The environmental impact of Iranian desert safaris
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Desert “safaris,” where people entertain themselves by riding around in all-terrain vehicles in the desert, have become increasingly popular in Iran. However, these safaris have significant impacts on the environment, according to our Observer, Alireza Shahdari, an environmental activist.
People across Iran were shocked and horrified by a video posted on October 28 showing four young people in an SUV chasing down a wild goat, which eventually collapsed and died of exhaustion. The safari organisers were indicted and, according to Iranian media outlets, the driver responsible for the animal’s death was handed a 25 million toman fine (794 euros). However, Iranian environmental activists say that these fragile ecosystems are being damaged daily and the perpetrators are rarely punished.