1- Department of Rangeland and Watershed, Faculty of Natural Resources and Desert Studies, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
2- Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
3- Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
3- Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (476 Views)
Extended Abstract
Background: Sustainable watershed management, as one of the fundamental pillars in the conservation and enhancement of natural resources, plays a significant role in improving water and soil quality, as well as increasing agricultural productivity. This management can also contribute to the preservation of natural habitats and the improvement of local communities' livelihoods. Watersheds, as one of the most important natural and management units, play a vital role in maintaining the sustainability of natural resources. These units, particularly in mountainous and arid regions, serve as the primary source of water, prevent soil erosion, and support natural ecosystems. In recent decades, rapid population growth, increased demand for natural resources, climate change, and economic crises have led to the degradation of these resources. Various factors, such as excessive exploitation of water and soil resources, destruction of vegetation, and land-use changes, have reduced the natural functions of watersheds. The Ilam Dam watershed, one of the most important watersheds in Iran, is not exempt from these challenges. Therefore, this study aims to identify and prioritize the most significant factors contributing to the degradation of this watershed to propose management strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Methods: This research employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Initially, various aspects of watershed degradation were explored through a literature review and examination of scientific sources. Field visits and consultations with local experts and residents of the watershed were also conducted to identify the key factors contributing to the degradation of the Ilam Dam watershed. Based on these studies, 32 factors were identified as the most significant contributors to the degradation of this watershed. These factors included drought, encroachment on natural resources, land-use changes, overexploitation of vegetation, and excessive water withdrawal. These factors were further investigated by designing a questionnaire containing items related to the 32 identified factors. The questionnaire was approved by experts to ensure its validity. Its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha method, which indicated an acceptable level of reliability. Subsequently, a survey was conducted with 24 watershed experts and local residents. These individuals rated each factor using a Likert scale. After analyzing the collected data, the prioritization of the factors was performed using the Friedman test. This statistical test helped identify the priority of the degradation factors, determining which ones had the greatest impact on the watershed's degradation.
Results: Drought (D1) was identified as the most significant degradation factor, receiving the highest average rank of 23.33. In recent years, drought has not only reduced water resources but also negatively impacted vegetation cover, leading to increased soil erosion. Following drought, encroachment on natural resources and land-use changes (D13) ranked as the second most influential factor, with an average rank of 22.56. These land use changes include the conversion of rangeland to agriculture, orchards, and other uses, which have had negative impacts on natural ecosystems. Overexploitation of vegetation (D27), with an average rank of 22.48, was identified as the third major degradation factor. Excessive livestock grazing and overharvesting of plants have reduced vegetation density, which in turn has exacerbated soil erosion and increased surface runoff. Another key degradation factor was excessive water withdrawal (D29), which ranked fourth with an average score of 21.17. On the other hand, the expansion of residential areas (D21) and the density of cracks and faults (D10), with average ranks of 8.19 and 8.02, respectively, were among the factors identified as the least significant factors in watershed degradation. These findings indicate that although residential construction can contribute to the degradation of natural resources, its impact is relatively minor compared to drought and the overexploitation of natural resources.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that natural factors, such as drought, as well as human activities, e.g. land-use change and overexploitation of natural resources, are the primary causes of degradation. These factors have significantly reduced water quality, led to soil degradation, and increased surface erosion. Prioritizing the factors contributing to watershed degradation can assist policymakers and managers in developing more effective programs and policies to reduce damage and protect natural resources. For example, drought, identified as one of the primary degradation factors, calls for policies aimed at regulating water use during dry periods and managing water resources to prevent the depletion of groundwater levels. Additionally, land-use changes, especially the conversion of natural lands into agricultural and industrial zones, require legal restrictions and the formulation of new regulations to prevent further damage. Limiting unauthorized exploitation of water resources and regulating the use of vegetation are also some of the crucial measures in improving the Ilam Dam watershed condition. In this regard, comprehensive watershed management, which involves the active participation of local and national stakeholders, can be an effective solution to counter degradation. In conclusion, precise and scientific planning based on field study results, educating and raising awareness among local communities about the importance of natural resource conservation, and implementing appropriate management policies can significantly contribute to reducing degradation and improving the sustainability of watersheds.
Background: Sustainable watershed management, as one of the fundamental pillars in the conservation and enhancement of natural resources, plays a significant role in improving water and soil quality, as well as increasing agricultural productivity. This management can also contribute to the preservation of natural habitats and the improvement of local communities' livelihoods. Watersheds, as one of the most important natural and management units, play a vital role in maintaining the sustainability of natural resources. These units, particularly in mountainous and arid regions, serve as the primary source of water, prevent soil erosion, and support natural ecosystems. In recent decades, rapid population growth, increased demand for natural resources, climate change, and economic crises have led to the degradation of these resources. Various factors, such as excessive exploitation of water and soil resources, destruction of vegetation, and land-use changes, have reduced the natural functions of watersheds. The Ilam Dam watershed, one of the most important watersheds in Iran, is not exempt from these challenges. Therefore, this study aims to identify and prioritize the most significant factors contributing to the degradation of this watershed to propose management strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Methods: This research employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Initially, various aspects of watershed degradation were explored through a literature review and examination of scientific sources. Field visits and consultations with local experts and residents of the watershed were also conducted to identify the key factors contributing to the degradation of the Ilam Dam watershed. Based on these studies, 32 factors were identified as the most significant contributors to the degradation of this watershed. These factors included drought, encroachment on natural resources, land-use changes, overexploitation of vegetation, and excessive water withdrawal. These factors were further investigated by designing a questionnaire containing items related to the 32 identified factors. The questionnaire was approved by experts to ensure its validity. Its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha method, which indicated an acceptable level of reliability. Subsequently, a survey was conducted with 24 watershed experts and local residents. These individuals rated each factor using a Likert scale. After analyzing the collected data, the prioritization of the factors was performed using the Friedman test. This statistical test helped identify the priority of the degradation factors, determining which ones had the greatest impact on the watershed's degradation.
Results: Drought (D1) was identified as the most significant degradation factor, receiving the highest average rank of 23.33. In recent years, drought has not only reduced water resources but also negatively impacted vegetation cover, leading to increased soil erosion. Following drought, encroachment on natural resources and land-use changes (D13) ranked as the second most influential factor, with an average rank of 22.56. These land use changes include the conversion of rangeland to agriculture, orchards, and other uses, which have had negative impacts on natural ecosystems. Overexploitation of vegetation (D27), with an average rank of 22.48, was identified as the third major degradation factor. Excessive livestock grazing and overharvesting of plants have reduced vegetation density, which in turn has exacerbated soil erosion and increased surface runoff. Another key degradation factor was excessive water withdrawal (D29), which ranked fourth with an average score of 21.17. On the other hand, the expansion of residential areas (D21) and the density of cracks and faults (D10), with average ranks of 8.19 and 8.02, respectively, were among the factors identified as the least significant factors in watershed degradation. These findings indicate that although residential construction can contribute to the degradation of natural resources, its impact is relatively minor compared to drought and the overexploitation of natural resources.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that natural factors, such as drought, as well as human activities, e.g. land-use change and overexploitation of natural resources, are the primary causes of degradation. These factors have significantly reduced water quality, led to soil degradation, and increased surface erosion. Prioritizing the factors contributing to watershed degradation can assist policymakers and managers in developing more effective programs and policies to reduce damage and protect natural resources. For example, drought, identified as one of the primary degradation factors, calls for policies aimed at regulating water use during dry periods and managing water resources to prevent the depletion of groundwater levels. Additionally, land-use changes, especially the conversion of natural lands into agricultural and industrial zones, require legal restrictions and the formulation of new regulations to prevent further damage. Limiting unauthorized exploitation of water resources and regulating the use of vegetation are also some of the crucial measures in improving the Ilam Dam watershed condition. In this regard, comprehensive watershed management, which involves the active participation of local and national stakeholders, can be an effective solution to counter degradation. In conclusion, precise and scientific planning based on field study results, educating and raising awareness among local communities about the importance of natural resource conservation, and implementing appropriate management policies can significantly contribute to reducing degradation and improving the sustainability of watersheds.
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