Managing the Extra-Hyrcanian Forests of Iran (Part two: 1979-1996)

Background and objectives: Evaluating the management process of Extra-Hyrcanian Forests in Iran is crucial for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of these forests’ management. To achieve this goal, the first part of this article, published in volume 31 of the Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, outlines the management process of Extra-Hyrcanian Forests in five distinct periods. The first period spans from the initial organization to the establishment of the Forestry Company in 1949, a time characterized by minimal attention. The second period, from the establishment of the Forestry Company to the beginning of the 1960s, marked the inception of attention and the creation of the first organizations. The third period, from 1960 until 1972, saw the commencement of scientific management through the preparation of forestry plans. The fourth period, from 1961 until 1978, witnessed forestry restoration and the development of green space. The fifth period, from 1973 to 1978, focused on the protection and reclamation of forestry plans. The upcoming article will examine the management process of these forests from 1979 to 1996.
Methodology: The information was compiled from various sources, including reports, implemented forestry plans, identification and semi-detailed studies, field observations, and over 30 years of experience in the Extra-Hyrcanian Forests. After the Islamic revolution until 1996, all types of management methods were tested in the Extra-Hyrcanian Forests without pathology. However, in 1996, a deadline plan was demanded from the organization managing these resources to address the challenge of forest mismanagement in the region. The custodian organization also introduced the general approach of managing Extra-Hyrcanian Forests by presenting a plan. Therefore, although various activities were applied in the management of Extra-Hyrcanian Forests from 1979 to 1996, the details are stated in the following text.
Results: Since 1979, the implementation of protection and reclamation of forestry plans was pursued only in two provinces, Fars and Khuzestan. After a three-year hiatus, from 1983, the Forestry Technical Office resumed the preparation of forestry plans by adding a social and economic component to the studies and reviews of previous plans outside the north (Extra-Hyrcanian). This resulted in the implementation of 15 plans in the Zagros area, six plans in the Irano-Touranian area, one plan in the Gulf and Omani area, and two plans in the Arsbaran area from 1983 to 1995. Regrettably, none of the plans were fully implemented and did not achieve significant success in practice. Regarding the production of saplings and plantation in the aforementioned vegetation areas and during the mentioned time period, statistics have been presented that do not align with the existing reality. Also, in the Gulf and Omani region, 797.75 hectares of man-made forest parks were constructed, and 2069 hectares of unique forest stands were identified and managed as forest reserves. From 1985, the preparation of exploitation model plans for the exploitation of non-wood forest products began. Despite the shortcomings in the model plans, the minimum standards set in the plans were not clearly observed, and the rehabilitation obligations outlined in the written plans were not implemented.
Conclusion: In summarizing the performance of this period, it can be stated that the relevant offices continued to follow up on past trials and errors without any coordination and cooperation with each other, operating completely independently.