There are many indications of a long history of unsustainable use of natural resources such as overgrazing, logging, farming, infrastructure and settlements both inside and outside the property (Mittermeier et al., 2005; Jahanifar et al., 2019; Soofi et al., 2018; State Party of Iran, 2018; IUCN, 2019). This unsustainable use is still ongoing, but the State Party has shown commitment to stop this negative trend and implement sustainable development in the whole region. Already in place is a management plan for sustainable development of rural areas which is targeting all villages in the Hyrcanian region (IUCN, 2019; State Party of Iran, 2018).