Cultural Values as a Potential Tool for Conservation in Makran Region, Iran

Makran is a coastal region of about 900 km extending between the two countries of Iran and Pakistan. In Iran, the Makran zone starts from the eastern part of the Strait of Hormoz in Hormozgan Province to the Gawater Bay in... [ view full abstract ]

Makran is a coastal region of about 900 km extending between the two countries of Iran and Pakistan. In Iran, the Makran zone starts from the eastern part of the Strait of Hormoz in Hormozgan Province to the Gawater Bay in Sistan and Baluchestan Provinces and has about 700 km long of unique geological characteristics, natural features and cultural diversity. The regions’ geo-economy is important due to its great natural and cultural resources. Baloch people who are native to the Makran region are highly dependent on their traditional homeland and its natural resources, and this has influenced their folk art and culture on different levels such as poetry, music, dance, customs and crafts. The feelings of attachment and love to the ancestral land and the spirit of patriotism can be seen in each work of art created by Baloch artists. At the moment, Iran intends to turn Makran into a commercial and tourism hub through a strategic development plan as the region has direct access to the Indian Ocean through the Arabian Sea. There is some concern about the values of both culture and nature in this region and how they should be addressed as the necessary foundation and structure for achieving the aims of sustainable development. This study was carried out by reviewing library resources, online databases and personal experiences to outline briefly the local people in Makran region and to introduce some of their traditions and belief systems namely how they regard nature and how this project could cause major threats to their traditions and natural resources. In addition, this paper includes some ideas about community participation and the role of local people in conservation. This role could be useful in decision and policy making in order to sustainable resource management and conservation and could help to identify, preserve and protect areas of cultural significance before any intervention.