr. Rouhani.

 

Japan and Iran for the Environment

"We failed 40 years ago on environmental issues, then we changed our policies, then we had no ministry for the environment , now we have the best standards the Japanese Diet is very serious about environmental regulations". The were the words spoken by the speaker of Japan's parliament in our meeting on last Friday in Tokyo. Tokyo' s most beautiful attraction is Sakora or the cherry blossoms which lasts only one week and  coincided with our visit.

I was in Tokyo to sign a joint memorandum of cooperation on environment and to visit Japanese authorities. I had a chance to visit Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the first day and to meet with top private sector leaders on environment technologies. I spoke at the Japan Naional Press Club and responded to questions from journalists. We signed the joint MOC in the Ministry Of Environment in Tokyo.That day was the 13 th of Nowroz or Nature Day in Iran. On the second day I had a visit to a very successful power plant with over 65% efficiency and to a water purification plant with many innovations.

 I then spoke at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation on "Iran in the Era of Moderation" , they were interested to hear about the recent developments in internal and foreign policy. I spoke about the resolve of the President to improve relations with the world and about environmental diplomacy. 

We had a meeting with Prime Minister Abe in which he stressed upon his agreement with Dr. Rouhani to work on the environment . 

I then spoke at the UN University in Tokyo on Environmental Challenges , I also mentioned the need for dialogue and understanding in today's world referring to the approach that a prominent Iranian philosopher Shahabedin Sohrevardi took to find common roots between Iranian , Greek and Islamic 

I also met with the Parliament speaker, the Foreign Affairs vice Minister and many private sector officials including the International Friendship Group. I had the  chance to ride an electric car as well. 

I believe that since environmental issues are of a global nature all members of the international community need to work to improve those conditions. 

Although the work load and meetings were very tight and we lost alot of sleep but we enjoyed our visit. I hope that this visit will  enhance collaboration and open way for better environmental conditions in Iran and more peace and security in our region.

Golestan in Nowroz

Golestan province is located in the north of Iran close to the border of Turkemenistan and also the Caspian sea. This province has a unique climatic and ethnic diversity. Gomishan International Wetland, Alagol, Almagol and Agigol wetlands are among the beautiful sites for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds that arrive each year. Golestan National Park is also one of the most important reservoirs of biodiversity, including pristine natural forests which are "relic" due to their historical significance. Turkemens are one of our important ethnic populations who have more or less preserved their traditional lifestyles.Their traditional attire, arts and handicrafts as well as their talent in breeding horses in this region all indicate how appropriately they have preserved their culture. I visited Golestan during Nowroz vacations, and had the chance to meet our DOE Rangers in our protected, areas and most important two of them who were seriously injured last month by a group of illegal poachers in our protected areas. Although I had visited Golestan several times before but again we visited places we had not seen before and awsome scenery that reflected the magnificent powers of the wilderness. I hope to make serious efforts in collaboration with local authorities and people to protect and wisely manage the natural resources and biodiversity of Iran.

Kalaleh, Gorgan River

Kahkeshan Heights , Border of Shahrood

Rangelands

Almagol Wetland