Qaleh Bala is a Symbol of Revitalizing Tourism in Iran
The fourteenth Journey to the Zag-bor Habitat festival was held in the village of Qaleh Bala; an event that, beyond being a cultural and tourism program, has become a successful model of synergy between local communities and specialized institutions for the conservation of Iran's only endemic bird and the celebration of biodiversity in Toran National Park. ... inspired by the Zag-bor, carried out with the direct cooperation of the village residents. The Director General of the Office of Domestic Tourism Development emphasized: Qaleh Bala village...
According to Mirath-Aria, the "Journey to the Zag-bor Habitat" festival was held for the fourteenth consecutive year in the village of Qaleh Bala, part of the Toran Protected Region. This festival, organized with the participation of local communities, birdwatching enthusiasts, and tourism organizations, is an effort to draw public attention to the importance of protecting the Zag-bor, Iran's only endemic bird whose main habitat is the plains of Toran National Park.
Seyed Mostafa Fatemi, Director General of the Office of Domestic Tourism Development at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, referring to the event's position in the conservation programs for endemic species, stated: The Zag-bor Habitat Journey festival is not just a tourism event, but part of the conservation action calendar for this valuable species. These programs are designed with an ecotourism approach and include a set of educational, cultural, and field activities for the conservation of the Zag-bor and the promotion of environmental awareness among local communities and tourists.
He added: The annual Zag-bor conservation calendar includes birdwatching events, a photography festival for enthusiasts, the formation of a national birdwatching forum with stakeholder participation, responsible birdwatching tours, and training on monitoring methods in desert ecosystems.
According to Fatemi, alongside educational activities, cultural initiatives are also a key focus of this festival. These include children's painting on the theme of the Zag-bor and its habitat, the creation and unveiling of a Zag-bor statue as a symbol of the region's natural heritage, the introduction of the board game "Heroes of the Leopard Castle" centered on the conservation of the Zag-bor and the Asiatic Cheetah, and naming village pathways inspired by native species.
Furthermore, the design and installation of environmental interpretation signs and the display of artistic works and handicrafts inspired by the Zag-bor have been carried out with the direct cooperation of the village residents.
The Director General of the Office of Domestic Tourism Development emphasized: Qaleh Bala village is a successful example of local community participation in nature conservation and sustainable tourism utilization. The village's efforts are directed towards its registration as one of the global tourism candidates for 2026.
He concluded by noting that the continuation of this festival and the expansion of educational and participatory programs will guarantee the preservation of the Zag-bor habitat and the transmission of this natural heritage to future generations.