Shafiabad
Iran
2025
Best Known For:
Social Inclusion and Empowerment
Climate Change Mitigation or Adaptation
Partnerships and Networks
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Women revive a desert village and inspire a nation
Shafiabad, a resilient village in Kerman Province, southern Iran, lies within the scorching Lut Desert one of the hottest places on Earth. Faced with extreme heat, water scarcity, and limited economic prospects, many residents once considered migration. But a decade ago, a group of local women sparked transformation. In a traditionally male-dominated society, they formed a cooperative brand, GOJINO, producing handicrafts and reviving lost hope. By allocating part of their income, they restored ancient qanat water systems and began replanting the land to prevent desertification. The UNESCO inscription of the Lut Desert in 2016 and the village’s location on the historic Silk Road created new opportunities. The community restored its historic castle, hosted international desert marathons, and developed sustainable accommodations. These efforts, led by the “Women of the Sun,” turned Shafiabad into a thriving desert tourism hub. Shafiabad now stands as a beacon of community resilience, sustainability, and gender empowerment.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Women of the Sun lead the desert’s rebirth
Ten years ago, Shafiabad’s women rewrote the village’s destiny by forming a cooperative called GOJINO, producing local handicrafts and souvenirs. In a society where opportunities for women were limited, this initiative brought visibility, purpose, and income to more than 150 women. Their success wasn’t only economic. With about 15% of their earnings reinvested into the village, they dredged the ancient qanats reviving a lifeline of desert agriculture and launched educational programs to halt desertification and restore native vegetation. These women now manage seven guesthouses, cater to tourists, and grow medicinal plants, becoming central figures in the tourism economy. In doing so, they transformed not only their own lives, but the future of Shafiabad itself. Known nationally as the “Women of the Sun,” they represent a model of gender-led sustainability, where economic development, environmental stewardship, and cultural pride converge. Their story inspires communities across Iran and beyond.
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A desert village becomes a star attraction
Located near Gandom Beryan, the Earth’s hottest recorded point, and within the UNESCO-listed Lut Desert, Shafiabad has embraced its extreme environment as a powerful asset. Once threatened by isolation and environmental hardship, the village now shines as Iran’s premier desert tourism destination. Through local entrepreneurship and ecological foresight, villagers have developed a network of eco-accommodations, desert camps, and interpretive centers. The village hosts scientific and experiential tours, including stargazing programs that have earned it the title “Star of Iran’s Desert.” Sustainable off-road expeditions and conservation-focused tourism are core to its model, ensuring minimal environmental impact while supporting the local economy. The international “Star Eco-Camp,” a major highlight, draws over 100 astronomy tours annually. These initiatives have also attracted large-scale investment, signaling confidence in Shafiabad’s long-term potential. This remote desert village now embodies innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth—proving that even the harshest landscapes can inspire a new way forward.
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Running through the silence of the sands
Each year since 2016, Shafiabad has co-hosted the “Iran Silk Road Ultra Marathon,” a unique desert sports event held during the milder fall and winter seasons. Organized in partnership with the World Running Academy, travel agencies, and local residents, the seven-day competition draws 250 athletes from around the globe. The event transforms the vast Lut Desert into a global stage, featuring challenges like the “Night Marathon” and the “Lut Desert Trail.” It is more than a race, it’s a celebration of resilience, natural beauty, and community-led hospitality. The marathon has positioned Shafiabad as a hub of adventure tourism, combining physical endurance with sustainable practices. Local accommodations and services are integrated into the event, generating income and awareness for desert conservation. With nine editions already held, this event now has a permanent place on Iran’s tourism calendar. Through sport, Shafiabad has found yet another way to share its story with the world.
