In the heart of Iran’s development policies lies a pressing need for a cohesive strategy to tackle environmental challenges, according to a recent study published in the journal ‘Studies in Green Development Management’ (مطالعات مدیریت توسعه سبز). The research, led by Yousef Jafari Herafteh, a researcher affiliated with Azad University in Shahrud, Iran, sheds light on the fragmented implementation of green management principles in the country’s high-level strategic documents.
The study, which analyzed Iran’s 20-Year Vision Document, Five-Year Development Plans, and General Policies of the System, reveals that while there is a conceptual embrace of green management, practical integration remains partial and often symbolic. “The 20-Year Vision Document sets broad sustainability goals but lacks actionable strategies,” Herafteh explains. “The General Policies offer normative guidance but insufficient operational mechanisms. The Five-Year Plans present the most detailed provisions, yet suffer from implementation deficits and limited institutional coordination.”
For the energy sector, these findings hold significant commercial implications. The research highlights that despite policy emphasis on reducing energy intensity and promoting clean technologies, execution has been hindered by weak monitoring systems and insufficient investment in clean infrastructure. “There is increasing policy attention on solar and wind energy,” Herafteh notes, “yet Iran’s renewable energy output remains below targets due to infrastructural and economic barriers.”
The study identifies three major categories of barriers hindering green management implementation: policy and legal constraints, infrastructure limitations, and cultural challenges. To address these, Herafteh proposes several policy recommendations, including legal reform to establish enforceable frameworks, public investment in green infrastructure, and the encouragement of public-private partnerships to foster eco-innovation and clean technology development.
The research also underscores the need for a cultural transformation, advocating for nationwide environmental education programs and campaigns to foster a culture of sustainability. “A general lack of environmental awareness and weak public engagement curtail grassroots support for sustainability initiatives,” Herafteh states.
The findings of this study could shape future developments in the field by highlighting the pressing need for Iran to transition from rhetorical commitment to operational execution of green management. Strengthening the structural, cultural, and legal foundations of environmental governance is essential not only for ecological preservation but also for long-term economic resilience and social well-being.
As the world grapples with unprecedented environmental challenges, this research serves as a critical reminder of the importance of integrating green management principles into national development policies. For the energy sector, the study offers valuable insights into the barriers and opportunities that lie ahead in the pursuit of sustainable development.