Ecological capability assessment for multiple-use in forest areas using GIS- based multiple criteria decision making approach

Abstract

Problem statement: A valuable Source of plant and animal various species in the west of Iran is Zagros forests that, misuses by foresters and local societies has caused severe degradation. In this study, forest areas ecological assessment was carried out with a (GIS)-based MCDM approach for multiple-use planning in order to reduce degradation and improving sustainability. Approach: All of possible land uses were evaluated separately. The AHP was used to defining weight of criteria and sub-criteria. Sub-criteria were mapped at GIS environment using available data, fieldwork and IRSp6 data. A priority map for each land use was created using GIS-based WLC model. The final priority map was produced of overlying all priority maps. Ecological capability map were generated with editing priority map using present land use map, IRSp6 data, forest laws and fieldwork. Results: The Weights of criteria and sub- criteria was defined for all land uses with CR<0.10. The most important criteria and sub-criteria for each land use were resulted, too. The final priority map was indicated preference of suitable land uses for each area, ecologically. The suitability map was showed areas that are enforceable land use together. Also, the area of each suitable land use was distinct. In more than of 70% study area, current use is not based on ecological criteria, which were caused severe degradation. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that various land uses meaning multiple-use can be exist in area study that executing of those will be cause decreasing of foresters dependence to forest trees, decreasing of degradation and forest sustainability. Thus, this integrated approach could be benefit forest planners and decision makers. Recommendation: Through this study, we aimed at suggesting to forest management and other stakeholders an approach that is scientifically sound and practical. © 2009 Science Publications.