Iran’s Nature Day a reminder of humanity’s responsibilities

Iranians on Sunday celebrated Nature Day, which is an official public holiday and important festival across the country. It is marked by many different ethnic groups, including Kurds, Azeris, Arabs and Persians. It is important to take the time on this significant day to ponder ways to help preserve nature not only for us, but also for future generations.
Nature Day is also known as Sizda Bedar, which comaes at the end of the 13-day Nowruz holiday. During Nowruz, relatives and friends visit each other and guests are offered tea, cookies, pastries, snacks, fresh and dried fruits, and mixed nuts. On the 13th day, Sizda Bedar, families enjoy nature, have picnics and spend most of the day outdoors.
The 13th day of every month in the Persian calendar is also called “Tir Ruz,” which is “named after Tishtrya, the star associated with rainfall.” It is believed that Jamshid, a mythological king of Iran, established Nowruz and the tradition of Sizda Bedar so that people could spend time in the “green nature under canopies and in the company of the people, every year. The tradition was established after a few years across all of the country.”
One interesting tradition on Nature Day is tying knots in the grass, which symbolizes the strengthening of relationships between life and nature, as well as fulfilling one’s wishes. Some of the other common Nature Day activities in Iran include playing music and dancing in groups, playing games and sports, wearing traditional clothes, eating lettuce with sekanjebin (a traditional Iranian drink) and cooking local foods.
Conserving nature is not only about protecting and preserving biodiversity and the planet, but it is also directly linked to protecting our future and the coming generations. Protecting and respecting nature has been important in Iran since the pre-Islamic era. And Islamic traditions have placed even greater emphasis on environmental protections.
As EcoMENA founder Salman Zafar, who is an expert in environmental protection and sustainable development, renewable energy, waste management and converting waste into energy, has written: “Islamic beliefs, traditions and values provide an effective and comprehensive solution to the current environmental challenges faced by the human race. Islam has a rich tradition of highlighting the importance of environmental protection and conservation of natural resources. According to Islamic law, the basic elements of nature — land, water, fire, forest, and light — belong to all living things, not just human beings.”

When it comes to protecting the planet, two of the most important issues to tackle are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving water.

Two of the most important issues to tackle are reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving water.

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

It is critical to note that when we deal with issues such as safeguarding nature, regional and global cooperation is key. This is why programs such as the Middle East Green initiative, which was launched in 2021 by Saudi Arabia, are vital. But it is important that regional and global powers lead the way not just with words, but through their actions.
For example, the Middle East Green Initiative “is a regional effort led by Saudi Arabia to mitigate the impact of climate change on the region and to collaborate to meet global climate targets. By increasing regional cooperation and creating the infrastructure needed to reduce emissions and protect the environment, (it) can amplify impact in the global fight against climate change, while creating far-reaching economic opportunities for the region.” To help achieve these goals, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last year announced that Saudi Arabia would host a dedicated Middle East Green Initiative secretariat and allocate $2.5 billion to support its projects and governance.
The second important step to protect the planet is conserving water. The world is increasingly facing water stress or scarcity, with demand frequently being higher than supply in some areas. The UN estimated in 2016 that approximately two-thirds of the world’s population could be facing water shortages by 2025. This would also negatively impact the ecosystem. And a 2022 report by the Council on Foreign Relations highlighted that water stress can “differ dramatically from one place to another, in some cases causing wide-reaching damage, including to public health, economic development, and global trade. It can also drive mass migrations and spark conflict. Now, pressure is mounting on countries to implement more sustainable and innovative practices and to improve international cooperation on water management.”
Let us take the opportunity of Nature Day to make every day a day of nature and be sure to thank Mother Earth for all the bounties and blessings it has provided. Finally, let us commit every day to safeguarding nature and our planet, not just for us but also for future generations — it is the only home we have.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian-American political scientist. Twitter: @Dr_Rafizadeh