In recent years, a variety of livelihood projects— both agricultural and non-agricultural— have been implemented in rural areas surrounding the watershed of Lake Urmia, Shadegan Wetland and Bakhtegan Wetland. These projects aim to reduce pressure on natural resources and restore these aquatic ecosystems. Despite the positive social, economic, and environmental impacts of these projects, evidence indicates that their sustainability still faces significant challenges. In light of this, the present study aimed to identify and analyze strategies to improve the sustainability of livelihood projects under the Conservation of Iranian Wetland Project in the watershed of Lake Urmia, Shadgen Wetland and Bakhtegan Wetland. This qualitative research was conducted through in-depth individual and group interviews with 33 experts, local informants, and relevant specialists. Participants were selected using purposive snowball sampling, and interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA software through open and axial coding method. The findings identified 28 indicators grouped into five main categories as the key strategies for improving the sustainability of livelihood projects. Among these, the categories of facilitating and strengthening market access (27%), capacity-building and professional skill development (24%), and financial support and funding (18.1%) emerged as the most critical. Additionally, institutional support and facilitation of access were highlighted as essential requirements for improving the sustainability of livelihood projects. In conclusion, this study suggests that achieving sustainability in livelihood projects requires an integrated, multidimensional, and coordinated approach emphasizing market strengthening, professional capacity development, sustainable financial support, institutional backing, and active participation from local communities and various stakeholders.