Application of IUCN method in watershed sustainability condition assessment (Case study: Talleghan-Zidasht1)

Sustainability is a concept that emphasizes substantially on investments conservation (natural, social and economic) toward intra-generation equity. When sustainable development is achieved an overlapping is created between ecological, economic and social classes. The goal of this study is to measure and evaluate watershed sustainability. In order to evaluate sustainability in Zidasht basin 1, an ecosystem approach has been used to create balance between three categories of economic, social and ecosystem. Selective variables were obtained by common assessment methods. The IUCN method was used to analysis and evaluate the sustainability of the study basin. By and large, two subjects of human welfare and ecosystem sustainability are dealt with within IUCN approach. Two criteria, six indices and 28 variables were measured in human welfare section and also four criteria and 10 indices and 35 variables were evaluated in ecosystem sustainability section. Above mentioned indices measurement using software Wellbeing Score has scored based on intervals 0-100.finall indices and criteria Arithmetic Mean method integration was completed and map was developed in GIS. Final scores for ecosystem and social and economic issues were derived equal to 51 and 49, respectively. Final results of this study based on the Barometer of Sustainability showed that sustainability of Zidasht 1 basin is moderate. This situation can be improved by ecosystem conservation and people life style quality enhancement.