Assessment of environmental hazards and vulnerability of Hara protected area using DPSIR model

The impacts of environmental hazards are one of the main factors of increasing vulnerability in protected areas. Therefore, identification of environmental hazards and vulnerability degree in these areas is very important. In this regard, in the present study, assessment of environmental hazards and vulnerability in the Hara protected area was conducted in the conceptual framework of the DPSIR model. In the following, after identifying the major environmental hazards in the region, the priority and ranking of these hazards were determined using the TOPSIS method. According to the results obtained, 31 factors are involved in the occurrence of environmental hazards in the Hara protected area. 24 factors are of human origin and 7 factors are of environmental origin. The obtained results indicate that the main cause of environmental hazards in the region is caused by human factors. In addition, according to the results of weighting and prioritization of environmental hazards in the region, the highest weight is assigned to the "severity of the impact" and the lowest weight to the "probability of occurrence" of environmental hazards. The degree of riskiness of the threatening factors of the region also indicates that out of 31 known factors, 11 factors are related to intolerable hazards and 10 factors are significant environmental The degree of riskiness of the threatening factors of the region also indicates that out of 31 known factors, 11 factors are related to intolerable risks and 10 factors are significant environmental risks. Based on this, the development of human activities and the continuation of the severity of environmental hazards can lead to an increase in vulnerability as well as irreparable effects on the mangrove protected area. Therefore, controlling these risks requires integrated planning and management at the regional level. In this regard, the results of this study can help decision makers and planners in formulating a management plan as well as adopting strategic measures in this area by providing a range of environmental hazards and the level of riskiness of the Hara protected area. Accordingly, the development of human activities and the continuation of the severity of environmental hazards can lead to an increase in vulnerability as well as irreparable impacts on the Hara protected area. Therefore, controlling these hazards requires integrated planning and management at the regional level. In this regard, the results of this study can help decision-makers and planners in formulating a management plan as well as adopting strategic measures in this area by providing a range of environmental hazards and the level of riskiness of the Hara protected area.