About
About Mohammad Darvish
Born on January 24, 1966, in Tehran, Mohammad Darvish is a leading Iranian environmentalist, researcher, and strategist in the field of desertification and sustainable land management. His lifelong work centers on combating desertification, preserving natural resources, and promoting ecological awareness across Iran and beyond.
He earned his BSc in Range and Watershed Management from Tehran University and an MSc in Environmental Management from Islamic Azad University (Oloom Tahghighat branch). His academic and professional journey has focused on practical and scientific approaches to understanding and mitigating the causes and effects of desertification.
Over the years, Darvish has led and contributed to numerous national and international research projects, including:
- Analysis of the geometrical characteristics of the Gorgan sub-watershed area.
- Feasibility studies for the UNEP and FAO desertification mapping methods in Iran.
- Assessment and mapping of desertification in the Lake Namak drainage area.
- Climatic analysis of Atrak, Neka, Tajan, and Gorganrood sub-watersheds.
- Innovative studies on subsurface irrigation through permeable ceramic pipes.
- National projects defining Iran’s desert areas and evaluating desertification indicators.
- Ecological assessments of the Zarineh Rood Dam’s impact on Lake Urmia.
He has authored more than 70 books and scientific articles on environmental and desert studies. His publications include:
- An Introduction to the Method of Desertification Assessment in Iran
- Petroleum Mulches: A Review
- The Role of Soil and Water Salinization in the Desertification of the Mond Watershed
- Analytic Outlook to Concepts and Technical Terms in Desert Literature
- Efficiency Assessment Studies of Iran in FAO & UNEP Desertification Mapping
- An Introduction to the Historical Role of Human Civilization in Desertification
Beyond research, Darvish has played a key role in environmental policy and education. He has served as a member of Iran’s Eco-tourism Strategy Committee, contributing to the development of sustainable tourism models in desert regions. He has also appeared regularly on Iranian television and radio programs, raising public awareness about environmental challenges.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with both governmental and non-governmental organizations, including:
- Hamoonpad Consultant Engineering Co. (Sirvan and Yasooj watershed studies)
- Islamic Republic of Iran Army (Lavizan landscape design)
- Tehran University’s Faculty of Environment (evaluation of Karoon dam projects)
- Parsakish, Boomabad, and Takom Engineering Consultants (various ecological and biosphere reserve projects)
Today, Mohammad Darvish continues to be a prominent voice in environmental advocacy, inspiring new generations to take action against desertification and protect Iran’s fragile ecosystems.