Tehran – In recent years, various categories of water tourism have attracted the attention of potential investors in Mazandaran Province, bordered by the Caspian Sea.

The northern Iranian province is home to many dams, rivers, wetlands and a beautiful stretch of coast and has long been a major destination for local vacationers.

The creation of organizational, personnel-related and financial conditions to improve the infrastructure for water tourism has been pursued more seriously in recent years as a pillar for development in the lush green region.

“All water systems [across Mazandaran] have a high capacity for tourism, ”Mohammad-Ebrahim Yakhkeshi, managing director of Mazandaran Regional Water Company, told IRNA on Tuesday.

“Mazandaran, which includes 120 rivers totaling 7,000 km in length and 10 dams, is one of the most prosperous provinces in the country in terms of its ability to develop the water tourism industry through its river basins.”

The official mentioned that water tourism could generate high income, adding, “Mazandaran has had a number of dams since 1395 (2016) [temporarily] handed over to domestic investors to implement water tourism. “

“Studies have been carried out on the tourism infrastructure and to determine the capacities of the individual water resources and structures in Mazandaran [already] carried out to identify the facilities and skills required, ”said the official.

“The implementation of tourism projects related to water resources is currently based on the private sector,” he added.

The northern part of Mazandaran consists of a lowland along the Caspian Sea and a highland along the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains. The marshy hinterland dominates the coastal plain, and extensive gravel fans line the mountains. The climate is permanently subtropical and humid with very hot summers.

Earlier this week, Mazandaran’s first water tourism complex, being developed over the Salahedin Kola Dam, was officially inaugurated by Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian via a video conference.

“A budget of 280 billion rials (around 6,650 US dollars at an official rate of 42,000 rials) has been allocated to the development of the first phase of the 40 hectare tourist complex.”

On Sunday, Deputy Energy Minister for Water and Sanitation, Ghasem Taqizadeh Khamesi, said 30 dams across Iran have been selected to be upgraded to tourist destinations.

In May 2019, the Ministry of Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Crafts in order to lay the foundation for the start of dam tourism.

More insights into water tourism

Water tourism, or water tourism, involves traveling to locations specifically designated for water-based activities. Some people who do not wish to participate in water-related activities go on water tourism trips to visit points of interest near water bodies such as lakes, rivers, dams, oceans, etc. Water tourists are regularly independent travelers, although some tour operators organize group tours.

While water tourism often involves active chases, some water tourists visit islands and coastal areas to join more relaxed activities such as diving or swimming. Tour operators organize tours of coral reefs and organize local tour guides who lead trips that allow travelers to swim with native marine life such as dolphins or even sharks. Some tour operators also cater to families who focus primarily on swimming and tanning rather than interacting with aquatic life.

Water trips occasionally include inland destinations such as lakes and rivers. Vacationers can sail or swim on lakes, while many rivers are ideal for white water rafting. In addition, some leisure companies operate water parks with swimming pools, water slides, and areas for kayaking or canoeing.

Mazandaran at a glance

Mazandaran has a rich and colorful history as the cradle of civilization. An early Iranian civilization flourished at the beginning of the first millennium BC. In Tabarestan (Mazandaran). It was overrun by the Arab general Yezid ibn Mohallab around AD 720 and, according to Britannica, was the last part of Iran to be converted to Islam.

The uncertain eastern and southeastern borders were crossed by Mongol invaders in the 13th and 14th centuries. Cossacks attacked the region in 1668 but were repulsed. It was ceded to the Russian Empire by treaty in 1723, but the Russians were never safe in their occupation. The area was returned to Iran under the Qajar Dynasty.

The highland slopes rise abruptly in the west and more gently in the east. Forests were largely destroyed; The higher parts are summer pastures with villages that are partially deserted in winter. Wild boars, deer, and birds are numerous; The tiger that was previously found in the lowlands has disappeared. Cattle are usually hunchbacked; The buffalo is often used as a draft animal. There are many rivers including Chalas, Heris, Talar, Tajan, and Neka that are well stocked with trout and salmon.

Agriculture dominates the region’s economy; Cultures include rice, wheat, barley, tobacco, cotton, oilseeds, jute, tea, fruits, and vegetables. The agricultural enterprises founded as part of the agricultural reforms in the mid-1970s carried out large-scale and mechanized agriculture. More than 100,000 hectares of land have been developed for rice production.

Although much of Iran is made up of arid and semi-arid areas, the country has many rivers, waterfall ponds, and wetlands that provide scenic views to nature lovers and eco-travelers, backpackers, bird watchers, and fishermen.

AFM /