Environment and Interdisciplinary Development

Analysis of the Environmental State and Developing Management Strategies for Alagol Wetland Using the DPSIR Model

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ramtin Parnak
Sepideh Saeidi
Hamidreza Kamyab

Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/envj.2025.505505.1467
Abstract
Introduction: Each ecosystem provides essential goods and services that support human needs and community well-being. However, wetlands in both Iran and globally are confronted with significant challenges, including reduced area, water pollution, and changes in land use, all of which threaten their sustainability. Consequently, the protection of these critical ecosystems is crucial for their sustainable management. To address this, the DPSIR framework has been developed in recent years to assess environmental changes and analyze the impacts of human activities on the environment. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the environmental status of Alagol Wetland using the DPSIR framework and to explore the cause-and-effect relationships between human activities and environmental impacts.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in four main steps: identifying the driving forces affecting the status of wetlands, examining the pressures on the current environmental condition and assessing the negative impacts; adapting and localizing the data for the Alagol Wetland through field visits and interviews with local residents and experts; describing the environmental condition of the Alagol Wetland within the DPSIR framework and identifying and proposing the most significant solutions to reduce, compensate or resolve the issues facing the studied wetland, using a Likert-scale questionnaire.
Results: The study findings indicated that population growth, climate change, development of settlements and rural areas, water demands of surrounding communities, road and transportation infrastructure development, lack of integrated management, weak regulations, agricultural activities, tourism, industrial growth and development, aquaculture and fisheries, livestock farming and excessive grazing are the primary driving forces that, through a series of cause-and-effect relationships, have led to pressures, conditions and impacts. To manage these effects and improve the status of the wetland, 65 response strategies were presented. After evaluation by experts, the most important strategies were identified for each driving force. Key strategies include monitoring peripheral lands and defining wetland boundaries, using modern irrigation systems, preventing land grabbing, integrated water management, adhering to environmental development requirements as per the National Land Use Master Plan, promoting a comprehensive wetland management approach, maintaining hydrological balance in the basin, planning tourism development in accordance with regional capacities, applying advanced technologies in conservation, preserving native aquatic species and zoning appropriate grazing areas around the wetland.
Discussion: The environmental status assessment of Alagol Wetland using the DPSIR model clarifies the cause-and-effect relationships between human and natural factors and their impacts on the wetland ecosystem. Driving forces such as population growth and climate change exert pressure on the wetland environment, leading to negative changes in water quality, habitats and biodiversity. Since these changes pose serious threats to the wetland's sustainability, identifying and implementing management solutions is essential. The proposed measures, alongside strengthening integrated management and active community participation, require continuous monitoring, sufficient resource allocation and the development of effective regulations for the protection of this valuable ecosystem. In this regard, the developed indicators of the DPSIR model can serve as effective tools for policymakers and managers in planning and decision-making processes related to the conservation of Alagol Wetland.

Keywords

Systematic Evaluation
Anthropogenic-Natural Impacts
Ecosystem-Based Management Approaches
Likert Scale
Wetland

Subjects

1.     Abdoli, M. and Panahandeh., M., 2021. Investigating the trends of land coverage in Anzali Wetland area using remote sensing techniques and DPSIR conceptual framework. Environmental Sciences, 4(18), 125-140. (In Persian with English abstract).
2.     Ahmed, A., Mahmud, H. and Sohel, M.S.I., 2021. DPSIR framework to analyze anthropogenic factors influence on provisioning and cultural ecosystem services of Sundarbans East Reserve Forest, Bangladesh. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 48.
3.     An, S. and Verhoeven, J.T.A., 2019. Wetlands: Ecosystem Services, Restoration and Wise Use. Springer Cham.
4.     Ansari, A., 2018. Recognition and Evaluation of the Environmental Status of Meighan Wetland and Planning for a Sustainable Development, Environmental Researches, 9(17), 29-42. (In Persian).
5.     Araghi, M. and Gavarghaleh, S., 2015. Restoration and Sustainable Management of Alagol, Almagol, and Ajigol Wetlands for Local Communities and Tourism. The Second Internatioanl Conference on Wetland Management and Engineering, Alborz. (In Persian).
6.     Baheri, B. and Dashti, S., 2022. Vulnerability assessment of Golestan National Park for sustainable development using DPSIR model, Journal of Natural Environment, 75(1), 22-37. (In Persian).
7.     Borja, A., Dauer, D.M., Elliott, M. and Simenstad, C.A., 2006. Medium- and long-term recovery of estuarine and coastal ecosystems: patterns, rates and restoration effectiveness. Estuaries and Coasts, 31(4), 646-656.
8.     Bowen, R.E. and Riley, C., 2003. Socio-economic indicators and integrated coastal management. Ocean & Coastal Management, 46(3-4), 299-312.
9.     Dabiri, F., Riyazi, B. and Taheri Yazdi, F., 2014. The State of Implementation Ramsar Convention In IRAN, Journal of Sustainability, Development and Environment, 1(3), 39-49. 
10. Dashti, S. and Karimipoor, F., 2023. Environmental hazard assessment of Gomishan International wetland using conceptual framework DPSIR and TOPSIS. Journal of Natural Environment, 46-63. (In Persian with English abstract).
11. Dorbeiki, M., 2018. Basic Studies of Alagol, Almagol and Ajigol International Wetlands. Vajegan Sirang, Gorgan, 85. (In Persian).
12. Duncan, D.K. and Clarkson, R.W., 2013. Gila River Basin Native Fishes Conservation Program. 67, 376–380.
13. Farrukh Ara, M., 2022. The determination of sustainable land management criteria in Amirkelayeh Wetland using the DPSIR analytical model. Sixth International Conference on Water Technology Development, Watershed Management and River Engineering, Tehran. (In Persian).
14. Faseyi, C.A., Miyittah, M.K. and Yafetto, L., 2023. Assessment of environmental degradation in two coastal communities of Ghana using Driver Pressure State Impact Response (DPSIR) framework. Journal of Environmental Management, 342.
15. Foladi, M., Mahdavi Najafabadi, R., Rezai, M. and Moslemi, H., 2020. Wetland Management Strategies with Emphasis on Water Resources Using, SWOT and WASPAS Models. Journal of Ecohydrology, 7(1), 165-182. (In Persian with English abstract).
16. Garcia-Polo, J., Diemont, S.A., Falkowski, T.B. and Leopold, D.J., 2024. A wetland condition assessment to consider ecological relationships of a Maya cultural keystone species within the Lake Atitlan, Guatemala littoral zone. 44(39).
17. Ghabelnezam, E., Mostafazadeh, R., Esmali Ouri, A. and Hazbavi, Z., 2022. The Importance of Watershed Ecosystem Services with Emphasis on Runoff yield and Erosion Control. Human and Environment, 137-155. (In Persian with English abstract).
18. Ghorbani, A., Taghipour, A. and Mahmoudzadeh, H., 2013. Analysis and Evaluation of Land Use Changes in International Wetlands of Ala-Gol, Alma- Gol & Ajay-Gol in Turkaman Sahra, Using Multi-temporal Satellite Images. Geography and Environmental Planning, 23(4), 167-184. (In Persian with English abstract).
19. Giupponi, C., 2007. Decision Support Systems for Implementing the European Water Framework Directive: The MULINO Approach. Environmental Modelling & Software, 22(2), 248-258.
20. Gopalakrishnan, B., Sugumaran, P., Balaji, K., Thirunavukkarasu, M. and Davamani, V., 2023. Land suitability evaluation for cattle grazing through multi-criteria approach using remote sensing and GIS. Range Management and Agroforestry, 44(1), 1-9.‏
21. Halabian, A., Azizi, M. and Ganjali, J., 2013. Assessment of Tourism Climate in Alagol Wetland for Sustainable Tourism Development Using Baker’s Bioclimatic Index. The 3rd Environmental Planning and Management, Tehran. (In Persian).
22. Jahani, F., Malekmohammade, B., Zebardast, L. and Adele, F., 2014. Investigate the Potential and Application of Ecosystem Services as Ecological Indicators in the DPSIR Model (Case Study: Choghakhor Wetland). Environmental Researches, 5(10), 109-120. (In Persian with English abstract).
23. Jahanishakib, F., Malekmohammadi, B., Yusefi, E. and Alipour, M., 2017. Developing management strategies using a new method for vulnerability assessment of wetland ecosystems (Case study: Choghakhor wetland). Environmental Science and Technology, 377-391. (In Persian with English abstract).
24. Khatibi, A., Danekar, A., Pourebrahim, S. and Vahid, M., 2015. Introduction to the DPSIR Model and Its Applicability in Environmental Decision-Making. Human & Environment, 4(13). (In Persian with English abstract).
25. Khatibi, A., Danekar, A., Pourebrahim, S. and Vahid, M., 2017. Application of the Integrated DPSIR Model and the Wetland-Livelihood Linkage Management Framework for Wetland Services with the Aim of Improving Sustainable Use: A Case Study of Shadegan Wetland. The 4th Conference on Environmental Planning and Management, Tehran. (In Persian).
26. Khatun, R. and Das, S., 2024. Assessment of wetland ecosystem health in Rarh Region, India through PSR (pressure-state-response) model. Science of The Total Environment, 951.
27. Khorasani, M. and Azmi, A., 2013. Hydrological Imbalance: Consequences and Coping Strategies with Emphasis on Rural Areas. First National Conference on Geography, Environmental Hazards Sustainable Development, Khouzestan. (In Persian).
28. Kingsford, R.T., 2011. Conservation management of rivers and wetlands under climate change–a synthesis. Marine and Freshwater Research, 62(3), 217-222.
29. Kordi, A., 2021. Evaluation of ecosystem services of the Bisheh Dalan Wetland Using of the DPSIR model. MSC Thesis. University of Arak, Iran. (In Persian with English Abstract).
30. Li, C., Chang, J., Zhou, S. and Feng, S., 2025. Ecosystem Health Assessment of Coal Mining Subsidence Wetlands Using the DPSIR Model: A Case Study in Yingshang County, China. Land, 14(4), 810.‏
31. Madadi, M., Kheirabadi, V., Kanani, M. and Ghaemi, A., 2022. The importance and necessity of respecting the environmental water rights of the international wetlands of Alagol, Almagol, Ajigol and the Atrak River in controlling critical sources of dust storms in the northern Golestan province. Iran's first crisis management event in 1401, Tehran. (In Persian).
32. Malekmohammadi, B. and Jahanishakib, F., 2017. Vulnerability assessment of wetland landscape ecosystem services using driver-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR) model. Ecological Indicators, 82, 293-303.
33. Malmir, M., Javadi, S., Moridi, A. and Salmani, H., 2018. Integrated water resources management using the DPSIR approach, (Case study: Najaf Abad basin, Iran). EGU General Assembly 2018.
34. Mohibul, S., Sarif, M.N., Parveen, N., Khanam, N., Siddiqui, M.A., Naqvi, H.R., Nasrin, T. and Siddiqui, L., 2023. Wetland health assessment using DPSI framework: A case study in Kolkata Metropolitan Area. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(49).
35. Moosavi, V., Hayatzadeh, M., Karami, A. and Poormolaee, N., 2022. A system approach toward comprehensive analysis of the vulnerability of Yazd-Ardakan plain environment; challenges and solutions. Environmental Sciences, 249-268. (In Persian).
36. Nguru, M.I., Sabo, R. and Bulama, A., 2024. Analysis of the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands Ecosystems of Nigeria Using DPSIR Framework - Revisited. International Journal of Agricultural Research and Biotechnology.
37. Noorian, T. and Shariatmadari, A., 2018. Landscape planning of Alagol Wetland to improve the ecotourism conditions of the region. International Conference on New Horizons in Engineering Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey. (In Persian).
38. Parnian, S., Farshchi, P. and Honardoost, F., 2006. Analysis of Ecosystem Degradation Factors of Alagol Wetland and Proposing Management Solutions to Reduce Its Degradation, 3rd Iranian Congress on Environment Crieses and their Rehabilitation Methodology, Ahvaz. (In Persian).
39. Pathirana, H. and Manatunge, J., 2022. Framework for Sustainable Management and Utilisation of Wetland Resources: A Case Study of the Madinnagoda Marsh. In 2022 Moratuwa Engineering Research Conference (MERCon), pp. 1-6.‏
40. Patimar, R., 2007. None-indigenous fishes of Alma-Gol, Adji-Gol and Ala-Gol wetlands (Golestan province); implications for conservation and management programs of wetlands.‏
41. Pinto, R., De Jonge, V.N., Neto, J.M., Domingos, T., Marques, J.C. and Patrício, J., 2013. Towards a DPSIR driven integration of ecological value, water uses and ecosystem services for estuarine systems. Ocean & Coastal Management, 72, 64-79.‏
42. Rahimi, L., Malekmohammadi, B. and Yavari, A., 2019. The Ecosystem Services Assessment of Wetlands based on the Classification of Hydrological-ecological Structures and Functions (Case study: Shadegan Wetland), Geography and Sustainability of Environment, 9(30), 51-72. (In Persian).
43. Ramsar Convention Secretariat., 1997. Information sheet on Ramsar wetlands (RIS), Alagol, Lumbago and Ajigol Lakes. Gland, Switzerland.
44. Robati, M. and Ghazanchaei, E., 2019. Socioeconomic and Environmental Situation Analysis of Mazandaran Province with Conceptual Model Approach DPSIR, Human & Environment, 17(4), 81-100. (In Persian with abstract).
45. Rostamifar, S. and Dashti, S., 2024. Develop of the management strategies using the new vulnerability assessment method and DPSIR model in wetland ecosystems (Case study: Lahijan Amirkalaye wetland, Journal of Natural Environment, 77(3), 413-427. (In Persian with abstract).
46. Rounsevell, M.D.A., Dawson, T.P. and Harrison, P.A., 2010. A conceptual framework to assess the effects of environmental change on ecosystem services. Biodiversity and Conservation, 19(10), 2823-2842.
47. Saadati, S., Motevallian, S.S., Rheinheimer, D.E. and Najafi, H., 2013. Indicators for sustainable management of wetland ecosystems using a DPSIR approach: A case study in Iran. In proceeding of: 6th International Perspective on Water Resources & the Environment conference (IPWE 2013), At Izmir, Turkey.‏
48. Safaralizadeh, E., Panahipoor, M. and Mesri, M., 2025. The Application of Modern Technologies in Environmental Protection and the Role of the Environment in Sustainable Development. The 24th National Conference on Geography and Environment, Khorasan Shomali. (In Persian).
49. Salarpour, R., Malekian, M. and Ghadirian, O., 2021. Monitoring changes and ranking threat factors of Miangharan wetland, Khuzestan Province. Journal of Natural Environment, 1(74), 83-95.  (In Persian).
50. Sharbaty, S., Salarjazi, M., Sarvestani, A., Mira, S. and Mohammadi, K., 2021. The feasibility of implementing alternative livelihoods in Alagol, Almagol and Ajigol wetlands. Journal of Utilization and Cultivation of Aquatics, 9(4), 89-103.
Environment and Interdisciplinary Development
Volume 10, Issue 89
Summer 2025
Pages 93-108

Home

Submit Manuscript

Contact Us