Environmental policy and management of freshwater resources in the Haraz-Ghareh Su Basin in comparison to other Caspian sub basins

Abstract

Haraz-Ghareh Su is one of the seven sub-basins of the Caspian basin, located on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, and as such, is in danger of water crisis due to absence of proper systematic policy and strategy. In this study, the pressure factors on the Haraz-Ghareh Su water resources were identified using DPSIR model. Then, the pressure parameters on the freshwater resources in the Caspian Basin were scored and prioritized into two categories: human and non-human criteria and eight sub-criteria with the help of questionnaires (the opinion of 36 specialists in environmental planning and management, as well as the use of FANP). Thereafter, the data layers were processed with the help of IDRISI software, and eventually, the data were overlaid in the ArcGIS and the final plan was made. The findings of the study shows that, among 8 effective sub-criteria on the environmental planning and management of the freshwater resources in the Haraz-Ghareh Su Basin, agricultural water consumption with 0.243 score points and dam-making with 0.039 score points are considered most and least important sub-criteria, respectively. Consequently, after the compilation and scoring of sub-basins of the Caspian basin, it appears that the sub-basin of Haraz-ghare Su with 0.158627 points had the worst situation in terms of the planning and management of freshwater resources in the Caspian basin. In order to decrease the pressure on the freshwater resources in the Haraz-Ghareh Su Basin, the formulation of long-term policy and strategy in this basin seems to be essential.