Applying FTOPSIS in Prioritizing Biological Management Scenarios of Watershed Reources (Case study: Dare Nari Sarvestan Watershed, Fars)

The development and implementation of practical natural resources and catchment management policies require a comprehensive knowledge of the system processes (biological, physical, and socio-economic), their complicated interactions, and how they react to different changes. The current research assessed the ecological, physical, and socio-economic consequences of biologically-based management scenarios targeting runoff and soil erosion problems in the Darenari catchment. The Darenari catchment with an approximate area of 554 ha is located in Fars province, Iran. Three biological activities and 8 management scenarios were considered. Ecological consequences were studied using the weighted land cover area index (WLCAI). Physical effects were investigated applying the runoff curve number (SCS-CN) hydrologic model. Economic and social effects were assessed applying the cost/benefit analysis as well as examining the outcomes of a social survey. Then, a fuzzy AHP approach was applied to weigh the criteria and ultimately, the best management option was chosen using FTOPSIS model. The results showed that social criteria with the highest weight and scenario No 8 was the best scenario and had first priority. The results idicated that the multi-criteria decision making techniques included capability of expressing different aspects of the problem and are the perfect tool for watershed resources management.