The Landscape as a Unit for Rangeland Inventory in Arid and Semi-arid Regions of Iran

Severe range degradation was critically extended in many region of Iran and caused many rangelands were restricted and interwoven with croplands in a complex system. Therefore, rangeland planning and inventory as an isolated activity has become almost impossible. Current landscape planning involves contributions of different social organizations often with different interests and with different desired outcomes. In this study, landscape is considered as a management unit. I have proposed an integrated model based on traditional pastoralism which will facilitate sustainable land use of natural resources in future. Combining the benefits of different rural groups is the most important part of our decision making plan which provides solution to the problems of nondependency of villagers to the rangelands. Formation of research work group from urban specialists and rural skilled workers with cooperation of international organization are the keys of preparation the integrated projects.