African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6883

Full Length Research Paper

An ecological capability evaluation model for recreation, conservation and protection functions of Iran’s Zagros forests: Javanrood region

Rahim Maleknia1*, Afshin Amiraslany2 and J. Mirarab Razi3
1Department of Forest Engineering, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran. 2Department of Range and Watershed Engineering, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran. 3Department of Forestry Science, University of Tehran, Iran.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 03 May 2013
  •  Published: 09 May 2013

Abstract

Nowadays, in different parts of the world forest ecosystems are increasingly viewed as resources that could be managed for a wide range of ecological, economical, and social uses. The forest based recreation can be considered as an economic and social function that can provide recreation opportunities and income for entrepreneurs. Zagros forests in the west of Iran play an important role for soil and water conservation and can be used for forest based recreation. This study develops a model to evaluate ecological capability of Iran’s Zagros forest. Results showed that 23861 and 43589 ha of Javanrood region have capability for intensive and extensive recreation respectively. The model suggests that 7869 ha of region can be assigned for conservation and protection. Also, the results revealed that current land use pattern is not based on ecological capability and some potential protection and conservation area are used for understory farming and urban development.

 

Key words: Ecological capability, forest based recreation, conservation, protection, Zagros forests.