The new concept and yet the old one about conservation with the contribution of
indigenous people and local communities has attracted many scientists’ attention. International
conservation policies and programms recognize and support indigenous and community
conserved areas and encourage all states to do the same.
This thesis aimed to introduce marine and coastal Indigenous and Community Conserved
Areas and the related laws, regulations and development plans thoroughly in Iran. The main
focus of this thesis is on traditional conservation by local communities in Qeshm Island,
located in Hormozgan province in south of Iran along the Persian Gulf. Through this study, it
was concluded that indigenous people and local communities have an important role in
governing protected areas and it is recommended to include them in conservation programms.