Sustainable Communities: A Case Study of the Miankaleh Wetland, Iran

Abstract

Human life is dependent on the exploitation of natural resources and the preservation of these resources is a necessity for human survival. In recent decades, natural ecosystems are being destroyed in many parts of the world. Wetland ecosystems are one of the most important ecosystems, and they play a crucial role in the development and sustainability of the surrounding communities. However, they are in danger due to the unsustainability and inattention to the environmental issues in their surrounding local communities. Miankaleh wetland, one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in Iran, is facing many challenges due to the unsustainable development of its surrounding communities. This study aims to identify the appropriate indicators that can be used to develop a sustainable community in rural areas around Miankaleh wetland and to evaluate the existing level of sustainability of rural communities around the wetland. For identifying the indicators, the ecovillage model was considered, and the Delphi technique and the criteria and indicators (CI) method were used. As a result, 58 indicators were identified, including 23 ecological, 16 sociocultural, and 19 economic. Then, the level of sustainability in rural communities around the wetland was measured based on the obtained indicators. The study population was comprised of 360 residents of 13 villages in the area. The data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire and analyzed using the barometer of sustainability method. The findings indicate that the studied villages are at an undesirable level of sustainability. In addition, the identified criteria and indicators were found to be a useful framework for measuring the level of sustainability and developing a sustainable community in rural communities around wetlands. © Copyright 2021, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers 2021.