Investigation on the multipurpose planning in Zagros forests

Degradation of Zagros forests has been continuing since a long time ago because of traditional and often improper exploitations due to poverty, unemployment, and livelihood. In this study, in order to reduce forest degradation and improve sustainability, the feasibility of multipurpose using of Zagros forest was assessed in Baneh forests by using GIS, RS and AHP. All of the possible land-uses as well as criteria and sub-criteria were identified based on expert's judgment and literature reviews. Subcriteria maps was created using available data, field works, and IRS-P6 imageries. The weights of subcriteria were determined using AHP. The priority maps of each land-uses was produced with a weighted linear combination method using GIS. The final priority map was achieved by overlying the individual land-use priority maps. The final ecological capability map was prepared by editing the priority map. The results show the main area of current land-uses does not match with the ecological potential. However, ecologically, various land-uses meaning multiple-use can exist separately or together in the study area leading to reducing people’s dependence on forest trees, degradation and improving the forest sustainability.