House of Culture and Sustainable Development

June 2012

On the occasion of Rio + 20

Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

The future we want

Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

Editorial

Time to think about consumerism

By Maryam Agha Sheikh Mohammad Director of the House of Culture and Sustainable Development maryam.ngo@yahoo.com

lifestyle of consumerism dominates the world; we are consuming increasingly without thinking what is going on around us. With limited resources, polluting production processes and unrecyclable products, we are inside a tragic cycle where only consumerism prevails. It seems the culture of brands competition has penetrated everywhere in our houses, and we are filled with the stuff. The story continues and we do not know whether such super events are helpful or not. People from around the world come together and they all admit that we are in the same boat, but the next day when we are back home, again we feel nothing has changed. Again and again, we want all these stuff to be consumed, or replaced or even worn out at an ever-increasing rate that we ourselves cannot imagine; the result would be dried wetlands, mountains of wastes, more landfills, more endangered wildlife, resources polluted, and warning for global warming. It seems the meta system that produces all this stuff and the media system that propagates are not part of the game we are playing. For them, this is only the money that counts. They also want us to make consumption our most important habit, culture and ritual. We have to feel satisfied when we walk in the markets to buy things. Lets consume more and more! We have to stop somewhere, think about it and decide to decrease consumption of our limited resources! Going beyond what is environmentally sustainable, means that we are going to make the life tougher for coming generations, we will lose more species, and more ecosystems will be devastated.This is an important issue that has to be dealt in RIO + 20. It is important because it has become a general lifestyle throughout the world; it is important because it has become part of our daily life. The states should be responsible to work on the consumption patterns in countries. They have to teach people that consuming in this way will destroy the resources we need for the present and future generations. Many NGOs around the world have felt the importance of the issue and have tried to change such deadly culture. Such sporadic efforts have to become connected within an international network to have more impact on meta systems of production and propagation, while trying to devise strategies to change this lifestyle in the world.

The present newsletter has been published with an aim to depict part of the activities of non-governmental organizations in Iran for realizing sustainable development as part of the endeavors for the future they want. The responsibility of each article is with the author that has provided the article.

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Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

Rio Conference and Human Rights Challenges

Alireza Taheri Human rights activist and member of board of directors of Womens Research and Studies Institute taheringo@gmail.com

he United Nations conference on the future that we want under the title of Rio +20, is being held again in Brazil 20 years following the first Rio Conference, so that the subject of sustainable development which is one of the most important subjects of the MDG to the centre of attention of states and governmental and nongovernmental organizations. This conference on the basis of states commitments has shaped in the form of Plan of Action 21, and concentrates on two fundamental points: 1 Sustainable green economy 2 Eradication of poverty In his report to the General Assembly (22 December 2010, A/CONF.216/PC/7) the United Nations Secretary General describes these two subjects. In this brief opportunity, as a nongovernmental organization from a developing country that is participating in this conference, we would like to give our views on the basis of fundamental human rights to our attending colleagues. We believe that the subjects of sustainable development, green economy, eradication of poverty and a healthy environment, are all parts of the human rights concerns and challenges, which today mankind is involved with. And sadly we witness in all corners of the world, environmental pollution or a rush towards development, or poverty and hunger which cause pain and suffering to mankind. Human rights principles, particularly the Second Generation guidelines which speak of social, economic and cultural rights, and the Third Generation which known as Solidarity Rights, must be observed and noted by all states, and national and international activists, so that these types of conferences are held and mankind moves towards sustainable development and green

economy. According to United Nations data, world population stands at approximately 7 billion, and in another 40 years it will reach 9 billion, and a substantial portion of this population spend the day without enough income, and everyone knows that the major cause for crimes in developed and developing societies is poverty, and now imagine that if a society which is pursuing sustainable development and is deprived of international communitys support, what the consequences this will have domestically and internationally. This is the argument that developing countries from the new international economy order have insisted on in the UN General Assembly and sadly it has not had enough attention even in the UN Development Declaration. We in the civil society believe that the human rights collective must be looked at like a cycle in which all its parts are joined and united, and therefore the failure to realise each of the human rights standards cause the other parts not to function properly. Poverty is an obstacle in development, and nondevelopment prevents a healthy economy and the lack of a healthy economy prevents the appearance of sustainable economy, and the lack of sustainable economy prevents attention towards environmental concerns, and without such concerns it is impossible for green economy and attention to the environment and or the dangers of climate change be the focus of activities. Therefore we must build this home from the foundations, and as the United Nations Secretary General has pointed out, to eradicate poverty and hunger in the world, first we must find a solution for poverty and hunger in the world, so that we can provide the economic rights of nations, then with a leaning to the principles of right to development and

Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

right to healthy environment stress on green economy. Therefore I would like to give my recommendations in the following 2 points: 1 Reaching sustainable and green development for lesser developed and developing countries will not be easy, unless international will to assist and cooperate exists, and the path to development is paved. Let us utilise the clean energy sources which is the agenda of this conference. We all know that all countries must work towards development so that they use energy sources that are environmental friendly, and work towards reducing the damage to the environment. This point was the focal point of the Rio Conference back in 1992. But the truth is that access to clean energy technology is very expensive, and production by these sources is much more expensive than fossil fuel energy, and slows down the competition levels. Therefore developing and lesser developed countries realising these types of problems and stress on the blooming of national economy, in most instances they have no other choice but to produce with traditional energy sources, and appear in the global market with competitive prices, unless international assistance, be it financial and technical, their access to alternative energy sources is made easier which economically whatever they produce with this new energy source can compete in the global market. This is the same right to development which is the subject of UN declaration and numerous General Assembly resolutions which must seriously be considered by governments. Eradication of poverty in most parts of the world is nothing but a wish, regions where they are still deprived of simple facilities of living such as clean water or electricity, and are struggling with epidemic diseases, or war or natural disasters. These are subjects that must be considered by this conference and also international circles so that the MDG are fulfilled. 2 Civil society organizations and NGOs have entered all international arenas, and the United Nations according to the published reports of the Secretary General confirms the quality and work expertise of these organizations, and today we are witness to the extensive presence of civil society organizations in the Rio +20 Conference, which makes it different to the 92 Conference. As a tiny member of civil society organizations we stress on the very effective role of these organizations, and ask all respected states and international organizations representatives to support the activities of NGOs so that the basis for further national and international activities is facilitated, and we see the day when with helping each other we defeat poverty and destitution, and present a green world to the children of the future.

Muslim Campaigner Women Society (MCWS)

Fahimeh Okhowat fahimeh_d@yahoo.com

uslim Campaigner Women Society (MCWS), is a non-governmental, non-profit organization active in the field of human rights and sustainable development. Limited number of campaigners women before the Islamic revolution in IRAN, are known as public figures. These activist women mostly spend their lives by receiving support from their families and friends. Therefore the MCWS members of the board, that were mostly political prisoners before the Islamic revolution, started a foundation to take steps towards the empowerment of women and recognition of them to the public. The Societys activities is in line with human rights , the Millennium Development Goals and Green Economy and is holding workshops on womens rights, entrepreneurship in the way of eradication poverty, achieving public education, the synergy of women, health of mothers from mental and physical point of view. And issues under the heading of Green Economy, some workshops have been held for families and their members, such as: energy saving, water, waste and transport and so on. To improve these activities, MCWS has close cooperation with various academic and scientific centers such as universities (like Sharif University), religious seminaries and also NGOs and subject related government institutions.

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

Community Based Empowerment for Poverty Reduction by Creation of Local Community Development Centers in Iran
A joint project by Welfare Organization and Farhikhteh Community Empowerment NGO

Shahla Akhtari Programme Officer for Project Supervision shahlaakhtari@yahoo.co.in

Farhikhteh Empowerment Institute (FEI)

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espite the significant development progress achieved during the past twenty years, about 1.3 billion people are still living in poverty with less than US$1.25 per day. Also poverty is becoming more complicated by degradation in eco-systems, the process of climate change and other environmental factors. The project that has been introduced here is an example of what an NGO has been successful to carry out in cooperation with various stakeholders in Iran to reduce poverty. he project of community-based empowerment for poverty reduction has been carried out by Farikhteh NGO for Empowerment in cooperation with the State Welfare Organization and the welfare offices in the provinces for a period of two years. The methodology used was advocacy and promotion of the participatory approach with direct engagement of the community in management. The results were positive and provided valuable insights for policy and action. One outcome was the confidence of the community which facilitated participation of the people in the neighborhood development decision making process It is hoped that this study will help demonstrate the significant positive outcome resulting from creation of opportunities for the community to engage in discourse with other stakeholders leading for joint action for local development. In our country participatory work faces many challenges. Despite the long standing cultural and religious traditions promoting collaboration, community participation faces numerous obstacles. This is partly due to our formal education system which indirectly fosters the spirit of individualism. The outcome of this project provides evidence that it is possible to apply the participatory approach successfully. It also shows that projects using the participatory approach are both sustainable and replicable. An important observation made during the field studies was the change in attitude of the local decision makers, particularly officials from the Welfare Organization, who become converted to the participatory approach, being associated with community based interventions that led to significant improvements in the quality of life of vulnerable groups. Involvement of local officials, including the police and security forces, created awareness about the vast advantages of the empowerment approach as compared to support or security services. This change in perspective can be deepened through further national and international discourse. Both Management and professional staff of the State Welfare Organization are fully cognizant that response to the needs and problems of vulnerable groups depends on multi-stakeholder collaboration and interdisciplinary team work. Such collaboration is vital at the community level, where interventions are targeted. One more positive outcome of

Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

implementation of this project was the experience and skills developed for inter-sectoral collaboration in responding to the needs of the community. The inter-departmental discourse led to support of other units of the Welfare body. And this is an important indicator to determine the success of the project. Womens Empowerment Bureau was able to draw on this experience and promote it among all other Welfare Organizations units and its staff. Obviously application of participatory monitoring and supervision will make an important contribution to the process of wider application of the participatory strategy. The role of project supervision team and fields visits undertaken by the team members was important. The team members along with the professional staff of the Women Affairs Bureau both in Tehran and in the provinces were responsible for followup. Reports of visits and feedback provided by the team to both entities involved in management of the project helped bring place them with the reality of the situation on the ground. Thus the information facilitated action by responsible authorities, generating goodwill and confidence. It became possible to ascertain how effective the training activities had been. I must add that the project managers enthusiasm and keen interest proved to be an encouraging element in the work of the team. The joint effort of the State Welfare Organization and the NGO Farhikhteh manifested the confidence of the Welfare Organization in the work of civil society. Thus the feedback which the supervision team brought back from field visits were treated as a significant contribution to solutions useful for decision making at the level of management and administration. The following senior staff and officials were very helpful in promoting the internalization of the community based participatory approach. We sincerely hope this collaborative effort involving government partners at the national and local level will advance the agenda of community empowerment of the poor and give voice to the more deprived people. The collaborative efforts also engaged local councils, mosques, municipalities and Mobilization local offices to facilitate service delivery and effective response to the felt needs of the poor.

Have you thought about your carbon footprints?

A Note to Rio + 20 Participants

io +20 will start on June 20th for 3 days. About 30,000 participants will gather from all over the world to hopefully find a solution for countless environmental problems caused by human activities. However, this gathering itself is not going to be without impact. Impacts caused by transportation, food and water consumption. Participants will come from different parts of the world. Whatever vehicle they travel with has its specific environmental impact as well as carbon footprints. For example, coming to Rio by air craft has impacts of noise pollution and fossil fuel consumption which contributes to the global warming. The fact is that commercial flights contribute to only 3% of the carbon emission around the globe but flying in high altitude would produce an additional warming effect. A return flight from Malaysia to Rio would emit 3,440 kg of CO2 per person (31,230 km) which is slightly more than 9kg of CO2 per km per person. So if by average, each person travels 15,000 km to reach to the conference by air craft, only the carbon emission is about 4,050,000 tonne of CO2.

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

The Project for Farmers Empowerment towards Sustainable Agro-ecosystem Management in Rice Fields in Ferydoonkenar (2002-2010)

Fatemeh Mirzaei fatimirzaee@yahoo.com

IGRA (Institute for Green Rural Advancement)

n 2002, the UNDP/GEF/SGP) launched a project in Sooteh Village, Mazandaran Province called Farmers Empowerment towards Sustainable Agro-ecosystem Management in Rice Fields. The project, implemented through the Institute for Green Rural Advancement (IGRA), aimed at empowering the farmers to adopt alternative crop management techniques such as participatory IPM to eliminate excessive use of pesticides. The Siberian crane, the third rarest species of crane in the world, over- winters in the nearby seasonal wetlands in the Caspian Sea area. The project has contributed to its conservation by introducing ecoagricultural practices to the area and reducing the quantity of dangerous pesticides entering the environment. The first FFS group comprised of 26 farmers. Later on, they passed their knowledge on to around 1,600 additional farmers. The pesticide use decreased by 60-80%. Compost replaced about 50 percent of the chemical fertilizers, while crop production on the pilot site rose by about 17-25% and the FFS farmers saved an average of $200/ha from decreased seed and pesticide costs. In the conventional quota system, a typical rice farmer in the region sprays his paddy field nine times a season. But the majority of the FFS alumni managed to reduce the number of treatments to two times per season and some even to zero. After the first year with IPM, the tests undertaken by the IRIPP detected only one pesticide (Diazinon), with a residue level of 0.05 ppm. In the second year,

this level had reduced to 0.005 ppm, which was ten times lower than the MRL specified in Codex Alimentarius 1992. By the end of the third season with FFS, no residues were detected. After the first season the farmers group started to market their IPM produce to consumers based on its safety. The rice was sold in 10kg sacks and distributed to a small niche market of IPM products. In the second year, the consumers ordered more rice for themselves and their friends. In the third year, 25 tons of IPM rice were marketed with added value. The participating farmers groups deposit 50% of their annual income in a local finance system to provide interest-free micro credit to the members of the group to prepare land for safe crop practices. Farmers use a label on their crop to inform consumers about pesticide hazards, which is increasing demand for safe food among coops and health conscious consumers. Realizing the benefits, farmers in several neighboring villages have been inspired to adopt the FFS approach. At the national level, the project has been selected as a demonstration site for farmers, the government officials, and NGOs. While the initial emphasis of the UNDP GEF/SGPbacked IPM Project was on rice, it supports the extension of the approach to other crops. IPM training activities and FFS have now been extended to vegetables like cucumbers and selected fruits like dates, which are more prone to absorbing pesticides.

Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

Women are among the major groups who contribute to the sustainable development of each country. This issue has been endorsed for several times by different plans of actions of various international bodies. However, women need their own institutional arrangements to move forward. Here, two active women NGOs have been introduced as two examples of womens group working to facilitate womens involvement in sustainable development.

Institute for Womens Studies and Research (IWSR)

he Institute for Womens Studies and Research (IWSR) info@iwsr.org is a nongovernmental organization in special consultative status to ECOSOC. This Institute was established in 1986 with the efforts of a group of women researchers in Iran as a research and education institute with the aim of improving womens conditions in the country. Towards its objectives which are: - Accurate recognition of womens status in Islam, - Recognition and determination of womens issues for the purpose of planning for the improvement of their conditions, - Raise the scientific and technical knowledge of the countrys researchers, - Identification of the priorities in womens issues and presentation of scientific solutions, - Participation and influencing on the national, regional and international improvement of womens conditions process, - Raising the general knowledge and skills of societys individuals towards women and the family, The Institute undertakes the following activities: - Design and implementation of fundamental, practical and developmental projects, - Design and implementation of education workshops and courses for experts active on women and influential groups on womens issues and various sectors of society, - Expansion of links between scientific, research and cultural centres active on women and family issues nationally, regionally and internationally, - Design and production of multimedia products on women and family issues, - Holding of conferences, exhibits and festivals and scientific and cultural competitions. Institute Mission Statement We at the Institute for Womens Studies and Research which is a nongovernmental, non-political and nonprofit organization have defined our organizational mission towards the development of capacity and improvement of women and familys conditions,
Monir Amadi Qomi Managing Director

stress on the equal inherent dignity of human beings with a human rights approach to religious teachings. Having diverse and various professional backgrounds conduct our activities defined in our Mission Statement in the following way: education, research, promotion, purposeful guidance, exchange of information, technical sittings and holding of thematic festivals and seminars on the vast and multilayered subjects of women nationally, regionally and internationally. 2020 perspective We have an Iran with families full of love, morality and hope for living for all members of men and women and youths in influencing their individual and collective destinies, satisfied and enjoyment of a healthy living, with quality and happiness and peace and well being. In this society the basis for the development of capacity and abilities of women for playing all roles (motherhood, social and economic) is available, and the religious discriminatory interpretations against women are all removed, and they play active and colourful roles in all executive, legislative and judicial levels. Also, for the purpose of the facilitation of participation in the development of the country, women actively participate with an up-to-date and practical approach in decision making and management of the country. Guidance and assistance to breadwinner mothers Centre (Mohaimen) Believing that women make half the population of the world and they are the most pious part of the oldest pillar of society, the family, and all over the world through various events and problems they end up becoming only heads of households in the management of the family, and thus they face various mental, economic and legal problems, this Centre was established in 2000. Through public donations and voluntary force the Centre gets its financial and manpower support. The activities of the Centre include, housing, employment, medical treatment, women heads of household and their families counselling and education.

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Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

Womens Society for Sustainable Development (WSSD)

Shahla Farsi Monfared shahla_monfared@ yahoo.com

Introduction his society has started its activities since 1993 by publishing the womens strategy in sustainable development for the Forth Plan of Islamic Republic of Iran. WSSD was registered in the Ministry of Interior in 1997. In 1989, its activity was approved by the Disciplinary Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran (registration No. 615-2091). Also WSSD registered by company registration bureau under the No. 13331 in 2001. Founders of the society are Shahla Farsi Monfared, Dr Parichahre Shahsavand Baghdadi, Khadijeh Katrine Razavi, Dr Monireh Majlessi and Zarin Ahmadzadeh. Women and men, both have main role in environmental conservation and degradation. Iranian women traditionally have great experience for protection of lands, water and vegetation. Role of women in education and training of the future generation is vital. Today, women are working in NGOs for sustainability. Womens Society for Sustainable Development is asking all people including men, women and children in urban and rural areas, to help and cooperation with the society in realization of its goals. Objectives a.Investigation, planning and implementation of different projects relating to knowledge promotion of rural and urban women as effective factor in sustainability. b.Protection and preservation of existing habitats and natural resources (animals, plants) c.Public awareness for reasonable usage of natural resources d.Recognition and encouragement of communities for environment protection e.Research and study in environmental problems. WSSD Activities: -Womens strategy for Sustainable Development, a book published by the Department of the Environment

in 1991. -Workshop on women and desertification in Tehran in 1999. -Execution of the face-to-face programmes for sanitary recycling of waste in Region 2 of Tehran under the supervision of Municipality in 2000. -Execution of pilot project of face to face training of water pollution in a way to pursue families for joining the sewage system in 2001. -Meeting with the policy makers in a way to discuss about the Agenda 21 such as the Ministry of Jihad (public participation bureau). -Cooperation with the Green Atmosphere Center of Tehran Municipality for training of the waste recycling contractors. -Training workshops on water resource management was another initiative of the WSSD. This workshop consisted of four training programs for different levels of women (teachers, housewives, school girls, and NGO members) in four different parts of Tehran. Contact us : shahla_monfared@yahoo.com Tel : + 98 21 22587281

Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

Empowering communties, the way to sustainability

Sabzkaran Guilan,an Active NGO in the North of Iran
Our focus is local communities involvement in sustainable development

By Nasim Tavafzadeh tavafzadeh_nasim@ yahoo.com

he Institute of Sabzkaran Guilan started its formal activities since 2001, as a non-profit and non-governmental organization. The NGO respects the international norms and has been able to obtain SGS NGO Benchmarking Certificate. This is a proof that indicates how dedicated members are cooperating to plan programs and projects and implement them in a transparent, trustful and effective way. The mission of the institute reads as follows: The Institute of Sabzkaran Guilan is a non-governmental, non-profit and non-political organization that endeavors to institutionalize the culture and ethics of environment conservation and sustainable development with a consideration of the local knowledge, empowerment of communities, and creation of participatory patterns of empowerment in non-governmental organizations and in particular among those supporting environment through holding workshops, publication of books and planning training events. The common values of the NGO are responsibility, an acceptance of pluralism, diversity, creativity, and accountability. Since 2004, Sabzkaran has concentrated on

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training and empowering the local communities to achieve sustainable development with an emphasis on poverty reduction, entrepreneurship and improvement in livelihoods of local communities in an environment-friendly way. To be able to plan such activities, Sabzkaran has launched a series of pilot and pattern projects in different communities while trying to focus on children and women as the most effective groups. The project of active village was drafted according to the Chapter 3 of the Agenda 21. This project was started in 2006 with the support of the Gishakajan Village Governor in Roodsar. The project aimed to create employment and formation of local groups. At the end of the project, a group of women was formed but afterwards men were successful in controlling the cooperative. The cooperative was involved in vegetables packing and rearing of local chicken, and its distribution in certain shops in Tehran. This project led to the development of village and a decrease in migration. Sabzkaran Guilan gave a high importance to the new patterns of consuming and production. Certain exhibitions were organized entitled: Lets

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

have a new look with a purpose to promote a new attitude among people regarding the waste. These exhibitions were held in different provinces. Promotion of newspaper pencils, training the basic concepts of environment, and teaching people how to separate the waste have been among the activities organized in these exhibitions. There have been training workshops in communities around Rasht, the center of Guilan province. The project of trees for future was planned with an aim to fight desertification. Each year, Sabzkaran family members plant trees and try to take care of the planted trees during the year. The purpose is to change a devastated part of a forest into a training facility on Hirkani forest. This has been planned according the Chapter 11 of Agenda 21. We have been able to have negotiations with the Road-Construction Companies to support treeplanting along the roads and certain roads have been targeted. We have also organized a series of workshops and training events on various kinds of tree species, mostly with an aim to promote the value of the trees among different groups of people. The two-year project of Sate Town entitled Sepiedroud Delta Boujagh Protected Area Waste Disposal Problem in Caspian Area (IRA-OP3-206-12A (79A)) was carried out with the support of GEF/SGP in Kiashahr which is in neighborhood of Boujagh National Park (in Delta of Sepiedroud River) with an aim to decrease the pollution of coastal eco-system due to the existing landfill and also to increase public awareness in Kiashahr about Boujagh National Park. The project finished in 2011. Another significant initiative of Sabzkaran has been the project of sustainable villages. Within the framework of the project, thirty villages were targeted around Anzali Wetland with an aim to decrease the waste as much as possible, to promote the culture of recycling and also to produce vermicompost. This will affect the livelihood conditions of people and will decrease the pressure on the resources of this important Wetland. Our focus has always been local communities involvement in sustainable development which means that these are the people who are the major agents of change in their environment and if there should be any activity to conserve the environment; these are the local communities that have to be involved. Our experience indicates that when people are involved, more sustainability can be achieved. For more information about Sabzkaran Guilan and their projects in Iran, visit their website: http:// www.sabzkaran.com

For a sustainable life, lets end homelessness

Maryam Safary maryam15459@yahoo.com

uarantying a healthy and quality life is the right of all individuals in a society, a very difficult and challenging duty of any government in the world. This right is a prerequisite for realization of sustainable development. Homelessness is one of the most fundamental problems of mankind throughout the world, while it might bring about other societal problems such as corruption, prostitution, trafficking, beggary, transmission of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, etc. A homeless person is someone that does not have a suitable, steady and regular place to spend the nights in. Problems faced during job searching, low income, no job guarantees, lack of affordable flats to rent, lack of free healthcare services, transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS hepatitis, mental and emotional disorders, and migration are reasons that people become homeless. In 1998, a group of social and charitable activists voluntarily established a grass-roots NGO called the Charitable Institute for Protecting Social Victims with the aim of the eradication of poverty and promoting social health and housing for homeless people. The institute is also in special consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2003. This Institute is responsible for the following: prevention, providing shelter, treatment, feeding, social work, work therapy, psychotherapy, detoxification, finding lost families, education of families, and the empowerment of the homeless. The Institute pursues these objectives through permanently housing 500 men and women in the Kahrizak Charitable Home (Ehsan Home). This Institute has rehabilitated 14000 people during the past ten years. In 2007, the NGO was evaluated and was successful in getting SGS Benchmarking Certificate. How to contact us:
Headquarter address: 1st & 2st Floors- No. 26 7th Alley, Arabali (Nobakht) St. - Khoramshahr (Apadana) St. - Tehran-Iran

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Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

Dialogue, peace and environment Major concerns of the Center for Peace and Environment

Zahra Sadr Azam Nouri zahra.snouri@gmail.com

he Center for Peace and Environment has been established in August 2005 by the former Iranian Vice President and Head of the Department of Environment Dr Massoumeh Ebtekar - an awardee of special prize of 2006 Champion of the Earth - and other well-known Iranian environmentalists. The Center for Peace and Environment is as a non-governmental organization devoted to the promotion of just and sustainable peace and for the protection of the environment. The Center aims to reduce the causes of tension and to sustain the environment as a means for peace and understanding. Towards this objective the Center endeavors to create grounds for dialogue at the national regional and international levels, to increase awareness and knowledge on the importance of peacemaking, protection of nature and the inter-relatedness between peace and the environment. The Center will provide plans for partnerships between the major actors of society including government, the private sector and civil society to enhance environmental standards. The Center also considers the Dialogue among Civilizations, Culture and Religions as a strategy for promotion of sustainable peace and prevention of conflict in the region and the world. Methods undertaken by the Center include research and studies in the

context of the objectives set, establishing ties and collaboration with organizations and working to influence policy for the sake of peace and the environment. Following is a list of the activities organized by the Center: -Holding the annual ceremonies of National Environmental Award of Late Dr. Taghi Ebtekar Environmental Awards (seven rounds held by now) -Holding seminars and conferences on war and environment (2006 and 2007), Kyoto Protocol (2007), Culture of Sustainable Production and Consumption, a joint event (2007), cooperation in holding the National Congress on role of virtual technology parks on sustainable development with approach to protect environment (2010); -Holding dialogue sessions with presence of lecturers from around the world on critical issues such as environmental ethics (2007); human rights and sustainable development (2007); environmental weblog writers (2009); -Holding training workshops especially for journalists (2006), environment and petrochemical industry (2007); technology virtual parks (2009); -Publication of a book on Caspian Sea (statistics of Caspian Sea Environment). -Participation in regional and international seminars and conferences.

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Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

Will the Governments Economic Plan Be Successful as Regards the Environment?

Dr. Parichehreh Shahsavand Baghdadi - University Proffessor Pari-shahsavand@yahoo.com Vice President of Society of Iranian Women Supporting Sustainable Development of Environment

he Iranian territory has great diversity as regards climatic conditions. The temperature varies by up to 40 C between the coolest and warmest parts of the country. It rains up to 2000 mm a year in the northern parts of the country while it hardly rains up to 50 mm a year in the central parts of the country. These diversities have considerable effects on other aspect of the environment such as the areas of earth covered with plants, water reserves and concentration of population, all of which together bring about serious problems, such as: 1.Large time and location fluctuations in rainfall. 2.The countrys being located in a dry part of the world. 3.Failure of those concerned to pay enough attention to responsibilities with respect to droughts in agricultural projects. 4.Failure to choose suitable veriaties of plants for the countrys climatic conditions particularly low rates of rainfall. 5.Rise in haphazard and uncontrolled use of the countrys water reserves in the past. 6.The negative effects of droughts on the balanced population distribution. 7.Human migrations and poverty caused by droughts. Therefore, in order to eradicate such problems, the state has followed certain policies in its 3rd, 4th and 5th Economic plans. It has even paid special attention in the 5th Plan to environmental conditions in order to attain a sustainable development. In this Plan (the 5th) it has made economic plans considering and taking into account environmental conditions as regards water reserves, the earth conditions and various types of pollutions that destroy the environment. According to Article 123 the duties received as value added tax as well as duties on pollution caused by production units subject of Parag. A and Note (1) of Articles 38 of the Law on Taxes, value added duties on pollutions are received on the basis of announced policies. Article 126 gives to the Ministry of Petroleum the permission to employ new technologies in the exploration operations in all parts of the country with emphasis on the seas and lands that extend beyond the borders with

neighboring countries and are thus commonly owned. Article 124, in order to save energy and thus support the consumers towards improving the pattern of use of energy and electricity through production of low consumption products of high standard for the management of energy, the country must be equipped with intelligent meters. Article 140: with the aim of comprehensive continuous management and for sustainable development of water reserves by bringing about a balance between consumption and feedback particularly in plains with prohibited or limited groundwater consumption certain instructions have been approved. 1-Protective measures to prevent non-permitted consumption of groundwater 2-Implementation of management of the countrys groundwater based on (1) national level, (2) the level of the area using the groundwater and (3) the province or country level bearing in mind the final year of the 4th Plan, has improved by 25%. Article 141: in order to improve the conditions as regards agricultural (farming) water, every year 1% must be saved on the water used, with new irrigation methods. Article 142: strengthening the local and regional markets and paying attention to the value of water or keeping the rights of access to water. Bio-organic farming: the method of management combining production while imposing national standards and quality control of products with the aim of covering at least 25% of production by the end of the 5th Plan. In the final analysis, the question is this: can the Plans and the Articles approved be implemented without the help and participation of the people? Experience has shown that developmental plans, specially plans aiming at sustainable development, have never been practicable without the peoples support. Therefore, it is evident that the state and the government can only solve the problem that of preserving farm lands for future generations with the partnership and participation of the people and with people-oriented management so that we may have green development.

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Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

Importance and Strategies of Chemical Waste Management in Developing Countries A Case study of Iran

By: Fatemeh Emami; Omid Dastchin Kavosh Research Group, Chemistry Department, Sharif University of Technology Email: Kavosh@mehr.sharif.ir

Abstract: reen chemistry has been defined by the Royal Society of Chemistry [1] as a challenge for chemists to develop products, processes and services in a sustainable manner to improve quality of life, the natural environment and industry competitiveness. One of the main parts of green chemistry is about hazardous chemical wastes which are the main polluting agents of water and soil sources that cause huge disasters for citizens and society of industrial cities. Therefore, segregation and disposal of this kind of wastes is so important at laboratories of universities, research departments and industrial companies as the main chemical waste producers. Iran is facing this problem in last 30 years as one of the developing countries. Kavosh Research Laboratory which is located in Sharif University of Technology, has been successful to plan a new, scientific and possible pattern for doing the three steps of chemical waste management at producer centers. In this pattern, we planned four newer and safer ways such as Recycling, Neutralization, using as a Fuel, and Incineration for hazardous chemical wastes instead of the ancient way, means Landfill. We were able to recycle 40% of our hazardous wastes and minimize the amount of direct landfill of them to 20% and performed it successfully at chemical laboratories of universities, research departments & industrial groups of Iran. This plan also can be held in other developing countries that are facing to economic problems and have so many limits.

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Introduction Each Solid, Gas or, Liquid goods has been imputed waste if it doesnt have any yield for human. Wastes are classified in 6 groups: 1) domestic, 2) industrial & laboratory, 3) business, 4) medical, 5) agricultural, and 6) mineral. The first 4 groups are also classified in two hazardous and non-hazardous classes. Increasing population, urbanization, industrial growth and waste production are the basic human problems since the formation of the urban life. As the statistics show, about 3.5 million tons of wastes are produced daily in the world that it can have advantages or bad effects. For example if it has been released around cities, it will form serious problems such as despicable odor, disease outbreaks, soil and water sources pollution, and even deaths. But if we recycle or reuse them by optimum & economic methods, they will be valuable sources for us, which can steer the society to a sustainable development. Moreover, United Nations was sensitive to this topic and legislated international conventions and laws that all countries must follow up rules to protect the environment and natural sources. Economic problems, rapid growth rate and limitations on sanitary and secure landfill centers in developing countries made the waste management more difficult in these countries. Waste management To be continued, the waste management is an important category for achieving to a sustainable development in Iran as a developing country which is growing in all aspects of economic, industry

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

of them, 3) rules for transporting of them, 4) rules for disposal of them and, 5) rules for producers of chemical wastes. But the main question is that how the producers can implement the hazardous waste management system in their departments while they are facing with many economic problems. About Kavosh Research Group Kavosh Research Group which is located in Sharif University of Technology with attention to this view has started his effective activities on hazardous chemical waste management since 2008 in Iran. We succeeded to plan a modern, scientific and applicable pattern in 3 important aspects of chemical waste management including assessment, classification, and disposal of them with attention to conditions and positions of our country after evaluating almost the whole producers of these wastes in Iran as a developing country. In this system we planned 4 more treatment methods such as Recycle, Neutralization, Incineration, and Fuel in addition to direct landfill. We succeed to minimize the landfill volume to 20% in 2 years by recycling 40% of these chemical wastes. This plan promise us a hopeful landscape about having a clean environment in near future if it will implemented in all producer departments in a right way. This activity has been developed by establishing a specialized Chemical Wastes Recovery and Neutralization center CWRN at Sharif University of technology on 2010. Now a day, Kavosh group is the main center for consultation and implementation of chemical waste management in Iran. Just one chemistry department that has 20 laboratories is producing about 9.5 tons of hazardous chemical waste in a year and it can show the importance of existence of this center. We will have a huge mass of chemical waste if we multiply this volume to the number of producers of chemical wastes that we guess over 1000 departments are active now in Iran. Moreover, it will be so horrible for environment and human if these numbers are becoming disregarded. In the end, the main goal of our group is to develop our experiences to the other countries especially developing and third world countries so that all of them have a clean and sustainable development with a live & green environment.

and science. In recent years, most investments in environmental projects have been subject to domestic and normal waste collection so that hazardous wastes have been disregarded. Just Tehran citizens (capital of Iran with 12 million

populations) send million tons of wastes to the landfill centers that recycling them can save 200 million dollars each year for us which is equals to 12,850, 000 barrels of oil in a year. These wastes are not a fiction and they can be realized by a good management model, this is the belief of urban management experts. Hazardous Chemical waste which is our main subject of this article can be one of the valuable sources for us if it managing in right way. In fact, they can be replaced from a threat to a chance! Three groups are as the main chemical waste producers in urban management system: 1) Educational Departments (such as Universities & schools), 2) Research Departments (such as laboratories & R&D) and, 3) Industrial groups. Unfortunately, almost all universities & research departments and some of the industrial groups released their hazardous wastes to environment or unsuitable landfill without any treatments due to lack of adequate supervision on them which poses irreparable damages to environment till 2004. These kinds of wastes have hazardous features such as: 1) toxicity, 2) flammability, 3) corrosive, 4) explosive and, 5) reactivity. With recent Iran environment protection agency statistics, about 9 % of national budget equal to 8000 million dollars is coasting for redress of water and soil sources that hazardous chemical wastes had the main role on formation of those damages. Finally, Iran parliament has legislated waste management law on 2004. This law is about: 1) rules of segregation and assessment of wastes, 2) rules for classification

References:

[1] Connell, Des W. Basic Concepts of Environmental Chemistry; CRC Press LLC-Lewis Publisher: New York, 1997.

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Non-governmental Initiatives for Sustainable Development in Iran

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

About House of Culture and

Sustainable Development

he House of Culture and Sustainable Development (HCSD) is a non-governmental and non-for-profit organization formally registered in the Islamic Republic of Iran, with an aim to enhance cultural activities in Iran to strengthen sustainable development since 2001. This organization does various training and research activities and moderates an information network among NGOs. HCSD has been nominated as the Secretary of the National NGO Committee on the Millennium Development Goals in Iran, selected as the member of the Central Council of the Tehran NGOs House (2005-2007), member of the Communication Network of Irans Environmental NGOs, and member of the NGOs Secretariat in Tehran Municipality. A major field of HCSD has been training activities on human rights and sustainable development. Publication of three educational books on human rights with a focus on the right to development has been one of the important achievements. The 3-volume book contains 37 learning activities on human rights, is like a guide book for facilitators and can also be used by both trainers and trainees. During the past decade, HCSD has focused on several capacity-building activities among NGOs. The NGO News email group is moderated and facilitated as part of the HCSD goal to increase the capacity of civil society organizations. Civil society organizations are agents of change and can facilitate the process of sustainable development though capacity-building, advocacy, increasing bargaining capabilities, awareness-raising while they can offer services to the marginalized groups of people. Millennium Development Goals are among the HCSD priority programmes. Various activities have been planned such as translation, holding training meetings, publication of newsletters, etc. Among the goals, the issue of gender equality and womens empowerment are among the focused areas of the organization. The organization is now active in two important fields: empowerment of women headed households and combating the gender-based violence. To contact us Visit our facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook. com/pages/House-of-Culture-and-SustainableDevelopment/171016656362902 Email: hcsd.ngo@gmail.com

Training Workshop on Empowerment with a focus on facilitation 13th to 14th July 2012 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Organized by: Empowerment Media
The training workshop studies the concept of empowerment, looks into various approaches, reviews empowerment process with an emphasis on facilitation. The trainers have been involved in empowerment projects & share their knowledge in the workshop. Website: http://allforimage.com/index.php/workshops Facebook: goo.gl/2WzPw or just search Empowerment Media in facebook

This is the special newsletter for Rio + 20, published only in 500 issues. In case, you need a copy, you can find the electronic version in our page in facebook: Just search for House of Culture and Sustainable Development in facebook or goo.gl/ XSOJ9 June 2012

House of Culture and Sustainable Development

Management: House of Culture and Sustainable Development Follow-up: Maryam Safary Graphic Design and Layout: Hamid Khani-talieh Helmzadeh The HCSD is thankful to all participating NGOs in preparing and sending their reports and articles. We will be grateful to have readers views and comments: hcsd.ngo@gmail.com

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