Evaluating the consequences of road network reconstruction in the Giyan Forest using SWOT analysis method

Background and Objective: Giyan Forest, the last remaining remnant of the western oak forests in Hamadan Province, is of high ecological and recreational value. The paving of its access road has significantly improved accessibility, leading to a substantial increase in visitor numbers and greater pressure on this forest ecosystem. While some stakeholders advocate strict protection of the forest, others support the development of tourism infrastructure to stimulate the local economy. Given the dependence of part of the local community's livelihood on the forest, neither complete closure nor unrestricted tourism is a viable management option. Therefore, this study evaluated the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated with the reconstruction of the forest road network and proposed appropriate strategies for the sustainable management of Giyan Forest.
Material and Methods: The current status of Giyan Forest and its future management strategies were assessed using SWOT analysis based on expert opinions. Initially, 35 open-ended questionnaires were distributed among experts from the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Environment, Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Office, Giyan Municipality, and researchers from the Hamadan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the forest. Based on the collected responses, a second questionnaire was developed to evaluate the importance of each factor using a five-point Likert scale. A weighting coefficient ranging from 0 to 1 was assigned to each factor according to its relative importance. Internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external (opportunities and threats) factors were analyzed using the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrices. The weighted score of each factor was calculated by multiplying its weight by its rating. Finally, the mean, minimum, and maximum scores of each factor across the participating organizations were calculated, and the most appropriate management strategy for each organization, as well as the overall strategy for the future management of Giyan Forest, was determined.
Results: The highest mean score among the internal strengths was assigned to forest monitoring and inspection by field officers (3.94), whereas improved access for researchers received the lowest score (3.17). Among the internal weaknesses, inappropriate road density obtained the highest mean score (3.75), while poor road safety received the lowest (2.72). Regarding external opportunities, integrated management and community empowerment achieved the highest mean score (4.17), whereas the development of cycling and walking trails received the lowest score (3.00). For external threats, the loss of genetic resources ranked highest (4.28), while construction of tourism facilities ranked lowest (3.33). Overall, the most important strength was the improvement of forest-related services, including support for silvicultural operations, management of water rights, improved access for supplementary irrigation, and rapid access to fire-affected areas. The major weaknesses were inadequate road safety standards and the use of unsuitable construction materials. The highest-ranked opportunity was the establishment of an integrated management system for the region's economic, natural, cultural, and historical resources through a joint council representing the relevant organizations. Increased management costs were identified as the most significant external threat.
Conclusion: Forest-related services were identified as the principal strength of the reconstructed forest road network, whereas inadequate safety standards and unsuitable road construction materials were the main weaknesses. Establishing an integrated management system through a representative council of relevant organizations was recognized as the most promising opportunity for balancing environmental conservation, tourism development, and local livelihoods. Rising management costs represented the most significant external threat. Furthermore, the assessment of external threat factors indicated that increased management costs represented the most significant threat factor.