Our Story

In the heart of the beautiful southern coastline of Iran, an ancient and meaningful word emerged: Midaf. In the dialect of the southern people, this term means "wooden paddle," one of the earliest tools used by humans to embark on adventures in the depths of the sea. This name symbolizes the beginning of journeys and the exploration of the unknown, just as the Midaf ventured into the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Our Story began on the day we decided to specialize in four incredible groups of marine creatures: Marine Mammals, Elasmobranchs (including Sharks, Rays, and Guitarfishes), Sea Turtles, and Seabirds.
With a unique passion and love for our work, each of us embarked on a challenging and beautiful journey to bring out the best in these precious beings. Day and night, we toiled in the heart of these ecosystems, engaging in activities ranging from research and monitoring to consulting and assessments. Every step we took was a stride toward the conservation and preservation of the biodiversity in these extraordinary areas.
Each of us has a specific story that continues to unfold—a story filled with effort, hope, and a bright vision for a future where all marine creatures can live in peace and security.
Midaf, this wooden paddle, continues to propel and explore the depths of the sea, intending to preserve and safeguard all marine ecosystems.​​​​​​​

Haleh Abedi
Managing Director

​Setareh Asoudeh
Executive Director

​Midaf Family

What We Do?

The Midaf Nature Conservation Society was established with the goal of preserving and enhancing the biodiversity of marine animals and ecosystems, particularly in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. We believe that protecting marine ecosystems not only aids in species conservation but also significantly impacts the social and economic well-being of local communities.

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Biodiversity Conservation:
 i. Identify, monitor, and protect endangered species through scientific research, educational programs, and community engagement.
 ii. Assess the status and monitor marine species populations, identify threats, and develop strategies for their sustainable conservation and management.
Habitat Protection:
i. Identify critical habitats, investigate sensitive marine areas, and safeguard vital habitats, such as nursery ground.
ii. Recognize threats and provide solutions to mitigate natural and human-related risks to habitats, including climate change, pollution, and coastal degradation, as well as conduct public awareness campaigns.
​​​​​​​Sustainable Development:
Promote sustainable and responsible practices in the use of marine resources based on environmental impact assessments to minimize the negative effects of any exploitation of aquatic resources.

Our Objectives

 Our Commitment

Midaf is dedicated to the conservation of the biodiversity of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through collaboration with all stakeholders and the use of scientific and practical tools. We believe that our actions can contribute to the sustainability and improvement of environmental conditions in these regions, bringing about a brighter future for marine ecosystems.