Abstract
Renewable natural resources are national capital and are of paramount importance in each country. Preservation and developing these resources is incumbent upon relevant institutions and all people especially the beneficiaries. In this regard, various approaches have been recommended for optimum use and sustainable preservation of natural resources especially rangelands among which co-management is highly emphasized. To pinpoint challenges and barriers before co-management, the integrated institution-beneficiaries network (institutions related to rangeland management and rangeland users) of Ghasr-e-Yaghoub village in Safashahr was analyzed applying social network analysis method. Results demonstrated that cohesion level among rangeland users and institutions related to rangeland and also network sustainability in the study area was moderate and Village Islamic Council and Jihad-e Keshavarzi (Agricultural Development Agency) were the two most influential institutions. In other words, they were core actors among all institutions. Therefore, reinforcement of cohesion among actors and recognizing key actors in different levels are necessary approaches for implementation of co-management action plan. Additionally, it helps natural resource managers for sustainable management of rangelands.
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