Multipurpose use possibility of Zagros forest areas using GIS, RS and AHP

Degradation of Zagros forests has continued since the distant past because of traditional and often inaccurate forest exploitation due to poverty, unemployment and livelihood. In this study, to reduce forest degradation and improve stability, assessment of multipurpose use of Zagros forest areas was done using Geographical Information System, Remote Sensing and Analytical Hierarchy Process. About 10,000 hectares of Baneh city forest were surveyed. of possible land uses as well as their criteria and sub criteria were identified based on expert´s judgment. Sub criteria maps were created using existing data, the field work and satellite images. Weights of criteria and sub criteria were determined using analytic hierarchy process. Values of sub-criteria were classified, and each class was rated according to expert judgment. Priority maps of all land uses were produced with a weighted linear combination method, using geographical information system. The final priority map was achieved by overlying of the individual land use priority maps. The final ecological suitability map was prepared by editing the priority map. The results show that the various land uses can exist separately or together in the forest. Following the proposed land use would reduce people´s dependence on the forest trees, reduce damage and improve forest sustainability.