I’m leaving Iranian Cheetah Society

Many of you know me as the CEO of the Iranian Cheetah Society for the past six years. It’s with a mix of emotions that I share news of my departure. While my contract has come to an end, a more fundamental difference in vision has emerged.
I joined the ICS in 2008, as a university student fueled by a passion for conservation. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats – educator, manager, and advocate. In 2018, during a time of immense challenge for Iranian conservation, I was entrusted with the leadership of the ICS.
Those were difficult years. Arrests of conservationists cast a long shadow, and international funding dried up due to sanctions. The pandemic added another layer of hardship. Yet, through it all, our team persevered.
We knew saving the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah, with a population of fewer than 30, was a monumental task. It required a collective effort, a chorus of voices from Iran and the world. Despite the obstacles, we achieved remarkable progress.
A Safe Haven: With IUCN NL support, we secured a 5600-hectare pasture, a refuge for cheetahs.
Enhanced Monitoring: We expanded our network of camera traps, gaining invaluable insights into the cheetah situation, funded by Stichting SPOTS.
Empowering Rangers: Increased ranger numbers, improved equipment, and better rations ensured their safety and effectiveness funded by Ahmad Tea, Elite, Stichting SPOTS, etc.
Building Knowledge: Capacity-building workshops fostered a culture of conservation within local communities.
These are just some of the accomplishments that wouldn’t have been possible without your unwavering support. A special thank you goes to Simone Eckhardt, CEO of Stichting SPOTS, who has been more than a colleague – a friend who stood with us through thick and thin.
While I step away from the ICS, my commitment to the Asiatic cheetah and Iranian wildlife remains steadfast. I’ll be taking a short break to recharge, but the fire within continues to burn. I’ll be seeking new opportunities to contribute to this vital cause.
The fight for the Asiatic cheetah is far from over. But with continued dedication, this magnificent creature can have a future.