Assessment of the Ecological Capacity of Agriculture and Rangeland in Tehran Province, Iran

In this study, the Assessment of the Ecological Capacity of Agriculture and Rangeland in Tehran Province, Iran has been investigated by the integration of the overlay layer method (Makhdoum method) with the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) software. As Tehran province is geopolitically significant in Iran's overall development, proper information about the ecological carrying capacity of different regions of Tehran province assumes a pivotal position. This information is important to rational urban and regional planning for the purpose of ensuring that development projects adhere to the dictates of sustainability and prudent management of resources. The research concludes that the vast majority of Tehran province lands have a low to medium ecological potential for agriculture and rangeland. This suggests inherent limitations in natural land capacity to support intensive agriculture or extensive grazing. However, disturbing enough, existing land use situations across the province find themselves biased against departing from such environmental facts that there ensues unsustainable exploitation of the fertile natural resources. Existing land use discrepancies against ecological capacities mean to cause reason for fear of impending environmental degradation and future danger of dwindling agricultural yield. It calls attention in this research toward realigning the paradigms in the process of land use in Tehran province. It encourages a more environmentally friendly approach to urban and regional planning on the basis of the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of the inherent character of the land. The findings of the research are meant to inform planners and policymakers in an effort to make informed decisions for revising existing development plans and creating new policies that guarantee ecological sustainability along with the economic needs of the region. By harmonizing human activities with the ecological carrying capacity of the region, Tehran province can plan towards a sustainable and harmonious future.

Assessment of the Ecological Capacity of Agriculture and Rangeland in Tehran Province, Iran Keywords:

Ecological Capacity , Agricultural Land Use , Rangeland Management , AHP Method , GIS Software , Tehran Province