The study and policy cessation of forest utilization or forest logging in hyrcanian forests (Case study: Shafarood forests)

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Forestry, ETKA Organization Research & Innovation Center, Tehran, Iran

2 Research Director, Innovation and Consulting CEO in the Forest, Shafaroud Forest Company, Gilan, Iran

Abstract

 
Quality and quantity of forest utilization belong to the most debated issues in managing the Hyrcanian forests. There are two conflicting views of 1) sustainable forest utilization and 2) forest rest. The present study aimed to apply these two approaches. Therefore, Shafarood forests located in Guilan province were selected. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) were applied to prescribe the policy and planning of forest utilization and rest by forest sector stakeholders, referred to as participants here. The statistical population i.e. participants group includes local communities and experts at regional, provincial and national levels (in total 11 people from local communities and 48 experts). The management strategy (aggressive, competitive, defensive or conservative) was selected based on the results of SWOT and the Space Matrix. Subsequently, Results showed that 73% of participants agreed with sustainable utilization, while 27% accepted the rest of forest. In addition, the most important opportunity and strength associated with forest rest were increase of sustainability and employment in the forestry and wood industry sectors on national level. Furthermore, the most eminent opportunity and strength included reduction of soil erosion and soil conservation. Based on participant’s views, the conservative strategy for sustainable utilization and the defensive strategy for the forest rest were suggested. Based on the latter, the current plan should be either ceased or revised by taking the suitable planning should in all factors contributing to forest degradation,  including the presence of livestock, forest dwellers, timber smuggling, landuse conversion to orchard and villa, and inappropriate utilization.   
 
 

Keywords


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