Administrative Structure
Considering that Qare Qeshlaq Wetland has countless values both domestically and internationally (it is one of the top 105 areas in the list of important bird areas), an administrative and managerial structure has been established to protect it from damage and threats. Protecting the wetland’s ecosystem and its valuable species and setting the arrangements to exploit the values and functions of the wetland are among the major responsibilities of the administrative structure. Qare Qeshlaq wetland is under the management of Department of Environment of East Azerbaijan Province and, at the county level, it is managed by Local Department of Environment of Bonab County. Protecting the wetland ecosystem, mending the past adverse effects on its environment and preventing the destruction and pollution of the wetland are other duties of the Department of Environment both at national and local levels. It should be noted as this wetland is located on the border between the two provinces of East and West Azerbaijan, many administrative tasks are carried out by the relevant departments of both provinces.
Besides the Department of Environment of East Azerbaijan Province, several other organizations are involved in the management and protection of Qare Qeshlaq Wetland, including:
- Governorate (Bonab and Miandoab Counties): The most important responsibility of this organization is establishing governance coordination and managerial affairs.
- Bonab and Miandoab Water Affairs Departments: This organization is responsible for managing water resources, urban and rural wastewater.
- Natural Resources Department (Bonab and Miandoab Counties): One of the most important responsibilities of this institution is protecting the wetland’s vegetation and implementation of livestock and rangeland projects.
- Agricultural Jihad Organization of Miandoab and Bonab Counties: The affairs related to agriculture around the wetland and its drainage basin are carried out by this organization, which directly and indirectly affects the quality and quantity of water in the wetland.
- General Directorate of Fisheries of West Azerbaijan Province: Provincial management of aquaculture activities and conservation of wetland fish stocks.