Risk Assessment and Grading of Environmental Sustainability of the International Wetlands of Southern Coasts of Iran

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Master Degree Assessment and Land use of Bebahan khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Environment, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Wetlands are sensitive and valuable ecosystems but today their safety and their sustainability have been harshly influenced by various natural and human factors. Using environmental risk assessment is an important tool in studies of environmental management and recognition and reduction of the potentially harmful environmental factors to achieve sustainable development. This research was conducted to identify and assess the risks and grading of environmental sustainability of the international wetlands of the southern coast of Iran in the provinces of Khuzestan and Hormozgan. Accordingly, to identify and prioritize the risks  the Delphi methodology, to prioritize and calculate the weight of the indicators the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) process, and the ELECTRE technique were used to rank the wetlands based on unfavorable environmental conditions. The results showed that 27 factors of pressure and threat were identified for The International Wetland of Shadegan, Khur_e_ Omayyeh and Khur_e_Mousa Estuary, Khur-e-khuran International wetland, Salty, Sweet and Minab Rivers International Wetlands, Gaz and Hara Rivers Estuary International wetland and Shidvar International Wetland. The results of the paired comparisons between the threats of the studied wetlands show that the first to fifth ranking threats are related to the discharge and disposal of waste in the wetland, climate change and drought, oil pollution, dam construction, and the reduction of vegetation density, and other indicators are in the next ranks. Finally, the analysis and comparison for the ranking of the studied wetlands based on the ELECTRE method showed that The International Wetland of Shadegan, Khur_e_ Omayyeh and Khur_e_Mousa Estuary suffer the highest threat and pressure and Shidvar International Wetland has a more favorable ecological condition.

Keywords


References (in Persian)
Afshari, M., Hamidian, M., (2006), Environmental study of Shadegan plain irrigation and drainage project on Shadegan wetland ecosystem, National Conference on Irrigation and Drainage Networks Management, Shahid Chamran University of Ahwaz, Faculty of Water Engineering, 7p. [In Persian]
Akbarzadeh, gh., (2004), Investigation of the environmental impacts of shrimp breeding workshops in the Tiba region (Hormozgan province), Iran Fisheries Research Institute, Persian Gulf and Ocea Oceanology Institute, Bandar Abbas,P. 145. [In Persian]
Anusheh, Z., Salmasi, s., Jozi, A., (2011), Prioritizing Environmental Risks of Construction Phase of Roudbar Dam Lorestan by SAW and ELECTRE Method, First International Conference and Third National Conference on Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plants, Tehran, 13 p. [In Persian]
Badri, A., Salmani, M., Ghassabi, M.J., & AShur nezhad, Gh., (2013), Ranking of rural settlements for the development of desert tourism using ELECTERE III method (case study: Khur and Biabanak), geography and environmental stability, 3 (6), pp. 22-1. [In Persian]
Bayat, R., Jafari, S., & Charkhaei, A. H. (2014). Monitoring of changes in soil, vegetation and water in Shadegan Wetland using remote sensing technology. Proceedings of the Second National Wildlife Conservation Conference with Arid and Desert Rangeland Approach, Semnan University, November 11-12. [In Persian]
Dehghani, M., (2013), Direct Use of Mangrove Forests in Biosphere Reserve, Third International Conference on Environmental Planning and Management, Tehran University. November 26th. [In Persian]
Dinarvand, M., & Asadi, M., (2011), An Attitude toward Submerged and Floating Plant Families in Khuzestan Province Wetlands, Wetland Ecobiology, Islamic Azad University, 2 (8), pp. 94-87. [In Persian]
Esfandeh, S., & Danehkar, A. (2014).A comparative study of Hormozgan province wetlands by combining Med Wet and IBA methods. Science and Environmental Engineering, 2(5), 1-9. [In Persian]
Estaki, A.B., (2004), AContinuous study of environmental impacts of shrimp activity and development in Tiyab region, Iran Fisheries Research Institute, Persian Gulf Ecology Research Institute and Oman Sea, Bandar Abbas. [In Persian]
Faal, Z. (2009). An investigation of pollutant sources and water quality in Shadegan wetland based on water quality index system.Proceedings of the First National Conference of Iranian wetlands, Ahvaz Islamic Azad University. March 4-5. [In Persian]
Ghadrjani, R., Gheytarani, N., Khanian, M., Masumi juya, F., (2014), Investigating the Contamination Factors of Shadegan International Wetland, The First Congress of Urban Management and City Councils. [In Persian]
Ghanavati asl, A., (2001),Investigation of Environmental Status of Hara Forests (Laft-Qeshm Area). (Unpublished master’s thesis): Islamic Azad university. Tehran Science Research Branch. P. 89  [In Persian]
Ghanbarzadeh, L. (2013). Prediction of predictability and classification of sensitivity of Shadegan wetland. The First National Conference on the Conservation of Wetlands and Aquatic Ecosystems, Hamedan, 18 April. [In Persian]
Ghazali Far, N., & Zarei, H. (2012). Environmental values and ecological features of Khuzestan wetlands (Case study: Shadegan wetland). Proceedings of the Third National Conference on Combating Desertification and Sustainable Development of Iran's Desert Lagoon, Arak. [In Persian]
Ghoddusi bebahani, A., (2011), Investigation of oil pollution in Khur_e_Azini and providing an environmental management plan for its reduction. (Unpublished master’s thesis): Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas Branch. 128 p. [In Persian]
Ghodsipur, H., (2010), Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Eighth edition Amir Kabir University of Technology. [In Persian]
Hasanzadeh kiyabi, B., Mansuri, J., Ghashtasb meyguni, H., & Majnunian, H., (2004), Proposed criteria for assessing the conservation status of Iranian wetlands, ecology, 33, pp. 89-74. [In Persian]
Hassounizadeh, H., Sadeghi, L., Jamei, N., & Mohammadi Behbahani, M. (2011).Water quality assessment of Shadegan wetland using WQI index. Proceedings of National Clean Water Conference, Tehran, March 2. [In Persian]
Hormozgan Regional Water Authority (2014), Non-specific studies of water resources, Minab-Bemani and Shamil-Takht study areas, Comparison of groundwater level change (1993-2013) in Minab aquifer, Volume 4 report.
Jabal Ameli, M. H., Rezaie Far, A., & Langroudi, A. S. (2007).Project risk ranking using multi-purpose decision making process. Journal of Technical School, 41(7), 863-871. [In Persian]
Jafari Azar, S. (2015). Environmental risk assessment of international wetlands of southern coast of Iran (Unpublished master’s thesis).Khatam- Alanbia University of Technology Behbahan. [In Persian]
Jafariazar, S., Sabzghabaei, Gh., Tavakoly, M., & Dashti, S., (2017),Assessment and Analysis of Khur-e-khuran International Wetland Environmental Risks Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods, Irrigation Science and Engineering, 40 (3), pp. 75-63. [In Persian]
Jafariazar, S., Sabzghabaei, Gh., Tavakoly, M., & Dashti, S., (2017), Assessment and Prioritization of Environmental Risks in Gaz and Hara Rivers Estuary International Wetland. Applied Ecology 6 (3), pp. 71-87. [In Persian]
Jafariazar, S., Sabzghabaei, Gh., Tavakoly, M., & Dashti, S., (2016), Application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Methods in Environmental Risk Assessment (Case Study: The International Wetland of Shadegan, Khur_e_ Omayyeh and Khur_e_Mousa Estuary), Geography and Environmental Hazards, 6(24), pp.97-119. [In Persian]
Kafashi, S., & Yawari, M. (2006).Estimation of damage caused by water pollution on Shadegan wetlands. Proceedings of the Third National Conference on Iran's Environmental Crises and their Improvement Strategies, Ahvaz, November 27. [In Persian]
Kuchakzadeh, A., Sharifi Hosseini, S., Yazdipour, A., Shahbazi, A., & Shayan M. (2011). Investigation on the effect of cane sugar waters on water quality and biomass of vegetation in Shadegan wetland. Proceedings of The First National Conference on Strategies for Achieving Sustainable Agriculture, Payame Noor University, Khuzestan, May 26-27. [In Persian]
Makvandi, R., Astani, S., & Anousheh, Z. (2012). The environmental risk assessment of wetlands using TOPSIS and EFMEA (Case study: Shirin Sou wetland in Hamadan province). Wetland Ecobiology, 3(12), 25-40. [In Persian]
Makvandi, R., Astani, S., & Cheraghi, M. (2013). Environmental risk assessment of wetlands using SAW and EFMEA methods Case study: Anzali International Wetland. Wetland Ecobiology, 5(17), 61-74. [In Persian]
Mirzaesmaili, F., (2011), Investigating the amount of petroleum contaminants and providing management solutions for reducing impacts. (Unpublished master’s thesis): Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas Branch. 132 p. [In Persian]
Moazzami, A., (2010), Assessing the amount of oil pollution (TPHs) in Khur_e_Tiyab and presenting the Environmental Management Plan to reduce impacts. (Unpublished master’s thesis): Islamic Azad University, Bandar Abbas Branch. 130 p. [In Persian]
Mohammadi Roozbahani, M., Rasekh, A., & Jafar Aghaee, H. (2013).Biological evaluation of Shadegan wetland using Hillsbowl index (HFBI).Wetland Ecobiology, 5(17), 86-75. [In Persian]
Monavvari, M., Rahimi, R., (2010), Application of environmental risk assessment Development plans to protect the wetlands. The first national conference on desertification and sustainable development of Iran's desert lagoons, Arak, the organization of forests and rangelands of the country, 16 p. [In Persian]
Omidi, s., (2004), Investigating the effects of aquaculture on the environment in Helleh and Delvar areas of Bushehr, Shrimp Research Institute of Iran, 195 p. [In Persian]
Pur rahim najaf abadi, Z., Dahr azma, B., Ghasemi, H., Mortazavi, M.S., & Taghipur, B., (2009), Investigating the Cognitive Sediment Properties and Contamination of Surface Sediments of Ports Sirik and Jask to Arsenic and Mercury, Stratigraphy and Sedimentology Studies, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 25 (2), pp. 47-64. [In Persian]
Rahimi Baluchi, L., & Malek Mohammadi, B. (2013). An assessment of environmental risks of Shadegan international wetland based on ecological performance indicators. Ecology, 39(1), 101-112. [In Persian]
Rahimi Baluchi, L., Zara’ Kar, A., & Malek Mohammadi, B. (2013). Environmental impact assessment using remote sensing and water quality index (Case study: Shadegan international wetland). Journal of Remote Sensing and GIS in Natural Resources Science, 3(4), 43-55. [In Persian]
Sabzalizadeh S., Khalafeh Nilazar, N., & Rahim Moghinamimi, S.A. (2009). Investigation of water quality of Shadegan Wetland based on physical and chemical parameters, Southern Aquaculture Research Institute, Ahvaz, p.  98 [In Persian]
Sabzghabaei, G.R., Monavari, M., Riazi, B., Khorasani, N. A., & Karami, M. (2012). Analysis pressures and threats on the southern wetlands of Iran with the application of RAPPAM methodology (Case study: Khouzestan province). Wetland Ecobiology, 4(2), 68-55. [In Persian]
 
 
References (in English)
Akincilar, A., Dagdeviren, M., (2014), A hybrid multi-criteria decision making model to evaluate hotel websites, International Journal of Hospitality Management, 36, pp. 263–271.
Almeida, A. T. D., (2007), Multi-Criteria Decision Model for Outsourcing Contracts Selection Based on Utility Function and ELECTRE Method, www.elsevier.com.
Barbier, E.B., (2013), Valuing Ecosystem Services for Coastal Wetland Protection and Restoration, Progress and Challenges, Department of Economics and Finance, University of Wyoming, 1000 E, University Ave., Laramie.
Bassi, N., Dinesh Kumai, M., Sharma, A., Pardha- Saradhi, P., (2014), Status of wetlands in India: A review of extent, ecosystem benefits, threats and management strategies, Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies 2, pp. 1-19.
Beccali, M., Cellura, M., Mistretta, M., (2003), Decision Making in Energy Planning, Application of the ELECTRE Method at Regional Level for the Diffusion of Renewable Energy Technology. www.elsevier.com.
Clayton, M. J., (1997), Delphi: A technique to harness expert opinion for critical decision-making tasks in education, Educational Psychology, 17(4), pp. 373-384.
Damian, Sh., Waverly, Th., (2012), Ecological Risk Assessment, Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 112, pp.1877-1173.
De Lange, H.J., Sala, S., Vighi, M., Faber, J.H., (2010), Ecological vulnerability in risk assessment: A review and perspectives, Science of the Total Environment, 408, pp. 3871–3879.
Dunham, R., (1996), The Delphi technique Cited 2002 Mar 24. Retrieved from http://www.medsch.wisc.edu/adminmed/2002/orgbehav/delphi.pdf.
Elmberg, J., Nummi, H., Poeysae, A., Sjoeberg, k., (1994), Relatronships between species number, lake size and resource diversity in assemblesay of breeding water fowl, Biogeogr, 21 (1), pp. 75-84.
Georgopoulon, E., Lalas, D., Papagiannakis, L., (1997), A Multi-Criteria Decision Aids Approach for Energy Planning Problems: The Case of Renewable Energy Option, European Journal of Operational Research, 103 (1), pp. 38-54.
Ghermandi, A., J.C.J.M. Van den Bergh, L.M., Brander, and P.A.L.D. Nunes., (2008), The Economic Value of Wetland Conservation and Creation: A Meta-Analysis. Working Paper 79, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, Milan, Italy.
Hockingset, M., Sue, S., Fiona, L., Nigel, D., José, C., Peter, V., (2010), Evaluating Effectiveness a framework for assessing management effectiveness of protected areas 2nd Edition, IUCN. Rue Mauverney 28. 1196 Gland, Switzerland.
Hogarth, R.M., (1978), A note on aggregating opinions, Organizational Behavior and Human Performance, 21(1), pp. 40–46.
Ilangkumaran, M., Karthikeyan, M., Ramachandran, T., Boopathiraja, M., Kirubakaran, B. (2015): Risk analysis and warning rate of hot environment for foundry industry using hybrid MCDM technique, Safety Science, 72, pp.133–143.
Kankan, Wu., Luoping, Zh., (2014), Progress in the Development of Environmental Risk Assessment as a Tool for the Decision-Making Process, Journal of Service Science and Management, 7, pp.131-143.
Kellett, B.M., Walse, T., Baristow, K.L., (2005), Ecological Risk Assessment for the Wetlands of the Lower­ Burdekin, CSIRO Land and Water Technical Report 26/05, Pp.34.
Kennedy, H. P., (2004), Enhancing Delphi research: Methods and results, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 45(5), pp.195-200.
Kim, K.G., Lee, H., Lee, D.H., (2011), Wetland restoration to enhance biodiversity in urban areas – a comparative analysis, Landscape and Ecological Engineering, 7, pp. 27–32.
Mardani, A., Jusoh, A., MD nor, K., Khalifah, Z., Zakwan, N., Valipour, A., (2015), Multiple criteria decision-making techniques and their applications – a review of the literature from 2000 to 2014, Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 28 (1), pp. 516-571.
Molur, S., Smith, K.G., Daniel, B.A., Darwall, W.R.T., (2011), the Status and Distribution of Freshwater Biodiversity in the WesternGhats, India, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Publisher: IUCN: Cambridge, UK and Gland, Switzerland, and Zoo. 130pp.
Monghasemi, S., Nikoo, M. R., Khaksar Fasaee, M. A., Adamowski, J., (2015), A novel multi criteria decision making model for optimizing time–cost–quality trade-off problems in construction projects, Expert Systems with Applications, 42 (6), pp. 3089–3104.
Ozesmi, S.L., Bauer, E.M., (2002), Satellite remote sensing of wetlands, Wetlands Ecology and Management, 10 (5), pp. 381-402.
Papadopoulos, A., Karagiannidis, A., (2008), Application of the Multi-Criteria Analysis Method ELECTRE III for the Optimization of Decentralized Energy Systems, Omega, 36 (5), pp. 766-776.
Paustenbach, D.J., (2002), Human & Ecological Risk Assessment, Theory & Practice New York: John Wiley & Sons. 1556pp
Prato, T., (2012), Increasing resilience of natural protected areas to future climate Change: A fuzzy adaptive management approach, Ecological Modelling, 242(1), pp. 46-53.
Rajesh, R., Ravi, V., (2015), Supplier selection in resilient supply chains: A grey relational analysis approach, Journal of Cleaner Production, 86, pp. 343–359.
Ramsar Convention Official Website., (2017), WWW.RAMSAR.ORG
Rezaian, S., Jozi, S. A., (2011), Environmental Risk Analysis by Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method (Case Study: Karoon 3 Dam of Iran), 2nd International Conference on Environmental Engineering and Applications IPCBEE, 17, IACSIT Press, Singapore.
Saaty, T.L., (2008), Decision making with the analytic hierarchy process, Services
Saaty, T.L., Vargas, L.G., (1991), Prediction, Projection and Forecasting. Kluwer Academic Publishers. Dordrecht. 251 p.
Sabzghabaei, G.R. Monavari, S. M. Biazi, B. Khorasani, N. and M. Karami., (2015), Analysing pressures and threats on the Southern Wetlands of Iran with the application of RAPPAM methodology (Case study: Khuzestan Province), Global NEST Journal, 17(2), pp. 344-356.
Ten Brink, P., Badura, T., Farmer, A., Russi, D., (2012), The Economics of Ecosystem and Biodiversity for Water and Wetlands: ABriefing Note, Institute for European Environmental Policy, London. 84pp.
Walaszczyk, Ludmita., (2016), Project Risk Assessment in Enterprises with the Use of TOPSIS Method in the 2014–2020 Perspective, Studia Materialy, 1(2), pp. 71– 79.
Zavadskas, E. K., Turskis, Z., Bagočius, V., (2015), Multi-criteria selection of a deep-water port in the Eastern Baltic Sea, Applied Soft Computing, 26, pp. 180–192.
Zedler, J.B., Kercher, S., (2005), Wetland resources: status, trends, ecosystem services, and restorability, Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 15(30), pp. 39–74.
Zhang, sh., Sun, B., Yan, L., Wang, Ch., (2013), Risk identification on hydropower project using the IAHP and extension of TOPSIS methods under interval-valued fuzzy environment, Natural Hazards, 65 (1), p­p.359-373.
Zhang, T., Yuan, J., (2005), Decision-aid for Power Distribution System Planning Problems Using ELECTRE III, The 7th International Conference of Power Engineering.
  • Receive Date: 05 January 2019
  • Revise Date: 19 February 2019
  • Accept Date: 08 June 2019
  • First Publish Date: 21 May 2020
  • Publish Date: 21 May 2020