Resolution of Internal conflicts for conservation of the Hour Al-Azim wetland using AHP-SWOT and game theory approach

Abstract

Drying of Hour Al-Azim wetland, dust storm phenomenon in western and southwestern of Iran in recent years and their effects on human health, social and economic security has led to a crisis in the region. In addition to effects of the transboundary factors, internal factors such as management disputes, contradiction of goals in different organization and ministries has resulted to eliminate some area of Hour Al-Azim wetland and dust storm phenomenon. In this study, the non-cooperative game theoretic and conflict model GMCR II (Graph Model for Conflict Resolution) were used to resolve the internal management conflicts. After determining players, strategies and priorities of each player were identified by using of the AHP-SWOT model (Analytic hierarchy process (AHP), The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)). Then, with respect to the required limitations, 120 states were created in the conflict. In the following, appropriate solution approach was selected by running the model and determining equilibrium points. According to the results, endorsing supporting ideas for farmers, improving of crop pattern, imposing crop cultivation limitation by Ministry of Agriculture, preventing from oil field expansion and better agricultural water supply for integrated management of the region were identified as solutions to resolve conflicts among players. On the other hand, Department of Environment should also impose more rigorous regulations on development of oil fields in the region.