Evaluation and compilation a strategic management plan for reducing Brown Bear conflicts (Ursus arctos) in Qazvin province

In recent years, the interference of wildlife natural needs such as water, food, shelter and the place of reproduction supply and human needs in natural lands have lead to the serious conflicts between humans and wildlife. One of the most obvious examples of this conflict is the increase in incidents caused by losses incurred by bears to humans, livestock and gardens in Qazvin province. Drafting and implementing a consistent strategic management plan in agreement with areas socio-economic conditions, can be considered an effective solution to reduce conflicts in these areas. In this study, we looked for the strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities and threats to which environmental management of this province is facing and/or will be faced in future. Then we categorized, weighted and analyzed them, using SWOT analysis. Finally, we applied a quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) to prepare an appropriate strategic management plan to remove or reduce the conflicts. The results showed three principal strategies are as the most important strategies for providing a strategic management plan for reducing Brown Bear conflicts including; (i) Complete implementation of the action plan of brown bears protection with attracting the necessary credits by the Department of Environmental Protection of the Qazvin province, (ii) Education of local communities and promote of effective methods for protecting beehives and gardens from bears' attacks, and (iii) Increasing the number of rangers and equipping the Rangers station in order to better protect of the bears' habitats and Permanent presence of Rangers in hot spot areas.