Investigating local communities' perception indicators of ecosystem services and the importance of mangrove forests of Iran

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, ‎Iran

2 Professor, Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, ‎Iran‎

3 Ph.D., Department of Environment, Natural Resources of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Mangrove forests are the source of production and supply of a wide range of goods and services for human societies. These valuable resources play an important role in creating a suitable environment for the development of economic and social activities in human life. Therefore, examining the perception of local communities in relation to these services can serve as a guide for the protection and exploitation of these natural ecosystems. Thus, in the present study, the level of perception of local communities of the ecosystem services of mangrove forests in Iran was investigated.
Methodology: Data collection was carried out by survey method and through questionnaires, interviews and observations. Data and information analysis were also carried out by quantitative method and descriptive and inferential statistical tests in SPSS v22.0 software. The validity of the study was based on structural and formal methods, and reliability was calculated using Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.92). The statistical population is local communities, and the sample size was considered to be 400 people. Sampling in this study was carried out using a cluster method, taking into account the population share of each village for local communities in a systematic manner and separated by gender.
Results: 34 percent of the livelihoods of local communities were directly dependent on Iran's mangrove forests, and more than 60 percent of the respondents believed that their livelihoods are at risk by the destruction of these forests. Also, comparing the average perception of local communities of the cultural services of mangrove forests showed that the level of perception of local communities is high due to their dependence on mangrove forests in meeting daily needs, and on the other hand, the sense of place belonging to living in the vicinity of these natural and valuable habitats. The results of the direct or indirect nature of the dimensions of cultural services also showed that the dimensions of "sense of place and inspiration", "cultural diversity" and "social relations" have a positive and direct impact on local communities. Therefore, creating awareness and raising stakeholders' understanding of the biological services and sensitivities of these valuable natural habitats is of great importance and can help preserve forest lands and further protect these valuable resources.
Conclusion: Mangrove forests of Iran are considered one of the most important natural resources of the country, providing various functions and services, especially in cultural dimensions, for human life. Therefore, examining the knowledge and understanding of communities for their protection, planning, and management is of great importance. Also, continuing to benefit from forest ecosystem services requires increasing stakeholders' participation and understanding of these natural resources. Accordingly, by creating awareness and raising stakeholders' understanding of the importance and biological sensitivities of these ecosystems, we can reduce pressure on natural resources and improve their attitudes and tendencies towards preserving forest lands and further protecting these resources.
 
Keywords: Ecosystem services, education and awareness, local communities, mangrove forest, perception indicators.
 

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References

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