Mohammad Reza Sayadi; Mehdi Ghorbani; Mohammad Jafari; Hamidreza Keshtkar; Leila Avazpour
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to identify the factors affecting the medicinal plant supply chain in the Nadushan region using a Glaser approach. The research method is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of method based on grounded theory and Glaser approach (emerging approach); and ...
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The objective of this paper is to identify the factors affecting the medicinal plant supply chain in the Nadushan region using a Glaser approach. The research method is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of method based on grounded theory and Glaser approach (emerging approach); and it is exploratory based on the nature of the data and the use of inductive philosophy. The study population consisted of experienced local people and managers and experts in the field of the medicinal plant supply chain with more than five years of experience. Participants were selected using purposeful sampling and theoretical judgment. The data collection method was fieldwork, and the data collection tool was in-depth and structured interviews with 30 participants, including native farmers (15), researchers and experts (10), and intermediaries (5) in the field. The grounded theory approach was used to analyze the data and identify the key factors affecting the supply chain. The results identified 9 selective codes and 41 core codes. The factors affecting the supply chain include climate and weather, the region's high potential for medicinal plant cultivation, initial budget and capital, storage conditions, institutional support, policy, medicinal plant production and harvesting management, medicinal plant processing management, and the use of healthy practices in productivity. Therefore, ensuring a sustainable and efficient supply chain is crucial for maintaining the quality, availability, and affordability of medicinal plants.
Leila Shariatyniya; Mehdi Ghorbani; Hossein Azarnivand; Majid Rahimi
Abstract
Rangelands, as socio-ecological systems, play a vital role in ensuring food security and livelihoods for communities. However, climate change and human factors pose serious threats to these ecosystems. In response to these challenges, governments have supported restoration and rehabilitation efforts ...
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Rangelands, as socio-ecological systems, play a vital role in ensuring food security and livelihoods for communities. However, climate change and human factors pose serious threats to these ecosystems. In response to these challenges, governments have supported restoration and rehabilitation efforts for rangelands. Natural resource governance has emerged as a novel approach in managing these systems, aiming to ensure the sustainability of rangelands by creating a shared understanding of resource conditions and suitable management regulations, as well as enhancing adaptive capacity in the face of the complexities of environmental changes and the uncertainties they bring.This study employs a social network analysis approach, utilizing the snowball sampling method and applying indicators of intra-group and inter-group link densities, as well as core-periphery structures. It assesses the status of cooperation and knowledge transfer relationships within the rangeland governance system in the Tarash County among stakeholders engaged in protective, developmental, and intermediary roles. The findings indicate a high degree of inter-group connections and the presence of strong structural openings, alongside a low level of intra-group connections and a network that remains less than optimal. This suggests that the knowledge structure governing rangelands in the area is not based on negotiation and is characterized by surplus knowledge processes, highlighting the inefficiency of ecological knowledge flow in enhancing adaptability among the organizational stakeholders involved in rangeland management in Tarash County.This study emphasizes the importance of social capital and reciprocal learning in strengthening collaborations and collective decision-making, demonstrating that establishing consensus among stakeholders with diverse objectives is key to successful adaptive governance.
Zahra Heidari Ghahfarrokhi; Pejman Tahmasebi; Ali Asghar Naghipour
Abstract
Assessing rangeland health is of great importance due to its impact on ecosystem sustainability. This study investigated the relationship between evaluation criteria of rangeland health and functional diversity indices in part of the Sabzkouh Protected Area (Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari Province, Iran). ...
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Assessing rangeland health is of great importance due to its impact on ecosystem sustainability. This study investigated the relationship between evaluation criteria of rangeland health and functional diversity indices in part of the Sabzkouh Protected Area (Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari Province, Iran). For this purpose, four rangeland sites with different grazing intensities (reference, light, moderate, and heavy grazing) were selected. In each site, two representative areas were sampled using three 30×30 meter macroplots. Plant functional traits, including plant height, various leaf traits, mean crown diameter, and growth form, were measured. Functional diversity indices, including Functional Richness, Functional Evenness, Functional Dispersion, Rao’s Quadratic entropy and growth forms, were calculated using the FD package in R 4.4.2. Additionally, three evaluation criteria of rangeland health, including soil/site stability, hydrologic functions, and biotic integrity, were evaluated. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, correlation, and univariate regression tests, employing the aov and duncan.test functions and the R packages ggcorrplot, dplyr, reshape2, ggpubr, and ggpmisc for 21 data pairs. Results revealed that soil/site stability, hydrologic function, and biotic integrity had significant positive relationships with certain functional traits such as leaf dry weight (R² = 0.6), leaf area (R² = 0.5), leaf length (R² = 0.5), perennial forb (R² = 0.3), and perennial grass (R² = 0.5). Conversely, negative correlations were observed with other indices including functional divergence (R² = 0.5), functional dispersion (P < 0.05), mean crown diameter (P < 0.05), annual grass (P < 0.05), and shrub (R² = 0.5). These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating quantitative biodiversity indices alongside qualitative assessments to improve rangeland management and develop a quantitative evaluation protocol.
Sahereh Safarlaki; Azadeh Safadoust; Mahmood Rostaminia; Seyedeh Bahareh Azimi
Abstract
Accurate spatial data on soil property distribution is crucial for monitoring of land resources, informed management practices, and robust environmental modeling, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aimed to develop a spatial prediction model for soil salinity in the Meymeh Plain, Dehloran ...
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Accurate spatial data on soil property distribution is crucial for monitoring of land resources, informed management practices, and robust environmental modeling, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aimed to develop a spatial prediction model for soil salinity in the Meymeh Plain, Dehloran Province. The Random Forest (RF) algorithm was employed to investigate spatial variations in soil salinity within the surface (0–30 cm) and subsurface (30–60 cm) soil layers. Soil samples were collected from 100 sites, analyzed for electrical conductivity (EC), and the spatial variability of soil salinity was modeled using random forest (RF) analysis. Seven environmental variables of Greenery, Diffuse Radiation, Valley Bottom Flatness Index, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Salinity Index, Wind Direction Index, and Brightness were selected based on the Variance Inflation Factor, including parameters from a digital elevation model and Sentinel-2 satellite reflectance data. The model used 80% of the data for calibration and 20% for validation, with performance assessed through root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R²), and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). The RF model showed high prediction accuracy for surface EC and relatively acceptable results for subsurface layers. The R² for the surface layer was 0.92, and for the subsurface layer was 0.37; the RMSE for the surface and subsurface layers was 0.22; and the CCC for the surface layer was 0.82 and for the subsurface layer was 0.97. Overall, topographic derivatives demonstrated a greater influence on predicting soil salinity in both surface and subsurface layers compared to remote sensing data. The multi-resolution valley bottom flatness index with high spatial resolution was identified as the most important predictor of soil salinity, highlighting the impact of topographic factors in the study area.
Davod Nazari Chaleshtori; Pejman Tahmasbi; Ali asghar Naghipour; Hojatollah Khedrigharibvand
Abstract
The achievement of sustainable rangeland management depends on addressing the socio-economic issues of rangeland users, particularly securing their livelihoods. This study aimed to determine the minimum economic level of rangeland by examining four regions with two rangeland conditions—good and ...
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The achievement of sustainable rangeland management depends on addressing the socio-economic issues of rangeland users, particularly securing their livelihoods. This study aimed to determine the minimum economic level of rangeland by examining four regions with two rangeland conditions—good and poor—located in steppe and semi-steppe vegetation zones. Annual forage production was estimated using a double sampling method. The socio-economic information of the statistical population was collected through interviews and the Statistical Center of Iran and Statistical Yearbooks. Rangeland related expenses and incomes of rangeland users were calculated. By examining the costs and incomes, the economic level of the rangeland was determined in such a way that it can provide the household expenses according to the level of livelihood. Based on the results minimum economic level of rangeland for each household, respectively, in poor rangeland situations; In steppe and semi-steppe rangelands with the area of 932 and 830 hectares, it had the highest amount and in semi-steppe rangelands with a good condition, the area of 81 hectares had the lowest amount in a 100-day grazing season. In general, the condition of the rangeland and climate affect the economic level of the rangeland for each household. These findings could help rangeland policy makers in recognizing and solving the socio-economic issues of rangeland users. It is suggested that while conducting comprehensive studies, the minimum economic level of the country's rangelands should be determined to be used in the management and planning of the country's rangelands.
Hossein Moradi; Mohammad Jafari; Hossein Azarnivand; Mohammad Tahmoures; Esmaeil Alizadeh
Abstract
Integrated rangeland ecosystem management is recognized as an effective strategy for improving vegetation cover, forage production, and enhancing sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, the effects of various conservation and ecosystem restoration measures (including seeding, planting, ...
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Integrated rangeland ecosystem management is recognized as an effective strategy for improving vegetation cover, forage production, and enhancing sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions. In this study, the effects of various conservation and ecosystem restoration measures (including seeding, planting, terracing combined with planting, contour banding with planting, pitting with seeding, and contour furrowing with planting) were investigated on vegetation characteristics and forage production in the rangelands of Vardij village, Tehran Province. Sampling was conducted systematically and randomly during the growing season using 4 m² plots along 100-meter transects. Vegetation characteristics were precisely recorded and the related data were analyzed. The results indicated that the aforementioned conservation measures had significant effects on vegetation variables, leading to a remarkable increase in vegetation canopy cover and a reduction in bare soil. The highest mean canopy cover (59.97%) and the lowest percentage of bare soil (7.93%) were observed in the planting treatment, whereas the control rangelands had the lowest canopy cover (23.2%) and the highest bare soil percentage (29.2%). Other methods, such as seeding and terrace planting, also showed positive effects on vegetation cover improvement. Regarding forage production, the planting treatment yielded the highest mean production (423 kg/ha), followed by seeding (367 kg/ha) and terrace planting (388 kg/ha). The control rangelands exhibited the lowest forage yield. These findings highlight the crucial role of conservation and restoration measures in enhancing vegetation cover and rangeland sustainability. Accordingly, it is recommended that future management plans utilize a combination of methods, including planting and seeding, to improve the quality and sustainability of rangeland ecosystems.
Seyedsaeid Nabavi; Arash Malekian; Naser Mashhadi; Khaled Ahmadaali; Raoof Mostafazadeh; Ali Shabazi
Abstract
The Baliqlu Chay River watershed in Ardabil Province is a key water source for regional demands. In this study, the role of climate change and human activities on streamflow is examined by using hydrological indices and trend analysis over the period 1991-2021. Monthly, seasonal, and annual climatic ...
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The Baliqlu Chay River watershed in Ardabil Province is a key water source for regional demands. In this study, the role of climate change and human activities on streamflow is examined by using hydrological indices and trend analysis over the period 1991-2021. Monthly, seasonal, and annual climatic and discharge variables were assessed for trends using the Mann-Kendall trend test and Sen's slope estimator. Results indicate streamflow is controlled by seasonal snowmelt, groundwater reliance, and the controlling impact of the Yamchi Dam. Moreover, the high flow variability observed at the Yamchi Station, as indicated by elevated standard deviation and coefficient of variation values, suggests an increased risk of flooding in this area. Trend analysis results over the 30-year statistical period reveal a decreasing trend in annual precipitation at the Ardabil and Nir stations, although these trends are not statistically significant at the 99% and 95% confidence levels. In contrast, a statistically significant increasing trend in annual precipitation was detected at the synoptic station in Sareyn at the 99% confidence level. Additionally, the annual temperature increase at all stations was found to be statistically significant at the 99% confidence level. The assessment of streamflow trends on an annual scale at the Nirchay and Yamchi Dam hydrometric stations indicates a statistically significant decreasing trend at the 1% level (p-value ≤ 0.01). These results emphasize the urgent need for sustainable water management strategies, including optimization of resource use, revised consumption patterns, and improved operation of the Yamchi Dam. Such interventions are essential to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on the river’s hydrological regime.
Vahideh Moradzadeh; Ardavan Ghorbani; Leila Nemati Sham-Asbi; Mehdi Moameri; Zeinab Hazbavi; Ali Teymourzadeh; Behzad Behtari
Abstract
Rangelands, as natural ecosystems, play a significant role in maintaining carbon balance of the environment. This study aimed to Identification of Carbon Sequestration Patterns under the Influence of Climatic, Soil, and Topographic Factors in the Rangelands of Northern Sabalan, located in Meshginshahr ...
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Rangelands, as natural ecosystems, play a significant role in maintaining carbon balance of the environment. This study aimed to Identification of Carbon Sequestration Patterns under the Influence of Climatic, Soil, and Topographic Factors in the Rangelands of Northern Sabalan, located in Meshginshahr County. Soil sampling was conducted in two types of vegetation cover- grassland and shrubland- across four main geographical directions and at two soil depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm). Data were collected for 24 different soil properties. To perform statistical analyses, the normality of the data was first assessed, followed by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s multiple range test to compare the mean values of different properties between grasslands and shrublands. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was also used to evaluate data structure. The results revealed that clay content, silt, organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, total nitrogen, and soil carbon sequestration were significantly higher in grasslands than in shrublands (p<0.01). In contrast, sand content, pH, and electrical conductivity were significantly higher in shrublands than in grasslands (p<0.01). The northern slope exhibited higher levels of clay, silt, organic carbon, and carbon sequestration compared to the southern slope. Additionally, increasing soil depth led to decreases in organic carbon, total nitrogen, and carbon sequestration. PCA showed that the first two components explained 36.30% of the total variance. Sand content, precipitation, and organic carbon having the highest correlation with the first component, while slope percentage and litter showing the strongest correlation with the second component. These findings indicate that soil physical and chemical properties- particularly those affected by climatic gradients and topography- significantly influence carbon sequestration.
Mahin Fooladi; Iman Islami
Abstract
Rangelands, as one of the most important natural ecosystems, play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. This study aimed to identify and analyze the barriers to sustainable rangeland management in the Qashqai nomadic communities of Abadeh County. ...
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Rangelands, as one of the most important natural ecosystems, play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of local communities. This study aimed to identify and analyze the barriers to sustainable rangeland management in the Qashqai nomadic communities of Abadeh County. Using a qualitative approach and grounded theory methodology (Strauss and Corbin), data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders. Nineteen participants were selected through snowball sampling based on theoretical saturation. Data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding, resulting in a conceptual model outlining the key obstacles to sustainable rangeland management in Qashqai nomadic communities of Abadeh County. The findings revealed that the main barriers to sustainable rangeland management include causal conditions (increasing pressure on rangelands, structural and systemic problems, and environmental degradation), contextual conditions (ecological and geographical limitations, socioeconomic challenges, and weak infrastructure and management), and intervening factors (external influences, technological and social transformations, crises and dysfunctions, and regional cooperation). Improvement strategies comprised rangeland ecosystem restoration, empowerment and participation of local communities, economic and legal support, sustainable development, and international cooperation. The consequences included ecological improvement, socioeconomic prosperity, reduced pressure on rangelands, increased investment, and pollution mitigation. The results emphasize the necessity of integrating indigenous knowledge with modern technologies and strengthening the participation of nomadic communities in decision-making to achieve sustainable rangeland management. This study offers practical strategies to improve rangeland management and ensure their long-term sustainability in the region.
Mehran Fatemi; Atefeh Jebali; Asghar Zare Chahouki
Abstract
پلایای نمکی در مناطق خشک، بهعنوان اکوسیستمی منحصربهفرد و حساس نقش حیاتی در تعادل محیطی و پایداری اکولوژیکی دارند. پژوهش حاضر با هدف ارزیابی روند تغییرات ژئومورفولوژیکی ...
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پلایای نمکی در مناطق خشک، بهعنوان اکوسیستمی منحصربهفرد و حساس نقش حیاتی در تعادل محیطی و پایداری اکولوژیکی دارند. پژوهش حاضر با هدف ارزیابی روند تغییرات ژئومورفولوژیکی پلایای نمکی ابرکوه تلاش نموده تا با بهرهگیری از تکنیکهای جدید سنجش از دوری در محیط گوگل ارث انجین (GEE) به پایش رخسارههای ژئومرفولوژیک و تغییرات محیطی در منطقه پلایای نمکی ابرکوه در بازۀ زمانی 2002 تا 2024 بپردازد. بدینمنظور، از تصاویر ماهوارهای لندست 5 و 8 برای تهیه نقشههای طبقهبندی رخسارههای ژئومورفولوژیکی و تحلیل شاخصهای طیفی پوششگیاهی (NDVI، SAVI، EVI و TSAVI)، آب (MNDWI)، رطوبت خاک (NDMI) و شوری خاک (SI) استفاده گردید. نتایج نشان داد که رخسارههای ژئومورفولوژیکی این پلایا در طی سالهای اخیر دستخوش تغییرات قابل توجهی شده است. کاهش سطح پهنههای آبی، پوششگیاهی به ترتیب در حدود 65%و 51% نسبت به ابتدای سال بررسی و افزایش سطح اراضی شور، رسی و ماسهای به ترتیب در حدود 23%، 66% و 103% از جمله مهمترین تغییرات مشاهده شده بود. تحلیل شاخصهای طیفی نیز نشاندهنده روند کاهشی معنادار در سطح آب و روند افزایشی معنادار در شوری خاک به ترتیب در سطح 1% و 5% بود. همچنین، با وجود روند افزایشی و معنیدار شاخصهای پوشش گیاهی، نقشههای طبقهبندی شده کاهش سطح پوششگیاهی را نشان داد، که این تفاوت ناشی از تأثیر بازتاب طیفی نمک و گچ در این منطقه بیابانی است. نتایج پژوهش حاکی از وجود تغییرات در مرز رخسارههای ژئومرفولوژیکی پلایای نمکی ابرکوه میباشد که بخش عمدهای از این تغییرات میتواند بهدلیل وقوع خشکسالی و فعالیتهای انسانی باشد.
Behnaz Attaeian; Arash Samavati; Kamran Shayesteh; Hamidreza Saeidi Graghani
Abstract
Ecotourism, or nature-based tourism, is one of the most important forms of tourism that shows the highest compatibility with sustainable livelihoods. It plays a key role in rural sustainable development and livelihood sustainability. The aim of this study is to compare the views of nomads and experts ...
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Ecotourism, or nature-based tourism, is one of the most important forms of tourism that shows the highest compatibility with sustainable livelihoods. It plays a key role in rural sustainable development and livelihood sustainability. The aim of this study is to compare the views of nomads and experts regarding the impacts of ecotourism on the sustainable livelihood of the Turkashvand tribe in Hamadan Province. The statistical population consisted of 45 nomads, of whom 40 were selected using the Krejcie and Morgan table, and 10 experts from the General Office of Nomadic Affairs in Hamadan were selected through a census method. Data were collected using a questionnaire with acceptable reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.81 for nomads and 0.84 for experts). The results indicated significant differences between the two groups in most of the sustainable livelihood indicators, especially in financial-economic and natural-ecological capitals. However, there was no significant difference regarding the “household labor force” in human capital, and the indicators of “unity and cohesion within customary structures,” “participation,” and “mutual trust among nomads” in social capital. The divergence in viewpoints is attributed to differing perceptions and expectations; for instance, nomads often have short-term and practical expectations, while experts tend to adopt a more strategic and long-term perspective. It is recommended that both groups participate simultaneously in planning processes to effectively utilize ecotourism potential for sustainable livelihood improvement.
Hamideh Derakhshan; Arash Malekian; Shahram Khalighi Sigaroodi
Abstract
Groundwater resources are of great importance as a vital source of water supply in many regions of the world. Due to its geographical and climatic characteristics, Garmsar Plain is highly dependent on groundwater resources, especially in providing agricultural and drinking water. In this study, the DRASTIC ...
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Groundwater resources are of great importance as a vital source of water supply in many regions of the world. Due to its geographical and climatic characteristics, Garmsar Plain is highly dependent on groundwater resources, especially in providing agricultural and drinking water. In this study, the DRASTIC model was used to assess the potential for qualitative vulnerability of groundwater resources in Garmsar Plain. This model uses seven main parameters including groundwater depth, net recharge, aquifer environment, soil environment, topography, Impact of vadose zone, and hydraulic conductivity to comprehensively analyze the quality vulnerability of groundwater resources. By integrating the seven benchmark maps used in the DRASTIC model in a GIS environment using the overlap index method, the final vulnerability index of the studied aquifer was calculated. Accordingly, the final drastic vulnerability index was between 54 and 145. About nine percent of the study area has no pollution potential, 39 percent has very low potential, 30 percent has low potential, 17 percent has low to medium potential, and five percent has medium to high vulnerability potential. Sensitivity analysis was also used to examine the results more closely and identify the more effective components on the vulnerability of groundwater resources. Based on the results of the model sensitivity analysis using the parameter elimination and single parameter methods, the vadose zone effect parameter showed the highest sensitivity in both methods.
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