Trilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Natural Disasters Management and Coastal Geo-Hazards
Trilateral Memorandum of Understanding was signed on September 2, 2026, in Tehran between the Natural Disasters Research Institute and UNESCO Chair on Natural Disasters Management, the Research Institute for Earth Sciences, Geological Survey of Iran, and the UNESCO Chair on Coastal Geo-Hazards Analysis.
Recognizing the importance of research, educational, and technological cooperation between research centers and national and international research bodies, the Memorandum aims to strengthen the active participation of academic members and researchers in science and technology and to expand national and international academic and research cooperation.
Purpose of the Memorandum
The purpose of this Memorandum of Understanding is to enhance collaboration between the participating institutions in research areas of common interest, including geological hazards, drought, water and climate change, the development of the Iranian Plateau Civilization Basin, geo-archaeology, paleoclimatology, remote sensing, and historical and literary studies related to Persian myths and legends.
Areas of Cooperation
The parties agreed to promote cooperation in Earth Sciences through the following activities:
- Exchange of scientific information and knowledge
- Development of interdisciplinary research
- Organization of joint research projects
- Organization of joint conferences, seminars, festivals, and short-term training courses
- Joint publication of research materials
- Promotion of other scientific cooperation as mutually agreed
- Participation in international programs for scientific cooperation
The participating institutions will hold regular meetings to discuss potential areas of future cooperation, identify subjects of mutual interest, organize joint seminars, and determine priorities for implementing collaborative activities.
Where necessary, separate agreements may be prepared for specific activities and projects under this Memorandum of Understanding.
Confidentiality and Joint Research Results
The parties undertake to treat information exchanged under the Memorandum and their collaborative activities as confidential and not to disclose received information to external parties, except in relation to agreed publications.
Each party will report the results jointly obtained under the Memorandum to the other parties.
Unless otherwise agreed through a separate agreement, jointly obtained results will be jointly owned by the participating institutions in proportion to their respective contributions.
The parties will also reach agreements regarding matters such as the protection of intellectual property rights, selection of relevant regions, allocation of patent registration costs, and designation of responsible persons for the protection and use of joint research results.
Exchange of Researchers and Academic Members
The Memorandum provides a framework to facilitate the exchange of academic members, researchers, and experts for conducting research and exchanging scientific ideas.
The parties will provide opportunities for professors and researchers from the participating institutions to take part in conferences, symposia, seminars, and other scientific meetings organized by the parties.
They will also facilitate academic exchanges and sabbatical opportunities and support joint research projects in areas including coastal industrial development and related environmental and geological hazards.
Joint Scientific and Research Activities
The participating institutions will cooperate in organizing joint scientific, research, educational, and technological workshops and exhibitions and in carrying out joint research projects.
Cooperation may also include the exchange of:
- Scientific information
- Books
- Scientific publications
- Scientific and research documents
- Student theses
- Microfilms
- Computer software and other resources related to education, research, and technology
The parties will also facilitate visits by academic members, researchers, and students to the participating institutions.
Financial Arrangements
The financing of activities conducted under this Memorandum of Understanding will be determined through mutual agreement and negotiations between the participating institutions.
Where necessary, separate executive programs or contracts may be prepared to define the details and implementation procedures for specific articles and activities of the Memorandum.
Duration of the Memorandum
The Memorandum of Understanding will remain valid for four years.
It may be renewed for subsequent periods or terminated by the participating institutions. Any party wishing to terminate or not renew the Memorandum should provide written notice to the other parties at least six months before the end of the agreed period.
All activities arising from this Memorandum will be carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and within the framework of the bylaws and regulations of the relevant ministries.
The Memorandum consists of 14 articles and was signed on 11 Shahrivar 1405, corresponding to September 2, 2026, in Tehran. It was prepared in three copies in Persian and English, with all copies having equal validity.
Signatories
Dr. Morteza Talebian
Director
Research Institute for Earth Sciences, Geological Survey of Iran
Dr. Seyed Amirhossein Garakani
Chairholder and Head of the Institute
Natural Disasters Research Institute and UNESCO Chair on Natural Disasters Management
Dr. Hamid Nazari
Chairholder
UNESCO Chair on Coastal Geo-Hazards Analysis
Signed Memorandum of Understanding
The signed Persian and English versions of the Memorandum of Understanding are available in the official PDF document below.
View / Download the Signed Memorandum of Understanding (PDF)