Network model of natural resources policies in Iran (4th Development Plan)

Characteristics of different policy plans and areas force specific requirements for each area. Thus, providing a model is necessary to test the basic features of relations among different structures, service delivery mechanisms and patterns of policy implementations. The aim of this research was to provide a network model for natural resources policies in Iran, despite a lot of efforts; numerous cases of failures are observed due to the lack of a specified policy pattern to manage these resources. Studies revealed that policies and management practices of institutions were the most important factors influencing the natural resources of this region. Natural resources areas and the amount of surface water and groundwater resources is decreasing in this region which indicate the inefficiency of former policies. Results showed that one of the most important factors determining the efficiency of policies and management practices of institutions is quality of relations and arrangement of institutions and agencies in the text of policy- legal documents which has led to an unbalanced distribution of power among them. Unbalanced distribution of power is removable by creating a network approach in codification of these documents and changing the relations and arrangement of responsible institutions and agencies. Finally, a network model for Iran’s natural resources policies was proposed including five main policies including conservation of water and soil, support of forest and pasture, rehabilitation and conservation of forests and pastures, social support of public institutions and providing social services, and the development of exploitation.