Ecological Capability Assessment for Multiple-Use in Forest Areas Using GIS- Based Multiple Criteria Decision Making Approach

Babaie-Kafaky Babaie-Kafaky

doi:10.3844/ajessp.2009.714.721

Abstract

Problem statement: A valuable Source of plant and animal various speci es in the west of Iran is Zagros forests that, misuses by foresters a nd local societies has caused severe degradation. I n this study, forest areas ecological assessment was carried out with a (GIS)-based MCDM approach for multiple-use planning in order to reduce degradatio n and improving sustainability. Approach: All of possible land uses were evaluated separately. The A HP was used to defining weight of criteria and sub-criteria. Sub-criteria were mapped at GIS envir onment using available data, fieldwork and IRSp6 data. A priority map for each land use was created using GIS-based WLC model. The final priority map was produced of overlying all priority maps. Ec ological capability map were generated with editing priority map using present land use map, IR Sp6 data, forest laws and fieldwork. Results: The Weights of criteria and sub- criteria was defined f or all land uses with CR<0.10. The most important criteria and sub-criteria for each land use were re sulted, too. The final priority map was indicated preference of suitable land uses for each area, eco logically. The suitability map was showed areas tha t are enforceable land use together. Also, the area o f each suitable land use was distinct. In more than of 70% study area, current use is not based on ecologi cal criteria, which were caused severe degradation. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that various land uses meaning multiple-use can be exist in area study that executing of those will be cause decreasing of foresters dependence to forest trees , decreasing of degradation and forest sustainability . Thus, this integrated approach could be benefit forest planners and decision makers. Recommendation: Through this study, we aimed at suggesting to forest management and other stakeholders an approach that is scientifically sound and practical.

Highlights

An area about of 5-milion hectares, from northwest to southwest, has covered by Zagros forests that are one of the most important floristic zones in Iran
GIS-based multi-criteria decision- judgments within the analytical hierarchy process and making approach allows incorporation of decision the most important of criteria and sub-criteria for all makers, experts or other stakeholders into the forest land uses were determined
Sub-criteria, indicators and their score map were created for all land uses

Summary

Introduction

An area about of 5-milion hectares, from northwest to southwest, has covered by Zagros forests that are one of the most important floristic zones in Iran. The main and dominant tree and shrub species are Persian oak (Qeurcus brantti), Qeurcus infectoria and Qeurcus libani In this forests, so far away from the past, many of the incorrect use has caused severe degradation[20] currently considered as degraded forests with firewood production and livestock feeding recognized as the main causes[47]. This forests are national but foresters use incorrectly because, they are unemployment and very poor. Some forests have cultural and religious significance[41] All of this uses there are in Zagros forests but regardless land capability.

Methods

Results

Conclusion