Sustainable Waste Management in Semnan Settlement

Since 2020, UNIDO has been dedicated to enhancing the resilience and well-being of refugees in Iran through innovative projects aligned with the host government strategies and Sustainable Development Goals. Building on this momentum, the ongoing initiative " Sustainable Waste Management in Semnan Settlement" under the project of “Scaling up Sustainable Settlements for Refugees in the Islamic Republic of Iran”, supported by the Government of the Republic of Korea, seeks to foster environmentally sustainable communities by promoting waste recycling and composting practices, thereby strengthening resilience and environmental stewardship in Semnan settlement.

A notable milestone took place on 7 May 2025, when a comprehensive waste management training focused on home-scale vermicomposting was held at the Semnan refugee settlement. The training saw the enthusiastic participation of 133 refugees, including 127 women and 6 men, spanning various age groups—34 participants (approximately 16%) aged 13-25, 44 participants (around 20%) aged 26-35, and 55 participants (about 25%) aged 36-58—reflecting broad community engagement across generations.

During the event, refugees learned how to transform organic waste into valuable fertilizer through vermicomposting, promoting sustainable waste disposal and enhancing agricultural productivity at home. Many expressed eagerness to implement these practices, which contribute significantly to reducing waste, improving food security, and fostering environmental stewardship within their community.

This initiative is part of UNIDO’s broader efforts to empower refugees to become active agents of change. Among the inspiring stories is that of Mojdeh, a 13-year-old girl and the youngest refugee participant in the training. She was eager to learn how to transform organic waste into valuable fertilizer and demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm for environmental practices. Mojdeh said, “I want to help my community by recycling waste and making our environment cleaner. I believe even young people can make a difference. This project is also giving me the chance to build new skills and connect with others, helping me grow both personally and socially.” Her interest and dedication exemplify how young community members are taking ownership of sustainability efforts and inspiring others to follow suit. Her enthusiasm highlights the potential of empowering youth as key drivers of positive change in their communities.

The training received strong positive feedback, with approximately 52% of participants rating the content as "Very Good" and about 54% expressing confidence in the instructor’s expertise. Most felt the session met their expectations and appreciated the clarity of delivery. Overall, the feedback highlighted excellent organization, engaging trainers, and a successful session. This feedback underscores the effectiveness of the program and the community’s enthusiasm for sustainable practices. It reflects a community eager to adopt new skills—empowering refugees not only to improve their living conditions but also to become ambassadors of sustainability.

Thanks to initiatives like the waste management training, community members are seeing tangible improvements in their environmental practices and living conditions. UNIDO plans to expand these programs in support of the host country to other settlements in 2025 and beyond, fostering resilience and a sense of environmental responsibility among refugees. 

Building on these efforts, the project is currently implementing renewable energy solutions in the settlements of Semnan and Torbat-e Jam. Specifically, we are installing two solar power plants, each with a capacity of 200 kWp, to provide clean and reliable electricity to the communities. These installations aim to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, lower carbon emissions, and enhance the overall living conditions of both refugees and host communities. By integrating renewable technologies, the project promotes sustainable development, supports energy independence, and contributes to climate resilience in the region.