Developing a decision-making algorithm for core zones zoning of Iran Biosphere Reserves (Case study: Dena biosphere reserve)
Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Environmental, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
3 Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Economics and Agricultural Development, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
10.22059/jne.2023.366505.2608
Abstract
Iran is a country that has so far registered 13 Biosphere Reserves (BRs) under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Program (MaB). This program states that although countries have independence and flexibility in the zoning and management of biosphere reserves; however, they should achieve the triple goals of conservation, sustainable economic development and Knowledge production and education through triple zoning and the implementation of appropriate management plans. This article, citing reference sources and world experiences, has tried to identify and introduce the criteria and spatial indicators of core zoning, as one of the three main zones of BR, with the help of decision-making algorithm and mathematical linear relationships, provide a scientific and generalizable model for core zoning in all biosphere reserves of the country. This research identified 5 mandatory criteria and 6 preferred criteria based on similar researches and the Delphi method for the zoning of the core of BRs in the country, by observing the percentage of the core zone from BR in the range of 5 to 20%, the establishment of the core in representative ecosystems of the country (with Covering at least 10%), meeting the needs of the protection zone of the areas with the national title (at least 20%), zoning the core of the Dana Biosphere Reserve and to avoid arbitrary procedures, in actions similar to the decision-making algorithm and The linear relationships of the integration of the indices of each criterion and the criteria of the core zone have been presented. The core area of the Dena biosphere reserve was identified as 6 permitted spots in clusters using the 5 mandatory criteria of representativeness, virginity and naturalness, conservation species, habitat importance, sensitivity and biological vulnerability of the habitat, and the preferred criterion of integrity. The size of these spots is 26928 hectares, covering about 11% of the BR, the core spots covered 10-13% of representative ecosystems, about 26% of Dana National Park, and 20% of Western and Eastern Dana Protected Areas.
Keywords
Alborzimanesh, M., Imani Harsini, J., DanehKar, A., Robati. M., Alambeigi, A., 2023. Analysis of Iran’s biosphere reserves based on representative criteria and proposal of new options. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 20, 9465-9480.
Alborzimanesh, M., Imani Harsini, J., DanehKar, A., Robati. M., Alambeigi, A., 2023. Compilation of a Mathematical Model for Zoning of Biosphere Reservoirs of Iran Based on the MaB, Case Study Dena Biosphere Reservoir, PhD Thesis Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment Department of the Environment. 228 p. (In Persian)
Alborzimanesh, M., Imani Harsini, J., Danehkar, A., Robati, M., Alambeigi, A., 2021. An Analytical Survey of the Adaptation of Biosphere Reserve Zoning with the Zoning of Protected Areas in Iran. Sustainability, Development & Environment. 2(3), 1-19. (In Persian)
Andon Petrosian, H., Danehkar, A., Ashrafi, S. Feghhi, J., 2013. Application of Delphi Method for Prioritization of Mangrove Afforestation Site Selection Criteria (Case Study: Grey Mangroves on North part of Persian Gulf, Iran). Environment and Development Journal 4(7), 37-48.
Azizi Jalilian. M., Shayesteh, K., Danehkar, A., Salmanmahiny, A., 2020. A new ecosystem-based land classification of Iran for conservation goals.Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 192 Article number: 182.
Batisse, M., 2000. The challenges of shared and sustainable development. Foresight 2(5), 461-469.
Berghöfer, A., Schneider, A., 2015. Indicators for Managing Ecosystem Services. Guidance for seeking information that supports the integration of ecosystem services into policy and public management. Helmholtz Zentrum für Umweltforschung (UFZ) Leipzig GmbH, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. 49 p.
Biosphere Reserves the Seville strategy & the Statutory Framework of the World Network.1995.UNESCO/MaB,Paris.
Biswal, A, 2013. Ecological significance of core, buffer and transition boundaries in biosphere reserve: A remote sensing study in Similipal, Odisha, India. Computational Ecology and Software 3(4), 126-137.
Bokova, I., 2015. Statement by the Director-General of UNESCO, in WBRN in Lima. 178 p.
Borhani, M., Danehkar, A., Moeinaddini, M., 2023. Climatic capacity evaluation of coastal area of Sistan and Baluchistan province for the development of wind farms. Journal of Natural Environment 75, 149-166. (In Persian)
Borowski, D., Munteanu, A., 2011. Biosphere Reserves in European Mountains: an Exploratory Survey. Biosphere reserves in the mountain of the world, Austrian MaB Committee, 2011, 30-35.
Costa, T.D.O., Assis, L.R.D., Calijuri, M.L., Assemany, P.P., Lima, G.S., 2016. Defining Priority Zones for Conservation and Ecotourism in a Protected Area. Revista Árvore, Viçosa-MG 40(5), 769-779.
Danehkar, A., Haddadinia, S., 2009. Weighting and ordering of Ecotourism Criteria for Planning in Arid and Semiarid Ecosystems by Delphi Method. Journal of Natural Resources Management and Development 2(2), 21-32. (in Persian)
Dorostkar, N., Dehghani, A., 2020. Identifying and Ranking Environmental Destructive Economic Sectors Based on the Amount of Greenhouse Gas Emission by Shannon Entropy -VIKOR Approach (Case study: Iran: 1388-1392). Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 22(4), 41-53. (In Persian)
Dudley, N., Stolton, S., 2007. Defining Protected Areas An international conference in Almeria, Spain, May 2007. World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), 221 p.
Esfandeh, S., Kaboli, M., 2017. Simulated annealing algorithm as a tool for systematic prioritization of protected area in Alborz province, Iran. Journal of Animal Environmental 9(1), 105-122. (In Persian)
Ferreira, A.F., Zimmermann, H., Santos, R., Von Wehrden, H., 2018. A Social–Ecological Systems Framework as a Tool for Understanding the Effectiveness of Biosphere Reserve Management. Sustainability 10(10), 1-26.
Final Evaluation of Madrid Action Plan Biosphere Reserves .2011. UNESCO/ MaB/ICC (2011). Document code: IOS/EVS/PI/139 REV.155 p.
Goshtasb, H., Bali, A., Esteghamat, M., 2018. Principles and Management of Biosphere Reserves, Definition, Strategies and introduction of Biosphere Reserves in Iran. Environment faculty, Iranian National Commission for UNESCO.199 p
Grabherr, G., Messerli, B., 2011. Subtropical Mountain. Biosphere Reserves in the Mountains of the World. Austrian Academy of science press Vienna. 2011.45 p.
Green, T., Lauren, K., Ward, G., 2015. Wilderness-zoning-applying-an-adapted-biosphere-reserve model to wilderness areas. University of Georgia Legal and administrative aspects of the UNESCO MaB programme in Germany. 59 p.
Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories. 2008. IUCN (2008).
Hasanzadeh, M., Danehkar, A., Azizi, M., 2013. The application of Analytical Network Process to Environmental Prioritizing Criteria for Coastal Oil Jetties Site Selection in Persian Gulf Coasts (Iran). Ocean & Coastal Management 73, 136-144.
History of Biosphere Reserves Creation of the International Biological Program. 2022. UNESCO/MaB (2022). https://en.unesco.org/mab/50years/history-2022
https://www.amar.org.ir. Census data of 2016
Iriondo, J. M., et al., 2008. Conserving plant genetic diversity in protected areas. https://agris.fao.org. 234 p.
IUCN/WCPA., 1999. Coastal Zone Management Centre Guideline for Marine Protected Areas. 107 p. ISBN: 978-2-8317-0505-7. 2-8317-0505-3
Kabiri Hendi, M., Mirkarimi, S.H., Salmanmahiny, A., 2023. Identification and Prioritization of Effective Criteria for Cultural Ecosystem Services Assessment in Golestan Province. Journal of Environmental Research, 13(26), 247-262. (In Persian)
Kalantari, K., 2016. Data processing and analysis in socio-economic. Saba,third edition,388p.(in Persian)
Robert, K.W., Parris, T.M., Leiserowitz, A.A., 2012. What is Sustainable Development Goals, Indicators, Values, and Practice? Environment,Science and Policy for Sustainable Development 47(3), 8-21.
Krejcie, R.V., Morgan, D.W., 1970. Determining sample size for research activities. Sage Journal 30: 607-625
Labourdette 2012. 40 years of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and its future. Environmental Development 1(1), 91-101
Laghai, H.A., Monavari, M., Raisi, B., 2009. Planning and zonning for Harra biosphere reserve according to international scales (with emphasis on Qeshm island) using GIS.Human & Environment Journal 7(1), 30-39. (In Persian)
Lange, S., 2011. First step towards social monitoring in BRs. Biosphere reserves in the mountain of the world. Austrian MaB committee, pp. 53-57.
Lima Action Plan. 2015. A New Roadmap for the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program and its World Network of Biosphere Reserves MAB Strategy (2016-2025).UNESCO/MaB.17 p.
Lourival, R., Watts, M., Phillip, H., 2011. What is missing in Biosphere Reserves Accountability?. Brazilian Journal of Nature Conservation 9(2), 160-178.
Madjnoonian, H., 2002. Guidelines for the Preparation of Management Plans for National Parks& Protected Areas of Iran. Publishers DOE, MPO. 146 p.
Madjnoonian, H., 2014. Criteria & Guidelines for Selecting, Conservation and Management of Protected Areas. Vol 1. Day Negar Publishing. 415 p.
Maghsoudlou, B., Maghsoudi, R., 2016. Sectorial and Spatial Sustainable Development, Strategic Sustainable foundamentals and Models.Wetland press, 248 p.
Mehri, A., Salmanmahiny, A., Rezaei, H., 2014. Selection of the best Protected Areas Network using an Intelligent Algorithm (Case Study: Mazandaran Province).Journal of Natural Environment 67(2), 207-222.
Mehring, M., Kleemann, S., 2010. Principle and Practice of the buffer zone in Biosphere Reserves: From global to local- general perspective from managers versus local perspective from villagers in central Sulawes. Tropical Rainforests and Agroforests under Global Change, pp. 413-429.
Meteorological Organization of Kuhgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad. 2022. Data of synoptic stations
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11822/28979
Naughton, L., 2007. Collaborative land use planning: Zoning for Conservation and Development in Protected Areas. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Land Tenure Center 4, 1-16.
Nikranjbar, M., Babaei Semiromi, F., Jozi, S.A., Danehkar, A., Arjmandi, R., 2022. Application of Delphi method to Prioritization effective factors in water resources resilience in watersheds. Journal of Geographic Space 21(76), 181-195.
Olson, D.M., Dinerstein, E., Wikramanayake, E. D., Burgess, N.D., Powell, G.V.N., Underwood, E.C., D'Amico, J.A., Itoua, I., Strand, H.E., Morrison, J.C., Loucks, C. J., Allnutt, T. F., Ricketts, T. H., Kura, Y., Lamoreux, J.F., Wettengel, W.W., Hedao, P., Kassem, K.R., 2001. Terrestrial ecoregions of the world: a new map of life on Earth. Bioscience 51(11), 933-938.
Phillips, A., 2002. Management Guidelines for IUCN Category V Protected Areas Protected Landscapes/Seascapes. World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). Best Practice Protected Area Guidelines Series No. 9.125 p.
Pressey, R.L., Bode, M., Hoekstra, J.M., Andelman, S.J., Looker, M., Rondinini, C., Kareiva, P., Shaw, M.R., Possingham, H.P., 2007. Conserving biodiversity efficiently: what to do, where and when. PLOS Biology 5(9), e223.
Rostamvandi Zabrlou, A., Salehi, A.R., Farzin, M., 2022. Determining the extent of land degradation in the Dena Protected Area between 2009 and 2017. Journal of natural environment 74(4), 677-693.
Rotich, D., 2012. Concept of zoning management in protected areas. Journal of Environment and Earth Science 2(10), 173-183.
Sarmient, F., 2011.sustainability of BRs. Biosphere Reserves in the Mountains of the World, Austrian MaB committee, 15-19.
Schaaf, T., 2016. Harmonizing the management of Multi-Internationally Designated Areas: Ramsar Sites, World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO Global Geoparks, Managing MIDAs. IUCN Publications Services, 159 p.
Sepehr, M., Fatemi, A., Danehkar, A., Mashinchian M., 2017. Application of Delphi Method in Site Selection of Desalination Plants. Global Journal of Environmental Science Management 3(1), 89-102.
Shadie, P., Dudley, N., Stolton, S., 2013.Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management Categories. IUCN Publications Services, Best Practice Protected Area Guidelines Series, 2013 No.21. 86 p.
Shafaeipour, B., 2021. Action Plan for the Conservation of the Iranian Leopard in Dena Biosphere Reserve with Emphasis on Identification and distribution map. University of Yasouj & Kohgilouyeh and Boyer Ahmad. 95 p. (In Presian)
Sharifi, N., et al., 2021. Developing Decision Algorithm for Determination of protection zones in protected areas (Case Study: Hara Protected Area). International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 18, 2237-2250.
Smith, B., Wandel, J., 2006. Adaptation, Adaptive capacity and vulnerability. Global Environmental Change 16(3), 282-292.
Statistical Center of Iran., 2016. The general population and housing census.
Technical Guidelines for Biosphere Reserves (TGBR). 2020. UNESCO/MaB, 146 p.
The Aichi Biodiversity Targets., 2010. Available at: https://www.cbd.int/sp/targets/
Three Functions & Three Zones., 2013. UNESCO/MaB, 185 p.
Udvardy, M.D.F., 1975. A classification of the biogeographical provinces of the world. UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program Project No. 8. & IUCN, 49 p.
UNESCO/ MaB. 2003. Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. 15 p. https://ich.unesco.org/doc/src/01857-EN.pdf.
UNESCO/MaB. 2022. History of Biosphere Reserves Creation of the International Biological Programme. https://en.unesco.org/mab/50years/history-2022
UNESCO/MaB/ICC, final Report. 2019. SC-19/CONF.230/15-rev.2. 2019
UNESCO/ MaB., 2008. Madrid Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves (2008-2013). 31 p
UNESCO/MaB., 2000. Seville+5, International meeting of experts, Pamplona Spain. Report series, no69, UNESCO MaB, 192 p.
UNESCO/MaB. 1983. First International Biosphere Reserve Congress, Minsk. Conservation, science and society, Series no 21, 1983, ISBN: 92-3-102254-7
UNESCO/MaB/UNEP. 1974. Executive Summary of Task Force on Criteria and Guidelines for the choice and establishment of Biosphere Reserves Final Report. UNESCO/Paris, 61 p.
Varzboom Consulting Engineers. 2014. Management program studies of Western Dana Protected area and Dena National Park. (in persian)
Watts, M. E., Ball, R., Stewart, R., 2009. Marxan with Zones: software for optimal conservation based land- and sea- use zoning. Environmental Modelling and Software 24(12), 1513-1521.
Wenwu, D., et al., 2015. Models and Approaches for Integrating Protected Areas with Their Surroundings: A Review of the Literature. Sustainability 7, 8151-8177.
Yong, l., Liu, M., 2014. Global change impacts and management challenges in Chagbaishan MBR, global change research in mountain BR. Information Science Journal 271, 65-81.
)