Iran – IUCN (World Conservation Union)
KUHI PASTORALIST PROJECT
CONSERVATION OF THE ASIATIC CHEETAH
2003-2005
Iran – IUCN (World Conservation Union)
As the program officer for the Sustainable Livelihoods Working Group of the IUCN (World Conservation Union) Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP), Dr. Rahimzadeh participated in integrated conservation and development projects that included a significant component of field research.
Two of the main projects under study included the Kuhi Pastoralist Project and the Conservation of the Asiatic Cheetah.
Kuhi Pastoralist Project
An action research project with the Kuhi Sub-tribe of the Qashqai Pastoralists of Iran, focused on integration of livelihood sustainability and land conservation.
The research team:
- explored issues of concern to the Kuhi;
- examined their social structures and decision-making processes; and
- investigated the tribe’s range management practices and perception toward conservation.
This research laid the foundation to help the Kuhi revitalize their social organization and culture, manage their common property resources, and develop additional sources of income.
Dr. Rahimzadeh participated in research, participatory group workshops, and documentation of key elements of the tribe’s resource management and culture.
Conservation of the Asiatic Cheetah
This multi-disciplinary project aimed at preserving the endangered Asiatic Cheetah in Iran.
The project included participatory research on the needs and desires of local pastoralists and encouraged their active participation in conservation efforts.
The research included identifying community problems and priorities, and resource mapping.