“Golestan National Park”, “Golestan Biosphere Reserve”, “World Heritage Site”, and others are among the titles that represent this valuable region. The first park in the country to be designated as a national park is Golestan National Park. This area was registered as the protected area of Almeh Vaishi in the history of 19th of Mordad, 1336 and was placed under protection. In 1354, it was designated as the first national park in the country and after the revolution, in Bahman 1357, this area was renamed Golestan National Park with an area of 91895 hectares. In terms of location, Golestan National Park is located between the provinces of Golestan and has a geographical position between N3731 to E5304 north latitude and E5543 to N3717 east longitude, with an area of approximately 87242 hectares.

If we want to understand the value of national parks more, we must pay attention to their defined definition. Generally, a national park refers to a range of natural resources including forests, grasslands, wetlands, forest lands, plains, water bodies, and mountains that represent prominent examples of natural phenomena, which are protected in order to preserve their natural state and create a suitable environment for the reproduction and growth of wild animals and plants in completely natural conditions. Golestan National Park has a very rich diversity in terms of vegetation (over 1300 species) and climate, which has led to the creation of diverse and unique habitats. These conditions have resulted in the existence of countless animal species such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates, as well as various insects, mollusks, and amphibians.

The surveys and studies conducted in Golestan National Park have shown that approximately 70 species of mammals belonging to 6 orders, 21 families, and 50 genera, as well as more than 150 species of birds belonging to 14 orders, 42 families, and 89 genera, live in this region.

Unfortunately, in recent years, due to climatic conditions and mismanagement at all levels, Golestan National Park has faced numerous problems. A series of conflicts, the most important of which are grazing and development of roads and agriculture in the region, have caused irreparable damage. Along with these issues, factors such as illegal hunting, wildfires, and water scarcity are constantly threatening the area. These problems have reached a point where the vegetation and forest cover in some parts of the region are changing.

Illegal hunters, in addition to hunting valuable species in the national park, have caused conflicts with conservationists, resulting in the death and injury of park rangers. The daily forest fires have also reduced the size of the Hyrcanian forests. These forests, registered as a valuable world heritage site by UNESCO and known as the mother of European forests, hold special value and importance for all people. The lack of water and deep well digging in the area has led to various crises. It should be noted that meeting the needs of local communities is crucial; if the livelihoods of these communities are provided through sustainable development, the pressure on natural resources in the area will be relieved.

I hope that this park, which is entrusted to us, will remain forever.