Local stakeholders selection, social power and Centrality Index in adaptive rangeland co-management (Case study: Kodir village, Mazandaran province)

Holistic approach in natural resources management means considering environmental, economical, technical and social issues and at the same time sustainability of this resources for future generations. Integrated natural resources management provides managers, decision makers and planners new insights using cooperative approach which depend on systematic and integrated solution solving. Key actors recognition is required for implementation of adaptive co-management of these resources. Therefore; based on social network analysis, it is possible to determine key actors for environmental decisions. In this article, social powers have characterized based on social network analysis approach at local stakeholder's level in Kalak customary bordered area of Kodir village, Mazandaran province. Firstly, natural resources utilizers in the study area have identified based on filed surveys and then trust and collaboration matrices have produced using data from the collected questionnaires. In the next step, Centrality Index has measured and finally geometric position of the actors have specified. The results showed that the centrality index is effective for recognition of actors, who are in a central position and have a key role in co-management of highland rangelands of Kodir village. This research also identifies social powers in Kalak customary bordered area. Natural resources managers and planners could refer to these persons for implementing sustainable management projects.