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Introducing a process to select the appropriate dam compensation option based on ecosystem services

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Abstract

Today, the environmental damages of dams are enormous and undeniable, and it is very difficult to reduce these losses. However, environmental damages from dam construction projects may be reduced in intensity and scope through remedial proceedings in the realm of engineering and management operations. The aim of this study was to provide a framework for reducing the destructive effects of dam construction in Western Iran in the heart of the Oak forests of the Zagros. To explore policymaking options and provide technical solutions to reduce damages from the dams and restoration the forests in the region, the scenario examination approach was used in a dynamic model due to the complexity of human–forest relationship interaction and the presence of many actors in this realm. The dynamic model prepared by variations of forest growth over time and the evaluation of the value of forest ecosystem services made it possible to implement predefined scenarios in forest management. Four different scenarios were designed to develop policies for reducing damages caused by the dam construction. Finally, the appropriate scenario (S4) is one in which conservation, restoration and reduction in pressure on forest resources in the region is proposed as the final solution to reduce the damages to forest resources caused by dam construction and restoration of vegetation. Also, the afforestation in the area is not a suitable option for remediation of vegetation.

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Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during this study are available from the corresponding author. The datasets supporting the conclusions of this article are included within the article. All data is available on request.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to all experts in Kimiagaran Khaksamen Consulting Engineers Company for their help with data analysis and gathering information. Also thanking the reviewers and the editors for their comments and suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department R&D, Kimiagaran Khaksamen Consulting Engineers Company, Tehran, Iran

    Hossein Safaei, Mohadeseh Ghanbari Motlagh & Mahmoudreza Khorshidian

  2. Department of Environment, Faculty of Environment and Energy, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

    Saeed Malmasi

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  1. Hossein Safaei
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  2. Mohadeseh Ghanbari Motlagh
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  3. Mahmoudreza Khorshidian
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  4. Saeed Malmasi
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Contributions

HS has participated in designing and conceptualization the subject of the study, performing analyzes and models, and reviewing information and data. MGM was a major contributor in writing the manuscript, editing and analyzing results. MK has been involved in field working, gathering information, searching for resources and performed calculations. SM has participated in reviewing the article and editing it, collecting data, analyzing the results and editing article. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Hossein Safaei.

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Safaei, H., Ghanbari Motlagh, M., Khorshidian, M. et al. Introducing a process to select the appropriate dam compensation option based on ecosystem services. Environ Dev Sustain 24, 13011–13034 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01980-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-021-01980-2

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