Spatial zoning of biosphere reserves: a methodological approach application to Dena Biosphere Reserve, Iran
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Issue Date
2025
Editor
Authors
Alborzimanesh, Mitra
Danehkar, Afshin
Sobhani, Parvaneh
License
Subject
Abstract
Iran boasts a rich biodiversity and has successfully registered 13 biosphere reserves (BRs) based on existing national protected areas. The three-zone zoning system is crucial for achieving the multifaceted objectives of BRs. However, previous zoning studies in Iran have largely relied on existing management plans for national protected areas, often falling short of meeting the specific needs of BRs. This research aims to address the challenges associated with effectively zoning Iran's BRs. By employing a combination of documentary analysis, surveys, inferential statistics, and multi-criteria decision-making techniques, this study refines the definitions of the three zones (core, buffer, and transition), develops a participatory process for establishing zoning criteria, and proposes a mathematical model to determine the optimal area of core zone. The proposed model suggests that the core zone should ideally constitute between 5% and 20% of the total BR area, with specific mathematical relationships defined for each BR. Eleven criteria for the core zone, nine for the buffer zone, and six for the transition zone were identified, each linked to specific spatial indicators. These criteria are designed to be adaptable to different BRs across the country. A decision-making algorithm based on a mathematical model for triple zoning was developed. To validate the proposed framework, the Dena Biosphere Reserve was selected as a case study. The findings of this research provide a valuable tool for improving the management and conservation of biosphere reserves in Iran.