Identification of Key Sustainable Development Strategies for Wetland Ecosystems by Stressors Risk Analysis

Nowadays, unplanned exploitation has acclaimed to be behind the wetland destruction despite their remarkable hydrological values and precious functions. As per Ramsar Convention's guidelines, “wise use” and ecological approach are solutions. In this study, the foremost purpose is presenting sustainability strategies as in order to recover Boujagh Wetland as case study.

The process of assessing ecological risk was performed through Risk Quotient (RQ). Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to illustrate the spatial distribution of threat factors. Determining wetland strategies related to sustainable development indicators, the Working Wetland Potential (WWP) model has been utilized.

Solid waste and effluent discharge, agriculture drainage influence, fish farming, illegal fishery and haunting, boating, and unplanned recreation were distinguished as significant threats on Boujagh area mostly concentrated around on the shoreline and along the Sefidroud River. Ecological risk assessment was conducted for frogs and toads, which are at the beginning of the food chain and relatively high resistant against environmental stresses. Cadmium and cooper risk scores were estimated upper than 1 that means very high level in both dissolved and sedimentation statuses, amongst all substances. Considering wetland functional potentials, three key strategies of "conservation", "wisdom utilization", and "public participation" were eventually recognized to improve and rehabilitate the wetland.

Wetland enhancing interactions are in line with essential human needs, sustainable tourism, mitigation, and environmental conservation. Current activities could be possibly adapted via flexible management and creativity; moreover, incompatible factors might be gradually eliminated by public participation.