Investigating the impact of integrated management on the sustainable development of river basins, a case study of the Psikhan river basin

Academic Thesis for Master Degree

Field: Natural Geography - Geomorphological Trend in Environmental Planning

Abstract

Mutual effects caused by different resources and living and non-living components in a watershed, the need to implement a systemic and integrated management model in watersheds with the aim of optimal resource efficiency and coordination and movement in the direction of development

The area studied in this research is the Psikhan river basin in Gilan province, one of the sub-basins of the Anzali lagoon. The data used in this research are climatic, hydrological and geographical data of the basin. The activities carried out by related institutions in the watershed, obtained from related organizations and institutions, show that many factors influence each other in these watersheds, that knowing these factors and the relationship between them in a comprehensive and systematic approach can reduce the factors of destruction and accelerate the process of improving the watershed. By examining the natural situation and water and soil resources of the Pasikhan basin, the challenges facing the development in this basin have been examined and some management solutions have been pointed out, mainly in the integrated and basin management of natural and human resources, especially the basic requirements related to the coordination of management in political-administrative units of the subordinate provinces. The method of data analysis of the results of the research shows that in order to reduce floods in the Pasikhan basin, the upstream floods of this basin can be controlled, and in this regard, there should be points for flood management. The upstream location was selected, which is obtained by field studies of their position compared to the current channels. Flood management in the basin is not possible without paying attention to hydrogeomorphological elements, and by using the integrated flood model, it is possible to have all the indicators in the practical management unit. Therefore, in this research, it is an effort to do this by using the results of valid national and international studies and, in parallel, the results of observations and field research and long-term scientific studies, as well as by knowing the environmental factors and characteristics, the causes and methods of instability of river environments were analyzed and strategies were presented that the user can lead the development and management of the basins towards sustainability and finally establish the sustainable development of the existing resources, in order to meet the needs of the residents of the basin.

Introduction

Sustainable development depends on taking care of the earth, and humans as a part of nature cannot have a future unless they protect nature and natural resources (Vahabzadeh, 2017). The spatial location of water resources, soil and vegetation in nature is often within the framework of watersheds, and for this reason, in the studies of this department, the watershed is considered as the basis and unit of study in various aspects and effects of natural systems in hydrology and hydrology, economic and social, agriculture and vegetation, soil science and erosion, and other such topics. Therefore, the mutual effects caused by different resources and living and non-living components in a watershed necessitate the implementation of a systematic and integrated management model in watersheds with the aim of optimal resource efficiency and coordination and movement in the direction of sustainable development. The Psikhan river watershed has branches of rivers that lead to the Psikhan basin from different geographical directions. The most important rivers that flow into this basin are Siahmezgi, Chobar (Imamzadeh Ebrahim), Chenaran and so on. is which passes through different areas, including areas with dense mountains, semi-mountains, plains, and plains, and Pisikhan River and its small and large branches from its source to its mouth are the unifying factor of these areas. Decision-making for natural resource management is very complex because it involves many users and there are mutual communication mechanisms between them. And decision makers are usually faced with simultaneously optimizing several goals (Mohsani Saravi, 2012). Optimum management of water and soil resources does not take place except by preserving the resources and using them correctly, continuously and sustainably, as well as minimizing wastage and damage to them (Sadar al-Ashrafi, 1371). This management is a system management that is applied by planning models in order to use and effectively guide factors and resources in order to reach the optimal state and with the aim of achieving maximum profit, minimum cost and maximum efficiency (Melk Mohammadi, 1362). In short, the attitude of managers towards rivers and the development of their basins has been such that now in many basins issues such as water crisis, unsustainability of development and management crisis have emerged.In short, the managers' attitude towards the rivers and their basin development has been such that now in many basins, issues such as water crisis, development instability and management crisis are very serious challenges. In another approach, which has been economics, they have tried to find an optimal solution for the allocation of water resources, or by focusing on the hydrological approach, they have tried to justify only the technology of implementing projects.

While maintaining or providing stability in river basins requires deep attention to a comprehensive approach, which is based on an ecosystem approach to rivers. In this type of attitude, the catchment, the main river channel, flood plains, wetlands, lakes and estuaries together with all the residents of each basin who have a deep sense of dependence on rivers form the ecosystem of each river, which itself is the best management unit. The destruction and destruction of many river basins has made development face the risk of instability from the ground up. Recognizing and analyzing the instability of river basins and the challenges faced by managers is a definite necessity and is the goal pursued in this research. The research of researchers such as (Newson and Ghazi, 1995), (Wayne Penny, 1997), (Wayne Penny, 1998), (Jobin, 1999), (I, Yu, C, N, 2000), (W, C, D, 2000) and (Ghazi, 1381) each is significant from one or more points of view. Integrated management of river basins deals with technology and industry as much as ecological and socio-economic aspects and is used for an integrated purpose. Among these, the important activities related to river management are: river management - integrated management of flood control - integrated management of sediment control and development of the main planning and policy making of the river. The important point in the integrated management of river basins is to establish a balance in water management activities with economic and ecological development and proper environmental and rational use of natural resources (Vis, 2001). But what has given a prominent dimension to the current research is a comprehensive approach with the aim of protecting and sustaining rivers. Also, the introduction and analysis of a model that can provide a study framework for achieving sustainable development and management in the basins is the ultimate goal of research and analysis.

This thesis is organized in five chapters, which are as follows:

1- General research

2- Review of sources

3- Materials and methods

4- Analysis of data and findings. Research

5- Discussion, conclusions and suggestions

Statement of the problem and the need to conduct research

Today, the majority of people and officials of various departments of natural resources management are aware of this fact that the only permanent and stable solution for the proper use of natural resources and water resources for agricultural lands is the correct use of watershed activities in the fields of agriculture and natural resources.

In river basins, many factors influence each other. Understanding these factors and the relationship between them in a comprehensive and systematic approach can reduce the destruction factors and accelerate the basin's improvement process. Optimal protection and exploitation and sustainable management of resources in the watershed in order to meet the needs of the residents of the basin are important priorities in recent decades (Qabadian, 1380).

Incomplete and inappropriate management of these resources will cause environmental destruction, decrease in production and productivity, decrease in income and ultimately instability in the development of the region. Therefore, it is considered the best and most appropriate and natural place and container for watershed resource management with a sustainable development approach.

The area of ??study in this research is the Pasikhan watershed, which is in the political boundaries of Shaft, Soumesara, and Rasht. In this research, an effort has been made to investigate the environmental characteristics and potentials of the watershed and recognize the problems and bottlenecks in it, to address the impact of integrated management in knowing about the abilities and capabilities of the watershed, and then to provide suitable solutions to reduce or eliminate these problems and increase the capabilities.

The main variables of the research include edaphic variables (soil, slope, slope direction, height, etc.), climatic variables (rainfall, temperature, etc.), hydrometry (discharge). and management as independent variables, and basin management and its capabilities are considered as dependent variables.