Forest Degradation: an Investigation of Forestry Organization Experts and Local Herders’ Mental Models

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran

2 Professor, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Sharif University 0f Technology, Tehran, I.R. Iran.

4 Associate Professor, Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, I.R. Iran.

Abstract

Mental models are the reference frame works in which people interpret the world around
them. In this paper, mental models of two main stakeholder groups (forestry experts in
Forest, Rangeland, and Watershed Organization and the local herders of Lire-Sar watershed)
were analyzed in the context of forest degradation. The required data have been obtained
through semi-structured interviews with individual members of each group. The results were
conceptualized in the system dynamics approach and the cause and effect diagram of each
groups were derived. The results of the mental models diagraming of the two groups show that
each group blames the other group for the degradation process and they are not expected to
revise their actions. Organizing training courses about the goals and objectives of the forestry
projects for the local herders and villagers, and improving the forestry organization experts
capacity and capability in dealing with the mental models that are based on the policies and
decision makings, would be useful in creating a proper atmosphere for these two groups to
understand the priorities and objectives of each other.

Keywords

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