Negin Khatoony; Mahdi Kolahi
Abstract
The aim of this research is to gain a deep understanding of and analyze the complex, dynamic, and nonlinear behaviors of factors influencing the implementation of ecosystem restoration projects. Identifying various connections and determining the most important factors in each watershed is crucial for ...
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The aim of this research is to gain a deep understanding of and analyze the complex, dynamic, and nonlinear behaviors of factors influencing the implementation of ecosystem restoration projects. Identifying various connections and determining the most important factors in each watershed is crucial for achieving outcomes such as understanding how these factors influence one another, adopting a sustainable development approach in ecosystem restoration, fostering participatory motivation among stakeholders—particularly local beneficiaries—and recognizing communication links for maximum collective benefit. To this end, a set of related variables and system boundaries were identified. Expert opinions and input from local residents of seven villages in the Arghavan-Dareh watershed in Mashhad County, Iran, were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and field surveys. The data collected were then analyzed using SWOT and QSPM methods, with a total of 33 questionnaires reviewed. Subsequently, system dynamics modeling was employed using the Vensim tool to design and construct causal relationships, flows and stocks, and balancing, reinforcing, and equilibrium loops within a comprehensive model. The research results demonstrated that the ecosystem restoration model, in addition to empowering local communities and other stakeholders, fosters collective engagement motivation. The findings emphasize a holistic systems thinking approach. Given that one of the region's strengths and a significant source of income for local people, particularly women, is derived from medicinal plants and traditional medicine, this model aims to attract local community engagement in ecosystem restoration through holistic management. This approach focuses on preserving medicinal plants to enhance the local economy, ensure soil conservation and sustainability, restore and improve the woodland ecosystem, and foster interactive relationships and conflict management among all stakeholders.
