Evaluation of Biological Operations Performance in Bushkan Watershed of Bushehr Province

Evaluation of mechanical and biological operations in watersheds is always emphasized by managers and executive organs. To achieve this, there is a need for an integrated evaluation and management approach in which processes and all physical, economic, and social effects are considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of biological operations performed based on physical, economic, and social criteria in Bushkan watershed in the east of Bushehr province. Four scenarios of biological operations in the area were identified, including planting, planting with creating curved pits, contour furrow, and contour furrow with planting. To evaluate different scenarios, the indicators related to each scenario in terms of physical, economic, and social criteria were calculated. After standardizing the indicators and weighting them, the scenarios were prioritized by Delphi technique. The results showed that the scenario of contour furrows with planting, planting with creating curved pits, planting, and contour furrows are the first to fourth priorities in the region, With areas of 16554, 2155, 9655, and 428 ha and weights of 0.878, 0.741, 0.701 and 0.649, respectively. It is concluded, Scenario 4 (contour furrow with planting) was the best scenario in Bushkan watershed. Therefore, with the help of the scenario management approach and evaluation of biological management scenarios, planners and operators of watersheds are able to select the best possible scenarios after being aware of the results of various measures. It is suggested that considering all the limitations, indicators, criteria and other types of prioritization methods be used to examine the effects of biological operations scenarios in the study watershed.