Using network analysis to identify key actors in local benefitiories network in the establishment of participatory management of natural resources (Case Study: Sarayan Watershed, South Khorasan Province)

Today the concept of participatory management is a functional and modern approach in the management of natural areas. This approach is a comprehensive approach to personal and group stakeholder participation to achieve sustainable management and empowerment of local communities. Therefore, identifying and realizing the most influential actors in local decisions is important step. The aim of this study was to determine social powers and key stakeholders in the period before and after running a local community project in network of local stakeholders. This study have been carried out through questionnaires and direct interviews with members of split Rural Development Committee, in the Sarayan watershed in South Khorasan province is covered by RFLDL international projects. For this purpose, ties of trust and partnership with local stakeholder network using quantitative indicators were analyzed at the micro level. This article analyzes the position of the local development groups and determines the key actors in terms of authority, influence and intermediation before and after the empowerment project. The results show that the centralisation before and after the run is reduced. It is claim that this project reduces centralization in network structure and strengthens trust and participation between stakeholder that has an important role in establishment of natural resourses participatory management and rural development.