The Identification of Effective Factors of Strategic Implementation in Water Resources Management (Case Study: Lake Urmia Basin)

Abstract

There is a little room for doubt that Lake Urmia, which is the second largest permanent hyper saline lake in the world,is currently suffering from a lack of appropriate management strategy. Accordingly, this study was done using the SWOTmatrix to analyze the key factors affecting declining water levels and increasing salinity. Results of group decisionmakingby brainstorming among a group of experts identified 17 internal factors (four strengths and 13 weaknesses) andnine external factors (five opportunities and four threats). Then four kinds of strategy groups were formulated by matchinginternal and external factors. And the most feasible policy was introduced from evaluations of Attractiveness Scores andQuantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). These reality-based solutions can be applied to facilitate progresstowards realizing the target vision. This information was used to select the best alternatives according to strategies basedon weaknesses and opportunities (WO Strategies). This study illustrates that the existing water use pattern did notconform to the requirements necessary for sustainability. Furthermore, managerial-based strategies with the objectives ofpreserving surface and groundwater sources, orienting stakeholders towards implementing efficient water use pattern,adjusting water consumption with existing potential in the field and improving irrigation efficiency and reduction oflosses can be applied to eradicate the ecological issues associated with Lake Urmia.