Investigation of demands of various stakeholders and participatory management in Zagros forests, Iran

Abstract

Zagros forests, located in the western part of Iran. Up to now, enough attention has not been paid to the
demands of stakeholders and participatory management in Zagros forests. The main objective of this
research is studying the demands of various stakeholders in Zagros forests to determine the
communication gaps and problems of participatory management. This research was carried out in
Dashte-Barm watershed of Fars province, south-west of Zagros forest. In this research, with the
questionnaire design based on Likert scale, the stakeholder’ demands of forest management plan
(FMP) were studied. The result of research show the decentralization of management is most important
element of stakeholder demands. Decentralization of management include giving the right of suffrage to
the local resident, attention to traditional knowledge, participatory management and delegating
authority to local units. It is important that the local inhabitants have the opportunity to periodically
review the actions of municipal authorities and community representatives. No effort can succeed if the
majority of the local inhabitants must follow rules and regulations that others can circumvent, thereby
reaping lion’s share of the benefits.
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