نوع مقاله : علمی - پژوهشی
نویسندگان
1 گروه مرتع و آبخیزداری، دانشکده منابع طبیعی و کویر شناسی، دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران
2 استاد،گروه مرتع و آبخیزداری،دانشکده منابع طبیعی و کویر شناسی،دانشگاه یزد، یزد، ایران
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسندگان [English]
Background and Objectives: Forests are among the most important natural resources, covering about 30% of the Earth's surface. Although considered renewable resources, forests are subject to disturbances such as land-use change, wildfires, and others. Moreover, in recent decades, the presence of herders and forest dwellers has been one of the major challenges contributing to forest degradation. Therefore, assessing forest sustainability is crucial for their conservation, restoration, and proper utilization. The Malekshahi watershed in Ilam Province is one of the important forested areas in the Zagros region, which in recent years has faced reduced forest area, decreased biodiversity, and increased degradation. The aim of this study is to assess the sustainability of forests in this watershed using the method developed by the Iranian Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization, in order to propose suitable management strategies for their conservation and restoration.
Methodology: This guideline is recognized as one of the most comprehensive national approaches for evaluating the sustainability status of forest ecosystems, developed based on ecological and managerial principles. In this method, six main criteria are examined, including the extent of forest resources, biodiversity, health, vitality and integrity, productive functions of forest resources, protective and environmental functions, and social and economic functions. Each of these criteria includes a set of sub-indicators, indicators, and assessment variables, comprising a total of 22 indicators and 83 variables. For each variable, scoring was conducted based on the current conditions of the study area, and finally, by applying a weighted averaging approach, the final score of each criterion and the overall sustainability level of the forest ecosystem were calculated and classified. Moreover, to complement the analysis and achieve a more precise understanding of environmental change trends, Landsat 7 satellite images from the years 2011 and Landsat 8 satellite images from the years 2021 were also utilized.
Results: Based on the results of this study, the final ecosystem score for forest stands in the Malekshahi watershed was determined to be 55, placing the region in the moderate sustainability category. Several factors contributed to the decline in the forest ecosystem's sustainability in this area. Limited agricultural lands, especially in mountainous regions, and high demand for arable land have led to the expansion of agricultural activities into forest areas, consequently resulting in deforestation. This deforestation has caused a reduction in biodiversity, soil quality degradation, and environmental issues such as decreased water absorption capacity and increased particulate matter. Furthermore, land-use change analysis for the period 2011 to 2021 shows that forest area decreased from 6,266 hectares in 2011 to 5,364 hectares in 2021, while agricultural lands increased from 2,527 hectares in 2011 to 2,557 hectares in 2021. Additionally, rangelands have increased by 2%, reaching 1,331 hectares in 2021.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate a trend of forest degradation and unstable changes in the region’s land use. To counter this trend and enhance sustainability levels, adopting integrated management strategies is essential. Recommended measures include increasing local community participation in the protection and sustainable use of forest resources, establishing effective governance systems in natural resource management, and enhancing ecological resilience through vegetation restoration and control of destructive exploitation. Additionally, implementing alternative livelihood programs such as the development of beekeeping, cultivation of medicinal plants, expansion of handicraft industries, and utilization of sustainable tourism opportunities can reduce pressure on forest resources while improving the socioeconomic conditions of local residents and promoting the sustainability of forest ecosystems. Overall, the findings of this study emphasize the necessity of integrating ecological and managerial approaches in natural resource planning and policymaking.
کلیدواژهها [English]
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