A review of NGOs and charities in restoring and developing green spaces and vegetation: Global and Iranian experiences

Background and objectives: In today’s urbanized world, the preservation of the environment and urban green spaces has become a major concern for citizens and governments worldwide. This study aims to emphasize the importance of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charitable foundations in the reforestation and afforestation of vegetation cover. Using a comparative approach, the study examines global and Iranian experiences and evidence, and reviews executive and functional records in the field of natural environments, vegetation, and green spaces through library surveys, internet research, and inquiries made to domestic and foreign institutions and organizations.
Methodology: This study introduces some of the most significant charitable foundations and NGOs in the field of nature and environmental protection worldwide. These organizations, mainly based in the United States and England, have completed their education and entered the stage of implementing initiatives for the restoration of local forests, world forests, forestry, environmental protection, increasing biodiversity, climate change, and other related topics. Additionally, the study examines the forest reforestation and afforestation goals and implementation methods of the most important charitable foundations in countries similar to Iran, including Armenia, Turkey, and Lebanon, as well as different countries such as China, South Korea, Norway, Germany, Brazil, and Canada. The study also describes the activities of internal organizations such as Nature, Pama, Roostagol Varjin, and Algan, and analyzes their significant actions and measures taken. Finally, the role of certain charities that have taken action in restoring and developing vegetation in the country is discussed.
Results: The results of this study showed that among the countries similar to Iran, the “Tema” Institute in Turkey, with a 30-year history at the national and international levels, has carried out significant activities in the fields of forest restoration, education, climate studies, and biodiversity. Among different countries, the “Terra” Institute of Brazil has also undertaken important measures in the fields of reforestation, wildlife return, and vegetation restoration, aiming to restore the region’s forests, environment, and promote sustainable rural development over a period of 20 years. Among domestic institutions, Roostagol Varjin has made a significant contribution to the reforestation and afforestation of vegetation and urban green spaces. All these institutions and foundations share common goals in their field of activity, and through the support and participation of these groups together, the great goal of vegetation reforestation and afforestation can be realized. Therefore, it is not possible to determine which activity is superior; all of them are necessary in society. In fact, for the development of this task globally and even within a country, we need a powerful society, and a powerful society requires the participation of more people, and the grounds for this participation must be provided.
Conclusion: To improve the status and activities of NGOs, several measures can be taken, including providing information and training, strengthening environmental advertisements on radio and television, expressing environmental problems, and providing banking and legal facilities for these organizations. Additionally, introducing native species for planting in each region, empowering local communities, establishing research units and experts in the field of reforestation and afforestation, and promoting communication between NGOs, donors, and the government are the most important management measures for restoring and developing vegetation at the national level.