Professor Hooshang Ziaei, a well known Iranian expert on wildlife and environmental and natural resources, a scientific member and advisor at the Iranian Museum of Natural Resources, and a lecturer in the fields of wildlife management and biology at Iranian universities, is the recipient of this year’s “Personality of the Year in the Field of Natural Resources” and the recipient of the Nowruz Award for the following achievements:

• Over 50 years of continuous efforts to protect and preserve Iran’s natural heritage and environment
• Researching and publishing more than a dozen valuable books and articles related to Iran’s natural heritage
• Educating students, experts, and enthusiasts about natural heritage and the
  environment, and preparing them for the challenge of tackling further destruction of Iran’s environment
• Helping to preserve Iran’s Museum of Natural Resources and Wildlife
• Significant efforts to prevent illegal hunting practices

Professor Ziaei’s Bio:
Professor Ziaei began his research and development work several years before the Iranian revolution in 1979, managing and overseeing projects such as rescuing and preserving the Persian deer and lion as well as the International Asian Cheetah Conservation Project, for over forty years. In addition to executive and research positions, he has been teaching and educating young people and students about the environment, natural heritage, and especially wildlife. In addition to his college classes, he has written expert articles, books, and instructional videos. For many years, he has been teaching students in various disciplines related to the environment.
Professor Ziaei is also the creator of many educational research films including the Yellow Deer, Traditional Hunting Techniques, and Wildlife Values films. Additionally, he has been a guide and consultant for many environmental films on Iran’s natural life and heritage. Over the past few years, Professor Ziaei has fervently warned about the destruction of the environment in Iran and dangers to natural heritage.