Abstract
Evaluation of environmental acts of Iran highlights the gap that soil
conservation and impacts of deforestation and guidelines for
stockholders of forest areas have not been presented properly.
Therefore, this research aimed to develop a conceptual model for stating
the problems raised by deforestation, to present practical approaches,
and to define conservation levels to achieve sustainable land uses. The
model method is designated stepwise to estimate impacts of
deforestation, to find road map of management practices in terms of
thematic and spatial planning for forest watersheds. We emphasize on
application of nuclear techniques to estimate on-site and off-site
effects of deforestation. The model outcome is framework of management
practices in which levels of conservation, protection and preservation
will be implemented. Conservation as the lowest level authorizes
stockholders to the wood harvest and specific land uses with regarding
to environmental considerations. Framework emphasize on criteria by
which all present and programmed land uses should be compatible with the
forest watershed ecological capabilities. In protection level, this
model guides locals and authorized companies to carry out restoration
and revitalization practices as buffer zone of preservation level. The
conceptual model presents the preservation level in forest watersheds to
keep untouched bio heritages (flora and fauna) through the forest
breathing and technical supports in terms of research and production of
plants. The practical road map as main outcome of the conceptual model
guides decision makers around the world to reach sustainable plan of
conservation and land use in watershed scale with considering human
demands.