Evaluation of participatory management in the protection of biosphere reserves (Case study: Golestan National Park)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Forestry Ph.D Tarbiat Modarres University of Tehran, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Noor, Mazandaran, Iran

2 Research Assistant, Research Dept. of Natural Resources, Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Gorgan, Iran

3 Prof., Forest Management, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University. Noor, I. R. Iran

10.22034/ijf.2023.359939.1887

Abstract

Introduction: Biosphere Reserves are international natural-biological protected areas that, besides offering protection, showcase achievements such as providing rare study habitats to scientists and demonstrating human skills in support of sustainable development. This study aims to evaluate the participatory management in the protection of Golestan National Park, one of the first biosphere reserves in the country.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive field research prepared the required data by having the target community, including non-governmental organizations, nature partners, local communities, government forces, and other members of society, complete internet questionnaires. The results highlight the cooperation of nature partners in their desire to participate in community education and in dealing with wood smuggling. Local communities showed prominence in fire prevention, and non-governmental organizations stood out in community education, fire prevention, and combating wood smuggling.
Findings: The results indicate a significant difference in participation in community education, firefighting, fire prevention, desire to participate in firefighting, dealing with forest destruction and conversion, dealing with illegal hunting, preventing livestock entry to the forest, and combating wood smuggling among groups.
Conclusion: Therefore, given the significant difference between the groups, it is possible to plan in the field of their interest and participation. Lastly, since society members frequently use social networks like WhatsApp and Instagram, and the target groups have strong membership in environmental groups, this capacity can be utilized in education and participation in the management of biosphere reserves.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Forest
Volume 15, Issue 4
April 2024
Pages 445-459

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 September 2022
  • Revise Date: 13 May 2023
  • Accept Date: 08 May 2023

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