According to the Voice and Television News Agency of Mazandaran: The photo exhibition “The Story of Shaneh Tarash” was held at the office of the rural cooperative company of Shaneh Tarash (a village in Tonekabon County) with the aim of introducing the process of transformation and sustainable development of the village.
In this event, a collection of documentary images depicting the past and present state of the village, changes in the rural landscape and fabric, and the measures taken by local residents were displayed to visitors.
This exhibition narrates the path of transformation of Shaneh Tarash village — a village that in past years faced challenges such as fabric decay, incompatible physical changes, and a fading local identity. The valuable agricultural lands and traditional village houses were gradually being replaced by incongruous constructions.
In order to revive local capacities, increase social and economic resilience, and create sustainable employment, the “Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan of Shaneh Tarash Village” was formulated and implemented based on successful national and international experiences and grounded in local capabilities.
Guided by the Dehkadeh Mehre Aryan Tourism Development Company and with the participation of a group of rural development activists, this plan succeeded in gaining the support of various national and international institutions. This company, in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), facilitated the transfer of knowledge and experience in the field of employment and rural development.
Furthermore, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) played an effective role in advancing the goals of this plan by supporting an innovative, region-oriented development approach. The Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, Omid Entrepreneurship Fund, and the Cooperative Development Bank also provided the necessary groundwork for the implementation of development programs through facilitation and financial support.
Alongside the display of images, agricultural products, local goods, and handicrafts produced by the village residents were also presented and introduced.
Pedram Karkaboudi, the managing director of the Shaneh Tarash Rural Cooperative Company, emphasized: “The most important factor in the success of this experience has been the participation and cooperation of the people of Shaneh Tarash village as members of the cooperative company. By accepting responsibility for implementing the plan and participating in decision-making and action processes, the villagers became the main actors of this transformation.”
The outcome of this cooperation has been the improvement of the village’s appearance, the organization of public spaces, the preservation of local values, the flourishing of rural tourism, and the creation of new economic opportunities for the local community.
