Developing Criteria and Indicators Framework for Monitoring the Sustainability of Ecological Functions of Northern Forests in Forest Management Unit level (Case study: Kheyrud Forest of Nowshahr)

Sustainable Forest management is process that includes planning, implementation and monitoring. This process calls for criteria and indicators framework. On the other hand, forest ecosystems are increasingly considered as resources that must be managed for a wide range of ecological, economic and social values. These changes need criteria and indicator framework by which sustainable multifunctional forest management can be monitored. The Aim of this study is to develop criteria and indicator frameworks for ecological function including conservation, protection, conservation, and recreation function. For this purpose, Analytical Hierarchy Process and experts’ opinions were used and initial criteria and indicators were weighted. Final framework consists of 7 criteria, 25 indicator and 29 verifiers. Formulating these criteria helps monitoring the forest’s functions and can be used in determining, measuring, analyzing and assessing the sustainability of the studied area.