an is a vast country with great natural beauty and a rich history. Due to its beautiful natural setting, it can offer a lively and interestingnvironment to the nature loving tourists. It has various natural attractions, such as temperate forests in the north with high humidity and rainfall (1,700 mm), deserts and salt lakes in the central part of Iran, and high mountains (such as 5,604 meter high Mount Damavand), glaciers and coastal areas. Considered as one of the five countries in the world with the highest biodiversity, Iran is home to 519 different birds, 172 varying mammals, 199 various reptiles, 20 diverse amphibians, 173 assorted fish and 9,000 distinctive plant species. There are also 9 biosphere storages, 50 interior lakes, 548,000 km of coastal lines in the north and south, including the islands, 23 national parks, 35 wildlife refuge and 111 protected regions. Popular ecotourism activities in Iran include mountain and desert treks, bird watching in coastal areas and wetlands, and diving. There are a number of natural parks and protected regions, such as, Golestan, Kavir, Lar, Khosh Yellagh, Bakhtegan and Bamoo, which offer ecotourism attractions. The Bakhtegan Lake is a place that must be visited by tourists especially in winter when the migrating flamingoes and birds from Russia accommodate themselves there. Also, Iran boasts of Qeshm Geopark, which is the largest geopark in the Middle East.