1- Yazd University
2- Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute
2- Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute
Abstract: (6 Views)
Introduction and Objective: 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 the country, is not exempt from these challenges. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify and prioritize the most significant factors contributing to the degradation of this watershed in order to propose management strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Material and Methods: This research employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Initially, through a literature review and examination of scientific sources, various aspects of watershed degradation were explored. 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. To further investigate these factors, a questionnaire was designed, containing items related to the 32 identified factors. The questionnaire was validated by watershed management experts to ensure its content validity. To confirm its reliability, Cronbach's alpha method was used, 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. The collected data were then analyzed, and 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: The results revealed that 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 agricultural lands into residential and industrial areas, which have had adverse effects 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 illegal plant harvesting 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, factors such as 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 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: Sustainable watershed management is a crucial pillar in preserving and enhancing natural resources, playing a significant role in improving water and soil quality and increasing agricultural productivity. It also contributes to the preservation of natural habitats and improves the livelihoods of local communities. The Ilam Dam watershed, which has experienced considerable degradation in recent years due to various natural and human factors, requires special attention to prevent further deterioration. The findings of this study indicate that natural factors such as drought, as well as human activities like 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. Measures such as limiting unauthorized exploitation of water resources and regulating the use of vegetation are also crucial in improving the condition of the Ilam Dam watershed. 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.
Material and Methods: This research employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. Initially, through a literature review and examination of scientific sources, various aspects of watershed degradation were explored. 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. To further investigate these factors, a questionnaire was designed, containing items related to the 32 identified factors. The questionnaire was validated by watershed management experts to ensure its content validity. To confirm its reliability, Cronbach's alpha method was used, 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. The collected data were then analyzed, and 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: The results revealed that 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 agricultural lands into residential and industrial areas, which have had adverse effects 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 illegal plant harvesting 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, factors such as 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 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: Sustainable watershed management is a crucial pillar in preserving and enhancing natural resources, playing a significant role in improving water and soil quality and increasing agricultural productivity. It also contributes to the preservation of natural habitats and improves the livelihoods of local communities. The Ilam Dam watershed, which has experienced considerable degradation in recent years due to various natural and human factors, requires special attention to prevent further deterioration. The findings of this study indicate that natural factors such as drought, as well as human activities like 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. Measures such as limiting unauthorized exploitation of water resources and regulating the use of vegetation are also crucial in improving the condition of the Ilam Dam watershed. 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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