Managing the Extra-Hyrcanian Forests of Iran (Part three: 1996-2010)

Background and objectives: This research aims to review and evaluate the management process of Extra-Hyrcanian Forests in Iran. The first and second parts of this study, published in previous issues of the Iranian Journal of Forest and Poplar Research, examined the management process from its inception until 1996, organized into specific time frames. The current article focuses on the period from 1996 to 2010.
Methodology: The sources used to compile this information include reports, implemented forestry plans, identification and semi-detailed studies, field observations, and over 30 years of experience in the Extra-Hyrcanian Forests.
Results: An initial assessment of management actions up to 1996 identified five major reasons for the lack of success in managing the Extra-Hyrcanian Forests: 1) the uneconomical implementation of forestry plans in the short and medium term for forest dwellers; 2) inefficient management based on structural organizations that were prone to evasion of responsibility; 3) divergence, lack of cooperation, and interaction among those involved in managing forest ecosystems; 4) designs based on the model of Hyrcanian forestry plans; and 5) the execution of all activities solely by government entities, resulting in a lack of public participation. Consequently, a forest resource management plan was proposed in 1996 and implemented for two years. The key components of this plan included comprehensive studies, the formation of study and design teams, preparation of a service description tailored to the characteristics of the forests, establishment of community organizations for plan implementation, approval of prepared plans for execution, assignment of implementation tasks to relevant cooperatives, and oversight by the Forests and Range Organization of Iran. Following the presidential elections in 2017, the organization halted the forest resources management plan and initiated three major activities under the titles of Green Movement, Touba Plan, and development of wood farming as its primary initiatives. Since 1998, other plans and programs, including conservation initiatives, have replaced the forest resources management plan, none of which have succeeded.
Conclusion: In summary, it can be concluded that the period during which forest resource management plans were implemented represents the best management phase for Extra-Hyrcanian Forests in Iran.