Watershed Management Research Group

Introduction

Population growth and over use of natural resources using advanced technology can threaten different ecosys­ tems. Inadequate ecosystem management in watershed units may lead to disruption of watershed perfor­ mance, which in fragile environments can lead to ecosystem collapse. This problem is more serious in developing countries, where emerging technologies are rapidly introducing while no comprehensive approach is pursuing to explore all its negative and positive aspects. Thus, only an integrated plan observing direct and indirect aspects of human intervention in the ecosystem guarantees the long-term health and profitability of eco­ system resources. The Watershed Management Research Department plays an important role in optimizing watershed management for reducing loses and damages caused by natural disasters, and guaranteeing the health of watersheds. These results help us to meet the needs of society even under population pressures through increase the sustainable productivity of lands.

Objectives

The main objective for Watershed  Management Research Department is reviewing and researching on intro­ duction of appropriate and adaptive models of integrated watershed management through sustainable develop­ ment and resource capacities, socio-economic and watersheds environment conditions.  These  managing plans will focus on short, medium and long-term plans for management of natural resources and solve social and economic problems at the watershed scale. As the country's research authority of integrated watershed management, this department has the task of directing the capabilities of executive agencies, universities and related research institutions to the needs of the country.

Principal research topics and pivots

Optimizing integrated watershed management patterns, Identifying and analyzing  the economic,  social and natural components of integrated watershed manage­ ment,

Improving  and  developing   decision-making   methods and techniques in risk management of watersheds, Improving  and  developing  patterns  and  systems  for exploitation of watershed resources,

Improving and developing methods for knowledge, skills and participation of watershed stakeholders,

Developing intelligent system technology, decision support systems, database and subject atlases in water­ shed management,

Recommending for land reclamation using rainwater har­ vesting systems,

Optimizing cropping pattern based on the capacity of natural resources,

Providing and  developing guidelines for conservation, recovery and sustainable use of water, soil and vege­ taion resources in integrated watershed management plans.

Some important implemented research projects

Land use schema in different parts of Iran,

Livelihood resilience in upper catchments of dry areas in Karkheh River Basin, supporting system for assessing damages on agricultural products,

Providing watershed atlases of Iran,

Implementing pilot project of integrated watershed management in the Vardij Catchment, Tehran province,

Participatory conservation activities in rural areas,

Evaluating soil and water conservation practices in selected watersheds across the country,

Study on the lack of rural people participation in watershed management projects.