University of Sistan and Baluchestan Journal of Natural Environmental Hazards 2676-4377 15 48 2026 06 22 Community-Based Prioritization of Reactive and Proactive Desertification Control Responses Using the DPSIR Framework (Case Study: Ivanaki, Semnan Province) Community-Based Prioritization of Reactive and Proactive Desertification Control Responses Using the DPSIR Framework (Case Study: Ivanaki, Semnan Province) 45 56 9227 10.22111/jneh.2025.51217.2106 FA Zohreh Shahriari Master's graduate, Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran Mohammadkia Kianian Assistant Professor, Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran Mohammadreza Yazdani Associate Professor, Faculty of Desert Studies, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran Amin Salehpour Jam Associate Professor, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Institute, Tehran Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2025 02 20 The expansion of deserts is a major environmental issue that poses a serious threat to the health of ecosystems. This phenomenon not only directly affects biodiversity but also has negative impacts on agriculture and the livelihoods of local communities by increasing soil erosion and reducing water resources. To address this challenge, it is essential to carefully examine the status and trends of desertification and to develop appropriate management strategies. In this context, the use of analytical models can significantly assist in identifying effective factors and prioritizing preventive and corrective actions. The DPSIR model, which examines drivers, pressures, states, impacts, and responses, is an effective approach. This study utilized this approach and distributed questionnaires in the study areas around Garmsar County (the villages of Chahdab, Hosseinabad, Kark, Cheshme Nadi, and Ahmadabad). First, the sample size for surveying the residents was calculated using Cochran’s formula. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were assessed using Cronbach's alpha. In this study, 32 responses, including 7 reactive and 25 preventive measures, were identified and prioritized for controlling desertification and reducing related effects. The results obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using the SPSS software and the Friedman test. According to the results, from the perspective of local communities, "job creation and alternative livelihoods" and "dredging operations of the dam" were ranked the highest and lowest in terms of importance, with mean ranks of 25.42 and 8.83, respectively, among the identified responses for desertification control and mitigating its effects. Implementing reactive and preventive responses based on priorities plays a crucial role in enhancing ecosystem health and preventing further desertification. The expansion of deserts is a major environmental issue that poses a serious threat to the health of ecosystems. This phenomenon not only directly affects biodiversity but also has negative impacts on agriculture and the livelihoods of local communities by increasing soil erosion and reducing water resources. To address this challenge, it is essential to carefully examine the status and trends of desertification and to develop appropriate management strategies. In this context, the use of analytical models can significantly assist in identifying effective factors and prioritizing preventive and corrective actions. The DPSIR model, which examines drivers, pressures, states, impacts, and responses, is an effective approach. This study utilized this approach and distributed questionnaires in the study areas around Garmsar County (the villages of Chahdab, Hosseinabad, Kark, Cheshme Nadi, and Ahmadabad). First, the sample size for surveying the residents was calculated using Cochran’s formula. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire were assessed using Cronbach's alpha. In this study, 32 responses, including 7 reactive and 25 preventive measures, were identified and prioritized for controlling desertification and reducing related effects. The results obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using the SPSS software and the Friedman test. According to the results, from the perspective of local communities, "job creation and alternative livelihoods" and "dredging operations of the dam" were ranked the highest and lowest in terms of importance, with mean ranks of 25.42 and 8.83, respectively, among the identified responses for desertification control and mitigating its effects. Implementing reactive and preventive responses based on priorities plays a crucial role in enhancing ecosystem health and preventing further desertification. https://jneh.usb.ac.ir/article_9227_8301a50cd9dde2b650a0f6202b01d06d.pdf