According to the Department of Environment, Shina Ansari made the remarks on the sidelines of the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), held in Nairobi from December 9 to 12, during a meeting with Inger Andersen, UN deputy secretary-general and executive director of the UN Environment Programme.

Ansari outlined Iran’s major environmental challenges, referring to dust storms, drought, the impacts of climate change, the drying of wetlands, and problems caused by dam construction in Afghanistan affecting the Hamoun wetland and its social consequences.

She also highlighted declining water resources in wetlands, especially shared border wetlands, and stressed the need for UNEP support.

Andersen announced the finalization of a cooperation project with Iran aimed at reducing ozone-depleting gases with financial backing from the agency.

She said she hopes to see fewer obstacles hindering international cooperation between Iran and UNEP.