Hara

Hara Biosphere Reserve is located in the south of Iran in the Straits of Khuran between Queshm Island and the Persian Gulf. Situated in the Mehran River delta, it hosts the largest Avicennia mangrove along the Persian Gulf shoreline and, therefore, represents a center of biodiversity in Iran. The Strait of Khuran is also a Ramsar site, providing habitat to two globally threatened species: a wintering habitat for the pelican Pelecanus crispus, and a regular feeding place for the green turtle Chelonia mydas.

In 2000, about 30,500 people lived in the area, mainly engaged in trading. Additionally, there are some palm tree plantations, animal husbandry and fishing activities and ship construction industries. Lacking freshwater supply and salty water intrusions constrain agriculture mainly close to the shoreline. Other problems which faces the biosphere reserve today are the development plan for Queshm Island, logging activities for fuel wood by locals in the mangrove forest, overgrazing and illegal hunting and fishing. Read more about this reserve on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves website.