Watershed Bioclimatic Modeling: A Scientific Step Toward Restoring Damaged Ecosystems

The research project 'Watershed Bioclimatic Modeling', supported by the Iran National Science Foundation and carried out by Marjan Bahlakeh as a PhD dissertation at Tarbiat Modares University, has been completed.

According to the report of Ambassador Arjan, quoted by the Presidential Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, Marjan Bahlke, in the form of her doctoral dissertation under the guidance of Seyyed Hamidreza Sadeghi at Tarbiat Modares University, has conducted a research entitled "Watershed Biodiversity Modeling" which plays an important role in the evaluation and management of natural resources.

Referring to the vital role of watersheds in preserving natural resources, Bahlke said: Watersheds are considered one of the most important pillars of sustainable development by storing water, protecting soil, supporting agriculture, and reducing the effects of floods and droughts. Therefore, in this research, the condition of Shazand watershed in Central province was comprehensively investigated from different physical, economic, social, infrastructural and environmental dimensions.

He added: In this study, economic indicators including poverty, unemployment and income; social indicators including health, education and security; the state of infrastructure such as communication ways, piped water and electricity; And also the environmental indicators such as air and water pollution, soil erosion and the decline of underground water resources were evaluated.

Explaining the results of this study, this researcher said: The evaluations showed that the Shazand watershed has scored about 42 points out of a total of 100 points, which indicates its average but declining condition. In other words, this watershed has not lost its functions yet, but the process of reducing its ecological and developmental capacity is worrying.

Bahlke continued: The most problems were observed in the central sub-watersheds; Areas where industries, mines and industrial cities are more concentrated. In these areas, reduction of underground water resources, air pollution, soil salinization, increase in unemployment and migration are among the most important identified challenges. On the other hand, the indicators related to health and vaccination have a relatively favorable situation, but in the field of environmental protection and cooperation related to sustainable development, the region's performance was evaluated poorly.

Referring to the validity of the results of this research, he stated: Two different analytical methods were used to evaluate the viability of the watershed, both of which led to similar results, and this confirms the accuracy and reliability of the presented model.

This researcher pointed out: The results of this research can help managers and planners to identify priority watersheds and make more accurate decisions for their protection and restoration. Also, these findings can be used in guiding investments, managing industrial activities, developing rural infrastructure, and protecting natural resources.

In the end, Bahlke expressed hope: by implementing programs based on the results of this research and with the participation of officials and local communities, it will be possible to restore the Shazand watershed and improve the situation of water resources, agriculture and employment in the region; Because neglecting this trend can lead to the aggravation of the dryness of water sources, the spread of fine dust, the increase of migration and the widespread destruction of the environment in the coming years.