UNESCO Renews Iran’s Coastal Geo-Hazard Analysis Chair Mandate Through 2029
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially renewed the agreement for the UNESCO Chair on Coastal Geo-Hazard Analysis at the Research Institute for Earth Sciences in Iran, extending its mandate until 31 December 2029. The Chair, originally established in 2021 and led by Professor Hamid Nazari, will continue contributing to the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) through research, education, training, and community engagement initiatives. UNESCO emphasized the importance of the Chair’s role in advancing disaster risk reduction and environmental protection efforts while fostering international academic collaboration.
In its communication, UNESCO called for stronger institutional support to enhance the Chair’s impact, including increased participation in global initiatives, expanded interuniversity cooperation, and broader dissemination of research through open access platforms. The organization also requested a detailed work plan for the 2026–2029 period and highlighted that financial responsibility for the Chair remains with the host institution. The renewed mandate encourages continued collaboration with UNESCO networks and partners, reinforcing the Chair’s position as a key contributor to scientific knowledge and policy development in coastal geo-hazard analysis.
UCCGHA Expands Coastal Geo-Hazard Research Through AI-GEOARCH and STUGMM Projects
The UNESCO Chair on Coastal Geo-Hazard Analysis (UCCGHA) has officially introduced its strategic work plan for the 2026–2029 period, marking the beginning of the Chair’s second four-year mandate under UNESCO.
The new program focuses on two flagship initiatives — AI-GEOARCH and STUGMM — aimed at strengthening coastal geo-hazard research and improving scientific understanding of vulnerable coastal regions along Iran’s southern shores, including the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea.
According to UCCGHA, the projects integrate artificial intelligence, advanced geological analysis, and high-resolution mapping technologies to support environmental monitoring, coastal resilience, and disaster risk reduction efforts.
The AI-GEOARCH project explores the application of artificial intelligence in geological and coastal hazard assessment, while the STUGMM initiative focuses on detailed geological mapping and spatial analysis in sensitive marine and coastal environments.
The Chair has also aligned its activities with UNESCO’s broader priorities, including Open Science, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and international scientific cooperation. Future activities are expected to include expanded collaboration with UNESCO Global Geoparks, Category II Centres, and regional and international research institutions.
With the renewal of its UNESCO mandate through 2029, UCCGHA aims to further develop innovative scientific approaches, strengthen interdisciplinary research, and enhance international partnerships in the field of coastal geo-hazard analysis and environmental sustainability.