The Conservation of Iranian Wetlands Project (CIWP) was launched in 2005, initially focusing on the introduction of an ecosystem-based management approach in Lake Urmia, Parishan Wetland, and Shadegan Wetland. Over time, the project expanded to include seven additional wetlands. During Phase I (2005–2014), the project's primary efforts focused on promoting a new approach to wetland management and supporting the preparation of Integrated Management Plans (IMPs) for priority wetlands. During Phase II (2014–2021), the project shifted its emphasis from planning to implementation. The primary focus was the implementation of the Integrated Management Plans, particularly for Lake Urmia and its associated wetlands, where priority actions required close inter-sectoral coordination among government agencies and other stakeholders. Phase III (2021–2025) was designed to consolidate the achievements of the previous phases while expanding project interventions beyond Lake Urmia to include Bakhtegan and Shadegan wetlands as additional pilot sites. As in the previous phase, the project's main focus remained the implementation of the Integrated Management Plans, with particular emphasis on sustainable agriculture and the promotion of wetland-compatible livelihoods that support both ecosystem conservation and the well-being of local communities. To ensure the sustainability and wider replication of project achievements, Phase III was extended in 2025. The extension focuses on institutionalizing the protection of wetland water resources, strengthening inter-sectoral collaboration, and promoting the use of innovative technologies for wetland monitoring, conservation, and adaptive management. Under the extension phase, Lake Urmia, Anzali Wetland, Parishan Wetland, and Shadegan Wetland serve as the project's pilot sites for implementing and scaling up ecosystem-based wetland management practices.