Evaluation biological and biomechanical watershed management activities Case study: Mahvid Catchment

Conservation and proper utilization of water and soil resources, particularly in arid and semi arid climates have high important in the management of natural environments. In this regard, the evaluation of various aspects of management practices is essential in identifying their strengths and weaknesses and also strategies for their improvement and optimization. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to evaluate the technical and social watershed management activities of Mahvid Catchment in Khorasan Razavi Province. In this catchment, biological activities such as transplant, seeding and enclosure and biomechanical activities such as terracing have been implemented which dates back 23 years. Technical evaluation results show that the effect of measures in addition to increasing the quality of vegetation, at least 20 percent canopy cover is obtained. Also, estimation of erosion according to improved vegetation, 20 percent reduction is show. Satisfaction Survey indicates the stakeholders with the implementation of biological and biomechanical activities in the research area are satisfied. Of course, to increase the satisfaction of these types of projects, providing alternative livelihoods especially at the time of the project implementation can increase the effectiveness and success.