Journal of Wetland Ecobiology
Volume 15, Issue 2 (Summer 2023)
2023, 15(2): 32-45 |
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Abdollahi A R. Assessment of the Major Challenges in Managing Zagros Forests within the Greater Karun River Watershed. Wetland Ecobiology 2023; 15 (2) : 3
URL: http://jweb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1117-en.html
URL: http://jweb.ahvaz.iau.ir/article-1-1117-en.html
Abstract: (203 Views)
The Zagros mountain range, as one of the most important forested regions of Iran, plays a critical role in regulating hydrological cycles, conserving soil resources, and maintaining the ecological stability of watersheds, particularly within the Greater Karun River basin. Despite its ecological significance, forest management in this region faces complex socio-economic challenges that have substantially reduced the effectiveness of conservation and management efforts. This study aims to examine the major socio-economic challenges affecting the management of Zagros forests within the Greater Karun River watershed.
Based on an analysis of the socio-economic conditions of local communities, forest dwellers in the region can be broadly classified into two main groups: residents of forest margins whose livelihoods are primarily based on agriculture, and dispersed forest inhabitants whose livelihoods depend mainly on livestock husbandry. Expansion of agricultural lands into forest margins and pressure caused by livestock grazing within forested areas are identified as the principal drivers of forest degradation in the study area. The findings indicate that poverty acts as a fundamental underlying factor, intensifying pressure on forest resources through unemployment, low educational levels, and limited access to welfare facilities.
Given the extensive scale of natural resources and existing institutional constraints, sustainable management of Zagros forests within the Greater Karun River watershed requires a cross-sectoral approach and active participation of local communities alongside governmental and executive institutions. Without simultaneous consideration of social, economic, and livelihood dimensions, forest conservation programs are unlikely to achieve long-term success.
Based on an analysis of the socio-economic conditions of local communities, forest dwellers in the region can be broadly classified into two main groups: residents of forest margins whose livelihoods are primarily based on agriculture, and dispersed forest inhabitants whose livelihoods depend mainly on livestock husbandry. Expansion of agricultural lands into forest margins and pressure caused by livestock grazing within forested areas are identified as the principal drivers of forest degradation in the study area. The findings indicate that poverty acts as a fundamental underlying factor, intensifying pressure on forest resources through unemployment, low educational levels, and limited access to welfare facilities.
Given the extensive scale of natural resources and existing institutional constraints, sustainable management of Zagros forests within the Greater Karun River watershed requires a cross-sectoral approach and active participation of local communities alongside governmental and executive institutions. Without simultaneous consideration of social, economic, and livelihood dimensions, forest conservation programs are unlikely to achieve long-term success.
Article number: 3
Keywords: Socio-economic factors, Forest management, Zagros forests, Greater Karun River watershed, Poverty, Community participation, Forest degradation.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/12/29 | Accepted: 2026/01/7 | Published: 2026/01/7
Received: 2025/12/29 | Accepted: 2026/01/7 | Published: 2026/01/7
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