Conceptual model of participatory management of Hamoun International Wetlands based on grounded Theory

Today, natural resources’ managers in Iran and the world pay more attention to the participation of local stakeholders and indigenous knowledge in developing the integrated management plan of wetlands. Wetland management should consider the four dimensions of wise use, sustainable management, integrated water resources management and comprehensive stakeholder participation. Stakeholders participation in decision-making process leads to reaching consensus and reduces conflicts. The purpose of this study was to present a conceptual model of participatory management of Hamoun International Wetlands with the collaboration of local stakeholders.

In this study, the opinions of 376 stakeholders living in 58 villages inside and around Hamoun International Wetlands were collected in the form of focus groups. The coding of the interviews and the presentation of the conceptual model were performed through qualitative content analysis - grounded theory - in Nvivo12 software. Reliability was calculated using the auditing method and the validity of the research was reviewed and confirmed by experts.

Data reliability was 76%, which is acceptable. Data analysis and comparison was implemented using 863 primary codes with repetition, 150 primary codes without repetition, 78 secondary codes, 20 concepts and 10 subcategories and six main categories. The results of data analysis revealed the participatory model of Hamoun International Wetlands comprised six components: comprehensive management of Hamoun Wetland, legal requirements for water supply through diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, empowerment of local stakeholders through training-consultative meetings, promotion and improvement of culture in adopting climate-friendly agricultural methods, reducing dependence on wetland through industrial and commercial development and sustainable protection of wetland environment.

The results of this study presented the different dimensions of participatory wetland management using content analysis, of help to the managers of Hamoun International Wetland in particular and the managers of other wetlands in Iran in general in designing and implementing management plans and their proper outsourcing to local stakeholders. Therefore, using content analysis, the opinions of stakeholders, especially local stakeholders, can be included in management decisions. Keywords: Participatory management, content analysis, coding, Hamoun International Wetlands.