Overall objective / activities to be implemented under the grant:
The Anzali Lagoon is one of the most important wetlands in Iran, located in the northwest of the Caspian Sea coastline and the City of Anzali is one of the cities on the edge of the lagoon. The livelihood of the majority of households living in the area depends on the lagoon as local people earn a living through various means, such as fishing and tourism. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the serious damage it caused on the tourism industry, these occupations have also diminished, and as a result, families have experienced dire economic conditions.
One of the main objectives of the project is to train the local community living on the Anzali Lagoon margin villages to generate income through home businesses in order to encourage families in the local community to observe hygiene protocols, in addition to reducing the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and closing of many businesses. The project also aims to produce products through the local community dwelling on the outskirts of Anzali Lagoon, increase the revenues from the sale of products, training of individuals, and the establishment of a local fund managed by local groups.