Exploring the Development Impact Assessment of Large Dams on Sustainability of Agroecosystems (Case of Sahand Dam in Hashtrod- East Azerbaijan, IRAN)

This study was conducted to analyze the effects of Sahand Dams on the sustainability of agroecosystems in Hashtrod- East Azerbaijan basin, Iran. This study used an impact evaluation with ecosystem services approach to explore the effects of Sahand dam agroecosystems. In this line, building Sahand dam was considered as a diving force and its effects were scrutinized on the functions, properties as well as human welfare and livelihood. A total of 112 farmers were sampled who were settled in upstream and downstream, randomly. The principal component analysis was used to identify the impact factors of Sahand dam, explored several factors, including the protection of water and soil resources, agricultural productivity, the enhancement of social position and livelihood, enhancement of cultural capital, and quality of life, tourism and employment development as well as sturactural changes. According to ecosystem management approach, it was concluded that the Sahand Dam through strengthening ecological potential and capacity contribute to flourishing livelihood and community welfare. However, due to ignorance of the integrity of agricultural landscape upstream settlements face inequity in terms of income and resources. In this regard, human capacity building and the enforcement of new law for establishment of ecosystem approach in management emphasis on payment for ecosystem services e.g. water quality and quantity trading recommended.
                                
 
 
 
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