Extended Abstract
Introduction: The SWOT model easily assesses the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a watershed and provides solutions that are consistent with the realities and capabilities of the watershed. This model is one of the group decision-making models designed to determine long-term or short-term strategies and to make major decisions and various issues and topics. To this end, this study identified and prioritized strategies for management in the Tanghebostanak watershed, located in the northwest of Fars Province, using the integrated SWOT-QSPM model.
Materials and methods: Field surveys were conducted to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). Through multiple meetings and brainstorming sessions with 24 subject-matter experts, both internal and external factors were identified, and a SWOT matrix was constructed. Management strategies were then developed based on these factors. The relative importance of each factor was assessed using the AHP. Internal and external factor scores were determined using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire, completed by two groups: experts and local watershed residents. The questionnaire's validity was confirmed by a panel of experts after finalizing the SWOT matrix. Responses were categorized using ordinal variables aligned with the Likert scale. The statistical population included 24 experts and 35 informed local residents. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Weighted scores were calculated, the strategic position of the watershed was determined, and the overall attractiveness of each strategy was evaluated to prioritize management strategies.
Results and Discussion: A total of 14 internal factors (7 strengths and 7 weaknesses) and 10 external factors (5 opportunities and 5 threats) were identified, resulting in 12 strategies: 3 aggressive (SO), 3 conservative (WO), 3 competitive (ST), and 3 defensive (WT). Among these, "suitable soil" (S2) with a weighted score of 1.2 was identified as the most significant strength, while "soil erosion caused by human activities" (W2), scoring 1.044, was the most significant weakness. The most notable opportunity was "the willingness of surrounding counties to develop nature tourism" (O3), with a score of 1.35. Conversely, "complex and time-consuming administrative procedures for land transfer" (T5), with a score of 0.944, emerged as the most critical threat. The total weighted scores were as follows: strengths (3.383), weaknesses (3.317), opportunities (3.66), and threats (3.225). Internal and external factor scores were 0.066 and 0.435, respectively. These results highlight the dominance of strengths over weaknesses and opportunities over threats, indicating the need for a balanced approach incorporating all four strategic types. The results of the QSPM in prioritizing strategies indicate that strategies SO₃ (beekeeping development), ST₃ (improvement of agricultural production insurance services), and WT₂ (long-term transfer of national lands for the development of tourism, medicinal plants, and beekeeping), with overall attractiveness of 20.296, 18.515, and 18.238, respectively, are the best strategies for managing the Tanghebostanak watershed in Fars province.
Conclusion: Supporting new economic activities in the watershed is essential. This support should include raising public awareness, providing financial assistance, insuring emerging services, securing land, and simplifying bureaucratic processes. Since rangelands dominate the watershed’s landscape, their restoration—particularly through proper grazing management—can significantly reduce soil erosion and landslides. Participatory watershed management is crucial for coordinated efforts among relevant institutions, mitigating fragmented governance. It is strongly recommended that policies prioritize the long-term lease of national lands, legal reforms, and facilitation measures to promote tourism, medicinal plant cultivation, and beekeeping. Additionally, protecting rangelands and preventing land-use change should be high on the agenda. Educating residents about the importance of watershed management, building their capacity for implementation and stewardship, and fostering collaboration with local cooperatives are among the key strategies for sustainable development in the Tanghebostanak watershed.