Assessment of forest ecosystem sustainability in the Malekshahi watershed with an emphasis on ecological and managerial indicators

Background and Objective: Forests represent one of the most vital natural resources, covering approximately 30% of the Earth's land surface. While forests are categorized as renewable resources, they are increasingly susceptible to disturbances such as land-use change and wildfires. Furthermore, over the past few decades, the presence of livestock breeders and forest dwellers has emerged as a significant driver of forest degradation. Consequently, assessing forest sustainability is imperative for their conservation, restoration, and optimal management. The Malekshahi watershed, located in Ilam Province, is a key forested region within the Zagros mountains that has recently experienced a decline in forest cover and biodiversity, alongside escalating degradation. This study aims to evaluate the forest sustainability of this watershed based on the framework established by the University and the Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization of Iran to provide effective management strategies for its preservation and restoration.
Material and Methods: This guideline represents one of the most comprehensive national frameworks for assessing the sustainability of forest ecosystems, developed based on ecological and managerial principles. The methodology evaluates six primary criteria: the extent of forest resources, biodiversity, health, vitality and integrity, productive functions of forest resources, protective and environmental functions, and socio-economic functions. Each criterion comprises a set of sub-indicators, indicators, and measurement variables, totaling 22 indicators and 83 variables. Scoring was performed for each variable based on the current regional status; subsequently, through weighted averaging, the final score for each criterion and the overall sustainability level of the forest ecosystem were calculated and classified. Furthermore, to complement the analysis and achieve a more precise understanding of environmental trends, Landsat 7 satellite imagery from 2011 and Landsat 8 imagery from 2021 were utilized.
Results: According to the results of this study, the final sustainability score for the forest ecosystem in the Malekshahi watershed was calculated as 55, which classifies the region's sustainability as "moderate." Several factors have contributed to the decline of forest ecosystem stability in this area. Limited availability of agricultural land, particularly in mountainous regions, coupled with high demand for arable land, has led to the expansion of farming activities into forested areas, resulting in significant deforestation. This degradation has further led to a reduction in biodiversity, soil quality deterioration, and environmental issues such as decreased water absorption capacity and increased dust storms (haze). Land-use change analysis between 2011 and 2021 indicates that forest cover decreased from 6,266 hectares to 5,364 hectares during this period. Conversely, agricultural land increased from 2,527 hectares in 2011 to 2,557 hectares in 2021. Additionally, rangelands experienced a 2% increase, reaching 1,331 hectares by 2021.
Conclusion: The findings of this research highlight a trend of forest degradation and unsustainable land-use changes within the region. To counter this trend and enhance sustainability levels, the adoption of integrated management strategies is essential. Recommended measures include increasing local community participation in the conservation and sustainable exploitation of forest resources, establishing a good governance system in natural resource management, and enhancing ecological resilience through revegetation and the control of destructive practices. Furthermore, implementing alternative livelihood programs—such as developing apiculture, cultivating medicinal plants, expanding handicrafts, and leveraging sustainable tourism capacities—can alleviate pressure on forest resources while improving the socio-economic status of residents and increasing the sustainability of forest ecosystems. Overall, the results of this study emphasize the necessity of integrating ecological and managerial approaches into natural resource planning and policymaking.