Development of Comprehensive Agricultural Land-Use Map in Iran

Introduction

Iran’s Organization for Land Affairs is undertaking the development of a comprehensive agricultural land-use map. This initiative aims to provide accurate data to support national land-use planning and agricultural policymaking, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Project Overview

According to Mohammad Ahmadi, Director General of the Engineering and Cadastral Office at the Organization for Land Affairs, the mapping project is part of a broader strategy to build infrastructure for informed agricultural planning and the implementation of the country’s territorial development plan.

Significance of Accurate Agricultural Data

• Accurate statistics on agricultural land are essential for effective policymaking and long-term planning in the agricultural sector.
• Reliable and detailed data on the extent and use of agricultural lands across Iran are prerequisites for successful land-use planning.

Strategic and Technical Foundations

1. The initiative is grounded in national strategic documents that emphasize sustainable development.
2. It leverages existing technical and operational capabilities to generate the nationwide agricultural land-use map.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By optimizing land management, the map supports sustainable agricultural productivity and food security.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The data aids in balanced territorial development and sustainable urban-rural integration.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The project promotes sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and combats land degradation.

Conclusion

Mohammad Ahmadi emphasized that the agricultural land-use map will be a vital tool for optimizing land management and will significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Iran, reinforcing the country’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on agricultural land-use mapping, which directly relates to improving agricultural productivity and sustainable food production.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The emphasis on land management and sustainable agricultural development connects to the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and combating land degradation.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • National land-use planning and territorial development plans contribute to sustainable urban and rural development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 2.4:
   • Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture. The article’s focus on creating an agricultural land-use map supports measuring this indicator by providing detailed data on land extent and use.
2. Indicator for Target 15.3:
   • Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area. The mapping project can help monitor land degradation and restoration efforts.
3. Indicator for Target 11.3:
   • Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate. The comprehensive land-use data will aid in assessing sustainable urban and territorial development.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: tehrantimes.com