Integrated Watershed Management

Integrated Watershed Management

Identifying and determining the role of human and environmental factors in watershed degradation (Case study: Ilam Dam watershed)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ehsan Fathi 1
Mohammadreza Ekhtesasi 1
Ali Talebi 1
Jamal Mosaffaie 2
1 Department of Rangeland and Watershed Management, Faculty of Natural Resources and Desert Studies, Yazd University. Yazd. Iran
2 Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute (SCWMRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/iwm.2025.2049954.1200
Abstract
Extended Abstract
 Introduction: Watershed degradation is a critical environmental issue with significant impacts on water resources, local  livelihoods, and ecosystem sustainability. These impacts include reduced water quality and quantity, soil erosion, decreased agricultural productivity, and disrupted ecological balance. The Ilam Dam watershed, affected by land-use changes, overexploitation of natural resources, and unsustainable human activities, has faced numerous challenges in recent years. This study aims to identify and assess the roles of human and environmental factors in the degradation of the Ilam Dam watershed.
 Materials and methods: To achieve this, the study began with a comprehensive review of scientific literature to understand the factors contributing to watershed degradation. Additionally, consultations with local experts and residents were conducted to incorporate their insights and experiences. Field research, on-site visits, and analysis of previous studies and reports were also integral to identifying degradation factors. Two main categories of factors were identified: environmental and human-induced. Environmental factors included climate change, physiography, geology (rock type), and tectonics, with a total of 12 indicators. Human-induced factors encompassed high population growth and migration, infrastructure and settlement development, livestock farming, and agriculture, with 25 indicators. These indicators reflect the impacts of agricultural activities, infrastructure development, and land-use changes driven by population growth. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Expert Choice software were used to weigh and prioritize these factors. Expert judgments were collected through questionnaires distributed to 10 experts and university faculty members, providing accurate weights for each factor and indicator. These results formed the basis for developing strategies and management solutions to mitigate degradation and enhance the health of the Ilam Dam watershed.
 Results and Discussion: The analysis revealed that climate change, with a weight of 0.550, was the most influential environmental factor contributing to watershed degradation. Among its indicators, drought (weight: 0.708) was the most critical, significantly affecting precipitation and water resources. In the physiography sub-criterion, steep slopes (weight: 0.723) were identified as a primary factor, increasing soil erosion and surface runoff. In geology, erosion-prone formations (weight: 0.708) accelerated soil erosion and land vulnerability. In tectonics, fracture density (weight: 0.731) reduced land stability and exacerbated degradation. Among human-induced factors, agriculture (weight: 0.566) was the most influential. Encroachment on natural resources and land conversion (weight: 0.337) were significant under high population growth and migration. The expansion of residential areas (weight: 0.651) was a key indicator in infrastructure development. Input consumption in livestock farming (weight: 0.416) and excessive water extraction in agriculture (weight: 0.395) also significantly impacted the watershed's natural resources and environmental health. These findings provide essential guidelines for planning and managing natural resources in the Ilam Dam watershed.
 Conclusion: This study highlights climate change and agriculture as the most significant environmental and human factors, respectively, driving the degradation of the Ilam Dam watershed. These findings underscore the need for improved natural resource management and sustainable strategies to mitigate these impacts. Comprehensive management programs are recommended to address climate change effects, enhance agricultural practices, and prevent further degradation. This research serves as a valuable guide for policymakers and managers in protecting and managing the Ilam Dam watershed effectively.
Keywords
Degradation
Environmental Factors
Hierarchical Analysis
Human Factors
Watershed Management

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 06 January 2025
  • Revise Date 26 January 2025
  • Accept Date 09 March 2025