Mahmood Ghaemmaghami and Kourosh Behzadi are the two cyclists who departed from the premises of Keshavarzi Bank on the morning of May 11th. They undertook a journey to support saving the Asiatic cheetah, choosing to ride a path through its natural habitat. Upon completing their 1600-kilometer journey, they returned to Tehran. Prior to their trip, their primary goal was to convey a message of support for cheetahs to local communities and the general public.
The conclusion of their journey provided an opportunity to reconnect with these two environmental advocates and assess the extent to which they achieved their predetermined goals. The journey began at the central building of the bank, with the destination set as the cheetah's habitat. Keshavarzi Bank, in fulfilling its social responsibilities, particularly in the conservation of the environment and natural resources, symbolically supported these two athletes in their efforts to protect the Asiatic cheetah. The following is our interview with the cyclists:
Mahmood Ghaemmaghami:
Keshavarzi Bank Accompanied Us from Start to Finish
From the very beginning to the end, Keshavarzi Bank was our constant companion. Not merely as a sponsor, but as a support system accommodating us every step of the way, always ready to lend a helping hand," Mahmood Ghaemmaghami stated. He is one of the two cyclists pedaling through the habitat of the Asiatic cheetah. Read the full interview with him to grasp the essence of their journey.
Q: In a pre-journey interview with "Payam-e Mehr" magazine, you emphasized that a key objective of your trip was to establish an intimate, face-to face connection with the local community to directly communicate the message of cheetah protection. How successful were you in realizing this goal during your journey?
A: Throughout our journey, we practically achieved what we had in mind. We connected with local communities, engaging in discussions about cheetah protection. Two key elements really fueled our journey. First off, Keshavarzi Bank's excellent support along the route helped us reach out and communicate with local communities and the media, effectively getting our journey's message across. Secondly, the unique cycling campaign for saving cheetahs piqued the interest of local residents along the route. They warmly welcomed us with enthusiasm when we approached them.
Benefiting from these factors I recounted, achieving our goal felt like a smooth ride. Also, thanks to Keshavarzi Bank's earlier correspondence with environmental agencies, they teamed up with us willingly. Their continued support really expanded our expedition’s scope beyond our expectation. Plus, on the road, we connected with various environmental groups and NGOs, providing opportunities to share ideas and enhance our understanding. All in all, considering everything we've discussed, I can say that we have successfully realized the intended goals of our journey.
Q: Do you perceive the impact of this initiative as short-term, or do you plan to ensure its long-lasting effects?
A: During our journey, one measure we took was to extend beyond raising awareness about the Asiatic cheetah. We engaged with locals, emphasizing how crucial their support is. We encouraged them not to see themselves merely as endpoints for sharing information but as active contributors to spreading awareness. If such mindsets become more common in our society, people will not only feel a stronger sense of responsibility for the environment, but discussions about environmental issues, such as saving cheetahs' lives, will soon become a regular topic among people.
Q: Since this isn't your first collaboration with organizations for your symbolic environmental trips, could you highlight any specific advantages or distinctive features of partnering with Keshavarzi Bank?
A: What distinguished this journey was the meaningful environmental insight Keshavarzi Bank held. Unlike previous journeys where sponsors were primarily financial contributors, Keshavarzi Bank was involved in every step of the path we took. They were actively engaged and made substantial contributions at every stage of the journey, not just financially but also in terms of moral support and thoughtful consultation. The bank wasn't just a sponsor; they were a supportive companion, acting as a valuable advisor throughout the entire journey.
Q: Can you specify some of their contributions?
A: I can highlight the remarkable efforts of the bank’s Public Relations partners in the cities along our route. They put in the effort to make our journey more meaningful, encouraging more people to join our cause. If we had taken on this journey alone, we wouldn't have had the resources or even imagined receiving such support. It's likely our journey wouldn't have shaped up the way we had hoped for. The comprehensive efforts of Keshavarzi Bank in amplifying our message became a key factor that distinguishes this journey from our previous ones. Additionally, the significant benefit of partnering with Keshavarzi Bank was their strong network in all cities and regions and their close collaboration with environmental organizations. This collaboration with relevant organizations resulted in increased reception from the public and media, allowing us to pass on our message more effectively.
Q: Based on your experience in collaboration with Keshavarzi Bank, do you have any eco-friendly recommendations for the bank?
A: The environment is a diverse field where every aspect holds significant importance. Keshavarzi Bank has been a frontrunner in this sector, consistently taking crucial actions. In response to your question, I believe the most pressing issue for Keshavarzi Bank to tackle is water scarcity, which has reached a critical point. Currently, approximately 75% of our country's water resources are consumed in the agricultural sector, and due to traditional methods, a substantial portion of this water is wasted. Therefore, I suggest that Keshavarzi Bank focuses on addressing water utilization by implementing necessary measures. In addition to raising awareness about optimal water consumption in agriculture, the bank should take collective actions leading to a reduction in agricultural water consumption nationwide.
Q: Do you mind sharing any enjoyable memories from your trip with our readers?
A: A standout memory for me is encountering a Swiss cycling couple during their journey through Iran. We rode together for a few days, and during our time together, they admitted they were initially warned that traveling to Iran was considered risky and unsafe. However, their firsthand experience led them to realize that Iran is, in fact, one of the safest countries in the region, making their trip here one of the most beautiful experiences they've had.
Kourosh Behzadi
We were encouraged to carry on
Kourosh Behzadi is one of the cyclists who completed the 1600-kilometer journey alongside the cheetah’s habitat. In a conversation with Payam-Mehr, he shares his experiences with the environmental enthusiasts who supported them on their journey.
Q: Now that it has concluded, how do you see the feedback on your journey?
A: Traveling broadens one’s horizon. In this journey, we learned that concerning environmental issues, sometimes it’s more effective to act symbolically to convey a clear message, and other times a more subtle approach with no symbolic implications is necessary. Our mission to save the lives of cheetahs, however, was effectively executed, and we received numerous positive responses.
Q: If you were to highlight a main accomplishment from this journey, what would it be?
A: One of the significant challenges during our journey was addressing a prevailing misconception about these animal species. On several occasions, we found people unable to distinguish between the Asiatic cheetah and the leopard, mistakenly perceiving the cheetah as just another type of leopard. This confusion was even perpetuated in a program broadcasted by the Hormozgan Official Television Broadcaster, where they inaccurately introduced a leopard as a cheetah. Despite our limited resources, we dedicated ourselves to rectifying this misconception throughout the journey. I encourage all informed individuals in this field to take effective measures in public education, as misinformation, along with its adverse effects, poses a challenge to environmental conservation efforts.
Q: Were there any exceptions? Did you come across someone who possessed in-depth knowledge about cheetahs?
A: Absolutely, and that's what made the journey truly heartening. We encountered some wonderful folks along the way—people who genuinely cared about the Asiatic cheetah and knew a lot about it. What's fascinating is that a few of them didn't even have formal education. Their knowledge came from real-life experiences, not textbooks. Living in local communities gave them a deep understanding of the Asiatic cheetah, and they were actively working to spread awareness. For example, we met a roadside vendor during our travels who turned out to be a wealth of information about cheetahs. He welcomed us warmly, we had a great chat about our journey, and he exchanged some fantastic information. He even expressed his willingness to share information about cheetahs with anyone interested, taking small but meaningful steps to contribute to cheetah conservation. Encounters like these really uplift our spirits and leave us assured on the path we've chosen.
Q: What are your upcoming plans for your eco-friendly journeys?
A: We are currently exploring ways to enhance our interaction with the local community beyond ordinary, everyday conversations. We are considering including a filming vehicle to harness the power of visual communication, seeking to deliver our message beyond verbal expressions.
Q: What do you consider as the most significant characteristic of Keshavarzi Bank's environmental views?
A: One thing we found unique and exceptional for such a financial and economic organization was encountering individuals with in-depth environmental knowledge working there. This is a good demonstration of how Keshavarzi Bank cares about and values environmental issues, and how their staff are also engaged with environmental concerns. For instance, Mr. Khordmand, a bank's public relations staff in Yazd, stood out for his seasoned understanding of environmental issues, and we gained valuable insights through our conversation with him.
Q: With the insights you've gained through your journey in collaboration with Keshavarzi Bank, can you offer any eco-friendly suggestions for the bank?
A: Keshavarzi Bank provides loans to farmers to boost and develop their agricultural infrastructure, fostering their production. Therefore, I suggest that Keshavarzi Bank exercises greater precision and scrutiny in granting loans and facilities, ensuring that individuals exploiting natural resources are not supported. This approach would prevent the depletion of natural resources resulting from the excessive expansion and misuse of agricultural activities.
Q: To wrap up, can you share an interesting memory from your trip with the readers?
A: Our trip was spiced with many memorable moments, but it's not possible to spill all the beans at once. One standout memory was our unspoken pact – we'd steer clear of each other after 11 am when the heat got a bit too much. Another enjoyable moment was our spontaneous swimming detour on the way to Bandar Abbas. It was high noon, and we were riding under the scorching sun when we spotted a roadside sign advertising a swimming session for 4,000 Tomans (around a dollar). In the middle of nowhere, it seemed unlikely, but we followed the sign and stumbled upon a refreshing, generously sized pool fed by a nearby well. Thrilled by the sight of this clean and inviting pool, we didn’t hesitate a moment to dive in and ended up spending the whole afternoon there. The person in charge, upon discovering our cheetah-saving cycling mission, generously waived the fee and even prepared lunch for us.
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