Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research, Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Kerman, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
The involvement of people in the implementation of natural resource schemes ensures the success of these initiatives and can be very beneficial for the natural resources available in watersheds and stakeholders. Public participation in the implementation of natural resources operations is crucial for achieving the goals and success of these projects. Emphasizing public participation in the conservation of natural resources is of great importance and credibility. Natural resources are an integral pillar of human life, and plans are developed and implemented to improve the environmental and social conditions of socio-ecological systems. Given that this research is focused on desert watersheds, the unique conditions of these watersheds are considered outstanding features of this study. This emphasis highlights the value and importance of people's organizations in desert areas, which usually have smaller populations compared to other climates. It also underscores the necessity of public participation for the success of natural resource projects across different climates in watersheds nationwide. Without public participation, the success of these projects, despite all environmental conditions, is very low.
Materials and method
In this study, the number of cooperative companies, rural development committees, micro funds, and rural funds in the entire Yazdanabad watershed was obtained. The distribution of different villages in the Yazdanabad watershed was then identified, and the activities implemented in them were investigated. Subsequently, meetings held by the PRA method in the villages of the Yazdanabad watershed were studied, and a comparison of NGOs before and after the implementation of the comprehensive natural resources management plan was carried out and analyzed.
Results and discussion
The results showed that there are 3 cooperative companies and 4 rural funds in the Yazdanabad watershed, and 16 development committees are active in this area. Almost every village has a development committee, and there are also 2 micro funds in the Yazdanabad watershed. The implementation of natural resources projects has a significant impact on the stakeholders of the watersheds, especially in desert areas, provided that people are the main basis of the implementation of this plan. By encouraging and modeling, 100% participation can be achieved to ensure the success of such projects. The results of natural resources plans before and after their implementation showed that these plans greatly impact people's livelihoods and the sustainable conservation of natural resources. People who are more aware of their natural resources are better able to protect them in their watershed without government assistance. The wide range of natural areas and the lack of human resources have caused the country's forests, rangelands, and watershed management organizations, as the main authorities and custodians of these fields, to have limited influence in all areas. This has led people to spontaneously meet their needs by forming and joining NGOs.
Conclusion
Moreover, the research results showed that the most common executive activities in all villages located in the Yazdanabad watershed were the formation of rural development committees and holding meetings regarding natural resources laws and regulations.
Keywords
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