12 Fires in Miankaleh Destroy 536 Hectares of Wildlife Refuge
According to KhabarOnline, KhabarOnline reported that Kaanani, Director General of Environmental Protection of Mazandaran, announced 12 wildfires in the Miankaleh Wildlife Refuge between July 17 and August 3, saying that based on field assessments and remote-sensing data, 536 hectares of the area have so far been affected by fire.
Referring to the timeline of the incidents, he said the first fire in Miankaleh began on July 17 and continued until August 3, but no new fire has been reported in the refuge since then.
Fires concentrated in western Miankaleh
According to KhabarOnline, the head of Mazandaran’s Department of Environment said most of the fires occurred in the western part of Miankaleh within a specific area, adding that of the recorded blazes, one occurred in Ashuradeh and two along the coastline, while the rest took place in the western section of the Miankaleh Wildlife Refuge, indicating a clear pattern in the incidents.
Explaining the methods used to measure the burned area accurately, Kaanani said that in addition to field surveying, remote-sensing data and satellite imagery were used to determine the extent of the fire. Based on information from the first 10 fires, 536 hectares of the region were affected. The assessment of the later fires will be completed once up-to-date images are received.
Damaged vegetation and, fortunately, no animal casualties
According to KhabarOnline, he said the vegetation in the burned areas included grassland, reeds, blackberry thickets, and in some places pastureland. Fortunately, no wildlife casualties were reported in these fires, and no serious damage was inflicted on the region’s ecosystem, which he described as a positive outcome in fire management.
Burning straw and stubble is a crime
According to KhabarOnline, Kaanani also referred to the burning of straw and stubble after rice harvests, stressing that under Article 20 of the Clean Air Act, such actions are a criminal offense and, if observed, legal proceedings must be initiated against offenders.
He added that alongside legal enforcement, public education and farmer training are essential, and the Agricultural Jihad Organization should use outreach efforts to inform farmers about the consequences of burning straw and stubble and available alternatives. This year, the organization has also taken positive steps in this regard, seeking to familiarize farmers with alternative methods and the proper management of crop residues.
Efforts to compensate for lost Miankaleh capacity
According to KhabarOnline, the Director General of Environmental Protection of Mazandaran also said regarding the need to restore lost capacities in Miankaleh that, following coordination with the head of the organization and the deputy for natural environment, a commitment has been made to replace the lost capacities as soon as possible.
He expressed hope that these capacities would not only be restored but also expanded within the Miankaleh Wildlife Refuge so that the revival of this valuable area can proceed as quickly as possible.
